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11 Nov. 2021: Peter Seward 1931 - 26 Oct. 2021 may he rest in peace
It is with great sadness that we pass on the news that Peter Seward of Swansea Bay Orienteering Club passed away on 26th October 2021.
Peter was a surveyor and cartographer in the army for 25 years and a land surveyor for the Coal Board for 16 years . He had a real love of the mapping process and spent, many, many hours tramping the forests and moorlands using his skills for the benefit of many orienteers over the years producing an impressive 92 maps for Swansea Bay and Welsh Orienteering Association over a period of 35 years from 1994-2009.

Peter received an honorary life membership to WOA for his incredible dedication to mapping over the years.
However, this was just one of his many accomplishments. Below are listed many others in his illustrious career as a mapper and an orienteer
WOA Chairman 1999-2002
WOA Vice Chairman 1993-1999
WOA Mapping Officer 1973-2009
Editor Y Ddraig 2003-2009
Croeso
BOF Mapping Officer - 3 years
SBOC Mapping Officer 1973-2008
Presented with the Torch Trophy in 1992 by the Duke of Kent for voluntary services to orienteering
British M80 champion
Welsh champion in his age group on many, many occasions
Winner of the prestigious Chichester Cup for excellence in mapping in 1974 for Glencastle
and in 1991 for Pembrey Forest.

Peter’s funeral will be held on Tuesday 16th November 1.00 pm at St Gabriel’s Church Brynmill . The family will then go to the crematorium but hope that you will all be able to wait for them at The Welcome Inn, Llangyfelach, Swansea.

8 June 2019: WOA 2019 AGM
Agenda and papers now available - see links below:
Agenda (includes changes to Constitution); Proposed changes to the Constitution (Proposals 2 and 3)
Annual Report 2018 is on the Documents page - contains reports from Officers
and Advisors. Draft Annual Accounts 2018-19.
Constitution can also be found on the Documents page.
All WOA members are welcome to attend and encouraged to do so.

10 September 2016: Welsh League events - Newborough, 22/23 October 2016
Initial details now available.

19 April 2016: WOA 2016 AGM
Agenda and papers now available - see links below:
Agenda (includes minor changes to Constitution);
Annual Report 2015 is on the Documents page - contains reports from Officers
and Advisors including Annual Accounts 2015-16 and Budget 2017-18.
Constitution can also be found on the Documents page.
All WOA members are welcome to attend and encouraged to do so.

24 January 2016: Nominations for WOA 2015 Orienteer and Volunteer of the Year
Nominations are wanted for both the 2015 WOA Orienteer and Volunteer of the Year.
Please send as soon as possible to the secretary@woa.org.uk
What is required is:
Name & club of nomination;
Name / club making the nomination;
A summary of why the person is being nominated.
Send as soon as possible and before 10 Feb. 2016.

14 August 2015: WOA AGM 2015 on 13 Sept. 2015 at Trefil
The WOA AGM will take place at 2.00pm on Sunday 13th September 2015, after the SWOC Welsh League event at Llangynidr.
Venue is Tafarn Ty Uchaf, Trefil, NP22 4HG.
The agenda will be circulated soon.
Minutes of the previous AGM and Committee meetings can be found on the Documents page.

8 Feb 2015: 2014 Welsh league Prize-giving at Draethen event on 22 Feb.
We have the prizes for the Welsh League in 2014. We have mugs for all the winners plus 2nd and 3rd Juniors.
The plan is to have a presentation following the first Welsh League at Draethen on Feb 22nd.

The winners are

Junior Women
1st Megan Carter-Davies
2nd Ellie Stone
3rd Fay Walsh

Junior Men
1st William Reynolds
2nd Joe Thomas
3rd Daniel Thomas

Senior Women Claire Dallimore
Senior Men Ben Mitchell
Vets Women Tessa Stone
Vets Men Richard Barrett
Supervets Women Gill Manning
Supervets Men Mark Saunders

Please let them know of the prizegiving and if they are unable to make the event could they arrange for someone else to pick up their prize.
See full 2014 Welsh League results.

7 June 2014: WOA AGM 2014
The WOA AGM will take place at 2.00pm on Sunday 8th May 2014, after the HOC event on Titterstone Clee.
Venue is Ludlow Mascall Centre (Teme room), Lower Galdeford, Ludlow, SY8 1RZ.
Teas and coffees will be available on your arrival.
Meeting doucuments:
2014 AGM Agenda
2013 Annual Report
2013 AGM Minutes

22 March 2014: WOA AGM 2014
The WOA AGM will take place at 2.00pm on Sunday 8th May 2014, after the HOC event on Titterstone Clee.
Venue is Ludlow Mascall Centre (Teme room), Lower Galdeford, Ludlow, SY8 1RZ.
Teas and coffees will be available on your arrival.
A draft AGENDA, Minutes of the last AGM and the WOA Annual Report for 2013 will be available on this web site a few days before the meeting.

