CHOIR WALKERS BACK ON TRACK 

The CMVC walking group was back in action on Tuesday August 26 with a challenging circuit of more than five miles from the White Hart pub in Chipstead. Seven choir members spent three and a half hours walking through and over the North Downs in drizzly weather that did nothing to dampen their spirits.

The choir seven pose at their refreshment halt at Well House Inn (photo Trevor Watkins)

The walkers traversed a variety of landscapes, from woodland and meadows to grazing fields and horse paddocks. There were several stiff climbs and subsequent drops as they encountered the ridges and valleys of the Downs. They also steered a path among the manicured greens and bunkers of the Surrey Downs golf club.

A highlight of the walk was the refreshment stop at the Well House Inn in Chipstead Lane, superbly planned to arrive at the mid-point of the circuit. Then it was on to Mugswell, where the walk turned north and headed back towards the starting point.

Skirting Porter's Wood, one mile out from the start.

There was a second stop as the group neared the White Hart, when they paid an impromptu visit on choir second tenor Ernest Williams, who proudly displayed the giant crocuses sprouting from his lawn. Having left the pub at 3.15pm, the walkers arrived back there at 6.45pm, ready to down the real beer on offer and partake of the pub’s excellent gastro-menu.

The refreshment halt at Well Hall Inn

The seven walkers were Dick Jones, Trevor Watkins, Bob Mackay (second tenors), Roger Lee (baritone), Jon Evans, Steve Lloyd and Peter Gillman (basses). The top tenors were distinguished by their absence.

Stiff haul above Mugswell

The experiment of staging the walk in the afternoon was generally considered a success. The next walk is planned for 1.30pm on Wednesday October 1 (location to be decided). After that the walks will revert to mornings.

Jon Evans (bass) encounters horse (Photo Trevor Watkins)