CMVC
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Choir walking group
SPRING DOUBLE FOR WALKERS
The choir walking group notched two walks in the space of four weeks, both taking them through delightful Surrey countryside on routes designed by the new group navigator, Dave Bannister.
Choir walkers enjoy spring weather on April 29
The first walk, on April 29, began and ended at the Bell in Outwood. It covered a mix of farmland and woodland, and had the customary mid-route refreshment stop at the Jolly Farmer in Horne. Fourteen choir members convened at the Jolly Farmer of whom thirteen took part in the full circuit of 5.2 miles – setting a new record for the group.
KESTON WALKERS NOTCH CHOIR RECORD
The choir walking group made its first outing of the year on Friday April 10, completing a delightful 5.3-mile circuit from Keston in balmy spring weather.
The uphill stretch above Furze Bottom
A record thirteen members took part, beating the previous total of eight which was established in July 2013.
WALKERS ENJOY HALLOWEEN HEAT
The choir walkers enjoyed record-breaking Halloween heat on a five-mile walk circular walk from Tatsfield on October 31. The temperature nudged 70F as they followed a route taking them along a substantial stretch of the North Downs Way, with stunning views across the Kentish Weald.
North Downs Way, with views of the Weald
AUTUMN CIRCUIT FOR WALKERS
The choir’s walkers enjoyed a relaxing five-mile circuit from Godstone on October 1. They started and finished at the Bell in Godstone and stopped en route at the Barley Mow in Tandridge. In between they crossed a mix of countryside, including farmland, pasturage, woods and parkland.
Farmland near start of walk
CHOIR WALKERS BACK ON TRACK
The CMVC walking group was back in action on Tuesday August 26 with a challenging circuit of more than five miles from the White Hart pub in Chipstead. Seven choir members spent three and a half hours walking through and over the North Downs in drizzly weather that did nothing to dampen their spirits.
The choir seven pose at their refreshment halt at Well House Inn (photo Trevor Watkins)
The walkers traversed a variety of landscapes, from woodland and meadows to grazing fields and horse paddocks. There were several stiff climbs and subsequent drops as they encountered the ridges and valleys of the Downs. They also steered a path among the manicured greens and bunkers of the Surrey Downs golf club.
CHOIR WALKER CLIMBS TWO MUNROS
Choir walking group member Peter Gillman climbed two Munros at Easter. The Munros were Geal-Charn and A'Mharcoinach in the Drumochter Hills. The total ascent was 750 metres and the walk took Peter - a member of the bass section - and his son Seth six hours.
Peter celebrates on summit of Geal-Charn
The climb marked Peter's return to the Scottish hills following an accident in October 2012, when he ruptured his right quadriceps tendon. Following his operation at the Princess Royal Hospital, Farnborough, Peter spent three months in plaster and then on crutches.
"I set myself the motivational target of climbing a Munro," Peter says. "In the event Seth and I did two. It was a fabulous day, one of the best."
The Munros are Scottish mountains more than 3000ft (914ms) high. There are 283 of them and Peter finished climbing them in 2010. Peter is 72.
The choir walking group will be undertaking a low-level outing near Croydon soon.
Seth Gillman approaches summit of A'Mharcoinach