Croydon Outdoor Pursuits & Social Events Club

New Year Trip Away (Cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances)
2023-12-27 - 2024-01-01
Details to be announced.

No Club Night
2023-12-26 08:00 - 17:00 (Europe/London)
It’s Boxing Day!

Xmas Party
2023-12-19 20:15 - 22:00 | South Croydon United Church Hall, Aberdeen Road, South Croydon, CR0 1EQ, United Kingdom
We invite you all to create and enjoy some seasonal jollity on Tuesday evening. There’ll be food, drink, music and activities – but note no food laid on.

Your part in proceedings is essential, so please read the following carefully:

No cooking will be done at the Hall this time. Please bring along whatever you fancy and be ready to share. We aim for many people bringing modest amounts – you don’t need to feed the whole party!
Nobody’s washing up, so you need to bring your own supplies of eating and drinking equipment – and take it away afterwards. Plate, knife, fork, glass, mug . . .
Booze and soft drinks: BYOB is the watchword. We’ll supplement your offerings with our remaining supplies of beer (Nigerian Guinness!), wine and soft drinks, and we’re promised a secret-recipe punch, but if you have a particular preference then please bring it along.
Secret Santa: there’s still time to read and act on Ireen’s email on this!
Hall preparation: we didn’t schedule a Club Night to do this, so will try to get in early on Tuesday to brighten the place up a bit. If you have spare lights, streamers or anything else festive then please be ready to use it.
Wear something Christmassy, and above all enjoy the evening!

Walk in Edenbridge area ending with Mulled Wine/Minced Tarts
2023-12-17 08:00 - 19:00
New Route and new Pub
Tim is leading a circular “Festive Walk” from Edenbridge to Crockham Hill and back on Sunday 17th December. Catch the 09.23 train from East Croydon to Uckfield, alighting at Edenbridge Town at 09.46. We will then walk to the Royal Oak pub in Crockham Hill for refreshments – there won’t be time for a sit down meal but you will probably be able to get a snack. Otherwise, bring your own snack. The walk will return to Tim’s house for Mulled Wine and Mince Pies, or you can head straight back to the Station, one train per hour. The walk is about 8.5 miles long.
You must complete the walk to be able to partake in the refreshments. Do not turn up just for the Mulled Wine and Tarts
Please let Tim know if you intend to come so that I know what numbers to expect.

Black Swan Morris
2023-12-12 20:15 - 22:00 | South Croydon United Church Hall, Aberdeen Road, South Croydon, CR0 1EQ, United Kingdom
A Winter Warmer?
The very energetic black and purple clad “Black Swan” will be raising the temperature in our hall this week! They will be stepping through their many moves and demonstrating how a Border Morris side successfully thrashes at its members with no-one coming to harm.
Entertaining to watch and striking(!) to listen to as they rhythmically wield their sticks, as if they are percussive additions to the music. (Yes, live musicians come as part of the deal.) Participation by any COPSErs is definitely optional not obligatory – but most previous visiting Morris sides have had a good many of us on our feet, when the chance to dance a tune or two has been offered.

Some of us have already enjoyed watching Black Swan when our Tuesday evening involved attending Cryer Arts in Carshalton. Come along to amuse yourselves this week, with the Club Night when they come to us!

Sunday Walk with Pepys
2023-12-10 12:00 - 17:00
Where?
This Sunday, join me for a stroll through some familiar parts of London with a historical context. We’re going to follow the 17th Century footsteps of Samuel Pepys from Westminster to the City of London. I’ll be your amateur guide, book in hand, pointing out the connections to Pepys on the way. No doubt other COPSErs will chip in with their own observations!
This will be an easy 2-3 hour walk along pavements (boots not required) for about 4 miles, ending with an optional beer or two at a historic tavern that also serves food.
Who was Pepys?

