The transmitter operator was Alan Simmons.

Seven teams started this fine evening event, all but one team accepted the electronic clock card to compete with, suggesting that we don't need them at all!!!! The signal was, as expected, fairly strong and gave most teams a bearing of 330 which appeared to be on the Aylesbury Map. At least five teams headed for the Thame/Long Crendon area for the 8 o'clock transmission, where it appeared to cross near to the M40 motorway and into the forest complex of Shabbington Woods (Remember Trevor Gage's crawl through the badger tunnel under the M40?).

Some teams ran from the west and others from or near to Oakley. I, with a new interested friend, ran through this large wood for about 1.5 miles until we came to an edge of the woodland where Gerry Sheppard's crew and Bill Pechey had been searching for quite a time. With the signal blocking out near to a fallen fir tree and the Tx going temporarily QRT. I enquired (as I do) if Bill had found Alan. (What do you think was the reply?!) At that moment, Bill decided to jump up and down on a tree root (stating that it was very bouncy). On my inspection, I gave the base a large kick and, to my suprise, a hole appeared, with one thrust of hand made connection with the metal case of the Tx (yes, Alan was right underground). As I looked up at Bill his face told me that he had not found Alan (thanks Bill). It was also good to see Gerry Sheppard's crew doing well again on this event (it will not be long untill they win one). My friend, who hopes to compete soon, was gobsmacked at the way Alan was concealed. All but one team made it to Alan before closedown.

Thanks to Alan for a good DF, as normal.

Brian Bristow.