The Finish/Meeting Point.  (GR.5362 0331) Winstanley College, Orrell.

Registration starts at 9.30am for running teams.  Please try not to be there before 9.30am please.  Please expect to stand around for a while before the buses are loaded, we have at least 70 teams that need kit checks and registering so please be patient.  There will be 3 lines for registration so please check the sign to see which line to be in.  Please try to SHARE LIFTS as much as possible.  Thanks

MEETING AREA!! There will be an assigned meeting area for teams when they arrive so please do not plan to meet the rest of your team on the car park.  There will be signs with your group name on so teams can meet under them.

Please re read the rules because some important ones have changed since last year.

ATTENTION RUNNING TEAMS!! We have new reflective armbands for your safety.  Please bring a refundable £5 per team to get one of these armbands for each of the team.  You cannot start without a reflective armbands.  The £5 per team will be refunded at the finish if all the armbands are returned.

ATTENTION CATCHERS!! Please make sure you have registered with either Sue or Myself before the event.  We need to know CRB Numbers ASAP, Thanks.  You can email your registration on sue_gregg@hotmail.com or cjphillips5@hotmail.com

Catchers do not need to turn up before 12 noon if you are not helping with the registration process

ATTENTION!!! Today is the time that you should check that you have everything needed on the kit list, If you don’t have the right equipment, you will NOT take part in the event!

If you have your own Hi Vis Jacket, please could you bring it with you.  Could all catchers who borrowed Hi Vis Jackets last year please return them, Thanks.

If you have any questions or concerns about the event, please call me directly on 07740349677 or email cjphillips5@hotmail.comDon’t forget your Fivers!

Thanks

Chris

Ormskirk District Crew Chairman

However … “A Scout is to be Trusted” – The Scout Law

I would like to point out just how disappointed I am in a lot of teams this year. I have been made aware of 6 different teams that cheated during this years Moonlight. I have dealt with teams I have been able to prove and teams that have admitted to me that they have cheated. Cheating is unacceptable in anyone’s book and it will certainly not be tolerated in Moonlight or any other District walking event.

The results have been published later than planned because of this. I would also like to apologize for mistakes made by the organising team on Saturday Night and to those teams that where affected. We are taking steps to make sure that this never happens again.

Chris Phillips (Crew Chair & Organiser of Moonlight)

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After busing all the runners to the start and fitting 5 double-decker buses in a small area (It is amazing how small they go). After a fairly quick briefing, they were off (some not knowing where they were and thinking they were in Southport or Lydiate). Actually the start was at Haskayne Downholland Primary School.

When I left the start and passed most of the teams on my way back to the finish, I could see all the younger teams at the back, and all the older and fitter teams further ahead (what the neighbours thought, I don’t know). I returned to the finish with time to spare to give the briefing to the catchers. The catchers briefing gets bigger and bigger each year with more and more things to marshal and safety issues to look out for.

The Catchers were set off at 1pm giving the runners about 90mins head start. It didn’t take long before the easy first lives started to fall. After discussion, for this year’s Moonlight we decided to change certain rules. We decided to change the free time after being caught, from 10 to 30 minutes to give teams time to get away. All day I was catching teams with 20 minutes left on their cards, the teams loved this new rule and seemed to be a lot more highly spirited event than I have ever seen. One girl said to me “this is great, we actually have time to get away”. This also meant that it was a lot harder for the catchers and made them work a bit more to find the good teams. Teams were getting to the finish with fewer lives lost which kept the younger teams’ morale high but didn’t affect the more experienced teams.

Closer to the finish, we had asked one person from each catching team to come to the finish to help out with marshalling and setting up whilst other members were out cleaning up on teams close to the finish. Those that came back to help were a real godsend. Can you imagine 300-odd kids coming running towards you all aiming for an area the size of a coffee table? The Car Parking Team said it was the most intense finish they have ever seen. When those fantastic rockets from Ken Spencer went up, people just appeared from every corner and bush you could imagine. We had to stop the road both ways for the sheer number of people running in the same direction.

