Croydon Outdoor Pursuits & Social Events Club

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

Walk on the South Downs - 9 miles
2022-04-18 09:00 - 17:00
From Hassocks to Lewes. A stiff (steep) ascent of Downs near start then undulating. Mostly even underfoot maybe ruts so boots better than shoes.

Train to Hassocks: MEET AT EAST CROYDON AT 9.15 (or earlier if you want to buy from the ticket office window rather than ticket machine; train departs 9:33am). Buy a DAY RETURN TO HASSOCKS.

Return from Lewes (at Lewes station we buy a single to Wivelsfield to re-join the route covered by the return ticket). The combined return and single fares should be £25.40 full fare. Network cards etc could be shared for third off.

Bring PACKED LUNCH and something to sit on (plastic bag / mat) and of course suitable clothing including extra layers (hat, scarf and gloves in case cold wind). Refreshments at Lewes (pub / café) at end of walk before catching train back.

Andrew
07985 936953

Walk Edenbridge to Bletchingley - 10 miles
2022-04-16 09:00 - 17:00
Meet at East Croydon station at 09:00 to catch the 09:22 train to Edenbridge Town which arrives at 09:45.
Bring a packed lunch, but refreshments will be available en route.
For additional info call Margaret 07985 198 947

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.

Bike Ride from Croydon
2022-04-10 10:00 - 17:00
Assemble at Canary Cafe on the Brighton road for a 10:30 departure, so come at 10am for a quick coffee before setting off. Just South of Whitgift School, you can’t miss it. From there we will head further South.
Depending on the weather, on the day and in the days ahead, will depend our ultimate path from Croydon. Some paths could be muddy if we have had wet weather. We have two options:
Godstone Vinyards via Caterham – this is a circular route we took some years ago, which was great fun. As long as it is dry under our tyres, this route is a classic, but it has some off road sections that might be muddy if it has been raining. Quiet back routes down through South Croydon to Caterham, where there is an option to get the train home, or to meet us from the train if you are running late. Then off into alpine Caterham, over the A22 on the bridge, and down to the Vinyards, where there is a cafe. Back via private roads through Warlingham School, into Warlingham, and home down Limpsfield Road.
Keep Cycling South. Further afield on a linear route with the train home. With good weather and strong legs we could take the high road up Riddlesdown to Warlingham, the bike track along the Limpsfield Road to Botley Hill, down through Clackett Lane into Limpsfield Chart, and on to Lingfield, or further, with a train home once we are done. We follow the train line so there are lots of options to get home.
When we get closer to the date we will confirm the final plan, based on your preferences, and the weather

Part 3 Seagull Trail- Old Coulsdon to Nutfield 8-9 miles
2022-04-09 10:00 - 17:00
Meet in the main foyer of East Croydon Rail Station from 10am to pick up the 466 bus @ 10.21
The walk begins at St John’s Church around 11am. We then walk to Bletchingley where there will be a chance to visit the church, cruise the many antique shops and have a drink in one of the pubs if wanted to. (Possibility for anyone to leave walk here and head back on a Redhill bus.)
Returning from Nutfield Rail Station, trains at 29 mins past each hour, via Redhill. (Also a pub near this station.)
Bring usual food supplies.
For any query please call Paul 07968 223589

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.

Trip to Bedford
2022-04-02 09:00 - 17:00
Meet at East Croydon Station 9.05 to catch the 9.21 train to Bedford.
The return fare is £22, but you can use a Network card, so about £15.
We will explore the town and walk by the river.

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

Walk Oxted to Edenbridge
2022-03-26 08:00 - 17:00
Part of Gatliff Marathon route planning for 2022

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

Bike Ride from Hurst Green
2022-03-20 10:00 - 17:00
Meet before 10.30am at East Croydon station, ready to leave promptly on a train at 10.39, with a day return ticket to Hurst Green. The train calls at Sanderstead at 10.44 if you want to join it there. If we travel together, a return ticket is £5, with a railcard or as a groupsave fare.
From Hurst Green, we cycle half a mile north to pass Oxted Mill and pond, then south on quiet lanes, generally avoiding main roads, through Crowhurst, Lingfield, Dormansland, Dormans, Lingfield again, and back north to Hurst Green, in roughly a figure of 8 shape, and covering approximately 22 miles.
In case anyone can’t manage the full distance on the day, there are ways to drop out and get a train back from stations that we pass along the route.
Bring your own packed lunch but there will be a pub stop at the end.
For any query contact Nigel on 07967 885 039

It's the Ides of March!
2022-03-15 20:30 - 22:00 | South Croydon United Church Hall, Aberdeen Road, South Croydon, CR0 1EQ, United Kingdom

Circular Riverside Walk from Richmond
2022-03-12 10:00 - 17:00
Meet @ East Croydon station from 9.50am to catch the 10.15 train to Clapham Junction and then go to platform 6 to catch the train to Richmond.
Everyone gather OUTSIDE Richmond station ready to start the walk at 11.15 – this is a six mile “circular” mud free walk via Richmond Green, Richmond riverside and to Petersham via meadows, nurseries, past Ham polo club and Ham house.
Walk should finish by 3.30pm but for those interested, there will be a pub stop 🍺 🍷 🍵 🍔🍟🍕 after the walk on Richmond Green.
If you have any queries contact Keith via email keithsoutham@yahoo.co.uk or mob 07749 515486 (calls after 7pm or on the day)

