CMVC
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Members
Choir walking group
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 group 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 however that members and guests take part in the walks as individuals, and so take full personality responsibility for their own safety.
A tale of two sunsets
Nine walkers assembled at the Fox on Coulsdon Common on 16 October, a venue which happily suited the morning environmental activities of Dave our Navigator. Upon leaving the Fox, we negotiated slippery grass and steps across the wonderful Happy Valley, and up a muddy track onto Leazes Lane. A narrow path traversed the Surrey National Golf Course before emerging onto the busy Rook Lane.
The nine plus Ted at Harrow halfway point
An autumn walk
Six doughty hardy walkers left the Feathers Hotel in Merstham and crossed the road into the aptly named Quality Street. They headed west towards the North Downs Way through Merstham cricket club and Reigate Hill golf club, with its wonderful views in all directions.
The six plus Ted and Sally at the mid-walk break at the Yew Tree
The bus boys go walking
For the first time, all six walkers who gathered at the Aperfield Inn near Biggin Hill on September 9 had come by public transport. Only social member Ted Mouat arrived by car.
Five of the six bus-riders (photos John Parker)
The wettest walk
The auguries for the walk on August 12 were not good. The usual pre-amble drinkers, Dave, Polly and JP, who had arrived at the Carpenters Arms in Limpsfield by bus, watched from the bar as the rain poured down outside. Polly was particularly disconcerted, as he had somehow misread the forecast and arrived with a poncho of dubious quality acquired for free at a sporting event. In addition, the sole of one of his shoes had come adrift.
Eight of the wettest walkers
Downs and ups on the Downs
Seven walkers, including new guest Andrea Scott, set off from the Harrow Caterham in midsummer sunshine on July 8. At the nearby Quarry Hangers viewpoint, Dave the Navigator paused to reminisce about the glorious sunset they had witnessed from this spot at 17.06 in January 2016, and pointed out Mercer's Lake in the distance which was close to today's half-way pub.
Six of the Downs walkers (photo Andrea Scott)