Mote Park recently welcomed members of the Saxons Orienteering Club in the unveiling of a new venture to promote activity among young and old alike. 

The launch of the Mote Park Permanent Orienteering Course, with maps available now from the Mote Park Café, was conducted by Councillor Gordon Newton and saw members of Saxons Orienteering Club and eight students from Lordswood School in Chatham attend and complete the new course.

With the new Permanent Orienteering Course in-situ in Mote Park, the opportunity for those with an interest in orienteering – either as a beginner or an experienced orienteer – to discover the very best of Mote Park is simple. By navigating their way from checkpoint to checkpoint, the chance to explore the area is complemented by the challenge of completing the course and refining the necessary map-reading skills necessary for effective orienteering.

Beryl Pring, a member of Saxons Orienteering Club, spoke after the opening of the course on April 29: “While I organised the actual event/activity, today wouldn’t have been possible without the help of Anita Kingdom who planned the course in the first place.

“We had eight juniors from Lordswood School, Chatham, who thoroughly enjoyed themselves with both the run and, of course, having time off school! There were seven Saxon members to whom I am very grateful for giving up their Friday morning to give their support to me and Mote Park. And I would also like to thank Mote Park Officer Alan Frith, Councillor Gordon Newton, and the Mote Park Fellowship for their time and support.”

The inaugural event proved a success for both senior and juniors in completing the Mote Park trail, with winner Brendon Howe finishing in 36 minutes, 24 seconds, and winning juniors Elle Taylor and Callum Pattenden both completing 12 checkpoints.

To take part in the permanent orienteering course at Mote Park, simply pick up the instructions and map from the Mote Park Café for just £1.50.