[woodcote]

• I would really like to install some timing equipment and associated software. Any advice welcome!
  

As OXO cube said, a phone app is an easy solution - I'd recommend LapTracker-AutoTimer for iOS and LapTrax for Android. Both need careful setting up and will be susceptible to shadows triggering a rogue lap - so placement is important. If I have shadow issues, using the phone's torch to illuminate the track does help.

However, I use the robustness and versatility of a deadstrip, Arduino Uno clone and Race Coordinator on my hillclimb and rally stages (see walk-through tutorial here: https://slotracer.online/community/showt...p?tid=2061). It's not exactly ready at the flick of a switch, but it can be up and running in a couple of minutes. You'll need a PC or laptop running Windows 7 or higher - and a spare USB port to connect the Arduino.

A few drop-outs I experienced ended up being caused by using the short USB cable bundled with the Arduino, plus an extension lead. Since I replaced both with a £2.50 USB A to B data/printer cable, those bugs have disappeared.

I'm happy to help you get something similar sorted out for Friston Forest, if that's what you fancy.