PPJR

[Mrs H.]

I was thinking about the Peter Palmer Junior Relays and all the problems finding suitable venues this year because of the need for accommodation right next to the competition area. Why does this have to be? At the Harvester everyone camps. The PPJR is held in early September and kids love to camp.
If the event is not doomed to eternal sutton Park/Sandhurst why not get people to camp and then it could be held all over the place and ease the burden on the organising clubs
Is there any valid reason why not?

[mharky]

I think that is a great idea...

You know what though, the powers that be aint going to like it are they... allowing children to camp... thats like having someone's name next to their photo

[bedders]

So what we shouldn't have camping at the multi-day events? I think camping for the Peter Palmers is an excellent idea, it would certainly add a bit of spice if the campsite was right next to the start and finish, which could easily be done.

Although Sandhurst this year was great fun, there should be more varied terrain, and going back to Sutton Park next year doesn't exactly have my heart racing. The Powers That Be should use common sense for once, and avoid putting junior orienteers off by using the same old areas.

[Becks]

From a supervisors point of view, taking enough tents on a mini bus with two teams is going to be virtualy impossible on top of bags etc. Helping 16 kids to put up tents, not too good either. Then trying to supervise 12 year olds in tents in which they may be alone? The AIRE team for last year would have needed at least 4 helpers to sort all that out instead of the two we had. Which is an extra vehicle, extra expense. It's fine for the older guys but at 12 you can't let children camo alone and their parents may be far less happy about them going.

Never going to happen people.

[rob f]

I know FVO at one point considered putting themselves forwards for the 2007 event. I mean, callander park for one could work as a peter palmer area.

[El]

Echo what Becks says. From a "responsible" adult point of view it would be a nightmare camping at the PPs. Think it works well as it is, and don't really see too many issues with it returning to the same areas, although I think in my years at the PPs (first one was as a 2nd year 14, in Norwich) there wasn't one on the same area twice.

[Jasper]

Mrs H,

Wrong the kids have only been to Sandhurst once and if we were to use it as a location again we could use either the Devils Pound or Barossa maps which can be linked to the Sandhurst Map. Additionally the military have access to a number of other areas with nearby sport and accommodation facilities which would prove more than adequate for this competition.

However I have to say as a travelling parent Sutton Park is becoming very repetitive.

[Pingu]

Am I the only orienteer in the world who apreciates this year's venue as the amazing area that it is?


PS. Look forward to some ace planning...

[andy L]

agree there, was an awesome area with a great mix of forest, open and complex sprint style urban orienteering.

The accomodation was also so much better with sinks in rooms and not being woken up in a massive hall by someone getting a text.

[Dave]

This years format was definitely a better way of staging the event, allowing people running late more chance to sleep in if they choose to when early runners wake.

[RichT]

I think the "The Powers That Be" recognise that frequently returning to Sutton Park won't necessarily set everyones heart racing, and efforts are being made to find alternative suitable areas for 2007 and beyond.

[LostAgain]

Thinking back to the White Rose camp sites of a few years ago, I do not understand why you would not jump at the chance of camping

[Tessa]

yeah Pingu - I've heard the plannings going to be awesome this year.