Last Saturday saw 50 or so gallant club members brave the cold for the annual club champs in a lovely Autumnal Ecclesall Woods. John Franklin planned a challenging odds and evens score event for the seniors, which certainly tested the brain power; while the juniors completed their own 30 minute normal score event. Most people made it back within the time limit, with Oli Johnson the highest scorer on the senior course and Dom Dakin on the junior course. However, the actual club champion was still to be revealed once ‘The Preston’s handicapped multiplier’ had been applied. Check out the SYO Facebook Page to see Martin Ward’s photographs capturing the event.

We then moved onto the excellent facilities at the HSBC clubhouse for lunch, the AGM and Award Ceremony. It was certainly a treat to be able to grab a warm shower post run! After tucking into a hearty lunch, Colin Best kicked off the AGM. Full details of his report will be found shortly in the members section.

The AGM was followed by the Annual Award Ceremony. A large part of the prize giving was dedicated to thanking SYO’s band of hardworking volunteers who contribute greatly to the club and the wider orienteering community. Framed maps were presented to Tim Tett (for his urban map of the Victorian Cemetery and surrounds) and Oli Johnson (for his Parkwood Springs map). The inaugural “Official of the Year” award was shared 3 ways between Colin Best, Lucy Wiegand and Paul Bradbury for organising a monumental 3 level B & C events each; although fortunately they didn’t have to share their bottle of wine 3 ways! Pete Tryner was delighted to receive a huge silver trophy for an ‘Outstanding Contribution to Orienteering’ for his role in organising the Schools’ League events, storing the equipment, chairing the Development Committee and managing the SI Kit.

The Awards Ceremony also recognised the successes of club members and the following were presented with mementos:

Best Relay Team Women’s open (Kim Baxter, Laura Daniel & Rachel Rothman)

Best Oversees Junior Performance     Michael Adams

Best Oversees Senior Performance     Nick Barrable

Outstanding Progress - Junior             Euan Tryner

Best Junior Performance                     Pippa Dakin              

Best Female Senior Performance        Lucy Wiegand

Best Female Veteran Performance     Sheila Sprot

Best Male Senior Performance           Dave Peel

Best Male Veteran Performance         Ian Cooper

3^rd UKOL                                            Pete Gorvett

Finally the ceremony finished with the announcement of the 2014 Club Champions:

1^st Junior – Dom Dakin

1^st Senior Male – Oli Johnson

1^st Senior Female – Pat Marston.

Thanks to Doreen Best, John Franklin & Andy Preston for the fantastic job they did in organising and planning this year’s event. We are all looking forward to next year’s extravaganza, which will be masterminded by Pippa Dakin, Neil Sprot and Jenny Peel.