A man who lived through the upheavals of the Civil War, the execution of Charles I, the reign of Cromwell and the subsequent restoration of the Monarchy with Charles II. Most significantly for us, from 1660 to 1669 he wrote a daily diary describing events high and low. He was a man on the rise with connections to politics and royalty, but determined to enjoy life with visits to taverns and theatres, domestic life with his French wife, and furtive dalliances with a variety of disreputable ladies.
Getting there
I’ll be catching the 12.05 Croydon Platform 1 to Victoria, then District & Circle line to Westminster.
Joining opportunities:

East Croydon station from 11.50

https://w3w.co/dock.jars.folds

Victoria station from our scheduled arrival time 12.21

https://w3w.co/venue.runner.slurs

outside Westminster underground station, Victoria Embankment (Exit 2 – statue of Boudicca) from about 12.45

https://w3w.co/manliness.fact.proper

.
Call me (number below) if any difficulty joining up.
The return trip will be at your leisure – there are good services to East Croydon from Blackfriars, or you could catch a bus or tube back to Victoria.
Links
Pepys’s diary for this day 363 years ago: https://www.pepysdiary.com/
General info on Pepys: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samuel_Pepys
Contact
Ken on 07921 258876

What3Words
Explanation is here. You can use the links to find any 3-metre square on earth. For best results, download the App.

Bravo Britain (Part 1)!
2023-12-05 20:15 - 22:00 | South Croydon United Church Hall, Aberdeen Road, South Croydon, CR0 1EQ, United Kingdom
Ireen writes:
Many of us might enjoy visits now and then to some sunny, hot and exotic places – yes, very nice to experience. However, that is not exactly what you will find presented in our hall this week!
Without any “Rule Britannia” jingoism or mention of that conflicting “B**x*t” word, we shall journey to places around our own lands, feeling that “Bravo Britain” can aptly be claimed.
So much home territory deserves a good focus. In fact, so much that this travelogue now needs to be just “Part 1”! Please come along to find us travelling from South Croydon to other parts of Great Britain. “Holiday at Home” / “Staycation”, perhaps, as we share featured places.
A road trip awaits you. Become a passenger this Tuesday!

Reigate Christmas Market (Morning) - Walk in area (Afternoon)
2023-12-02
Three events in one.
In the morning from 1130 you can shop at Reigate’s Christmas Fayre.
In the afternoon at 1315, please meet Margaret at the Renewed Hope/RDO stall outside Hamptons Estate Agents at 6 Church St for a Linear Walk of 4-5 miles along the Greensand Way to Earlswood via Prior Park and Earlswood Commons. It maybe muddy in places, so walking boots are recommended. There will be some uphill and downhill sections on the walk.
Please have your lunch etc. before starting the the walk and be ready to leave promptly at 13.30.
Trains leave East Croydon at 10.46 and 11.16, changing at Redhill. You can also get the 405 bus to Redhill and then another bus to Reigate, There will be road closures in Reigate for the Fayre, so parking maybe difficult.
The walk will probably finish in Redhill. However please bring Bus/Freedom Passpasses or £2/contactless for a bus ticket if the walk carries onto Nutfield.

Conkers & Autumn
2023-11-28 20:15 - 22:00 | South Croydon United Church Hall, Aberdeen Road, South Croydon, CR0 1EQ, United Kingdom
Tuesday night is a fun evening for the emergence of your inner schoolboy/girl/other genders are available.
There’ll be conkers (provided by Paul) and there’ll be Autumn Activities including a seasonal Quiz. Come and enjoy!

