Crowcombe Heathfield Event - Organisers Comments:

Organizing and running our QOFL events is normally a straightforward task, given the experience gained over many previous events. Yesterday, we were ‘challenged’ by the landowner’s permission to allow the totally incompatible off road vehicle event in the forest simultaneously with our own. When challenged, their organizer was most apologetic- he was also unaware of our event until the day, but had arranged permission several months previously and obviously could not change at such short notice. Inevitably, their movements would affect our junior courses mostly, with potentially serious consequences, and so after much consultation with planner and controller, we decided to close the yellow course for most of the day. I can only apologize to anyone affected by this decision, but hope you will understand why we had to take this drastic course of action.

Having said that, they were good to their word and their organizer ensured they cleared the forest by lunch-time, even though many had not completed their ‘set obstacles’. Once they had left and peace was again restored in the forest, we could relax and enjoy the wonderful weather and courses. No further incidents occurred and the day ran particularly smoothly in the end. It was interesting to compare the impact on the land of our two dissimilar past-times. Nobody would know we had even been in the forest when we finally cleared the site, a far contrast to the huge ruts and new tracks caused by the vehicles.

Many thanks to the small but able team that supported me on the day, especially those that gave up their own runs to ensure the safety of our younger competitors.

Andy Rimes