@Oliver, yes, the word is out. I spoke to a couple employees at Mason's store about it. The one said he was ok with it because nothing should change really and that they had been told that it would be business as usual. A second employee was upset that I used the term "bought out" and corrected me that it was "sold". I wasn't aware of the negative connotation of being "bought out"... so, sorry if I offended anyone there, I didn't mean it. He, too, believes that Fogh services a different market so that nothing should change.
@Adrian, my thoughts exactly. Fogh and Mason's are very different stores and I shop at both routinely... I'm curious to see how things will change. When competition is bought out, it is rarely in favour of the consumer.
As for the LO300... yes, please do! I'm working my way to my goals and have been thinking about doing the short-handed series next year and would love to attempt the LO300 at some point. Technically, for us, it's not the 300nm course because our PHRF rating is too low; They have a shortened course for us. However, it would still be a challenge I may want to undertake.
It looks like I may be given another free ticket or two. Depending on how that plays out, it looks like I get to go back for attempt #3!