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Over to Peter for his report...

On a glorious sunny January day, 7 teams assembled at a different venue for the event.

The discovery Centre at Braintree was chosen on this occasion. Apparently there was some noise on the band but I was Station B so I didn't hear it ! I was located just to the SW of Hanningfield Reservoir at 167 / 712980.

Three teams chose me as their first station. The day was quite hectic even though I sat under a large fir tree in a quiet wood. First was Phil ringing to advise that my wife hadn't appeared to collect the food 5 minutes before the first transmission.Then during the first bit of CW she rang to say she had arrived. The Morse key was held down whilst I took the call from her.

Then Phil rang at 2:22 to say he hadn't heard me since 2pm. A transmission was due so I fired up for him, seems it was his monitor playing up! There was no reply to my Texts to Richard Witney at Station A located on the Old Railway at Dunmow 167 / 643207. Once he had sent me a text, I noticed I was sending text to his Company Mobile not his private number.

It was quiet until 2:40 when Graham and Geoff were seen, both arriving seconds apart. Phil decided to confirm I was not elsewhere arriving 8 minutes later.

(Ray helps Philip find Peter)

All quiet again until 3:37 when Rosie/Colin, Andrew/Peter appeared.

A little searching around took place, then Rosie took the short route at me but Andrew hesitated and was beaten by 15 seconds.

It could so easily have been you Andrew but you will insist on Ladies first!

Ian came in from the field at 3:42 having parked to the North of the site.

Having parked alongside Ian, Tim, a comparative youngster, eventually followed at 4:02.

A text was received from Richard showing Phil at 3:50, but despite him being the quickest between stations, Rosie had done enough.

Tea was taken at my QTH where Rosie admitted to taking a bearing at the entrance to my site and driving away to get another. It was seeing Andrew coming towards her, that made her turn around. Thanks to Tim and Ian for helping me carry gear to my car in exchange for a lift to theirs. The local Farmer came out and chatted. He said his son saw this old guy (Ian) walk down the track then all of a sudden burst into a speedy run! (Perhaps RF should be available to all old people, instant adrenalin!).

Well done Rosie, hard luck Andrew but on this occasion it was Beauty before age! Thanks to all for making Richard's and my day worthy and thanks also to the non-Essex teams that chose to spend a day with us so helping to make up the numbers!

Peter G4TEB

Well a fine day was had yesterday. I would just like to add in contrast to Peter's hectic adventures, my site was relatively peaceful with the exception of constant loud road noise from the A120. Heroics provided by
Philip and Geoff who crossed the road to save time after discovering their easterly approach came to an abrupt halt in the form of a very heavy and high fence.

It was thanks to this road noise that I just couldn't hear anyone coming until they literally walked right passed me! First seen was Ian in full flight, followed by Peter Mead who promptly whispered very loudly the words "he's here dad....DAD!!!" enabling KQE senior to check in with me shortly afterwards. Yes, as usual, where navigators were present, it was they who found the transmitter first....of course. Tim followed in solo. Colin, sans set, found me for winner designate Rosie.

Philip appeared at 15:50 to be promptly followed by Geoff, who disappeared off for some time allowing Graham and team to catch up and end the contest ahead of schedule.

The day was topped by a superb tea at Peter and Hilda's with their charming cat who thoroughly enjoyed the hoards of visitors. (and pieces of chicken that found their way down to cat level)
{NB. Mic replaced by chocolate cookie Ed.}

Philip receives the Trophy for the Colchester Series 2007.

I forgot to say, it is becoming traditional for the transmitter operators not to shave on the day of the event. Well, in my case anyway.

Richard

{Do I detect a lowering of standards, perhaps a razor could be added to the Tx kit? Ed.}