CMVC
History and Heritage
Information
Members
Choir walking group
Puffing and crayfish
Dave the Navigator and Head of Apres Drinking Martin Perkins were beaten to the Skimmington Castle on Reigate Heath for pre-walk drinks on Friday 30 May by Johns Parker and Marshall – a notable event as this was only the second time these two stalwarts had been bested in three years of walking.
The Reigate eleven
Spring walks in Farleigh and Richmond
For the first of our two outings, ten walkers, including new bass recruit John Parker, gathered at the Harrow in Farleigh on 13 April. We then discovered we were too large a group for the solitary chef on duty to feed us at 6pm, so social member Ted Mouat was dispatched in his car to find an alternative pub for after our walk. In the meantime, the walkers set off northwards across Farleigh Common. After a few hundred yards the pacemakers were overtaken by a scampering Misty, followed at a more sedate pace by latecomer Nick Hewitt making a welcome return to the walking group.
Springtime in Richmond, with navigator Dick Jones (see report below)
Winter walk at Arundel
Full winter conditions on Arundel downland
As part of their research into candidates for the new choir MD, walk organiser Peter and navigator Dave found themselves in Arundel on a snowy afternoon on 19 March. They had travelled down ahead of an evening rehearsal in order to enjoy the town and surrounding countryside. After visiting the impressive cathedral (with surely potential for a choir visit one day) they parked at the Black Rabbit pub on the River Arun and donned full winter walking gear.
Two walks around Caterham and Nutfield
Ten walkers, including new second tenor Brendan Redmond, set out from the King and Queen, Caterham, on 23 February. Their route led across Westway Common and through the grounds of the former St Lawrence's Hospital, then turned right along Green Lane. As they reached the former Caterham Barracks site, Navigator Dave pointed out Elizabeth Court Care Home, where walkers had previously serenaded his mum and other residents.
Crossing Kenley aerodrome
Ascending Croydon's peaks
Ten walkers gathered at Coombe Lodge on January 29 and set off southwards down Conduit Lane. The group crossed Croham Valley Road, passed Croham Hurst Golf Club, the venue of a recent choir concert, and ascended onto the Croham Hurst summit.
The Croydon mountaineers
Local expert Neil Pontin helped explain the unique geology and indicated a naturally formed concrete outcrop hidden in the undergrowth before leading the group downhill to a short road section towards Littleheath.
Braving the January mud
A record-equalling 16 walkers, including four partners, left the White Lion on January 12 2018 and headed south along Limpsfield Road. The group turned into Blanchman's Farm Nature Reserve and encountered the first of the notorious Warlingham mud and wetland.
The magnificent sixteen
After emerging near the top of Bug Hill we headed down a steep woodland path, steadying ourselves by grasping convenient trees, until we reached Plantation Lane, the track which contours above Woldingham Golf Course in the Halliloo Valley. The watery wintery sunlight helped us enjoy the views across the valley and up to Nore Hill, reviving memories of previous walks.