2024 NIGHTJAR RALLY

[Colin Cooke]

Hi All,

This wonderful event takes place on Saturday November 16th. Please save this date.

This year it will be starting in South Oxfordshire (about 5pm) and finishing in West Berkshire (about 10pm). Followed by a hot meal. Modern cars have their own class, as do 'vintage' cars of course.

It's a scatter rally (treasure hunt), using ordnance survey maps to navigate and ultimately to solve clues. This (uniquely), involves some orienteering on foot. So good torches are essential. It's wise to get familiar with navigating skills - Google 'VSCC Finding Your Way', for some excellent guidance. Note that you can chose which clues you hunt down, so if you decide to skip the orienteering sections, a familiarity with Ordnance Survey maps will probably be enough.

This is my favourite event of the year, and there is some sad news to finish with.

This was a thriving event, until the Covid years. It has been difficult to get it going since. Richard Scott and James Campbell organised last year's excellent event, and agreed to continue into 2024. It was with great sadness, that we heard of the sudden passing of James, but Richard was keen to continue with the event, in James Campbell's memory.

It is possible that this will be the last Nightjar. It has been running since 1976. Come and give it a go - hopefully it will be one of those beautiful clear November evenings - the perfect weather for driving around in your Austin 7.

Let's make this a great event.

All the best,
Colin

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Should add - I will post on here, when entry forms become available.

[Colin Cooke]

Hi All,

Always get excited when the Nightjar regulations and entry form arrives in my Inbox.

This year, the rally is on November 16th, starting just North of Reading, and finishing just South of Reading. 

Signing on starts at 4pm, and route sheets are issued at 5pm. A maximum of 18 (of 24) clue locations can be visited, with varying degrees of difficulty, that you can chose from. The organiser estimates competitors will cover 40-50 miles during the event. Back by 10pm, and it is up to you how much time is spent planning, before leaving the starting point.

There will be tea and coffee at the start, and a hot meal (and licensed bar) on return.

I thoroughly recommend giving this a go. 

See regulations and entry forms attached.

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If you are a bit unsure about doing the event in your Austin 7, you will also be welcomed if you wish to do it in your modern car.