Maypole
The Maypole is a car navigation event organised by the Scout County of Greater London North for members of the Scout and Guide Associations.
It is aimed primarily at members of the Explorer Scout and Ranger Guide sections. Scout Network members, Guide Rangers, and older members of the two Associations, such as Scouters, Guiders and Fellowship members, are equally welcome to compete.
The aim of The Maypole is to find code boards and visit marshalled control points. Finding the code boards requires accurate map reading to get your team to the right location and then careful searching to find the board. All participants must be members of the Scout or Guide Associations, and at least 14 years of age on the night of the event. All drivers MUST have a FULL driving licence. Provisional licence holders will not be permitted to drive on this event. All drivers will be asked to show their photo card licence at registration on the night. It is the driver’s responsibility to ensure that the car entered has adequate insurance for this event. If you are in any doubt, consult your insurance company or broker.
The Maypole experience was changed in 2010, so it is important that you read these details.
1. New Map
Many Scout activities have changed to using the Explorer Maps (1:25000) recently. The St. Albans and Hatfield Map (sheet 182) covers just under 40% of the original Luton and Hertford (1:50000) sheet, so the event area is smaller, calling for less driving and more accurate navigation. The Luton and Hertford sheet will be of very little use in this event. You are advised to leave it at home!
2. Romer
Because of the change of scale with the map, you will need to check that your romer shows the larger grid squares. Competitors with access to a laser printer can print one easily enough, but test it before the event.
3. Marshals
There will be two marshals, and the penalty for not visiting them is heavy. There will be activities at both, involving searches with compass and torch. Both marshals will remain open for a single period and there is no additional bonus for visiting them at a particular time.
4. Code Boards
These will be of the usual dimensions (approximately 125mm x 85mm), but the instructions for locating them will be different from previous years. These instructions will comprise a mix of simple grid references, simple mathematical puzzles, map searches and complex puzzles relying on the topographical features of the map. You will not need a degree in geology or geography, because all the information will be on the map, but we hope to tax everyone’s brain as well as providing some easier clues for all participants.
5. Start and Finish
By kind permission of the 5th Potters Bar Scout Group, we shall start and finish at their Scout Hut which is next to The Furzefield Centre on Mutton Lane in Potters Bar. The grid reference is 240.75 017.50
As this is a residential area, we ask that noise is kept to a minimum when returning to the finish.
6. The Competition
This is a navigation competition between teams within vehicles. There is no timing on the road. (The only time restriction is that all teams must be back at the finish by the close time, or they are deemed to have withdrawn.) The navigation is the key to winning, and each team must work out its own navigation. Because the instructions for the code board locations involve some “thinking” you will probably wish to spend time at the start making decisions and plotting your route. Please do this in or at your car. Conferring with other teams constitutes cheating. Teams will be penalised if any cheating is observed at any point of the event.
The Maypole is organised by Chris Feakes on behalf of Greater London North Scout County. If you have any questions or would like further information or entry forms, please contact Chris by email at:
Click for details of how to enter
Click for Frequently Asked Questions about Maypole
Click for a report on Maypole 2010