West Midlands Orienteering Association   

The League points have been updated after the fourth event at Hayward Warren and it looks like an exciting competition with another four events this Autumn.

Walton Chasers used home advantage to overtake Octavian Droobers, but both Harlequins and Wrekin are close behind. Next event is on the 13th November at Sutton Park.

A reminder that this course is happening on Saturday 29 October, based at the Sea Ranger hut in Sutton Park. There is space for more attendees; just get in touch with Henry Morgan, the organiser. Full details are here, including Henry’s contact details.

The new date for the AGM will be Monday 24th  October at 7-30 pm at Great Barr Hotel.

For anyone wanting to join by Zoom there will need a new link available from the WMOA secretary.

The final event in this year’s league was held yesterday and the results have been added to the league results page.

Unfortunately sickness has struck key attendees, with others unable to attend.

We have decided to postpone the meeting, hopefully to Monday 24th October at the same venue but this is not yet confirmed.

Please spread the word to anyone you know is planning to attend.

Waltron Chasers invite you to this West Midlands League Event. A full range of courses will be available, with something for all levels of experience. Entry on the day is available for white, yellow, orange and light green. Full details can be found in the flyer here: Haywood Warren 23Oct202. Pre-entry for the League courses is via Fabian4, closing date 16th October.



A course for anyone who is interested in qualifying as a Level C controller will take place on Saturday 29 October. It will be based at the Sea Ranger hut in Sutton Park. Full details are here, including contact details to book a place with the organiser, Henry Morgan.

A message from POTOC:

Good morning all,

Can you please circulate amongst your club members:

Unfortunately, due to a lack of entries we have reluctantly made the decision to cancel Sundays Hanley Urban event.
As a small club we would have made a substantial financial loss with so few entries, 25 in total (9 of which were POTOC helpers)
Thank you to those who did enter, you will receive a full refund from Fabian4.

Hopefully we may be able to re-schedule the event sometime in 2023.

Our next event will be at Silverdale Country Park (new area) on Sat 15th October.

Hope to see some of you there,

Jim Cooke POTOC.

Two roles on the WMOA committee will become available this Autumn – Chair and West Midlander Editor. Please at least give some thought to doing one of them! More information on both is below.

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Richard Lewis will be standing down as WMOA Chair at this October’s AGM.  In many ways this is a job that takes as much time as you chose to give it.  The nuts and bolts of the are listed below, but Richard reports on his time in office:

“The ability, skill levels and knowledge of the committee mean that the role is both satisfying and well supported.  They really help to make this position enjoyable and provide lots of camaraderie. During my term I have tried to attend at least one WMOA club monthly meeting just to see what’s happening around the clubs and meet the key people, not essential but interesting. I have also tried to support WMOA events as much as possible by attending; again, this is not essential but is fun!  I am always available to discuss the position of Chair, either face to face, email or phone.”

Richard Lewis

• The opportunity to be involved with developing the sport within WMOA.
• Chair four WMOA committee meetings each year in office.  These are usually held every 3 months and tend to last about 90 minutes.  They are held either by zoom or dependant on agenda content could be face to face at a convenient location.
• Chair the WMOA AGM.  This is held every October and is open to all WMOA club’s members and held under normal circumstances at Great Barr Hotel.
• Help prepare the agenda for these meetings with the WMOA.
• The Vicechair role is there to provide a substitute if the Chair is not available
• Throughout the year respond to any correspondence with the secretary and involve the committee, if necessary, where a response is needed between meeting dates.
• Attend 6 monthly WMOA fixtures meetings (by zoom) if required.
• Respond to BOF requests for WMOA attendees – either by attending the meeting or by asking for a suitable available delegate from the committee.
• English Orienteering Association AGM – either attend (virtually) or seek a suitable delegate.  To give support from WMOA and discuss any key issues. I find the format enjoyable and have enjoyed these meetings but the task could be delegated to other members.

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West Midlander Editor:

Rod Postlethwaite is stepping down as editor of the West Midlander Newsletter after 9 years of sterling service.  Therefore there is a vacancy for someone to take on this role and to bring their own ideas to the task.

It provides regular updates to West Midlands orienteers – traditionally every three months after the quarterly WMOA meetings. The minutes of these are published in it, and other “ready made” content includes results and updates on the leagues and WMOA other events.  Club magazines and newsletters also have reports and articles that can be shared across the region.  And of course you can commission or write your content; Rod reports that he always had a free rein to publish what he thought would be interesting.

Walton Chasers are holding an urban race in Lichfield on the evening on Tuesday 26th July.  Come and run round the cathedral city – experienced orienteers and beginners welcome.  They will be using the MapRun app rather than physical controls, so download to your phone / watch before you come. Please register before Thursday 21st July to reserve your map (pay on the day) – full details here: Lichfield Urban