Tour of Chislehurst Caves and Optional Stroll
2023-11-25 08:00 - 17:00
A 50-minute tour of the Caves, starting at 12.00

Followed (optionally) by a 3.5 mile stroll to Hawkwood Estate

We may fit in a pub stop

1 Book your ticket – a bargain for the under 3s!
Places appear to be limited to 40, so it’s best to book your ticket beforehand to ensure you get in. You can do this in one of at least three ways:
Online: https://chislehurst-caves.co.uk/product/saturday-25th-november/
Phone: 020 8467 3264
Email: enquiries@chislehurstcaves.co.uk
Prices are:
Adult (16-59) £8
Senior (60+) £6
Child (3-15) £6
Under 3 £0.01
2 Travel there
Here’s my route:
10.20 Gather at East Croydon Station
10.37 from Platform 4 to London Bridge
11.01 from London Bridge Platform 1 to Chislehurst (in Zone 5), arriving 11.25
then a short walk to the Caves
No doubt other routes are available, and there is car parking if you want to go that way.
3 Optional stroll of 3.5 miles around the Hawkwood Estate
Some paths may be muddy, but otherwise an easy walk.
4 Pub Stop
(possibly)
5 Return by same route

Ken
07921 258876

Kew Gardens Christmas Winter Light Show
2023-11-22 18:00 - 22:00
As part of their Christmas celebrations, Kew Gardens are running their annual spectacular Winter Lights trail through the gardens from 15 November 2023 to 7 January 2024. I am intending to go on Wednesday 22 November arriving for the 6pm time slot. Anyone who would like to join me would be very welcome. I went to this trail last year and can thoroughly recommend it.
You will need to buy your own ticket. If the 6pm time slot is sold out you could try and book for the 6.20 slot. The cost is £22.50 (off peak charge) Plus £2.50 transaction fee. You can protect your ticket against illness or accident for £1.65. It also protects against transport disruption, not known about at the time of booking. To buy tickets go to https://www.kew.org/kew-gardens/whats-on/christmas. There you will find all the information you need. You should note that there are no refunds for bad weather unless the event is cancelled because of safety concerns.
If you are joining me make sure you pick the 6pm time slot (if it’s still available) and if, like me, you are coming by public transport also pick the Elizabeth Gate as your entry point. If coming by car you can reserve a space when you purchase your ticket in Kew’s Ferry Lane Car Park. There are also spaces at the National Archives Car Park. Your entry point would be the Brentford Gate. For those who haven’t been there, Kew Gardens is easy to reach by train from East Croydon via Clapham Junction to Kew Bridge Station, from where it’s an 8-10 minute walk to the gardens.
The trail is approximately 3 km and takes up to 2 hours to walk through. Once you are inside the gardens you can spend as long as you like, although there is a one way system.There are stalls along the way selling food and hot drinks. The cafe by the Victoria Gate will also be open. The trail is described on the website as follows
It’s a botanical world brimming with seasonal cheer as twinkling lights and seasonal sounds fill the air.
Discover glittering tunnels of light, dancing lakeside reflections and trees drenched in jewel-like colour.
For a moment of reflection, pause at mesmerising flickering flames in the fire garden, wander beneath larger-than-life illuminations and don’t forget to glimpse Father Christmas along the way.
Please let me know if you would like to join me – It’s best that you buy your ticket(s) as soon as possible since this event is very popular. Depending on the interest I will send out details later of meeting times at either East Croydon or the Elizabeth Gate.

Wine Tasting
2023-11-21 20:15 - 22:00 | South Croydon United Church Hall, Aberdeen Road, South Croydon, CR0 1EQ, United Kingdom
A Tour de France . . . Italy and Portugal, by way of their wines

This year’s hotly anticipated Wine event is Tuesday evening at the Hall, and is a little different this time as we won’t have a competitive element. Let Alan explain:
Hello all,
Tuesday’s wine tasting is more of a wine tour. It will explore three general areas – Northern Portugal, Southern France and Southern Italy – whilst introducing a local white and red wine from each. There will be no marking or accumulation of points. I cannot tell whether a wine has any of the wondrous & bizarre characteristics that wine snobs attribute to them & so neither will you be required to. What I can tell is whether I like it, whether I feel food will improve it and whether I am prepared to pay the price asked for it & that is all that is expected of you.
This time all will be revealed up front. Name, location, grapes, bottle blurb and price
As usual with me there will be no chardonnay, no cabernet & none else of that ilk. Europe has a vast array of grapes, all of which respond to local conditions and, because of that, winemakers are presented with fascinating challenges and opportunities.
We will be trying minute selection of how winemakers respond.
Regrettably the accompaniments will not be as suggested on the bottle. So, where suggested, wine will not be served with delights such as seafood. Sauternes will not be served &, even if it was, there would be no Foie gras served alongside. There will however be substitutes that should complement the wines
So come along with your £3 cash, enjoy a taste, contemplate and perhaps be persuaded to visit to the environs these wines come from.

