A community group is planning a treasure hunt with a twist for its next annual event.

Villager Jon Spinage, as part of a newly established community group – Friends of Launton Parish Hall (FoLPH) – has set up a treasure hunt for the digital age.

Instead of a traditional scavenger hunt, teams taking part will use the What3Words app, which has divided the surface of the world into 3 metres squares, each of which has a unique 3-word address.

Teams will use the app to identify a spot in the village, and then answer a question about something they find in the location.

It may be something like ‘what is the number on the telegraph pole?’ or ‘what are the letters on the marker post?’.

There is a traditional element to the hunt too, with participants being tasked with such things as ‘find a white feather’ or ‘find a conker’.

Mr Spinage said: “When we were planning a return to the annual village treasure hunt, to mark the end of Covid restrictions, we realised we’d run out of good clues and questions.

“We were looking for a new angle on the activity.

“We thought, seeing as most people have a mobile phone, we could build on that technology.”

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The event, taking place on Sunday September 25 between 1.30pm and 4.00pm, starts at the Parish Hall with quiz questions to complete the 3-word location references for the hunt.

There are two trails to follow, one for families with children which will take around an hour and a half, and another, longer course for experienced teams.

After the hunt participants can return to the Parish Hall to submit their answers and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee.

Mr Spinage said: “It’s a fun way to spend an afternoon and is designed for families with children of any age, pre-school through to teenagers.

“The only kit needed by each team is a phone with the What3Words app installed, a Google account for submitting answers, and a couple of hours to follow the hunt.

“We’ll provide each team with an entry pack sponsored by East-West Rail with an outline of the event, the question-and-answer sheets for each location and the scavenger hunt team sheet.

“All who take part and complete the trail will get a personal certificate.

“Although it’s located in Launton, team entries from other villages or from Bicester are very welcome.

“You won’t need any special knowledge about Launton to complete the trail.”

Teams of up to six can enter. The cost is £5 for adults and £2.50 for children if pre-booked at https://launton.org/hunt/

The cost on the day will be £6 for adults and £3 for children.

Entry includes the first drink and cake, with additional refreshments available.   

 

Read more from this author

This story was written by Matthew Norman, he joined the team in 2022 as a Facebook community reporter.

Matthew covers Bicester and focuses on finding stories from diverse communities.

Get in touch with him by emailing: Matthew.norman@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter: @OxMailMattN1

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