AGM photos

First, a look at some of the Club Executive members (and helper):

(L to R): Gayle Shepherd (Social Secretary), Dave Lotty (Mapping Officer), Mary Jane Mahony (Secretary), Ron Pallas (President), Rick Steele (Blogmaster), Jared McKenna (Dave’s son), Dave McKenna (Club Captain), Lisa Lampe (Medical Officer)...

and then some of socialising mentioned by Rick!

Uringa AGM 27 February 2009

There was a good turnout for the Uringa AGM last night. The previous Executive Team were swept back into their respective positions of influence unopposed and highly commended on their previous year's efforts.

The Secretary will follow with the official version of events, but the highlights as I saw them were that the meeting was dispensed with in 1 hour so we could retire to the spread of foods and drinks, we have ample money in the bank and Dave's grass laying efforts were roundly applauded.

There are no new major mapping initiatives planned although we have nominated to run the Christmas 5 Days in and around the hut at Belanglo. Nick is Controller for one of the World Veterans events in October.

Uringa Chrissy Party

Thank you to all Uringans for making this yet another fabulous Christmas Party. Thanks to those who made the journey across several bridges to join us at The Shepherd Pallas in the Shire.

I'd like to know what was going on between Nick & Ron......

(I had lots of other photos but it takes waaaaay too long to upload) GS

Uringa Runs Hot at the Aussie Champs

Whilst there wasn’t the large travelling group competing at the Australian Champs, there were a lot of Uringans who “medalled”.

Unfortunately we did not manage any firsts, but 2nds there were many:

Noel Boos M12A, Matthais Boos M35AS, Mark Darvodelsky M45A, Sybille Boos W40A, Helen Murphy competing in W55AS all scored a 3^rd place on the podium.

Dick Ogilvie, Dave Lotty and Terry Murphy were 10^th , 12^th and 24^th respectively in M60A. Lisa Lampe ran very well for 5^th in W45A. Angela Murray was a very creditable 12^th in W65A and Maureen came in 5^th in W75A.

While most returned to Sydney after the event Maureen and Dick stayed on for the Australian MTBO Championships.

The competitors raced over a Sprint, Middle and Long distance events. Maureen finished a close second behind Joyce Rowlands in W70A in the Sprint and Middle, but turned the tables to take 1^st place in the Long. Dick was placed 8^th, 7^th and 9^th in the Sprint, Middle and Long in M60A. Well done to you both and your trusty “speedwell” bikes.

Ron's remarks, posted by Rick.

Cold Comfort at CanyonLeigh

Uringa hosted the Schools Champs and State League 12 at Canyonleigh. Great accommodation at the Shearers' Quarters, a crisp morning start and then a brilliant day.

A candle-lit dinner the night before with Margaret's soup as the entree and Gayle's goulash as main course.
















Then we woke to a very heavy frost.















Yes a very heavy frost!
















... before Ron's team of little helpers pulled off a great event. Sorry you couldn't be with us Nick!

Sad News from Switzerland

Uringa sends its condolences to Linda Sesta and her family after the sudden death of Linda's father, Martin Hollenstein, last week. Linda's parents, Martin and Lorna, had visited Australia several times. Many Uringa members met Martin at events - he would never miss an opportunity to orienteer. He even participated in the Uringa President's Cup one year despite being in Switzerland - he figured he could at least do the Sudoku part of the challenge set that year by Uringa President Matt Peters. We considered him an honorary Uringan.

It was Martin who got the whole family interested in orienteering when Linda and her brother Mark were still youngsters - he wanted a healthy, wholesome activity that would keep them off the streets and away from the temptation of drugs and alcohol. Not something he'd have had to worry about anyway with Linda and Mark, but you've got to admire that sort of contingency planning.

Martin seemed always full of fun and enthusiasm. My memories of him are always with a smile on his face. He was an accomplished musician and a keen amateur video maker. After enjoying the Swiss O Tour and the Swiss 6 days with Martin, Lorna, Mark, Linda, Aldo, Ron, Gayle, Helen, Terry, Mary Jane, Angela, Dave and me in 2006, Martin (with the able assistance of Aldo) put together a fabulous DVD which he sent to all of us as a memento. My favourite scene from the DVD is of Martin, after spending the "rest" day on an incredibly strenuous climb in the alps with Aldo, Mark and Mark's girlfriend at the time, sitting back and saying "Phew. I'm absolutely rooted".

Of course, behind every good man is a good woman, and Lorna and Martin made a good team. Many of us have been the recipients of Martin and Lorna's very warm hospitality. For myself, they spontaneously offered me a place to rest after I injured my ankle on the last day of the Swiss 6 days, and really looked after me, something for which I remain very grateful. It also gave me the chance to get to know them better, which was a lovely experience.

Martin died suddenly while doing what he loved - out on an orienteering course. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Our thoughts are with Linda, Lorna and Mark at this time.

What about the Mighty MO

Maureen just about blitzed the field on Saturday in Portugal but had to be content with ONLY a SILVER MEDAL ! Just over 60 seconds in arrears from Gold , she left plenty of disgruntled Scandos in her wake ! I cant cget the wreath off her head or the smile off her face !

DickO