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
Half-time was taken at the Sportsman in Mogador. The valiant five had naturally intended to dine at their starting point, said Blue Bell (or Blue Ball as it became known). Contrary to the indications on its website, it did not offer dinner on Monday evenings. The five decamped to the Ramblers' Rest in Cousldon instead.
On August 26, 13 set out from the Hare and Hounds in Godstone and had their halftime at the Barley Mow. This was the day of the Godstone Bank Holiday fare where we sang last year. This time, we had less of an audience and adjourned after a spartan meal at the Hare and Hounds. There were no fewer than five women in the group, setting a new percentage record @ 38.5%.
Twelve of the Godstone 13 at ther Barley Mow. NB five women, a record 38.5%.
September 11 was the day of the walk, arranged by Dick Jones, for the sing at his partner Jully’s care home in Kew. The group met at the Botanist on Kew Green and then walked the short distance to the care home, where a group of around 15 - including walkers and non-walkers - sang to a very appreciative audience.
Six of the walkers at the Bell and Crown. Five went on to complete the full route. (Photo George T)
The same group took further refreshment at the Belll and Crown. The walkers followed the Thames path for another stop at the Bulls Head in Barnes, then crossed Barnes Common to a riverside ending at the Rocket in Putney. The total distance was 4.5 miles and a record was set for the number of pubs - four - visited on any one walk.
The group was back in action on October 29, starting at a tried-and-tested favourite, the Fox on Coulsdon Common. Despite bleak skies and drizzle, there were 13 who set out along familiar paths across Happy Valley and reached the Chaldon church of St Peter and St Paul. The walkers inspected the stunning mural Ladder of Salvation, dating back to around 1200 AD, which was whitewashed during Cromwell's puritanism and was rediscovered in 1869. As on previous visits, the choir sang Jacob's Ladder in tribute.
Artistic moment: George Taylor climbs a stile
The route led across fields into Alderstead Wood and up past Tollsworth Manor Farm onto the North Downs Way. Most of the group then opted for a scenic route along the edge of the downs while two remained on the national trail all the way to half-time at another familiar venue, the Harrow pub. The two groups arrived at the same time.
There we paused for moment to remember the occasion when the estimable Ted Mouat wrecked our plan for a stop during the Covid era when he asked the guvnor if the 10-strong party of walkers had arrived yet. Then we took the direct route back to the Fox for an excellent and speedy meal, joined near the end by Katrina Keel. The total distance, as measured by Dick Jones, was an impressive 6.7 miles.
The Godstone 13 minus 1 = John Parker, photographer