Welcome
As I write we are only a couple of weeks out from the Christmas and New Year break… and the longer summer holidays for our junior members (and some of their families too, I’m sure).
I’m sure that many of us, in spite of the isolation and lockdowns we have had to tolerate this year, are grateful that we have been able to continue to enjoy a wide range of orienteering for so long. We have found ourselves in a relatively fortunate position this year; even though we missed out on our own ACT Championships (Middle and Long), and of course, the National Championships in Tasmania, many of us have been able to make the most of MapRun and Street-O opportunities, and now the Twilight and Sprint series. They all keep our orienteering brains functioning, and allow us to enjoy our local bush and streetscapes in a safe manner.
I know that it has been a particularly difficult orienteering year for some of our juniors, especially those in Year 12; their school days are now over, and we wish them every success in the future: in their orienteering, further studies and career paths.
I’d like to also thank Toni Brown for her generous offer to host a Bushflyers Swarm in September; we all know that the pandemic overtook those plans, unfortunately. Given that OACT has also postponed its Awards presentations to early next year, we shall also plan for an early season Swarm, probably after a Twilight event, as we did very successfully at the end of the Twilight season this year (at the Aranda Snowgums). Of course, if a family would like to offer to host a Swarm, we shall be very pleased to accept such an offer.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish all Bushflyers and their families a safe and happy Christmas and New Year, at home or travelling, at the beach or in the bush, or even orienteering at the Xmas 5-Days up in the Southern Highlands.
Membership
- If you have joined Bushflyers since October – welcome!! You will be aware that your membership will roll over to and include 2022. Please know that we look forward to a long association with you and your family. Please do not hesitate to seek the support of any Club members, especially if you are new to the sport, perhaps as a parent supporting a child. You are encouraged to make yourselves known to us, and you are welcome to offer your support with the organisation of any event. This is a great way to get to know people, and to make sense of the way orienteering functions, both here in the ACT and further afield.
- The rest of us are now reminded that we need to renew our memberships for 2022. There is helpful information on the OACT website, and in this week’s bulletin
Bushflyers Events
Bushflyers have been organising and presenting a number of recent events. Thank you very much to the following club members and their teams of helpers.
- Twilight #1, Wednesday 3 November, Mt Majura West
Course Planner – David Poland
Organisers – Susan Hallissy and the Wilson family
- Twilight #2, Wednesday 10 November, Mt Stromlo West
Course Planner – Phil Walker (POA)
Organiser – Susanne Harryson
- Twilight #4, Wednesday 24 November, Mt Ainslie North
Course Planner – Natalie Miller
Organiser – Chris Anderson
The program for 2022 is finalised and published. Many of you have already indicated your willingness to assist with running of several of these events, whether as course-planners, day organisers, or as part of the organising team. Thank you all.
Early in 2022, Bushflyers is responsible for the following events:
- Twilight #9, Wednesday 2 February, Black Mountain South
Course Planner –
Organisers –
- Twilight #13, Wednesday 2 March, Narrabundah Hill
Course Planner –
Organiser –
- ACT League #1, Sunday 6 March, Castle Hill*
Course Planner – Ross Stewart
Organiser –
(* Ross promises us a very different look at this challenging map)
- Junior League #1, Saturday 30 April, Mt Ainslie North
Course Planner –
Organiser –
Thank you to Matt Stocks for the role he plays in the team which coordinates the ACT program, and in preparing and managing the Bushflyers roster.
If you are keen to course set or organise any particular events/maps in the next year, please let Matt know so that he can indicate your interest as the new program is being prepared.
What Else?
- This week’s bulletin, as well as the latest edition of ‘The Australian Orienteer’, provides further details about some major events coming up in the next few months.
- The 2021 Xmas 5-Days, Southern Highlands, 27-31 December (STOP PRESS- entries close 14 December)
- Melbourne Sprint Weekend, 12-14 March, 2022
- Easter 2022 Orienteering Carnival (15 – 24 April), including the Australian 3 Days (15-18 April), Kingaroy/Gold Coast, Queensland
- The Street-O series continues to attract a number of Bushflyers, many of whom are participating in the current MapRun series of events.
- Do you subscribe to the OACT weekly e-bulletin? What about the Orienteering Australia monthly e-bulletin? (Find the latest OA bulletin here)
I encourage you to subscribe to each of these bulletins, to enable you to keep up-to-date at both a local and a national level. They have so many links to interesting and inspiring articles, news items, YouTube videos, health and fitness advice… - With major championship events ahead of us in 2022, and the possibility of more interstate travel, it is timely to remind you that I have a range of Bushflyers’ clothing (O-tops and jackets mostly) for sale. I was able to order new stock earlier this year and there is now a good range of sizes available, for both adults and children. Please check with me if you would like wear our Club colours.
Did you know…
Bushflyers has a Facebook page. “Like” our page and keep up to date with what’s happening in our club.
Keep safe; keep well; keep moving; and keep apart!
Valerie Barker (Club Convenor)
6251 5459 / 0410 151 554
For Bushflyers Orienteering – where no-one gets left on the bench!