Croydon Outdoor Pursuits & Social Events Club

Xmas Event - postponed due to Covid caution
2021-12-21
This event will not take place on the date planned, due to caution over the Omicron variant. Hopefully we will be able to use all the preparation to enable an event in 2022.

No gathering
2021-12-28

Shelterbox Fundraiser
2022-01-04 20:00 - 22:00 (Europe/London) | South Croydon United Church Hall, Aberdeen Road, South Croydon, CR0 1EQ, United Kingdom

The Wonders of Bath
2022-01-11 20:30 - 22:00 | South Croydon United Church Hall, Aberdeen Road, South Croydon, CR0 1EQ, United Kingdom

Colouring evening
2022-01-18 20:30 - 22:00 | South Croydon United Church Hall, Aberdeen Road, South Croydon, CR0 1EQ, United Kingdom
Drawings will be supplied but bring your own coloring pencils, pens or anything similar.

Burns Night
2022-01-25 20:30 - 22:00 | South Croydon United Church Hall, Aberdeen Road, South Croydon, CR0 1EQ, United Kingdom

[Skiing] Builders Arms Quiz
2022-02-01 20:30 - 22:00 | Builder’s Arms Pub, 65 Leslie Park Road, Croydon, CR0 6TP

Wine Tasting
2022-02-08 20:30 - 22:00 | South Croydon United Church Hall, Aberdeen Road, South Croydon, CR0 1EQ, United Kingdom

Games Night
2022-02-15 20:30 - 22:00 | South Croydon United Church Hall, Aberdeen Road, South Croydon, CR0 1EQ, United Kingdom
Please bring along a table-top game (or two) of your choice, to share with your fellow COPSErs.
Alternatively, just bring yourself ready to join in. No pressure, no prizes.

Hamar Tribe of the Ethiopian Hills
2022-02-22 20:30 - 22:00 | South Croydon United Church Hall, Aberdeen Road, South Croydon, CR0 1EQ, United Kingdom

Pancakes
2022-03-01 20:30 - 22:00 | South Croydon United Church Hall, Aberdeen Road, South Croydon, CR0 1EQ, United Kingdom

UAE Expo + Extras
2022-03-08 20:30 - 22:00 | South Croydon United Church Hall, Aberdeen Road, South Croydon, CR0 1EQ, United Kingdom

John O'Groats to Land's End by Bike
2022-03-22 20:30 - 22:00 | South Croydon United Church Hall, Aberdeen Road, South Croydon, CR0 1EQ, United Kingdom

London Architecture
2022-03-29 20:00 - 22:00 | South Croydon United Church Hall, Aberdeen Road, South Croydon, CR0 1EQ, United Kingdom
NOTE EARLY START
As Richard advised in his email the other day, we have squeezed in a special presentation from Svitlana Bilun on her efforts to find accommodation for Ukrainian refugees. She is not intending to sign up COPSErs on the night to billet refugees, but to spread awareness of her work more widely among the community. It is a sort of extension of our ongoing work supporting Shelter. This presentation will start at 8pm.
Our main presentation is by Barry, who will present a talk and slideshow, the fruit of his researches into some interesting topics of London’s Architecture. See if you agree with his tastes!
Timetable for the evening:
8.00 Ukrainian refugees
8.15-8.30 Olga’s tea / coffee experience
8.30 Barry’s show

Captions and, er . . .
2022-04-05 20:30 - 22:00 | South Croydon United Church Hall, Aberdeen Road, South Croydon, CR0 1EQ, United Kingdom
. . . Contributions!
This Tuesday it’s the welcome return of Captions, when COPSE’s finest wits pin their comments onto embarrassing photos of their fellow members, to the general amusement and gaiety of all.
This year we’ve resolved the “?” to mean a free-for-all sharing experience: bring snacks of your choice to distribute and impress your friends. Sweet or savoury, doesn’t even have to begin with “C” or “K” – carrots, caviar, corn(pop), calamari and kale were all considered but rejected as imposing too great a limitation on your imagination.
Be there and enjoy! And there’s always Ruskin House for afters.

Outing: Folk Night at the Cryer Arts Theatre, + preceded by Wandle Walk
2022-04-12 15:30 - 23:00 | CryerArts Centre, 39 High St, Carshalton, Surrey, SM5 3BB
Keith says:
1) As you know, I’m arranging an outdoor COPSE visit to the Cryer Arts Studio In Carshalton High Street on Tuesday12th April for their regular “folk night” (2nd Tuesday of each month) which starts at 7.30pm.
I’ve been going there for a few months now and have been impressed by not only the “proper” stage, tables in front (which can be removed for folk/barn dancing), the staggered rear seating, the welcoming bar (open from 4pm + serving a variety of beers, wines + hot food.
2) Also, I’m intending to lead a short three mile walk from Wandle Park tram stop about 3.30pm to Carshalton Ponds(via the River Wandle, Beddington Park + The Grove) aiming to get to the venue by about 5.30pm for a meal + drinks.
Feel free to join us for the walk, the folk night or both.
Please book your tickets, individually or in groups, at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on?q=cryer-folk.
Alternatively, take a chance and turn up on the day.