I have heard people saying that this was one of the best ever, if not THE best, and I would like to thank all the teams that entered. We only had approx 4 kids from 370 drop out and only 2 teams picked up after the rocket went up. One team of young scouts and their leader got in just out of time with no lives lost which is a fantastic achievement. Well done.

This year saw probably one of the freakiest things I have seen ever in Moonlight. Two teams entered the Network Section and both teams got caught at 8.20 pm so walked into the finish to hand their cards in early. Everyone who handed their cards in before the rocket we gave the same time of arrival. This meant that we couldn’t separate these teams by the last life caught so we looked at the time of the first life caught and they both said exactly the same time of 3.30pm but written by different catching teams. We could not separate the Winners so we had to have joint winners. I would have given it to The Potter Family for having a Scout, Explorer Scout and 2 Network Members in the Team but according to the rules we couldn’t. Well done to the Lynx Old boys for their efforts too.

Congratulations to the Winners and all those who took part.

Winners of the Scout Section – 53rd B

Winners of the Explorer Section – Eclipse D – Mooses

Joint Winners of the Network Section – The Potters and The Lynx Old Boys

Overall Winners of Operation Moonlight 2006 – Eclipse D – Mooses

Winners of the Catchers Prize – Billy Bush

I also have a list of thank you’s which I gave on the night, but in particular I would like to thank Mark Gilham along with Steph for helping me organise the event; Pamela Tompsett, Heather and Becky for registering a massive 71 teams; Ann and Eric Simms along with The Fellowship for the catering of the event; Ricko, Hugh and Mike for the car parking; Mike Phillips and Phil Shotton for driving the emergency vehicle and Helen, Leigh and Sue for being the first aid team. Other people that have helped to make this event happen are Liz Lomas, Ash Green, Ali Daniels, Graham Wright, Ed from Trogzs, Len Howley, Sarah Morris, Sandra Fitzsimmons, The Network and Crew for all working hard to make it a success.

Thanks guys. You can find a full list of standings follows on the related page.

A feedback form is being sent out with the badges so please feel free to tell us what you thought was good or bad about this year’s event.

Chris Phillips,
Ormskirk District Crew Chairman

Grand Total 65 teams

327 participants

In places we walked along the West Lancs – Chorley boundary but never crossed it. In the half hour we had (extended to 40 mins for catcher travelling) we pegged it along a lane to Sollom, down the hill to the Rufford line of the canal. We walked along the canal until we reached the Croston to Rufford road. At this point we went over to the river (We made sure we stayed on the western side of the ditch that makes the West Lancs – Chorley boundary). We then walked along the western bank of the Douglas up to the Confluence with the Eller Brook (apart for a diversion around the old folks home next to Rufford Station because the tide was in so we could get under the railway bridge.

We then caried on along the Eller brook until we reached Meadow lane. Here we cut back to the canal. Along the Canal until Baldwins Lock and cut across a footpath to Warpers Moss lane.

At this point we where approaching a southern boundary and had to turn west. From there we went along a footpath that goes under the Preston to Ormskirk railway and back to Warpers Moss lane by the houses. Then along two more paths across the A59 and across Red Cat Lane into Mere Avenue. Right at the end into Moss Nook, across to Crabtree Lane. We saw some people loitering by Crabtree Crossing so went to the next crossing that is half way towards New Lane. Then up the path to the Canal Bank. At the canal we turn back towards Crabtree Lane and over the canal at The Slipway. Then across the fields to Higgins Lane. Straight over and round the back of the Industrial Estate. We then cut through to the botom of Lordsgate lane and travelled west parallel with Pippin Street until we reached Blackacre lane.

Along Blackacre lane in braod daylight (No catchers to be seen!!!!!!), across the A570 at Dingle Bells. Up into the fields along a track and waited for it to go dark. Once dark we set off again upto the reservoirs at Devils Wall. and down onto Gaw Hill Lane. From there, there is a footpath the the Aughton / Formby road. We took that and straight across into the fields again. Past the West Tower and down the hill towards Jacksons Bridge. This is where we encountered the catchers for the first time.

