Winter Series 2003-2004
Round 3 - 7th December 2003

Report by TX operator, Chris Plummer:

Chris and Roger having been beaten in Round One this year, went hunting immediately after the first event into an area that Chris had had his eye on for some time, in fact he had used it as a site for a table top DF a couple of years before.... Firstly they found a fairly large area of an abandoned fifties era factory site south of the M60 next to the River Mersey, access was easy and foot path on the other bank for a good run around. Finding a hole in the fence to the river, it was initially decided to try to get under the M60 bridge, but the way was blocked by thorn and brambles, so it was decided to hide by the wall south of the river and M60, however, further visits armed with secateurs found the hiders cutting their way through to an easier access to the bridge under the motorway, so we reverted to plan one.

On the map there was a footpath through this area, so alls fair in love and DF, so the railway line was examined to the north of the M60 up against the sewage works but still south of the river. On putting up aerial wire other holes were found next to a demolished bridge parapet for a phantom railway line, so as this area seemed to be frequented, probable by kids or druggies, it was decided to go back to the railway tunnel and drop the far end of the wire in the Mersey as an earthed half wave. Lots of exercise later the site was ready.

Roger dropped Chris off on a lovely bright morning and went off to the start with the envelopes, thus no-one would find Chris's car, that is if it still had wheels on round that part of Stockport. Bright it was but frosty, so Chris had to pick his way to the railway line and use the rail bed to mask his footprints on his way in. Roger returned from the start to take some Photos and lurk around on the opposite side of the river from the hide armed with a walky talky to talk to Chris and keep him up to date with DFers antics. Not long in coming JJ and DP appeared on the North of the river, but with the bright sun the aerial could be seen from the WRONG side. Dave realised and ran back to his car to drive round (it was quicker to walk to the footbridge up stream) but JJ made muttering about 'not doing Power lines' and went home. (Note Chris WAS NOT UNDER POWER LINES even if there were some on the wrong side of the river) Chris Heys apparently ran from the Stockport Pyramid along the wrong side of the river, and back again passing the footbridge TWICE.

Eventually, just when Chris thought the site had been too good for the Boys, Dave Peacock stuck his head round the tunnel entrance and got in only 15 minutes before shutdown time. Well done Dave for perseverance. Dave told Chris that Chris H was near, but it took 12 minutes of muttering and gyrating within 50 feet of the hide before Chris got in with only 2 minutes to spare. Dave Chips had given up long before and retired to the Pub early.

Christmas traffic around Handforth shopping centres clogged the A34 up, but everyone got to the Unicorn for a good dinner, (apart from Dave and June who had bones in their Haddock, good job the puds were better)

Results:

Photos! Click to enlarge:

Taken By Chris Plummer's assistant Roger:

Access to the TX was via a path under the M60 on the south bank of the Mersey
The TX was hidden under this railway arch on the south side of the Mersey	This was the main path on the opposite (north) side, and a rather attractive passer-by
Here's the aerial strung up to the remains of an old bridge which crossed the Mersey	And zoomed out, here's a view from Roger's look-out on the north side

More photos, taken by Chris Heys (competing):

The Darwen Daves take bearings at the start	JJ's cameo appearance
Surely it's time for another transmission...	...the last one was ages ago!
...meanwhile I'll just enjoy the scenery	At last! With 2 minutes to spare!
Camaraderie at The Unicorn	...and Roger's highlight of the day!