13 April 2013: WOA AGM 2013
The WOA AGM will take place on Sunday 16th June, after the POW event on CARN OWEN.
The venue will be Llandre Village Hall. The time will be from 1:30 pm, tea and biscuits for all
Come and have a chat before the AGM begins (and stay for the meeting too if you can). We anticipate the meeting will finish by 4:00 pm.
A draft AGENDA, Minutes of the last AGM and the WOA Annual Report for 2012 will be sent out to all members within the next few weeks.

30 October 2011: Volunteers for WOA posts urgently required
It has been over a year now that WOA has been without an editor for Y Ddraig.
The position of Chairman has not been filled since the 2011 AGM.
Brian Hughes has given notice that he will no longer be taking on the role of WOA Fixture Secretary after the 2012 AGM.
The Welsh Orienteering Association urgently needs volunteers to take up these roles and help with the variety of tasks need to support orienteering in Wales. If you are able to help with any of these please contact your club WOA rep or one of the WOA Committee members as soon as possible.
Brian Hughes has produced a nice summary of the job of Fixture Secretary. Contact him for more information.

21 Sept. 2011: WOA Development Conference Programme available

9 Sept. 2011: Invitation to WOA Development Conference on 1 October 2011 at Aberystwth

                       WOA Development Conference
                          Saturday October 1st 2011
                     Ysgol Penweddig, Aberystwyth 10-4

A warm invitation to any Welsh Orienteering club member to attend the second WOA Development Conference. You don't have to be an experienced orienteer or long established member, newcomers welcome.

Theme for this year: Developing volunteers

Guest speaker: Caroline Gay - British Orienteering Participation Manager for the West (of England but quietly slipping over the border!)

     Interactive day for sharing ideas, experiences and brainstorming issues and problems
     Fun, practical orienteering activity on the school site at lunch time (bring your kit)
     Information about grant money on offer this year
     Buffet lunch and light refreshments provided

Names to Helena by Monday Sept 26th so we can sort out the catering.

If your club wishes to apply for Development money you need to have at least 2 representatives to the conference (travel expenses will be paid).

For more information contact Helena Burrows 01407 710528 or email: helena@alma-hall.myzen.co.uk

15 June 2011: Regret to announce passing away of Jean Fuller last month
It is with sadness that we heard of the passing away of Jean Fuller last month. Jean died in a hospice on May 5th 2011, after three years of illness. She chose not to have a funeral. Her close friend Sue Davies reminded us of some of her life:
"I met Jean Fuller when working with her in the Information tent at the first Croeso in 1992. She was in charge and so efficient, it was hectic in those days, checking the punches, organising the camp site and social events. Jean cool and calm always. Also fun. We travelled after that to Nepal (up as far as Namche Bazaar below Everest Base Camp), to China, Vietnam, Czech and Spanish O Masters, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, and much more recently after Jean was diagnosed and operated on for cancer, we went to Costa Rica and Sardinia. She lived every day she had to the full and is an example to us all. She was a nurse, teacher and alternative medicine specialist. She has I think walked some 100 mile walks, certainly run quite a few marathons, been a member of and supported several walking groups. She loved the outdoors and until very recently camped. She had lived in the Lampeter area and continued to be a member of WOA though living away in Stafford and more recently near Market Drayton, in a house and garden in which she took much pride. She was a very private person and faithful and lovely friend. Salt of the earth and brave to the end. I shall miss her."

22 May 2011: WOA AGM at 3.00pm (not 3.30pm) on 29th May at Ludlow Leisure Centre
Start of the WOA AGM has been brought forward 30 minutes to allow time for those who wish to compete in the evening Urban race. Agenda and 2010 WOA Annual Report now available:
2011 AGM Agenda
2010 Annual Report

8 April 2011: Revised WOA Constitution for approval at AGM in May (at SINS event)
Several amendments are proposed for the WOA Constitution which will go forward for approval to the 2011 WOA AGM in May (at the Springtime in Shropshire event). Links to the current and proposed versions can be found below:
Constitution (current version - May 2007)
Constitution (proposed version)

6 February 2011: Welsh Championships Sunday 6 Mar. 2011 at Nicholaston and Oxwich Burrows, Gower
Details of the event can be found on the SBOC website and you can enter online at Fabian4
See also Eligibility Criteria and Rules

31 December 2010: Planners' Course on 5 Feb. 2011 at Margam Park
WOA will be holding a BOF level 3 (introductory - level 1 is the most advanced) planners’ course

On Saturday February 5th 2011 at Margam Castle Education Centre, Margam Park near Port Talbot

The course has the following aims:
To provide members with the necessary knowledge to be able to plan an event at Level C/D standard.
To allow them to benefit from an accumulated experience of planning, making their first events much easier for them to plan by teaching them useful techniques and warning them of common pitfalls.
To improve the overall standard of planning of Level C/D events.

As such, those attending should be reasonably experienced competitors but need have no experience of planning. Of course, those with "self taught" planning experience would be very welcome too, as is anyone who wishes to brush up their skills and find out about current standards especially in the light of recent changes in event structure, etc. Much of what’s covered would be suitable for Level B planners too.

