Introduction
GLOSS is a series of races run by the clubs in and around London. There are two courses: the GLOSS course which is about 3½ to 4½ km (with optional extension to around 6 km) and is of moderate navigational difficulty and a 'Yellow' course which is about 2km with easier navigation. Navigate between control points - you decide the best route in order to complete the course in the quickest time. Beginners welcome

Do not attend if you have tested positive for COVID-19, have symptoms of COVID-19, or are living in a household with someone who has COVID-19

Terrain Description
On the site of the former RAF Hornchurch, this country park has a mixture of ecological interest as well as heritage. The area has been landscaped with blocks of woodland, lakes, open and rough-open areas. A mountain biking trail has been created along with a horse-ride in the south-western part of the area, known as Ingrebourne Hill. There are surfaced and unsurfaced paths throughout the park. Some structures from the RAF days can still be seen including pillboxes and Tett turrets. To the east is the Ingrebourne River and its flood plain which is a haven for birdlife. Further east are the Berwick Glades and Woods. The former is a relatively newly planted woodland and the later the site of old gravel workings much of which is overgrown by scrub.

Map at 1:10,000 with 2.5m contours at ISOM 2017 standard originally surveyed and drawn by Tom Edelsten. The mountain bike trail is indicated by a smaller than standard footpath symbol. A black X indicates gym or play equipment and a wide H a seat. A green dot indicates a small isolated tree or thicket. There are many mown paths which are indicated by narrow yellow strips.

Parking
Car parking in the country park, adjacent to the Ingrebourne Valley Visitor Centre (run by the Essex Wildlife Trust), Squadrons Approach, Hornchurch, RM12 6TS.

NOTE - This is a corrected postcode

Car parking for competitors will be in a dedicated grass field, close to the visitor centre. The event will be signed from the junction of Suttons Lane and Squadrons Approach. The car park has a 6'6" height restriction. Space may be available on nearby roads. Single yellow lines do not apply at weekends. Car park grass area may be locked soon after the end of the event; use the hard-standing area if you intend to stay on after the event.

DIRECTIONS: From M25 J30 take the A13 westward towards London. At the next interchange take the A1306 towards Rainham: 3rd exit at first roundabout and 1st exit at the second. At the next roundabout take the 1st exit towards Rainham then, at the "Dovers Corner" roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto the A125 towards Romford. At the cross-roads/traffic lights turn right onto South End Road, signed Hornchurch. Continue for about 1.4 miles then 120metres after a zebra crossing turn right at the traffic lights onto Airfield Way, signed to Hornchurch Country Park. Continue passed Tesco then, at the sharp left hand bend, turn right onto Squadrons Approach then left into the country park.

From M25 J29 take the A127 west towards Romford. After 1.25 miles and just before the overbridge, turn onto the slip road, signed Upminster and Cranham, then turn left at the T junction. Continue to Upminster. At the crossroads/traffic lights turn right onto the A124 towards Hornchurch. Continue to the Hornchurch one-way system keeping left onto Station Lane. Continue passed Hornchurch Station and the disused St Georges Hospital then, at the sharp right hand bend, turn left onto Squadrons Approach & left into the country park.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT: the nearest railway station is Hornchurch on the District Line - 1.4K. The 252 bus (15 min Sunday service) runs from outside of the station, just over the Pelican crossing. Take the bus to the Hornchurch Country Park stop. Continue in the same direction, there should be a path on the left leading into the country park car park. Event parking and registration will be in the grass area beyond. (Note from Hornchurch station, the 256 bus goes only as far as the St Georges Hospital stop.)

Times
Registration Pre-entries only using Racesignup. No entry on the day is planned.

Starts 10.15 to 11.45

Courses close 13.45

Course Info
Yellow: 1.7km

L Green (GLOSS): 4.1km

L Green + Extension: 6.0km

SIAC contactless dibbing will be enabled, although competitors will need to punch at the Start and Finish.

Entry Fees
Senior (BOF member) - £8,

Senior (non member) - £10,

Juniors - £3,

SI dibber hire (non SIAC) - £1.

Note: Car parking is free for competitors, and covered in the above charges.

Facilities
Toilets and refreshments are available at the Visitor Centre close to the car park. Please avoid taking any mud into the Visitor Centre. (From the entrance door, the toilets are past the reception counter then second door on the left and then on the left).

Contacts
Organiser: Colin Jackson (secretary@orienteering-havoc.co.uk)

Planner: Dale Bennett

Controller: Paul Beckett