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| A Chig History Lesson / How To Join / Training |
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This little Chiggy ... |
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| The club was formed in 1966 when Michael Brandon, a master at Chigwell School, introduced the sport as an activity to follow the cross country running season. Michael, who had learnt about orienteering from a member of 'Southern Navigators', was undeterred when at the first event the majority of his protégées returned after the prize giving. Enthusiasm grew amongst the boys who included Tim Pribul (right), an accomplished middle distance athlete, and in 1968 the club held its first open event from High Beech in Epping Forest. It attracted a good turnout which included Chris Brasher and John Disley who commented favourably on the event which was of great encouragement to Michael and Tim. By 1970 the decision was taken to open up membership to outsiders and thus the club became an "open" one - i.e. open to all. |
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| In the mid seventies Michael had a great idea which was to hold orienteering evening classes at the Loughton evening institute. This brought a number of new faces to the club but most notably introduced the Pearce family (John, Carol, James & Helen) to the sport (see here for their achievements). | |
| CHIGs might fly ... | |
| The club is fortunate to be centred on Epping Forest, a beautiful and very suitable area for orienteering, and its name was incorporated into the club title in about 1985 to reflect more accurately the catchment area. Membership usually stands at around 60-70 addresses, which makes it a "small club" in BOF terms and most weekends sees about a fifth of the membership actively orienteering, with many more going to local events. See also the front page. | |
| The story today ... | |
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We have an active social calendar, including CHIG events, Wednesday Training Sessions, Club Socials and weekends away. For example, recently Vanessa Lawrence, Director General of the Ordnance Survey, guested at the club's annual dinner in 2001, and in 2002 the club went on a weekend training trip to Merthyr Mawr in Wales. 2003 many CHIG members travel to Bordeaux to enjoy the famous 'French 5 Days' event (left). |
| The age of our active orienteers ranges from 8 (not including the active string course competitors), to over 65, with a little "baby boomer bulge" in the 40-50 age group. We have some highly competitive M21s, but like most sports, would like to attract more women in that age range, and also older juniors of 14-18 yrs. An indication of the individual successes of the club is in the Hall of Fame. A 'Club Champs Winners' list can also be found here. | |
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There are a variety of methods ... You can: |
| > Contact our Club Membership Secretary |
| > Come to one of our events and ask for more information at registration |
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Technique Training |
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| Largely confined to our Wednesday Evening Training Sessions, which take place from 6:30 pm on Wednesdays throughout May, June and July. Each session is devised so that "old hands" learn and practice new techniques (or ones they've forgotten) and newer orienteers develop their skills stage by stage. |
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| We also stage a Training Weekend most years, which sees us depart by coach or minibus for a far off place with hills. In 1996 the session was in Yorkshire, with a day on Langstrothdale Chase in Upper Wharfedale, and the next day running round the rugged Brimham Rocks. September 1997 was a (primarily) junior and novice weekend on Cannock Chase. Our most recent visit was to Merthyr Mawr in South Wales, a complex sand dune area, in October 2002 (right). | |
| Summer Training Programme | |
| Placed here when published. Members of other local clubs who wish to attend are asked to contribute to club funds; one time visitors (e.g. on work placements from far off parts) are usually considered guests. Summer membership is available for those who wish to make use of the option. | |
| Fitness Training | |
| A very individual thing, so we aim to get people of like ability and ambition together for a regular run or other fitness training during the winter. This is more ad hoc, and depends on individuals and pressure of work to a great extent. An excellent way to improve you fitness is to join Tim in SWEATBOX CIRCUIT TRAINING . | |
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Updated 31/03/2006 |
© George Pribul 2004 |
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