On behalf of the club, I would like to express my sadness at the news of the death of Queen Elizabeth II and pass on my condolences to the Royal Family.
Some major spectator sports today, and in the next few days, have already been cancelled. These cancellations have been partly as a matter of respect and also because of the understandable withdrawal of the police personnel required by major events to other duties.At present, the club does not intend to cancel the event planned on Sunday 11th September at Parkend. It is recognised that the Queen was the head of the Church of England and some people may feel uncomfortable about engaging in a sporting event on a Sunday during the period of national mourning. If you have already entered the Parkend event, but now feel unable to attend, please contact the Organiser to arrange a full refund of your entry fee.
At present there has been no indication that Forestry England or the Ellwood Football Club might withdraw their land access permissions, or that British Orienteering might require orienteering to be suspended, but all of these remain a possibility. Please check the NGOC website for the latest information before travelling to the event.
If it does become necessary to cancel the event all entrants will be contacted by e-mail, using the facility within the Fabian4 entry system.
Paul Taunton
Chairman
9 September 2022
And British Orienteering have published the following text:
All at the British Orienteering Federation are deeply saddened following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Our sadness at this time is shared by people across the globe, as we remember with affection and gratitude the lifetime of service given by our longest-reigning Monarch.
The thoughts of everyone within the British Orienteering community are with the Royal Family as they grieve for their Mother, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother. The Queen demonstrated extraordinary dedication and commitment to duty throughout her Reign and did so with a graceful strength and admirable determination. She ruled throughout decades of change, from the dark post war years through to the new horizons of the 21st century, providing essential continuity for the nation.
Following advice received this morning from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) we wish to confirm that during the period of mourning, all club events and activities can continue as planned. We would however advise checking with landowners in case they impose any local restrictions. Should there be any change in advice nationally or separately within England, Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales, we will be in touch as soon as possible.
We are still awaiting confirmation of the date of the funeral, and we will update our position and advice for any events scheduled for this day in due course.