Note that £3 cash please! I’m sure you’ve got some at the bottom of a drawer somewhere.
Turn up and enjoy!

Visit to Thai Buddhist temple in Wimbledon for Loy Krathong festival
2023-11-19 12:00 - 17:00
A late addition to the Programme after the postponement of Saturday’s Cambridge trip.
I will be visiting the Thai Buddhist temple in Wimbledon this coming Sunday when the festival of Loy Krathong will be celebrated.

If you are interested in joining me you can do so at 12:30 at the front of East Croydon station from where we will catch the tram to Wimbledon. At 1.15 we will set off from there on a 25 minute walk to the temple. If you want to meet us in Wimbledon, we will be outside the entrance which is opposite a Pret A Manger and a Starbucks. The weather forecast for Sunday is that it will be mostly dry though there is a chance of a light shower in the afternoon.
You can also make your own way to the temple which is located at 14 Calonne Rd, London SW19 5HJ.
My mobile number is 0785 372 6853 if you need to contact me on the day.
All the best,
Greg
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loy_Krathong

Day out in CAMBRIDGE inc a guided tour - Postponed
2023-11-18
This event has had to be postponed to a later date as it’s emerged that trains to Cambridge will not be running in November.
We’ll try to reschedule for a later date, and to schedule something else for this date.

Meal at Saigon Bleu. (BOOKING FULL)
2023-11-16 19:30 - 22:30
We have a COPSE table for twelve people (and I am told we can be seated in a more sociable grouping than just a straight line) so do please let me know if you would like to go on the dining list.
7.30pm, Thursday, 16th November.
Saigon Bleu Vietnamese Restaurant
63 South End,
Croydon,
CR0 1BU

Autism: Talk by Vivien Dawes
2023-11-14 20:15 - 22:00 | South Croydon United Church Hall, Aberdeen Road, South Croydon, CR0 1EQ, United Kingdom
Tuesday evening we have a special presentation on a subject many of us are affected by but know very little about: Autism. Viv Dawes is an Autism Advocate and clearly an expert in her field – you can see a range of her publications and activities on her website here. From her introduction:
I am Viv Dawes, a late-identified and diagnosed autistic lived experience advocate, writer and trainer. I am also the parent of a ND teenager. I have over 25 years’ experience of working with vulnerable young people and adults, including neurodivergent people. I have many years’ experience in delivering training, online and face to face workshops, management of programmes and have vast experience and understanding of how to work with vulnerable young people and adults.
She’s also the sister of our member Teresa, and as such comes well recommended to us!
Teresa’s words from last week’s email:
Just wanted to encourage you all to please be present for my sister’s talk next week. I think many of you will be able to relate to the presentation and also to become better informed about neurodiversity and autism.
Come along for what should be an evening of enlightenment for us all.

