CMVC
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Choir walking group
Wildest South London
Thirteen walkers left the Dukes Head on Wallington Green on February 24 2025 and were soon in Beddington Park. After crossing the bridge over the Wandle lakes, we headed for the northwest corner of the park and the entrance to Beddington Farmlands. Formerly a landfill site, gravel pit and part of the local sewage farm, this is now being renovated into a wonderful nature reserve and bird sanctuary.
"Like being in Scotland" - photo JP.
Two bracing winter walks
Seven walkers headed north from The Woodman in Woodmansterne on December 2 and soon turned left into wet grassy fields. Then came a public footpath across the Mayfield Lavender Farm which alas was devoid of lavender on a cold winter's day.
The Woodman six (photo JP)
Four walks in four months
The group undertook four outings in the period July-October 2024
On July 22, there were five on a walk starting at the Blue Bell in Walton. The selfie by JP shows them in Walton Heath.
JP selfie shows the Walton Heath Five
Flat beyond Reigate
True summer sunshine greeted the six walkers leaving the Skimmington Castle on Reigate Heath on Wednesday 19 June. Navigator Dave had promised nearly flat terrain – an exact reprise of the second choir walk he had led way back in 2015.
The June 19 six (selfie by George Taylor)
No watering holes, no worries
Walking around Woldingham’s glorious Marden Park is challenging for the choir as it’s difficult to find watering holes in the required places. However a select group of four were not to be beaten as they left the William Garland pub in the centre of Caterham on May 27 for the short walk up to navigator Dave Bannister’s house. There they hopped into John Parker’s car for the short journey up to where the North Downs Way crossed the A22.
Three of the Woldingham Four (Photo John Parker)
Walkers, please note
Choir members take part in informal local walks once every 3-4 weeks. These are mostly circular walks of 5-6 miles with a mid-walk refreshment stop, following a route proposed by a navigator. During British Summer Time they usually start at 2.30pm and finish around six, with a meal at the start/finish pub to follow. When the clocks revert to GMT, the walks start progressively earlier, starting around midday or 12.30 during the winter. All choir members are welcome to take part, and they are welcome to invite guests too. Please note that members and guests take part in the walks as individuals, and so take full personal responsibility for their own safety. The walkers followed all rules and guidance in respect of gatherings and outdoor activities during the Covid crisis.