After all rain we had had in the week there were welcome rays of sunshine dappling the car park where five intrepid teams sat , engines running, waiting for that first vital transmission. Adey G7WFM was the last to pull into the car park and kindly pointed out that we (G6UWO/G0PSI) had a huge nail sticking out of our front tyre. Had he not just arrived, we may have been forgiven for suspecting foul play, but it was on with the hunt and keep our fingers crossed that the tyre held out.
19:30 First transmission and nothing heard, decision time, we choose Porchester Road and screech away from the start, 'steady on remember that tyre'! G2SP and G7WFM follow suit the others must have gone towards Dorket Head. Nothing heard so its about turn and off to Dorket Head.
19:45 travelling along Mapperly plains and there is a QSO taking place on the fox frequency, as we spun our antenna round we just caught a snippet of what sounded like the fox in a North-easterly direction. Woodborough or Calverton then!
Turning right at Dorket Head crossroads we find ourselves behind Mike and Martin (G2SP) however, they take the long road skirting around Calverton and I navigate us through the village to put us ahead.
19:55 Bearings swinging more to the right now, coming up to a high spot with a right turn just after it. If we get a reading from here we can shoot off right if the bearings are confirmed. Better get out and check that tyre while we wait! OK so far (phew!)
Mike and Martin arrive with the same idea but we have already got our confirmation and are off. Disaster, the right turn is closed for road works. 'Bat turn' 'Bat turn' I am yelling as we spin round in the junction and speed off back down to the main road.
20:05 Oxton, the bearings are all pointing in that direction so its fast as we dare with our potential flat tyre. As we arrive we are in plenty of time so we carry on past the village to get a bearing back to triangulate. Next transmission and it's still adead, great, no time wasted hanging about in the village so onward. The bearing runs parallel to the road to Southwell ……so that's where he's hiding!
20:10 No signs of other hunters for a while, bearings pointing to centre of Southwell. Decide to pass through and use the same technique as in Oxton.
20:15 Bingo the bearing's behind and we have a perfect triangulation in the centre of the town. Time to play a hunch and look in the Saracen's Head car park.
I knew they had an enormous car park completely hidden by surrounding buildings.
Time to get on foot. Out of the car and close in equipment buzzing, we walk in the 'old coaching entrance' and right up to the fox just as the 20:20 transmission ended.
Job done!
Mike and Geoff (G4EKW) fielded a great second place with Martin and Mike (G2SP) just missing the fox by fifteen seconds!. Bad luck you two.
Special thanks go to Howard who courageously stepped in as fox at the eleventh hour.
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