WARLINGHAM WALKERS SURVIVE

The hard-core choir walkers completed another successful outing on Monday 11 January (2016), this time without incurring any serious injuries.   The walk started at the White Lion in Warlingham and soon encountered boggy ground, the result of heavy rainfall during the previous week.

Walkers pose on Nore Hill summit

Conditions for the eight walkers improved as they worked uphill in clear weather to reach the top of Nore Hill, one of the highest points in Surrey.  After posing for the summit photograph, they made the steep descent to reach the Green Dragons Hoving Hole hang-gliding base.  They had planned a refreshment stop at Woldingham Golf Club but it was closed, due to the inclement weather, and instead diverted to Woldingham Garden Centre.

Walkers encounter muddy conditions near the start

Shortly afterwards they made the strenuous ascent of the slopes above the golf club and reached Blanchman’s Farm, where our navigator, Dave “Banners” Bannister, pointed proudly at the examples of hedge-laying (Southern Counties style) he had carried out just a few weeks previously.  From there it was a brisk return, through more boggy ground and paddy fields, to the White Lion.

Ascent above Warlingham

The walk was graced by the presence, at the start, mid-point and end, of Martin “Polly” Perkins, who cut a dash in his plaster and wheelchair.  His carer was 87-year-old registered disabled Ted Mouat, who had to push Martin to and from the Chelsham Garden Centre after they mistakenly tried to meet us there for tea.  Martin   is continuing to recover from his ankle injury (multiple fractures and dislocation) sustained on the previous walk.

Walkers (and Misty) do a selfie en route to Nore Hill summit

During this walk, John Marshall did his best to emulate Martin by slipping as he crossed the fence at the start of the Nore Hill descent, escaping with some spectacular bruses.  Tony Keel however successfully vaulted a gate in the manner first demonstrated by Bob Mackay several walks ago.  The walkers should otherwise be congratulated for their vigilance and for being well-equipped (in some cases) with walking poles, gaiters and winter outdoor gear.  Nick Hewitt fared well in his wellies and his faithful hound Misty was an enlivening presence.

The steep descent from Nore Hill summit

The next walk is slated for Wednesday 10 February – details to follow.

STOP PRESS: Trevor Watkins' photo captures the moment Tony Keel, watched by Banners and Misty, vaults a gate and survives.