Eight teams started this second round DF event at Maidenhead Thicket with the likes of Peter Lisle and Geoffrey Foster absent. Min Standen was on G4MDF/P which was heard by all at the start although adjacent QSO and lightning crashes did not help.

The bearings taken appear to vary from 265 up to 285 but all going Westwards towards Sonning (near to where Min lives). As we all left the start I was slightly confused as the main body of teams turned left towards the M4, so thinking I might have mucked up, turned left with them and a small convoy proceeded along the A4 towards Reading. I gathered my thoughts and managed to get across the River Thames at Sonning. The second signal was not that strong and, with the help of Doreen Pechey, managed to plot a bearing towards Rotherfield Peppard. After tailgating Bill for some time stopped to get an idea where I actually was and after checking managed to pull up once again behind Bill's car. The signal was stronger but my bearing was terrible. Both cars roared off only to arrive at Peppard Common. Bill, who was in front then, took a positive turn right down towards Peppard Church. "Ah, Ah" I thought, Bill must be sure Min's down that area so turned around and caught Bill and Doreen locking up the car and heading down the footpath towards a small copse.

With the 20.30 signal on, it then appeared that Min was still quite a run in. So after running for a minute, decided to take a bearing so I could continue running after Min signed off. I eventually arrived at a new stile gate with no fence around it so proceeded up the field towards the larger wood. Bill, in the meantime, decided to turn left up the footpath leading into the lower part of the wood. After arriving at the footpath just inside of the wood, spotted other torches across the trees (it was Mark Coventry who had tried to get extra help by asking his friend the Rev Minister to go with him to give him some Divine help!!!)

With the next signal on, it appeared that Min was loading the fence adjacent to the footpath and after running down the path until the signal blocked out the RX, I shone the torch over the fence to find Min just lying still. With a quick chat, decided to return to car hoping that the others would not have the same luck as me.

A good chat was had at the Red Lion PH at Peppard on what went right or wrong.

Brian Bristow