Geology Walk. (Croydon Minster to Addington Village + Pub)
2023-11-12 10:00 - 17:00
Andy will take us on an educational stroll – things you never knew about Croydon geology.
The Croydon Geology Walk will start from Croydon Minster Parish Church near Reeves Corner at 11 am on Sunday 12th November.
The walk starts in Croydon town centre, crosses parkland, goes through woods and up a steep wooded hill and down a gentle gradient along roads and to Addington Park.
Distance about 4 miles or 6.2km.
We should get to The Harvesters Cricketers pub in Addington between 1.30 and 2 dependent on dawdling and field conditions.
The pub serves food. I’ve never eaten there but I guess its standard “old favorites” Harvesters fare.
The Addington Village Interchange for buses and trams is across the way.
Cheers!
Andy

Trip to Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve
2023-11-11 09:00 - 17:00 | Sevenoaks
Meet at East Croydon Station 0850.
We will take the 119 bus to Bromley South Station where we will Catch either 09.53 or 10.23 to Bat and Ball Station . Book return ticket to Sevenoaks £9 full price – 33% Discount with a Rail Card.
Even cheaper for those with a Freedom pass or 60 + Oyster Card – Book from edge of zone 6 to Sevenoaks
From Bat and Ball Station it’s a 1 mile walk to the reserve .
The Reserve was created from a disused gravel pit. Its lakes , reedbeds, and woodland make it a good site for birds and other wildlife –
Bring binoculars if you have them . The visitor centre has displays, toilets and light refreshments (?) ” Picnic tables are available if youchoose to bring a picnic.
Later we walk back to Sevenoaks Station and a catch either 15.36 * 15.52 , 16.06 * or 16.22 back to Bromley South. * Change at Orpington
Possibility of Late Afternoon Meal at the Crown Shirley

Hatches, Matches and Dispatches with Gloria Morris
2023-11-07 08:15 - 22:00 | South Croydon United Church Hall, Aberdeen Road, South Croydon, CR0 1EQ, United Kingdom
Gloria has a highly recommended tale to tell of her life on the front line of Registrations!

Burning the Sticks Walk
2023-11-05 10:00 - 17:00 | Dorking
A late addition to the Programme, following on from the Brockham Bonfire . . .
I thought it would be good to go to the Burning the Sticks on Brockham Green, which takes place around the embers of the Bonfire of the night before (which some of us are going to, of course).
Best to come via West Croydon down to Dorking Main Rail Stn. Catch the train from WCroy at 10.29am and change at Sutton. I will meet people at Sutton, but there’s a possibility I may not be able to get on until the train calls at Epsom.
If you want to come via Redhill, there is engineering work involving a bus replacement for part of the way, but you could do this route if you want. Let me know and we’ll pass the Deepdene Stn on the way to Brockham.
We will walk to Brockham a slightly different way from that we follow on Saturday, given that it will be light. We may well come back a different way, via Box Hill, either around the top or base, depending on time.
Burning the Sticks will be at around 1pm around the embers of the Bonfire (which some of us will have been at the night before) with Morris Dancing by Rampant Roosters Morris. The pub will be there too and you can bring your own stuff too.
About 7 miles walk, possibly with a high ascent in the afternoon!
Paul N/ 07968 223589

