On Sunday 15th September 2002, after a break of two years due to the fuel crisis and the Foot & Mouth outbreak, the W.A.D.A.R.C North Wales D.F. Challenge was again held in the beautiful setting of the Clocaenog Forest. west of Ruthin. Participants from as far a field as Trafford, Walsall and Scotland took part and a great time was had by all

Start point for the morning hunt was  the car park of the Clwyd Gate Motel near Ruthin which afforded a panoramic view of the search area. The 7 teams duly assembled at 10.00a.m. eagerly waiting for a call from the fox, G4BKF.

"Ready for the off" 

L to R - Dennis, G3UVR, Peter G0BHP, Roger G4YLQ, Robin G3RJQ, Martin, GW4CZQ, Phil G6IIM, Jim G6NOI, Frank G8REQ, Andy GM7HUD (behind Frank) and Neil G4OAR

All seven teams found the fox. First in were Phil & Jan G0JSB/G6SNO in a time of 58 minutes followed 13 minutes later by Ian & Lin G8PWE/G6HZI

"Who's a clever boy then?"

First and second place operators stand in front of the fox's car. No prizes for guessing which of these two is Phil G0JSB - just look for the smile!

Lunch was taken at The Sportsmans Arms, near Denbigh, and tales of daring-do were swapped over platters of the local fayre and flagons of ale. Suitably replenished, five teams assembled for the afternoon event - two foxes this time!

"Last one out pays the bill!"

L. to R. - Andy GM7HUD, Lin G6HZI, Neil G4OAR, Phil G6IIM, Ian G8PWE, Robin G4YLQ, Tom G4BKF, Peter G0BHP

"He's still smiling!"

L. to R. - Phil G0JSB, Jan G6SNO, Phil's Mum, Colin G3RLA, Dennis G3UVR

All teams elected to search for the fox with the stronger signal (G4BKF) and, only 27 minutes after the start, Phil G0JSB and Jan, G6SNO were again first to reach the hiding place. However, 13 minutes later, Dennis, G3UVR and Frank G8REQ had also reached Fox 1 and the chase was on to see who would be first to find Fox 2 (2E1CER)! In an epic battle, Phil and Dennis's paths crisscrossed until finally, Dennis and Frank took the honors by reaching Fox 2 only 42 minutes after leaving Fox 1. It was another 1 hour 16 minutes before Phil & Jan finally discovered Fox 2 during which time they were joined in the hunt by the remaining three teams who had eventually found Fox 1. In the end, Team G3UVR and Team G0JSB were the only hunters to discover Fox 2 and, at the contest's conclusion, all  parties repaired to the Druid Inn, Llanferes for a final brag before departing for home. It was agreed by all that the day had been a huge success and that in 2003 there should be two events, Watch this space!

"Look who's smiling now!"

Frank G8REQ and Dennis G3UVR (standing adjacent in the centre of the picture) savour the Victor's Laurels (and a Rum and Coke) at the Druid Inn.

If you are interested, please contact me for more details 73, Tom, G4BKF

More pictures of the Event can be seen here

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email: g4bkf@wadarc.com

AX25: g4bkf@gb7oar

QTHR 1989 onwards