COREA 2017Countdown in ReadingIn aid of Alzheimer's Research UKSaturday 15th April 2017This is the Saturday of Easter weekendChrist Church, Crockhamwell Road, Woodley, Reading RG5 3LAResults of 2016 - Winner Tom CapplemanResults of 2015 - Winner Jack WorsleyResults of 2014 - Winner Jack WorsleyResults of 2013 - Winner Mark DeeksResults of 2012 - Winner James Robinson |
LocationWoodley is on the east side of Reading (not pronounced "reading") in Berkshire (not pronounced "burkshire"). Christ Church is a modern church with several halls, a car park (supervised by Marvin) and a nice blue sign board (with white posts). This year we will be using the church building itself. The church is situated (despite Bing thinking differently) at the junction of Arundel Road with Crockhamwell Road (entrance in Arundel Road), not far from the Woodley town centre and the Crockham Well, but quite a long way from Arundel town centre. Those approaching by road from the south-east should note that Loddon Bridge Road will be closed by the George and you will have to approach Woodley via Bader Way instead. This will make journeys to the pub from Woodley harder too! However the road is still open for pedestrians. LiftsIf you can offer or need a lift then let me know and I will try and put people in touch. CharityThe church has kindly let us use the church building for free, as long as we raise money for their 2017 charity project which is Alzheimer's Research UK. In 2016 we raised £200 for Mityana Charity in Uganda, and in 2015 we raised £255 Christians Against Poverty - a debt counselling charity. In 2014 we raised £225 for Mercy Ships, in 2013 we raised over £400 for The Samaritans Reading branch and in 2012 we raised over £350 for Tools for Self Reliance. As all the money from the event goes to charity, we have decided again not to be part of the "FOCAL" Countdown Grand Prix. RefreshmentsTea, coffee and squash and biscuits will be available free of charge during the playing hours (but probably not convenient to get during the playing half-minutes). At lunch time it is a five minute walk to the shops and you might see some of the local red kites soaring in the sky on the way. Options including Waitrose, Lidl, a bakers (Greggs), Chinese/chip shop, Italian restaurant, pizza takeaway, coffee shops, the Bosco Lounge (lounge bar) and so on, and five to ten minutes to a pub or two. Note that alcohol and smoking are not allowed on the church premises. The only fuming allowed will be when you miss an easy nine. SpectatorsSpectators are most welcome to watch the final from 17:00, or to pop in for a chat at lunchtime or to watch at other times. There are always the delights of Reading to visit in between: as well as the largest shopping centre in central Berkshire, there is Reading Museum full of Roman remains, biscuit tins and the Bayeux Tapestry (replica). If you are travelling in and out from Woodley then an all day bus ticket is £4.00. AccommodationIf you need help with accommodation, then get in contact, though the timings mean most can travel on the day. Last time some folk stayed at the Holiday Inn at Winnersh Triangle, but the Travelodge at Winnersh Triangle is cheaper; both are handy for those coming by train or motorway and walkable to the venue and pub (also a cinema). Evening DrinksThe George, Loddon Bridge, will be the venue for the post-tournament drinks and optional bar meal or restaurant. There is usually room inside on a Saturday, though they have heaters so you can sit outside (except when the river has flooded the terrace). Timetable
FormatGames will be 15 round format, in the shipshape and Bristol style: that is, everyone plays in pairs, but using the same letters and numbers displayed at the front (sorry to those who like to pick tactically). Everyone will get the chance to pick in rotation. As we never managed to get the technology to work, we continue to display the letters, numbers and conundrums on a board at the front. Initial rounds will be seeded with pairings on the Swiss system (cheese not included), so everyone will get a chance to win at least one game regardless of your skill level. The best two players, based on number of wins and total score (or the largest bribes received), will play a public final. The word list in use will be that on apterous.org, based on ODO, or will be ODE3 if the computers let us down. Paper and writing instruments will be provided, though you might like to bring your own record book or lucky pencil. PrizesNo Countdown teapots, but lots of prizes for good performances, including spot prizes. The winner will get to hold the COREA teapot for at least five minutes. Entry FeesRecommended minimum donation £10 - larger amounts to support the charity would be appreciated
(bribes are optional). All ages welcome - younger children should be accompanied by a responsible adult. No irresponsible adults please! To EnterPlease send your name (plus apterous name if different) to corea at kisekigo.com. Or post on the forum thread or let me know on apterous. If you do not want to be listed on the player list in advance of the day let us know. Please pay in cash on the day (or cheques payable to "Christ Church Woodley"), Player ListJeff Clayton, Lisa Herman, Catriona Cappleman, Mike Brown, Chris Marshall, James Robinson, Jonathan Wynn, Neil Collins, Phyl Styles, Alan Styles, Peter Grieve, Graham Cole, Zubair Patel, Paul Talmey, Peter Clarke, Robert Foster. Contact
ORGANISER: Tony Atkins Tel: 0118 9268143; Home Last updated: 2017-04-14. |