Bird Talk by the RSPB
2022-04-19 20:30 - 22:00 | South Croydon United Church Hall, Aberdeen Road, South Croydon, CR0 1EQ, United Kingdom
“A Grand Day Out in Croydon”

Outing: Tenpin Bowling at Valley Park
2022-04-26 20:00 - 22:00 | Tenpin, Valley Park, Hesterman Way, Croydon, CR0 4YA
As I’m sure you’re all aware from intense perusal of previous announcements, our Club Night on Tuesday, 26th April, is focused on Tenpin Bowling.
You can, of course, just turn up to enjoy the social setting and company of your fellow COPSErs for no charge.
But, for the players, I have to book lanes – and pay! – in advance, so I need commitment from you quickly.
Please email Ken by end of Friday, 22nd April to book your games.
The price is a Tuesday Special, 50% off, £7.45 each for two games, and if so minded you can play more games by stumping up more cash on site. We will have a lane for each set of 6 people, so we’ll divide ourselves into teams of about 3 and, depending on numbers, swap around so we have some competition.
If you don’t know the place, the Tenpin Bowl offers a variety of activities besides bowling – table tennis, pool, arcade games plus café and bar – so you can diversify once there. Also, for eating, there are various fooderies around including Creams Café, Frankie & Bennie’s, Chiquito, McDonalds and Burger King.
In summary:
Where?
Tenpin Valley Park Leisure Complex
Hesterman Way
Croydon CR0 4YA
When?
Lanes will be booked for 8.30. Arrive between 8.00 and 8.15 to be ready to play.
Getting there?
Tram: Ampere Way (9 minute walk, says Google)
Buses:
455 to Franklin Way / Valley Park (8 minute walk)
189 to Purley Way / Newman Road (12 minute walk)
Alternatively, plenty of car parking.
How much?
£7.45 up front for two games, more on the night if you want to play more

Outing: Quiz Nite at the Builders Arms
2022-05-03 20:30 - 22:00 | Builder’s Arms Pub, 65 Leslie Park Road, Croydon, CR0 6TP
Yet another attempt to claim the Builders Arms Quiz prize. This time for sure!
We’ll enter as many teams as we can. The quiz usually starts at 9pm.

Drawing
2022-05-10 20:30 - 22:00 | South Croydon United Church Hall, Aberdeen Road, South Croydon, CR0 1EQ, United Kingdom
Hope to see lots of folk willing to have a go at still life drawing. Materials provided include A4 & A3 paper, charcoal and soft lead pencils. We’ll try to avoid using rubbers though bring one if you prefer. If you wish to use colour please bring your own. Please also bring a board to lean on, like a piece of hardboard or thick cardboard so that you’re not working flat and some clips to secure if you have. Attached is a photo of the kind of set up for drawing. If you have objects that you’d like to include please bring to the session, though nothing too complex, simple shapes are needed. I’ll do a demo and bring some examples.
Look forward to see your creations.
Teresa 😊
—

Walk to Coombe Gardens to see the flowers.
2022-05-17 19:00 - 22:00
Meet at Lloyd Park tram stop at 7.30
OR
By Park Hill Park entrance (Barclay Road) at 7.10
Drinks at the Coombe Lodge Pub

Musical Instruments
2022-05-24 20:30 - 22:00 | South Croydon United Church Hall, Aberdeen Road, South Croydon, CR0 1EQ, United Kingdom
As you’ve seen from Ireen’s email, it’s dedicated to the fun and frolics of exploring the world of musical instruments.
This is your chance to show off your hitherto unsuspected virtuosity on the kazoo, or just to try an instrument you have always hankered after – or possibly have never even heard of.
We’ll have a variety of examples of instruments strange and familiar in the Hall. The idea is to give any of them a try, satisfy curiosity and have fun.

Musical skill and training definitely not a prerequisite!

Ireen’s words:
Dear All,
We do hope both those of you with musical ability, plus those who think they have none will come through the door this Tuesday! If you believe you belong in the latter category, don’t worry – there will be a chance to try spare instruments and to enjoy this “have a go” opportunity. Members with musical ability will be assisting others to try things out.
Please remember to bring with you any of your own instruments – or, perhaps, from the loft, the ancient family one you found that once belonged to a grandparent! We’ll share any talent around and everyone can try to produce some harmonious sounds – or otherwise! Should be fun. Remember: percussion, brass, wind, string – all instruments welcome.
The attached photos show the Ashcroft stage at the Fairfield Halls last night. It was filled with guitars and four talented musicians. Unfortunately, we shan’t have those young men with us at our hall but their playing might have inspired any other COPSERs who attended the evening. If you have a double-necked guitar, do bring it to show us.

