Club Info
Where We Are
We cover not only the Epping Forest area to the NE of London, but also the London boroughs of Redbridge & Waltham Forest plus W Essex (Woodford, Loughton, Harlow & Saffron Walden) & E Herts (Broxbourne, Sawbridgeworth & Bishop’s Stortford)
What We Do
“Orienteering means maps, forests, adventure. It doesn’t matter how young, old or fit you are. Run, jog or walk …”
This little chiggy …
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.
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 …
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 younger juniors of 10-14 yrs.
British Orienteering
British Orienteering is the National Governing Body for the sport of orienteering in the United Kingdom. British Orienteering is a member of the International Orienteering Federation.
South-East Orienteering Association
British Orienteering is made up of 13 constituent associations, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and 9 English regions – each responsible for orienteering within its area. CHIG is a member of the SEOA.
Clubmark
Clubmark is the only national cross sports quality accreditation scheme for clubs with junior sections. It is built around a set of core criteria which ensure that accredited clubs operate to a set of consistent, accepted and adopted minimum operating standards. CHIG is Clubmark accredited.
Club Constitution
This is up to date as at the end of 2009.
Event Organisers Manual
This is a helpful guide for club members organising events.
Expenses Policy
The club’s expenses policy was most recently revised in 2008.
Expenses Claim Form
This should be completed and sent to the Club Treasurer alongside a copy of any related receipt before any reimbursement is issued.
Data Protection Policy
Social Events
We have a number of informal social activities in pubs and restaurants after events throughout the year, and training sessions provide an excellent opportunity to meet other club members. Most CHIG social activities take place at member’s houses, rather than formal function rooms, or at major annual events.
Our annual club event/social calendar includes:
- March – Club AGM
- April – JK Dinner
- June – Club Championships & BBQ
- July – Stragglers Relays
- July – Gooseberry Fool
- November – Annual Dinner.
Training
Training Weekend
We stage a Training Weekend most years, which sees us depart by coach or minibus for a far off place with hills. Previous weekends have been held in Yorkshire, with a day on Langstrothdale Chase in Upper Wharfedale, and the next day running round the rugged Brimham Rocks, Cannock Chase, Merthyr Mawr in South Wales and in 2009 we went to Derbyshire.
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.
Sweatbox Circuit Training
Mark Hall School Harlow TL471111 Thursdays 7.00 – 8.00pm £4.50 per session No additional joining or membership fee A traditional style circuit for a complete body workout under qualified instruction. Ideal for increasing fitness. Call Tim for more details on 01279 724482
