RIP Maize Maze Event

[Marco Polo]

I am not involved directly with organising the LEI event, but (from hanging around pubs ) my understanding -which shouldn't come as a surprise- is that the entry fees reflect access charges.

Indeed the impression I get is that the idea is basically not to make a large loss, to have fun organising and planning a maize event and, as Chasers have done (imitation and flattery..) , look for as much EVO as possible for the entry fee. That includes the multiple race , day/night format and quite extensive facilities around Wistow garden centre, tea room, model village etc.

I also understand that parking is free, which will make prices more comparable to earlier mazes for some.

[Mark T]

I'm sure LEIOC don't want to sting anyone

Why not they usually do! If it's not the nettles and brambles that get you it's the cost. £14.00 to enter the East Midlands Champs

[DaveK]

Saxons have a Maize Maze in their fixture list for 3rd September - although since they give the venue as Rye, maybe it's just a corny joke.

Can't think of a humorous response, but the Organiser, who is at the Scottish 6 days here, confirms that the event is definitely on. The venue is on Romney Marsh, rather than in Rye - with a late afternoon round, then a 'night' second round. Further details on the Saxons website shortly.

Sadly, because of 'poor growing conditions' we have had to cancel this event. Let's hope for more/less; rain/sun (not sure which ) next year.

[Midlands Planner]

When we saw the news that the Walton Chasers maize-maze race was off this year we thought that it was such a pity as these previous races have provided some of the most decision packed orienteering.

So, as imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and were discovered that the maze at Wistow offered a similar sized challenge with around three miles of passageways. We have agreed access to the Bee Maze for a four race event on 1st October.

Pick up your flyers at Sheffield or Lincoln this weekend or visit the website at leioc.org.uk.

[Adrian]

I was sad at the demise of WCH's maize event - there have been maize events since, including an NGOC one recently that I couldn't get to - and I've jumped at the chance to put one on in Sandwell Valley this weekend. I was surprised to see that NGOC put their race on while the maze was open to the public - in our case it was agreed that we'd wait till the maze has shut down, to avoid collisions (with non-orienteers at least), and also so that it doesn't matter if we damage the maze, which we definitely will do since there are legs that say "navigate through maize" (sic)... See you Sunday 4pm. www.coboc.org.uk

[SteveE]

Thanks Adrian for a great event at Sandwell Valley this afternoon.

It was great that the second race had route choice to "crash" direct through the maize, accurate navigation saved loads of time, yet mistakes were heavily punished with near impossible relocation features - one maize path corner looks very similar to another.

Are you planned to repeat the event next year??