BROCKHAM BONFIRE. Torchlight procession, bonfire & fireworks
2023-11-04 16:00 - 23:30 | BROCKHAM BONFIRE, Brockham Green, Brockham, Surrey, RH3 7JS
Subject to there being NO TRAIN STRIKE. in the event of a strike, it is possible a local fireworks maybe arranged.
There will be Donation Buckets (Please be as generous as you can) at the Entrance. Donations and carpark are payable in CASH. They are trialling CASHLESS PAYMENTS on the CATERING STALLS AND PIG AUCTION.
Further details from Paul:
This is no ordinary bonfire etc. They’ve been building the bonfire since September, and they even have some kind of ceremony with the cinders on the Sunday which I believe involves Morris Dancing?. ..(it’s called Burning the Sticks)
Well, I’m not intending staying overnight there, but – as I only go to this event about eight-yearly – I do intend to do the whole blooming thing, starting at 6.30pm with the marching band procession leaving Brockham Green at this time – flaming torches will be given out. The procession goes down south to a hamlet (Stroud Green, I believe) and then back again a different way to Brockham. The huge bonfire will be lit by one of the torches at 7.45pm, once the Guy effigy has been placed on top. The Fireworks are at 8.15pm, and, as I’m not really into roasting pigs, I’ll hang around a just a bit and then leave.
You don’t actually pay an admission fee as the village is open to all, but there will be donation buckets for your coins or notes. You can also sponsor a firework! Food is sold at stalls and the pub is open, but quite frankly I never do any of this owing to the queues, so you could bring your own sustenance along.
To get there and back I shall be walking along what’s known as the Old Coach Road from Dorking to the village, a walk of around 45 mins. One can get to Brockham by car and use a car park, or one can go by special bonfire bus from Redhill/Reigate or Dorking. Again, I never do this, as I don’t drive, and I’ve heard that the buses get full, and it’s nice walking back in the dark with the other crowds.
So there’s quite a bit of walking involved, but if anyone wants to try the car or bus option, or doesn’t want to do the whole thing (i.e., just turn up later for the Bonfire & Fireworks) then that’s fine…I’ll leave my phone on loud – keep ringing and ringing!
May I suggest you go to the website for the bonfire: www.brockham.org/brockham-bonfire
…to see all the details of the above.
I am going whatever the weather, and may not even look at the forecast!
I suggest we meet outside Dorking DEEPDENE RAILWAY STATION to leave here on foot BY 5.00pm. I shall come from Epsom Downs, so I’ll leave you to arrange your own travel. You could come down from West Croydon to Dorking MAIN station and WALK 5 mins around the corner to DEEPDENE station. I see that there are trains from East Croydon to Dorking DEEPDENE, changing at Redhill at, 3.36pm and 4.17pm arriving about 37 mins later (there’s a little pub nearby going north under the bridge). (There are more trains back to Croydon from Dorking MAIN station. Get your map out and observe the two Dorking stations we are talking about, MAIN and DEEPDENE, which are about five mins walk from each other. I can pop by to MAIN to pick anyone up who is not sure about finding their way to DEEPDENE. I shall be coming to MAIN by train)
BRING CASH, CASH, CASHY McCASH!!!…and don’t wear your best brand new fleece (a COPSEr had their new fleece singed by an ember from the bonfire some years back!)
All the above is not as complicated as it may sound…just read it a few times and go to the bonfire website. Any questions, contact me (NOT by email on the day itself).
I recall the last time or so we did this bonfire we had a walk along the North Downs BEFOREHAND. We are not going to be that keen this time! But I might go visit the very newly opened Dorking Museum beforehand and cruise the charity shops of Dorking High Street. If anyone else is interested in doing this too, then contact me.
…And if anyone knows about the Cinders ceremony on the Sunday, I MIGHT be up for this as well, as I’ve never done this before. (Update: he is doing it! see tomorrow’s entry here) It would mean doing the same walk to Brockham again, maybe back a different way though.
I expect I’ve forgotten some crucial detail which will come to me while washing up or brushing my teeth tonight, so look out for follow-ons from this email during the week.

Paul Newbold, 07968 223589.

Planning Meeting
2023-11-02 20:00 - 22:00 | Spreadeagle Pub, 39-41 Katharine St, Croydon, CR0 1NX, United Kingdom
This is your chance to set the agenda for the next quarter for both Club Nights and Outdoor activities. Bring along your proposals and bright ideas – very few are ever rejected!
And if you can’t make the meeting send them in to me.

Where?

An upstairs room in the Spread Eagle pub,
Katharine Street

When?

