Judith & Lester Evans joined DVO in 2022 when they moved from Harlequins OC territory. They’ve been very active in the Club, running the Map Reclaim at the JK 2024 Relays and recently negotiating and organising the Hardwick Navigation Festival! They are now taking on the leadership of the Welcome, Registration and Enquiries Team.
Judith
When and where did you first start orienteering? In the early 70s, my maths teacher at QEGS, Ashbourne (Mr Steve Buckley), took us orienteering. I think it was at Hawksmoor, when orienteering maps were photocopies of OS maps! Then we re-found orienteering as a family in 1989, at the Lickey Hills Trailblazer event, and joined Harlequins Orienteering Club.
Do you have any rituals before/after your run? In the past, checking you had all the kit was important: compass, whistle, red pen, map bag, control card with code/descriptions copied into boxes. A cat’s cradle of strings holding all in place! A lot easier now.
I don’t like to jump boxes at the start even if free, I will go through the timed stages.
What’s your most memorable orienteering/experience? Personally, orienteering on Penhale Sands: JK1997 overall 9th W40L; British 2005: W50L 4th.
Most memorable otherwise: was at the World Champs in Scotland 1999 (S6D) when Yvette Baker won gold in the short race – I got splashed by her champagne!!
Do you have a SIAC dibber? Yes.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not orienteering? I enjoy cycling – we’ve had several cycling tour holidays recently, also other running events. Sewing is one of my other past-times, having been taught by my mother when I was young.
Most memorable O holiday (or weekend)? I always enjoy the Scottish 6 days events. We started going to Scotland in 1997 as a family and had great fun. Since then we’ve only missed one in 2021.
Favourite TV or radio show/podcast? Quiz nights on a Monday : Mastermind, Only Connect and University Challenge.
Lester
When and where did you first start orienteering? 1982, Judith took me round a permanent course while camping in the Beddgelert Forest.
Do you have any rituals before and/or after your run? Before the run I go through my mental check list of all the things I need to take with me. I then run without a compass, whistle or my glasses!
After my run I need to get back to the car and eat! I avoid post-run analysis with anyone who talks about the “seconds” they have lost. I sit alone contemplating the “minutes” I have lost.
What’s your most memorable orienteering experience? Judith and I had the honour of organising the individual day of the British Championships on Brown Clee in 2016. My favourite area and one that we used to be able to see from our bedroom window.
Do you have a SIAC dibber? Yes, but I still dib the control if other runners are at the control.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not orienteering? Cycling: We have loads of local trails nearby and we’ve also done some gravel Sportives. We also enjoy cycle touring in Europe and UK.
Love spending time with family and watching our granddaughters growing up into very special human beings.
Most memorable O holiday (or weekend)? We went to the Dutch 3-days many years ago and discovered that an international event can be run by just one individual!
Favourite TV or radio show/podcast? Most British crime drama, any of the televised grand cycling tours and Desert Island discs on Radio 4.
