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Choir walking group
Walk heroes smash distance record in tribute to pioneers
Seven choir walkers set a new distance record on Monday February 14 in an outing that commemorated the first choir walk ten years ago. Covering much of the same ground as the 2012 pioneers, they clocked up a total of 12.88 kms, or just over eight miles – consigning to history the previous record of 7.28 miles set on a Merstham-based walk in April 2017.
The seven record-breaking heroes
Northerly delights
A select group of six had a delightful outing on January 31, savouring the clear skies and stiff northerlies of a glorious winter day.
On the outward stretch from Westerham
Solstice and New Year outings
The walkers made two outings either side of Christmas and the New Year.
The first, on December 20, was the traditional winter solstice walk, which also commemorated the sad accident to befall walking veteran Martin “Polly” Perkins, who fractured his ankle during a walk on December 21, 2015.
Polly in good spirits at the White Lion
A walk and a sing for Dot
It was an early start for seven walkers gathering at the Sir Julian Huxley at 11am on November 29. Those who determined the sun was over the yardarm somewhere in the world enjoyed a couple of beers; others preferred coffee while contemplating the busy schedule ahead, with frosty ground to be covered.
Six of the seven trusty walkers, dressed against the cold
As the group were due to sing at Dot Stevens’ former care home at 3pm, George Taylor was dispatched to the nearby chemists to obtain Lateral Flow tests for all. Experienced testers coached others and soon all were gagging as the swabs were inserted. Fortunately the beer (and/or coffee) were at hand to aid recovery.
A walk in the dark
Thirsty walkers gathered outside The Hope in Carshalton at midday on November 15, waiting for the pub to open so that they could satisfy their pre-walk hydration requirements. Thirteen walkers set off, a number presaging the ill luck to come.
Happy walkers beside the Wandle, unaware of the shocks to come
There and back from Downe
Walk debutante JWT and returnee Brendan Redmond joined the group gathering at The Queens Head Downe on 25 October. But two participants were delayed: Dick Jones on a 146 bus and Tony Keel in his car, both trapped behind a 40ft container truck and triple-axle trailer which had apparently attempted to follow a Satnav route along the narrow lane into Downe. Once reunited, the group sang a farewell song to the barmaid and set off past the church in pleasant autumnal sunshine.
The Downe walkers, including Pete (far right) who joined them at intersection with London Loop.