C O R E A

COREA 2018

Countdown in Reading

In aid of Christian Blind Mission

CBM

Saturday 31st March 2018

This is the Saturday of Easter weekend

Christ Church, Crockhamwell Road, Woodley, Reading RG5 3LA

Results of 2017 - Winner Rob Foster

Results of 2016 - Winner Tom Cappleman

Results of 2015 - Winner Jack Worsley

Results of 2014 - Winner Jack Worsley

Results of 2013 - Winner Mark Deeks

Results of 2012 - Winner James Robinson

Hosts: "T for" Tony Atkins, Martyn "The Rev" Neads and Hannah McIntosh MA
and we are hoping the lovely Samantha will be keeping score.

Location

Woodley is on the east side of Reading (not pronounced "reading") in Berkshire (not pronounced "burkshire").

If you end up in one of the other places called Woodley, then you will miss the event.

Woodley is not far from the M4 and A4 (two big roads with simple numbers), just off the A329(M) (also a big road but with a confusing number).

Woodley can be accessed by bus from the Reading station (bus stop in Blagrave Street opposite RailAir entrance). There is a number 13 bus to Woodley at 10:15 that stops 5 minutes from the church (single is £2.00 and return (Reading all day ticket) £4.00 - exact fare or contactless payment only).

You can also travel on the Waterloo-Reading line to our nearest station Earley (not Woodley station) from where you can walk (15-25 minutes walk from the venue), or to Winnersh Triangle if staying at the nearby hotel or visiting the pub.

For further information see getting to Christ Church.

Those coming from the south-east note that Loddon Bridge Road will be closed again by the George, so you will have to use Bader Way instead.

If you are flying, then sorry we haven't completed the heliport yet, but jetpack users can land in the rear garden.

Christ Church is a modern church with several halls, a car park (supervised by Marvin) and a nice blue sign board (with white posts). 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.

Lifts

If you can offer or need a lift then let me know and I will try and put people in touch.

Charity

The church has kindly let us use the church hall for free, as long as we raise money for their 2018 charity project which is Christian Blind Mission.

In 2017 we raised £200 for Alzheimer's Research UK, in 2016 £200 for Mityana Charity in Uganda, and in 2015 £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.

Refreshments

Tea, 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.

Spectators

Spectators 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.

Accommodation

If 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 Drinks

The 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

Registration10:30 to 11:00
Round 111:00
Round 212:00
Lunch13:00-14:00
Round 314:00
Round 415:00
Round 516:00
Final17:00
Prizes18:00

Format

Games 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.
Warning: mislaying your lucky pencil, and being forced to use a biro, can cause you to lose your games (as can getting no sleep the night before).

Prizes

No 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 Fees

Recommended minimum donation £10 - larger amounts to support the charity would be appreciated (bribes are optional).
Tax Payers will be invited to Gift Aid their donations to squeeze more cash out of the government's hard earned money.

All ages welcome - younger children should be accompanied by a responsible adult. No irresponsible adults please!

To Enter

Please 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"),
sorry, as it's for charity, no paypal/cards.

Player List

Jonathan Wynn, Neil Collins, Tom Cappleman, Chris Marshall, Jonathan De Souza, Sean Fletcher, Graeme Cole, Mark Murray, Zubair Patel, Catriona Cappleman, Dorothy Flint.

Contact

ORGANISER: Tony Atkins      Tel: 0118 9268143;
On the day mobile: 0782 665 1796 (please use this if you have a travel problem and will be late arriving).

Tony Atkins on Countdown



Home Last updated: 2018-03-26.