Collier Cup 2010 Round 4

02 July 2010

Seven teams plus a guest trying DF for the first time using a DF set Mark Hazelton (remember his father James circa 1990s?)

John's signal was very faint with only a couple or so identifying his CW call sign, so after those who appeared happy with their bearings had left an approx bearing of 110 was given. Just like the last time John ran a DF it passed through the Burnham Beeches area.

I looked at my map and decided that I would attempt to get to Beaconsfield for the 8pm signal, little did I know then that was the objective of the majority of the teams competing. As I pulled into the lay-by near to the M40 I found Alan Simmons already parked.

With the 8pm signal on (quite strong) I plotted a bearing of 36 which passed through Wilton Park also judged it to be 1.5 miles away. On arriving at the entrance to the park I was shocked to find at least three more teams also there. Not looking at my bearings, I ran into the woods opposite the park area only to find that I had ran the wrong way.

By that time Graham Phillips appeared who by some chance had taken his 8pm bearing just within quarter of a mile from John's site, but decided to drive away! After running across the opposite footpath I then took a bearing just before John switched off.

Arriving at the site area I came across Mr Mark (bump) Coventry who like me had the same idea that John was close by. Next signal on managed to manoeuvre over brambles and fallen trees into John's hide just in front of Alan Simmons who also had trouble getting to John's hide by a direct line.

All seven plus guest team (who was travelling with Peter Lisle) found John before close down. The amazing thing on this night's DF was that most teams actually only took one bearing on John's site. Most teams got to the Pub at Hedgerley to hear the disaster Peter Lisle had made during that evening (is he holding back? we all ask).

Thanks to John for standing in as TX op.

Brian Bristow.

Position Competitor Finish
1 Brian Bristow 20:33:15
2 Alan Simmons 20:33:22
3 Mark Coventry 20:33:54
4 Steve Stone 20:36:42
5 Bill Pechey 20:43:04
6 Graham Phillips 20:45:48
7 Peter Lisle 21:07:47
8 Mark Hazelton 21:07:57