Thursday 2nd November
6.30pm for food & drink
8pm for Business

AGM
2023-10-31 20:15 - 22:00 | South Croydon United Church Hall, Aberdeen Road, South Croydon, CR0 1EQ, United Kingdom

Weekend Trip To York
2023-10-27 - 2023-10-29 | YORK YHA
this is an associate members weekend, but now open to regular members.
We have booked 16 beds at York hostel which is on the R. Ouse riverside about 1.5k from Lendal Bridge near York station. The cost will be £80 for the 2 nights.( Friday & Saturday)
There is plenty to see in York, the Minster, the castle, the City Walls and several museums including the National Railway Museum
York can be reached in under 2 hours by train from Kings Cross.
We may also consider staying Sunday night if anyone wishes to return on Monday.
Please let me know if you are interested, a deposit of £20 will be required by 26th September.
There are still some places on the York weekend.
The fees are £80 for the 2 nights or £94 if you want full breakfast included. (or pay separately for a continental breakfast or prepare your own in the members kitchen)
Some of us will be staying until Monday – £36 for Sunday night or £42 B&B.
We will be taking the 11.06 train from Kings X to York. Ask me about choice of return trains, most of us have paid about £45 return. (with railcard)

My Ancestor the Arctic Explorer with Clare Walker
2023-10-24 20:15 - 22:00 | South Croydon United Church Hall, Aberdeen Road, South Croydon, CR0 1EQ, United Kingdom
Clare, who has entertained us with great effect with her talks on Women Spitfire Pilots and The Search for the Yeti, returns with another riveting tale.

8 mile circular walk from Edenbridge
2023-10-22 09:00 - 18:00
I am inviting you to drag yourselves away from Croydon for some relatively fresh air in Kent on the above date. I am leading an 8 mile circular walk from Edenbridge Town Railway Station. Catch the 09.23 from East Croydon to Uckfield, alighting at Edenbridge Town. The fare with Senior Railcard or equivalent is £6, your Oyster Card only gets you to Woldingham, I believe you can pay just for the last bit.
It’s a very pleasant and scenic route, with the possibility of a pub stop at the end in the only remaining pub in Edenbridge (the Crown), so bring a packed lunch.
cheers

SKY GARDEN & Walk (Cancelled due to being fully booked)
2023-10-21 08:00 - 17:00
Event cancelled due to Sky Gardens being fully booked on the 21st Oct.

Whist Drive
2023-10-17 20:15 - 22:00 | South Croydon United Church Hall, Aberdeen Road, South Croydon, CR0 1EQ, United Kingdom
What’s a Whist Drive? Ask your Grandma!
Or, better still, come along to a games evening where Keith R will revive this ancient social event for our delight.

The 39th Gatliff Marathon
2023-10-14
Our premier public event.
Starting at Edenbridge Cricket Club. Walk, jog or run 25 or 50km, mostly on footpaths and tracks, in the Kent and Surrey countryside.
Full details and how to enter are on our dedicated web page here.

Acoustic Jam at Oval Tavern
2023-10-10 20:15 - 22:00 | Oval Tavern, Croydon, 131 Oval Road, Croydon, CR0 6BR, United Kingdom
“You know, I don’t like straight lines. The problem is that most instruments are square and music is always round.”
So spoke Tom Waits, and he should know. But I’m here to tell you that, in Croydon, music is Oval!
This week COPSE will invade the Oval Tavern, so there’s nothing on at the Hall.
Keith S has organised a visit to the Open Mic night at the Oval Tavern. Come along to enjoy a drink or two with your COPSE pals and some good music in an informal setting.
In case you missed Keith’s email last week, here are the details again:
As mentioned last night, next weeks club night (10th), will instead be at Croydon’s “oval tavern” for their weekly “songbird” open mic session 🎙🎸🎵 for mostly local singers + songwriters which normally starts about 8pm
I’ll be getting there about 6.30pm where three adjacent tables of four have been booked from 7PM on a “first come, first served basis”, so try to get there early or you’ll have to find a seat at the back somewhere.
if you haven’t been there, the pub offers “reasonably priced” food served until 9pm + there’s a good selection of real ales, ciders, wine + coffee, where all details should be shown on their website.
“the oval tavern” is at 131 Oval Road CR0 6BG + about ten minutes walk from east croydon stn down cherry orchard road, where oval road is second on the right + the pub is near the end on the left.
if you have any queries, please let me know.
Keith
