BOF Annual Awards 2025: Silva Award Winner – Mark Thompson (TVOC)

The Silva Award goes to an individual who has made a very significant contribution to orienteering over a period of years, with an emphasis on ‘field' activities rather than committee work. 

An active member of the club since 1996, he has been extremely active in the Mapping and Planning fields, as well as serving in various roles for the club. 

Thames Valley Roles 

• Chair in the early 2000’s for some 4 years. 
• Equipment Officer for 10 years. 
• In 2006, he was responsible for commencing our successful Saturday Series and continued in that role for some 12 years. This has been a major source of new members to our club. Responsible for coordinating all the events, finding officials and armchair controlling every event. 
• He returned to this role in 2025. 
• Formulated and sits on our Mapping and Events group, allowing us to plan into the future. 

Mapping 

• Mark has been an active mapper for some 25 years and has been responsible for bringing Hambleden back into use and upgrading the map to the highest possible standard (British Champs Relays 2023). This has saved fees for literally thousands of Orienteers. 
• Currently remapping Christmas Common and Nettlebed from scratch using Lidar. 
• Various other maps, including regular updates. A total of some 10 areas over the years. 
• Mentors a new mapper across 2 areas going forward. 

Planning 

• Lead Planner: 
• British Middles 2017 
• British Championship Relays 2023 
• 4 Chiltern Challenges at level B. 
• Numerous Level C and D 
• Regular planner for Military League South. At least 2 events a year last 5 years. 

Controlling 

• A regular Level B Controller for our neighbouring clubs. For instance, 2025 HH Ace of Herts, plus another level C for BKO. 
• Been a regular controller for 15 years plus. 

Summary 

Mark Thompson is a constant volunteer and always willing to help out at any club event, and often can be seen working two jobs at our Saturday Series. 

He is a great example of our sport, and we think he would be a worthy recipient of this award. 

Well done Mark! 

Tomorrow, we will move on to our Mapping Award Winners 2025. Come back to view more details on who was awarded.