Seven teams started at Cowleaze Wood to vaguely hear a very weak signal from Peter using the dreaded G4XWP/P call sign! I just managed to take a bearing of 80 but had to open the approx bearing which read 120. After applying these bearings plus the 4km limits, drove off and decided like possibly all the others to go down the M40 towards High Wycombe after looking at the time taken decided to attempt to get to the end of the Marlow by-pass (this appeared to be in Alan Simmons thoughts) whilst others travelled further up the M40 to the Beaconsfield junction.

At the 8pm transmission, Alan and I received a good signal implying that Peter was actually slightly back towards his beloved Flackwell Heath, and when digesting the 4K markers decided it must be in Bloom Woods (where Peter was the previous year). After both of us leaving our vehicles we started the climb up into Bloom Wood, half way up Alan thought "Did I lock my car?" and decided to return back down (little did I know then what a good move that was).

At the 8.15 transmission it still appeared strong but not as quick build up on signal strength as I hoped. It was not until the 8.30 signal when I passed under some grid power lines I found that Peter's signal was travelling down them (drat). Plod, plod across fields and into woods gradually the signal started to build up (where was everybody!). Still proceeding down into a wooded complex below the disused ski lift centre, I came across the DF cars. Then proceeding back up the hill met four teams still unsure where Peter was hidden.

After 9pm Peter was transmitting continuously but still with shouts of "Have you found him?" with "No, I haven't." coming from all areas. Eventually after breaking down several stinging nettles and privet shrubs found Peter's aerial trailing down a disused footpath. "Ha, ha" I thought and started frantically searching but to no avail. Time was now severely restricted and with one more shout received the reply "Yes he is down here" with totally tired body managed to get in with seconds to spare and Bill Pechey just behind me but alas 7 secs out of time.

My thanks to Alan for taking me back to my car, I only hope that I will be fit again for the qualifier on the 6th!

Back at the local pub discussions were made regarding the 4km marks; this will be accurately checked before coming to any conclusions!

Brian Bristow.