The course is open to members from non-Welsh clubs too.

Course leader: David May (SLOW/WOA Technical Officer); enquiries to david(a t)themays.org.uk

18 December 2010: Congratulations to Welsh Orienteer and Volunteer of the Year 2010
2010 WOA Orienteer of the Year is Kris Jones (SBOC) - Kris has had an outstanding year winning a silver medal at the Junior World Orienteering Championships in Denmark and then a Gold medal at the Junior European Championships and following this with a 6th place in the Long distance at the same event.
2010 WOA Volunteer of the Year is Robert Griffiths (POW) - Robert has done a huge amount of work in researching areas, securing permissions and obtaining major grant funding for Croeso 2012.

28 September 2010: Kris Jones wins Gold at Junior European Championships
Congratulations to Kris Jones (SBOC) for winning a Gold Medal in the Sprint event at the Junior European Championships held in Scotland 16-18 Sept. 2010. This was then followed by a 6th place on the Long event - another exceptional performance. This crowns a very good year for Kris having earlier won a Silver medal in the Sprint event at the Junior World Orienteering Championships held in Denmark in July 2010.

28 September 2010: British Orienteering Roadshow
British Orienteering Staff and Directors are taking to the road to visit all 12 Associations and give members an update on current projects within orienteering in the UK. Roadshows will cover the Competition Review, the 4 tier event structure, plans for the future development programme and much more.
All members are welcome to attend. Refreshments including a sandwich buffet will be provided. Roadshows are completely free and all that is requested is that members register their attendance in advance with the British Orienteering National Office. Please email info@britishorienteering.org.uk with your name, membership number, the roadshow you wish to attend and any access and dietary requirements.
The WOA roadshow takes place on Wednesday 10th November at:

Cardiff-Boulders Indoor Climbing Centre, St Catherine's Park, Pengam Road, Cardiff, CF24 2RZ

6.30pm-9.30pm. 6.30pm for buffet, 7.00pm start

For further information on other venues see the British Orienteering homepage.

25 August 2010: 2010 WOA Development Day - 18 Sept.
Invitation from Helena Burrows (WOA Chairman) for members to attend the 2010 WOA Development Day on 18 September 2010 at Coed y Brenin Visitor Centre. Report and notes on conference available on the Documents page.

6 June 2010: 2010 AGM and next Committee Meeting on 19 June 2010
Agendas now available: 2010 AGM / Committee Meeting
Minutes of the previous AGM and Committee meeting can be found on the Documents page.

6 March 2010: WOA Committee Meeting
The next WOA Committee meeting has been scheduled for 6 March, to follow POW's Middle Distance Champs at the Hafod Estate. The meeting starts at 3.00pm at the Miner's Arms, Pontrhydygroes.

19 October 2009: Planners Course at Margam on 21 November 2009
A (level 3) Planners course has been scheduled for Saturday, 21 November 2009 at Margam Park, near Port Talbot. Further details available from Peter Ribbans.

23 August 2009: WOA Development Meeting
The 2009 WOA Development meeting (followed by a WOA Committee meeting) has been scheduled for 20 September, to follow POW's local event at The Begwyns, Painscastle.

23 August 2009: Nominations for WOA Orienteer and Volunteer of the Year
Nominations are requested for WOA Orienteer of the YEAR 2009 and WOA Volunteer of the Year 2009. Nomination forms can be found on the Documents page.

7 June 2009: 2009 AGM
Minutes of the 2009 AGM and May Committee meeting can be found on the Documents page.

4 May 2009: WOA Development Grant
Details of the WOA Development Grant scheme are now available - information and the application form. Links for these and other potential grants can be found on the Documents page.

4 May 2009: 2009 AGM and next Committee Meeting on 24 May 2009
Minutes of the previous AGM and Committee meeting can be found on the Documents page.

18 January 2009: Croeso 2012 Meeting

12 October 2008: European Youth Orienteering Championships
Kristian Jones (SBOC) won a Gold Medal in the Sprint event at EYOC. Congratulations Kris!

25 August 2008: WOA Development Meeting
The 2008 WOA Development meeting (followed by a WOA Committee meeting) has been scheduled for 14 September, to follow POW's local event at Nant yr Arian.

31 July 2008: World University Orienteering Championship
Helen Palmer today finished 5th in the Long Distance event at the 16th World University Orienteering Championship being held in Estonia. This was an excellent result in a tough race over 9km with less than a minute between 2nd and 5th placed runners. Well done Helen!

15 Feb. 2008: British Orienteering Coach of the Year Award
Mark Saunders and Alice Bedwell have jointly won the British Orienteering Coach of the Year Award. This is in recognition of their wonderful work and commitment with the Welsh Junior Squad.

8 Dec. 2007: Development Grants
Helena Burrows has provided some information on sources of funding. Links can be found on the Documents page.

14 Sep. 2007: Guestbook closed
The Guestbook previously used for the Newsboard has been closed down by the provider.