Platinum Jubilee Night
2022-05-31 20:30 - 22:00 | South Croydon United Church Hall, Aberdeen Road, South Croydon, CR0 1EQ, United Kingdom
Dear All,

This will be the night to bring along your or your family’s memorabilia from the reign of QE II. Anything that is connected with her past seventy years, her 1953 coronation or anything further back that has any “royal” connection. We’ll have a display table set up in the room for your mugs, books, tea towels, teaspoons, etc. Surprise us with what has remained stowed in your home!

Please try to bring a contribution of food. Probably, most of us try to be healthy with outdoor exercise and our regular dietary choices. However, for one night, we’ll indulge ourselves in the “cuisine” that would have been common party food during 1952/3 or that has any royal connection. (Think sausage rolls, sardine, jam, spam, or hard-boiled egg sandwiches; coronation chicken, Victoria sponge, jammy dodgers . . . and so on.) Whatever comes through our hall door will be shared so please do try to bring something, if you can. Also, please pop into a bag and bring along your own plate or bowl, plus cutlery, so no-one is faced with an extra washing-up task in our hall kitchen.

To add to the sense of occasion, don any early ’50s attire that you can think of. If you really can’t dress in period style, try at least, to go for something red, white and blue.

It’s planned to have some little appropriate challenges / party games. There will be points! There will be a prize!!

Mostly, whatever happens will depend on your involvement so come along with the thought of having a good COPSE “D.I.Y.” time.

Regards,
Ireen Best

Quiz Night - Expect the Inquizition!
2022-06-07 20:30 - 22:00 | South Croydon United Church Hall, Aberdeen Road, South Croydon, CR0 1EQ, United Kingdom
Roll up tomorrow for our first in-house Quiz Night in a while, this time compiled and led by Nicky. Expect interesting questions, surprises and possibly even a working onscreen scoresheet.
Please arrive for 8.30 sharp(ish) so we can all get under way together.
And don’t forget, even if you can’t answer a question, you can at least impress the rest of us with your original and witty team name.

Bring your Work Home with you, part 8
2022-06-14 20:30 - 22:00 | South Croydon United Church Hall, Aberdeen Road, South Croydon, CR0 1EQ, United Kingdom
Six COPSErs will be sharing some of their workplace details with us this week. We don’t always know how each of us has been gainfully employed to earn the ££s so this will be a chance to dip into someone else’s working life and to discover how the “daily bread” has been achieved. There will be a considerable variety of occupations presented and, apart from the treat of learning something different and interesting, an actual treat awaits all of us who can make it through our hall door!

Please arrive for coffees / teas at 8.15pm. We hope to have folk in their seats and “the show on the road” by 8.30pm. Thank you.

Midsummer walk in Kelsey Park - Beckenham
2022-06-21 19:00 - 22:00
Meet at East Croydon Tram Stop in time to get the 19.09 tram to Beckenham Junction which arrives there at 19.34.
We will walk to Kelsey Park and around it.

Visitors' Open Evening
2022-06-28 20:15 - 22:00 | South Croydon United Church Hall, Aberdeen Road, South Croydon, CR0 1EQ, United Kingdom

Indoor Picnic with Theme
2022-07-05 20:30 - 22:00 | South Croydon United Church Hall, Aberdeen Road, South Croydon, CR0 1EQ, United Kingdom
This week we are having an indoor picnic – with a little bit of a theme. Although we ask people to bring their own food and drinks, it will be interesting to see if each COPSE Member can select “picnic basket” contents that will reflect an area they have come from, visited or from where they particularly enjoy the cuisine. Hence, the theme of our picnic is “International” or “Home & Away”.
The idea is not for people to supply sufficient to feed everyone else in the room but, if inclined, perhaps have some spare little “tasters” for anyone showing particular interest. Perhaps some of you might like to decorate your own eating space with the colours of a different area of the British Isles – or of a more far-flung cultural region/ background/nation.
From Cornish pasties to Welsh cakes or Scotch eggs; from Yorkshire pudding (cold?!) to a pot of Scouse; from a worldwide range of cheeses to tortillas or tacos, the choice and contributions will come from you.
Also, I believe there is still some Nigerian Guinness to wash it all down – although you can add your own choice of drinks, of course.
Time to eat and time to socialise – a pleasant Club Night in prospect.

Travels in New Zealand
2022-07-12 20:30 - 22:00 | South Croydon United Church Hall, Aberdeen Road, South Croydon, CR0 1EQ, United Kingdom

Walk – Brickfields and South Norwood Country Park
2022-07-19 19:30 - 22:00
A gentle evening stroll!
Meet at Blackhorse Lane Tram Stop 19.30. This is about 9 minutes from E.Croydon on an Elmers End or Beckenham Junction tram (not New Addington) Also bus 197 stops nearby.
We will walk through the Brickfields Park to Tennison Road, then via Enmore Road to South Norwood Country Park. After a circuit of that we will return from Arena Tram Stop about 21.00.
Trams back to E.Croydon from there, or alight at Addiscombe for a drink at the Claret & Ale, just 30 seconds from that tram stop. A very pleasant little pub!
