Published 13th December 2012

We were sorry to hear that Eric Shimmin died last week. Eric, who originated in the Isle of Man, was a long-standing member of SYO and was highly involved with South Yorkshire Schools Orienteering Association when it existed. He could always be relied on to step up as planner, controller or organiser, including regularly organising the Scouts championship.

Eric’s many orienteering successes included being British Champion in 1992 (M65, Sheringham), 1997 (M70, Clumber) and 2002 (M75 Magilligan Sands, N Ireland). He regularly trained by running around Graves Park twice even when into his sixties and seventies

He had an infectious enthusiasm, was friendly and helpful at all times.

His funeral is to be held next Tuesday (18th) at Greenhill church.

Published 1st December 2012

SYO juniors had good results at the British Schools Championships on 18th October in Delamere Forest, Cheshire with Louise Adams 3rd in year 9 girls, Pippa Dakin 3rd in year 10 girls and Dane Blomquist winning year 11 boys.

Pippa and Dane have now been selected for the  World Schools Championships 2013 in the Algarve in Portugal in April 2013.

Congratulations!

Published 2nd November 2012

Concerns have been raised in the media recently over the threat to ash trees in the UK following the identification of the potentially deadly disease of Ash Dieback (Chalara faxinea).
British Orienteering has issued the following advice to all clubs on the biosecurity measures that should be taken by all orienteers (i.e. Planners, Controllers and control hangers, as well as competitors) when holding or participating in an area suspected to contain Ash trees:

• Thoroughly wash all footwear before leaving the area, ensuring that all mud, soil and leaf litter is removed.  Event organisers may wish to provide water, buckets and brushes at a suitable location i.e. at a point where there is little risk of further contamination.
• On returning home, rinse all boots and shoes in a chlorine based cleaner or garden fungicide and allow them to dry thoroughly.  N.B. please read the manufacturer’s label and follow their instructions on use and disposal of the product.
• Thoroughly wash and dry all kit and any other clothing that may potentially have been contaminated with fungal spores.
• Clothing and footwear should not be reused for at least 48 hours after drying.

While it is currently thought that the disease is restricted to East Anglia and the South East of England, this position may change as Forestry Commission pathologists and surveyors enter more woodlands.
Peter Brett, Environment Officer