CMVC
History and Heritage
Information
Members
Choir walking group
Singing for Jilly, and records too
The walking group had an action-packed outing on Monday September 13, staging an affecting performance at a care home in Kew and setting several group records during the day.
Choir walkers take to the sea with Jolly Roger at Cecil Court (photo Katrina Keel)
The walkers, with two newcomers, sang at the Cecil Court care home in Kew, residence of tenor Dick Jones’ partner Jilly. The fifteen-strong choir sang twelve pieces in all, selecting pieces from its current repertoire including Nessun Dorma and Song of the Jolly Roger and ending on The Soldier’s Farewell.
Where the corn was as high....
Eleven walkers left The Fox on 23 August and descended steeply into Happy Valley, then crossed wheat fields before arriving at the ancient Chaldon Church. On a lockdown visit we had been unable to enter the church. This time we did so and sang Jacob's Ladder under the eponymous mediaeval mural, recently revealed after being whitewashed by reformation puritans.
The scenic view from the path behind the church was obscured by corn "as high as an elephant's eye" as we headed for Alderstead Wood where WW2 vintage concrete roads indicated its military camp history. After crossing Rook Lane via a dangerously concealed style, we passed Tolsworth Manor Farm and crested the ridge of the North Downs Way.
Oh what a beautiful afternoon....
Snake in the grass
The weather was fine on July 26 as six walkers left the Hare and Hounds southwards across Godstone Green and along Ivy Mill Lane. We turned left and ascended the farm track over the Greensand Ridge and followed the Greensand Way westwards.
The infamous Polly's peak (photo: Banners)
The group voted against climbing a steep path onto Polly's Peak, preferring to keep to lower ground and view the site of the famous injury and rescue across the ragwort from the meadow below.
Polly takes a bus
After departure from the Ramblers' Rest on 28 June was delayed for 20 minutes by a sharp shower, the group were soon ascending Chipstead Downs, traversing the Harholt Plantation and Banstead Woods before emerging near Perrott's Farm.
Steep stretch near Woodmansterne (photo: Banners)
Flying high from Chelsham
On 7 June fourteen walkers, including debutante Jackie Farrant, gathered at The Bull on Chelsham Common on a glorious sunny afternoon. After a stretch through flat fields we crossed Limpsfield Road and reached Nore Hill with its stunning vistas across to Woldingham.
The fourteen take R&R at golf club
Walking in the new normal
The choir walkers staged two outings in April and May 2021, taking advantage of the less stringent Covid regulations but still adhering to government guidelines. On 26 April two “sixpack” groups left the Bletchingley Arms and headed for Brewer Street and its glorious Tudor farmhouse. Navigator Dave pointed out the site of Bletchingley Palace, gifted by Henry VIII to Anne of Cleves in 1540.
Back to new normal walking in spring sunshine