BASOC eNews June 2020
Credit: Clare Kemsley
We are edging closer to being able to go orienteering again; the "Stay local" advice (travel up to 5 miles from home) is still applicable which curtails many of us being able to access our areas (and add in restrictions due ground nesting birds and capercaillie).
Meanwhile many have been enjoying the good weather we had in May; Walter (BASOC WOLF mascot) has been spending the night in Purple Jane's garden while Fergus camped out in the Kenyon garden for 8 nights. Lil had a sunset photo posted on the 'Out of Doors Radio Scotland' Facebook page. Amy Barrett (Steve's daughter) appeared on Countryfile on 7th June (watch from 15:20 for a couple of minutes) as she is using an ebike for her 10 mile (each way) commute to work as an NHS nurse. Issie Inglis also appeared on Landward in May - and the front page of the Strathy this week.
1. Resuming Orienteering advice
Gemma has posted an article on the BASOC website summarising the Scottish Orienteering advice for Phase 1 (dated 29th May 2020). Scottish Orienteering have issued an easy to read colour-coded chart which will be updated as we move from Phase 1 to Phase 2 and so on; Gemma has linked to the PDF in her article.
There is also a lot of advice from sportscotland, updated on a regular / daily basis.
2. Orienteering courses we CAN do
In the Scottish Orienteering Phase 1 Guidelines, the permitted activities / actions are (remember the Permitted travel for exercise should be limited to 5 miles and Physical distancing of 2m):
- Use of MapRunF courses or other electronic map software – no controls actually out. BASOC are in the process of getting these up and running in Aviemore (Kat has volunteered to plan) and Grantown (planned by Lynne).
- Running with a map / re-running previous courses (remember the ground nesting birds and caper restrictions though!) – no controls out.
- Clubs can set up temporary ROMP style courses; the guidelines state that these should have only tapes out. There is a TROMP in Uath Lochans, apply to Hilary Q. for a PDF map.
- POC (Permanent Orienteering Courses).
3. Mindset, High Altitude and Adventure – 16th June, Social Evening
Details of the ‘Social’ are on the Scottish Orienteering website, please register by 12th June = today. Paul McGreal (WOC 2024 - & WOC 2015 - Event Director) hosting Prof Chris Imray, mountaineer, seven summiteer and surgeon discussing Everest, oxygen research, adventures, challenges and a strong mindset for endurance activities.
4. BASOC Tuesday Socials
Virtual Tuesdays are continuing for BASOC members only, on Zoom at 8pm. If members need a reminder of the Zoom meeting details they should contact Hilary Q.
5. Update on orienteering events
Keep checking on the fixtures list on the Scottish Orienteering website for the current situation. I notice that at the moment or writing (12th June 2020) the fixture list appears to be suspended as the calendar is not appearing on the website.
6. Scottish Champs cancelled
John Emeleus, the weekend coordinator, has announced the following:
"The Scottish Champs events at Tentsmuir (Individual Long Distance and Relays), originally scheduled for August 2020, are not taking place this year. It is still hoped to hold these events at the same location, possibly in 2021."
7. Scottish 6 Days Lochaber 2021
Here is the up to date (1st June 2020) statement regarding this event:
The Scottish Orienteering 6-Day Event Company has been keeping under review the progress of the next 6-day event in view of the threat posed by the Corona virus. At present, the intention is to go ahead with the event in Lochaber provided that travel and social distancing restrictions have been sufficiently lifted to enable the event to safely take place and that holding the event would not pose a risk to public health or to competitors or volunteers’ health and safety.
Other options have also been considered by the 6-Day Company if an event in Lochaber proves to be unrealistic or unviable with the intention that an event run as closely as possible in line with the aims and objectives of the 6-Day Company should take place if at all possible.
Further details will be released in due course as we continue to assess the risks imposed by the Corona virus and as government policy develops.
8. Event Safety Workshop (ESW)
There is likely to be an ESW near the end of June – this will be online as a discussion group. This is a worthwhile workshop to do if you would like to be involved in any aspect of an orienteering event; if you have already taken part in an ESW it would be a worthwhile refresher for you. The revised ESW will include looking at safety measures in relation to Covid-19. Keep an eye on the Scottish Orienteering website for an announcement.
9. Fantastic Fanatics reminder
Just a quick reminder that BASOC is a member of Fantastic Fanatics. This is a new fundraising platform for sports clubs in Scotland. There are two ways to support BASOC through Fantastic Fanatics:
- Shop online. You shop as normal but you need to enter the shop website through Fantastic Fanatics.Find your shop here.
- Register your card and shop in person. Any shops or restaurants that take part in the scheme will donate a proportion of your purchase to BASOC.
As this is a relatively new scheme, its partner shops are changing frequently. If you need more help, instructions are on the BASOC website.
10. British Orienteering webinars
There are two more webinars coming up in the near future.
Monday 15th June 7.30-8.30pm: Introduction to the UsynligO Virtual App with Scott Bailey from BOK REGISTER HERE
Tuesday 23rd June 7.30-8.30pm: Entries, Booking and Contactless payment systems (featuring a panel of experienced Orienteers) REGISTER HERE
For more details of each webinar, head over to the British Orienteering website.
And finally, if you have anything which you think would be of interest to BASOC people then please let Lynne know.
Lynne also has a load of dried yeast - happy to pop a 50g baggie in the post if you would like some.