The guys with a search light on top of the car. If they had actually bothered to get out of their cosy little car they would have fallen over us! Straight across the lane just south of the bridge and across more fields and we met Lydiate on the south side of the canal next to a small housing estate. We waited there for 15 minutes and then walked cautiously along the estate road towards the A5147. When the rocket went off we pegged it over the canal bridge up the road and into the finish. Chris Gibbons (Team Leader)

Moonlight for our group started in September 03, with circuit training, hikes, manhunt games in woodlands and of course map work (yes that boring part of Scouting). So the day came and spirits were running high, our teams aim was to finish on time with at least 1 life left.

With the event started, the mood now focused on the dedicated, motivated, highly trained catching squad, all looking at maps trying to figure out where the teams would be starting from, to plan their plan of attack.

For us (Captain Horn Blower) off we went into the unknown for the next 8hrs of catching mode. After choosing our spot to hide out, there we laid in wait like a highly coiled spring ready to pounce on any team that passed our way. Then the chase began, teams were coming our way at a rate never known to us before, we had chosen well in our choice of “Trap” this year. As we took lives off teams through out the day our most important question was they having fun? And that every one was ok?

The high point for us this year was not coming joint 1st in the catching trophy, but being there at the finish when the rocket went off, and suddenly teams started appearing from every direction running towards the finish point desperate to get in on time. All teams totally exhausted, cold and tired but their spirits still very high. Then seeing my own team of Scouts running towards the check in point desperate to get in on time. The next week seemed to drag, waiting for their ranking to appear on the District web site. Then to see their position was such a boost to them coming 9th place.

This event I know is a big part of our Scouting life, and it’s down to the commitment of the team who laid this event on for us, thank you Guys.

Stephen Edmond, David Scarisbrick Team- Captain Horn Blower (55th Ormskirk).

This was my first attempt at catching, however Alan Ashurst an experienced “Moonlighter” who was team leader showed me the ropes. The first funny incident which unfortunately we don’t have a photograph of was the advertisement on the lead bus taking the moonlighters to Winstanley college, being a Budweiser advert entitled “I only chase men who can’t run”. Very apt I thought, the news of the bus travelled quick with Ash Green and Cheesy looking for a camera.

On the way to our first catching area we decided to answer a call of nature at a pub in Upholland. Unfortunately I got stuck in the loo for about 10/15 minutes, and although I had a two way radio with me, none of the other team members had them switched on, so off I go with my foot against the wall pulling and heaving at the door, would it move? I think not. Then an idea struck me “use the mobile phone” I tried to ring Alan Ashurst on his mobile and guess what? This was a Grade II listed building with stone walls 2.5 feet thick no signal !, great I thought what a way to start the day.

Then I remembered the Scout Motto “Be prepared”, “Be Prepared for this I thought! How do you prepare for getting stuck in the loo ?” Out comes the trusty pocket knife to use as a lever, eventually after some struggling the door eases open, dare I tell anyone ?. You can guess what the first question was when I got to the bar, anyway the truth is now out !.

After scouring the countryside during daylight hours and only catching 4 teams, we commenced onto Scarisbrick and Burscough after dark. Whilst passing through Burscough industrial estate ( apparently a renowned haunt for moonlighters ) we noticed two heads pop up against the street-lights in the distance … about 1/4 mile across a field next to a hedgerow. The next minute the two heads turned into three then four then a larger figure ( Ken Cunliffe 1st Ormskirk ).

Alan slammed the brakes on, and Mike (who’s driving the car behind us) nearly runs in the back! We dive out the car and split into two teams – Helen and Myself going one direction around the field; and Alan and Mike around the other side, us both keeping in touch by radio. At the site of us four lunatics hurtling across the field, the Team turn and run like a bat out of hell ­ and for small scouts they certainly can run! Mike and Alan head back for the cars to cut them off via the A59, but the team must have seen Alan and Mike head for the cars as they change direction and head for a minor road.

Helen ( the 5″1 bar maid) heads east across the field on a footpath to cut them off and I head west, but what do they do ? They shot across the road (This is now some distance of now about a mile and a half into the chase) and shoot through a barn. I eventually get to the road covered in mud and what I think was ‘organic fertalizer’, Helen is running up and down the road by the time I get there, jumping ditches on the way, trying to find them again. And then, all of a sudden Helen’s off again she’s spotted them coming out of the back of a barn. I radio to her to keep going and I run down the road into a small wood to cut them off, at this point they hadn’t seen me so I keep low.