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

Walk from Tring to Ivinghoe Beacon
2022-03-06 09:30 - 17:00
The walk follows the Ridgeway, 5,000 years old, the “Oldest Road in Britain”. There are super views from the Beacon, which is 3 miles from the station. We will take a loop back along the Icknield Way and the return route we get the picturesque village of Aldbury.
The walk is about seven miles long.
Meet at East Croydon 09:30 for the 09:51 train.
For any additional information contact Richard on 07941 183 687

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

Visit Whitehall Museum, Cheam
2022-02-26 10:00 - 16:00
I plan to walk around the village and into Nonsuch park, for about one hour and a half.
Then we go for refreshments in the onsite café.
After that you will visit the museum in YOUR OWN time and then you can make your way home.
Meet by the X26 bus stop in Dingwall Road by East Croydon station in time to catch the 11.59 bus to Cheam. You can also get the bus from West Croydon.
For people travelling to Cheam by other means meet in front of Whitehall at 12.40
Address 1, Malden Road Cheam, Cheam, Sutton SM3 8QD

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

Walk Waterloo to New Battersea Power Station via the Thames path (5 miles)
2022-02-20 09:00 - 16:00
Meet at East Croydon station from 10.20 to catch the 10.44am train to Clapham Junction and then change train there to Waterloo.
At Waterloo Station wait and meet by FOYLES bookshop (opposite platform 16) from 11.30.
The walk will be mostly along the Thames path via the Albert Embankment, Vauxhall city farm (tea/loo stop), Vauxhall cross, the new USA embassy, the new Nine Elms/Battersea power station developments to finish at Battersea park stn at about 4.30pm.
For those interested Keith will be going to nearby “Manor arms” pub (fullers) for a
drink 🍺 🍷 + maybe a bite to eat 🍕 🍟.

For any questions or queries please contact Keith on keithsoutham@yahoo.co.uk
or 07749 515486 (after 7pm)

Visit to Bletchley Park
2022-02-19 10:00 - 17:00
Meet at East Croydon station by 10 to get a direct train to Bletchley. Please by your return ticket in advance so you are ready to go.
Entrance is £21 or £18.50 for over 60s (bring proof) and if you are English Heritage members is £16.80 or £14.50 for over 60s. We can get tickets on the door or you can prebook yours through their website.
Bletchley Park closes at 4pm in winter so we could catch the 4.17 or drop in for a drink at the Eight Bells and catch the next/later train.
Most of you probably know about it from the 2014 film the Imitation Game starring Benedict Cummerbatch. It was the M16 code breaking centre famous for Alan Turing breaking the Enigma code. Is it said to have turned the outcome of the war to our favour and shortening the war by c 3 years obviously saving very many lives. Here is a web link so you can find out more about what there is to see.
https://bletchleypark.org.uk/event_type/exhibition/
For any further questions contact Julie on 07931 533785 and let Julie know by Friday lunchtime if you intend to go.

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.

Walk Caterham to Oxted
2022-02-13 09:00 - 16:00
This walk is part of Gatliff Marathon route planning for 2022.
Meet at East Croydon Station at 09:15 to catch the 09:29 train to Caterham.

We will walk from Caterham to Oxted, about 8 miles.
Bring a packed lunch. We can stop at the Barley Mow, Tandridge for a stop in the afternoon.

Expect some hills and some mud.

For any additional information please contatc Margaret on
07985 198 947

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

Walk from Dorking
2022-02-05 09:00 - 17:00
This walk will follow the Greensand Way from Dorking to Reigate, about 8.5 fairly hilly miles and of course is sure to be muddy in places.
Bring a packed lunch, but as we will be passing through Brockham and Betchworth there will a chance of a short pub break. There is also a cafe in the park at Reigate.
Meet at East Croydon station about 9.15 for the 9.34 train to Redhill, changing there for the 10.00 to Dorking Deepdene.
Buy a return ticket to Dorking. (probably not worth getting 2 singles as the return is only a little shorter than the outward journey)
Trains return from Reigate at 06 and 47 past each hour.

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

Bike ride along old railway lines from Crawley via East Grinstead to Eridge
2022-01-30 09:30 - 17:00
Take train to Three Bridges @ 10:18 from East Croydon.
Trains back from Eridge, 52 minutes past the hour.
The old train tracks are smooth and level, with gentle gradients, and would suit cyclists less comfortable in traffic. The surfaces are hard gravel and stone. Getting to East Croydon, getting out of Three Bridges, passing through East Grinstead and getting home will still involve a little road riding, but overall, expect a car free experience almost all of the way.
About 20 miles ride.

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

Circular Walk from Kingswood Station
2022-01-23 10:00 - 16:00
The route will go towards Hooley at some point, not too close but we can waive “Goodbye” to Peter from one of the highpoints.
The walk has a few ups and downs but it is not too long, about six miles and may be muddy.
Bring your own packed lunch.
Meet @ East Croydon station at 10.30 to get the 10.43 train to Kingswood. The train arrives at 11.15

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.
