Eight teams assembled at the start at Cowleaze Wood, Nr Christmas Common, in the bottom LH corner of the Aylesbury/ Leighton Buzzard map, for start at 13.20.

Ray Goodearl had been charged with the job as the organiser, and had sorted out two sites, one to the North Eastt and one to the North, both about 22k from the start. Two signals were heard by most teams, approx bearings given to just two competitors, one for Station A which was in the hands of Brian Bristow, (bearing from the start was 42 decrees) and one for Station B, manned by Min Standen which was 355 decrees from the start.

Four teams headed for the northern station, and the other four to the north easterly site. Brian was situated on the south side of the disused Wendover arm of the Grand Union Canal which is being re-opened by volunteers currently working on the site. John Mullins (at Wasps Rugby today) Brian and Ray put out the aerials, Brian suggesting an aerial across the canal and tied into a fence below a nasty hedge might cause some problems and it did. The earth stake was also tied into the fence near to the TX which did not seem to cause to much trouble once competitors spotted the wire across the canal, First into Brian was Paul Clark, followed closely by George Whenham at 15.05.

Meanwhile those who had gone to the Northern TX, found themselves with a fairly long run in, not realising that the railway line that crossed the A41 was now in fact a public road that leads to the Waste Disposal Station at Clavert, which meant only a run of about 500yds rather that the 2k's through some very muddy footpaths that all of the seven competitors used. First into the northerly site was Graham Phillips closely followed by Alan Simmons and Colin Merry around 15.00. Some competitors threatened to sabotage Min's motorbike which he parked on the old railway bridge which caused some extra mayhem for a while.

Those who went to the north station seemed on the end result to have done the best, with two of those filling the first two places overall, Graham Philips slipping down the leader board, likewise George Whenham who had been in contention dropping back to seventh.

Seven competitors managed to find both transmitters, Roy Emeny who had no navigator, only finding the one, and well done to Geoff Foster on his own who managed to find both.

After the event, all retired to the Old Fisherman Arms at Shabbington, where decent ale was available (the IPA was excellent and 3.6 but with lots of flavour. Food was excellent, although one or two groans about the price (Sorry)

No trophy was available to be presented at last years winner (Graham Jones ) was not competing through injury, suggest the trophy could be handed over at a National Qualifier when both are present.

Quickest between stations was Geoff Foster in 65 minutes whilst George lost most time with 72 minutes.

Apologies for not competing were received from Graham Jones, Graham Nichols, Steve Stone, John Mullins, Peter Lisle, and Bill Pechey.

Hope you all enjoyed the event, and special thanks to Brian Bristow, Min Standen and John Mullins for their assistance.

Ray Goodearl