When I get to other side of the wood, Helens frantically chasing scouts and Ken round and round in circles … I couldn’t believe it! Then she goes for it and makes a dive for Ken, grabs him by the ruck sack, and swings him around. “Well who would have thought that” I thought. Helen runs over to me covered in mud shouting “this is fantastic! Can we get another lot?”. That’s Moonlight !

I must hand it to 1st Ormskirk, they were the toughest team out of the seven we caught. And for distance running across country and navigating on the move ­ they were amazing! Well done Ken and his team.

When back at Scarisbrick about 19:30 – 20:00 we decided to scour the woods around the Hall. We went through fields, bushes, the lot – and only caught a total of seven teams one of which was the 55th B up a tree with the rucksacks hanging like Christmas decorations from the branches.

The minute Mike B, Cheesy and Ash set off the first rocket, dozens of teams appeared from where we had just come from. I must ask some of them where the Hell were you? We went through those woods with a fine tooth comb, but the highlight was the look on the teams faces and the sounds of jubilation that they had completed the course coming over the front lawn of the Hall.

Dave Marsh

Ormskirk Crew

A Report by Chris Phillips – Network Member

70 Catching Teams, 50 Running Teams, 10 lives, 9hours, 1 winner, OPERATION MOONLIGHT 2002.

“Operation Moonlight is an annual event involving competition against runners and catchers. It is a 9 hour game of manhunt with the running team given 10 lives and has the task of getting from A to B with out losing a life. Runners may travel a distance of between 10 and 26 miles and Catchers may travel a distance of 20 and 100+ miles (Using Cars of course).

In my opinion there are 2 types of catcher. There are those that succumb to the little sad faces of the scouts getting caught and not taking the life. And there are those who catch any thing that walks (And I mean anything!) and wouldn’t even blink when they take the life. I am one of the later catchers who are very competitive and after that catcher’s prize.

The Day started with the briefing at Scarisbrick Hall where Mike Bellinghall gave most of the Catchers the incentive to catch with the promise of a pint if the ‘The Newburgh Old Boys’ where caught.

The Day started at speed with Andy Wroe and Chris Lomas driving and Ricko and myself (Team C.A.R.L.) chasing the teams. For myself the day started fast with a first life taken from the Rufford Guides just over the beacon. With adrenaline high Andy and I made our way up on top of the Beacon where only 1 or 2 more lives where taken by Andy after we got out for a walk. Ricko and Chris where over by Apply Bridge at this point taking some more first lives.

Through out the day Andy and myself took lives slowly but surely. Andy had a very good technique of catching because of the ability to catch teams with out even getting out of the car. One of Andy’s highlights of the day was catching Ken Cunliffe over by the Plough. I was in the middle of catching a team when I saw Kens team that was walking towards Westhead. I shouted to Andy who had not seen them because he was breaking into another sandwich.

Around 5pm came the catch of the day (even if I do say so myself). It was probably my best catch ever. We made our way towards Rufford station from Mawdsley when we saw Sue Gregg and co. stop on a track. Andy and I saw a chance to poach the team they where chasing. Andy sent me off in pursuit of this team, which I caught in the middle of a field. As I took this life I saw another team about 2 fields away. Off in pursuit of this team I went again. Meanwhile Andy was distracting Sue Gregg by chatting her up!! I chased this team for about 3 miles across fields and caught them about 2/3 s to Croston along the railway track. It turned out to be The Newburgh Old Boys. For Old boys they sure are fit. I was soon on the phone to Mike Bellingall who was eager to find out where they where.

After that I only caught 1 more team before the final rocket went off. Every year it is amazing how teams seems to appear out of the ground at the finish when you have been looking there for the last hour. Team C.A.R.L. came second in the Catchers prize to the 45th Catching Team, The Teletubbies. Congratulations to them. They beat us by 3 points where as between 2nd and 3rd the where 60+ points.

The Day was as fantastic as ever and I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who helped organise and run the day … just to let you know I’ll be back next year!!”