Hello everyone, and welcome to the April 2008 issue of the COMPASSWORKS NEWSLETTER!

Spring is nearly here and walkers are beginning to look longingly at their boots and walking poles!  One bit of kit that you may want to consider buying is a decent pair of gaiters-what a difference they make to crossing those streams that always seem to be running just above the level of the top of your boots!

 

NEW COURSE TITLE

I have changed the title of the “Map and Ground Appreciation” one day course to “Map Interpretation Day”.  This title seems to best reflect your needs and comments regarding this subject.  Most people have told me that map interpretation is the most difficult part of map reading, and I tend to agree.  Making contours “talk” is a skill that needs practice and time.  However the “Map Interpretation Day” will give you all the principles and techniques that you will need to turn your map from 2 dimensions into 3!  NEXT COURSE:  April 25th at Sourton Village Hall (spaces are available).

NNAS CERTIFICATION

Well done indeed to Pauline Beare, Sue Colbourne, Mandi Burroughs, Sophie Hayward, Janet Moreland, Tracey Horrill and Monica Roberts from the Women’s Running Network who all successfully gained their Bronze NNAS certificates at Belstone on March the 22nd.  Enthusiasm was the key, following their 2-day Navigator Level course at Sourton in February.  NNAS Silver is the next stop for this group of dedicated runners!

 

NAVIGATOR LEVEL ONE COURSES APRIL & MAY

Please note that the above courses are full!  The NL1 is more popular than ever, so it is essential that you book early for yourself or when buying this great course as a gift for someone else.

 

STOP PRESS!

I am delighted to announce that Compassworks has decided to support a very worthy local charity – The Dartmoor Pony Training Centre (formerly the Dartmoor Pony Rescue Centre).  In essence, the aim of this fabulous organisation is to take on/purchase Dartmoor Hill ponies, either left unsold at markets, those going for low prices to dealers or ponies that may be donated by third parties. These ponies are trained and re-homed when ready with all the necessary support.  The ‘DPTC’ promotes the Dartmoor Hill pony in any way possible as fantastic ‘all rounders’ and offers advice and information to people on training methods and support to those wishing to sell their ponies privately.  Please take time to visit their website www.dptc.co.uk to read about the fantastic work that the DPTC does.  They are holding a quiz night on the 29th of April to raise vital funds and to launch their online Sales list.  Please see attachment for more info.  Donations can be made at any Compassworks course or sent direct to the Dartmoor Pony Training Centre, Ashburn Cottage, Kingsbridge Lane, Ashburton, TQ13 7DX.  Thank you.

 

COURSE AVAILABILITY

For those who wish to put into practice any newly found skills with map and compass, spaces are available on the April 12th  “Map & Compass Practice Day With NL1Skills”  Please get in touch as soon as possible to reserve a place on this really enjoyable all-outdoor day!  (Designed for those who have attended a Navigator Level One” course or who are at a similar skill level).

 

THE QUIZ!!!!

Adrian Smith is the winner of the latest quiz by correctly stating that red light can be used to protect your night vision.  A great prize is on its way to you Adrian-well done!

 

THIS ISSUES’ QUESTION

What is the conventional sign for a pub on an O.S. 1:25,000 map?

 

Please let me have your answers by July 1st 2008 to have a chance of winning a great Compassworks’ prize.

 

 

PLEASE FORWARD OR PASS THIS NEWSLETTER ON TO A FRIEND.

 

Dave Hawkins