Croydon Outdoor Pursuits & Social Events Club

Walk Tonbridge to Leigh via Penshurst
2022-10-23 09:00 - 17:00 (Europe/London)
10 miles long

From East Croydon, catch the 08.57 train to Redhill, from there the 09.18 to Tonbridge, arriving at 09.48.

Return Fare is £12.20 or £8.05 with railcard.

Bring a packed lunch etc etc. Pub & tea shop in Penshurst.

AGM
2022-10-25 20:30 - 22:00 | South Croydon United Church Hall, Aberdeen Road, South Croydon, CR0 1EQ, United Kingdom

Walk
2022-10-29 09:30 - 17:00
The walk this Saturday will be a circular from Reigate, about 10 miles including one steep hill.
Bring a packed lunch, but there will be a pub stop half way and teashops at the end in Reigate. Remember is it starting to get muddy now.
So meet at E. Croydon station by 9am to get the 9.16 train to Redhill, changing there for the 9.43 to Reigate.
Hope to see you there,
Barry

Halloween Extravaganza
2022-11-01 20:30 - 22:00 | South Croydon United Church Hall, Aberdeen Road, South Croydon, CR0 1EQ, United Kingdom

Circular Walk from Balcombe
2022-11-06 10:00 - 17:00
This walk is 6 to 7 miles long, fairly flat with some undulated hills but nothing too strenuous.
We will pass via Wakehurst Place woodlands and the Millennium Seedbank where there is a café and the chance to have a look around.
Bring your packed lunch and drinks although we will stop for a drink at the pub in Bamcombe.
Meet East Croydon Station at 9.55to catch the 10.08 train.

USA Travels
2022-11-08 20:30 - 22:00 | South Croydon United Church Hall, Aberdeen Road, South Croydon, CR0 1EQ, United Kingdom
This Tuesday Corinne and her son James will regale us with a multimedia presentation, celebrating the vast vistas and varied sights of the US of A.
Feel free to enhance the occasion by donning your cowboy outfit, stars and stripes hat, Elvis suit or whatever takes your fancy.
Dionne is making some topical peanut butter cookies – other culinary contributions are most welcome!
In Corrine’s own words:
To change your mind from the grim daily news, come and join us next Tuesday to share memories of the trip to America my son and I did this summer. From Denver to Anchorage with pancakes, cowboy boots and snow in July, we’ll be delighted to show you a few pictures of this fabulous adventure.
Feel free to don any American article of clothing you may have!
See you there,
Corinne and James
Come along and enjoy!

Stanley Halls Ceilidh - a Chance to Dance!
2022-11-11 19:00 - 23:00 | Stanley Arts, 12 South Norwood Hill, London, SE25 6AB, United Kingdom
A good number of COPSErs regularly enjoyed these monthly sessions, prior to lockdown. If you look carefully at the photo below, you may spot a couple of our Members enjoying themselves.
Take your feet for a treat – my term for these traditional dances is “exercise with a smile on your face”!

Prices: We can gain a good price of £9 per person, if we pre-book at least ten tickets. (Normal advance adult tickets are £12, on-the-door £15.) Please come back to me, as soon as possible, if you’re able to join us on Friday. I shall pay for the group’s tickets and you can settle with me on the evening. (Obviously, you need to be definite about coming to be included in this discounted price.)
If you have not been to a ceilidh/barn dance before, do not fear; all the sequences of movements are explained by a “caller” and we usually have a very good time.
The Halls have a bar. Parking is free in the area. Public transport options are:
Buses: Routes 196 and 410 stop directly outside of Stanley Arts.
Routes 75, 157, 197 and 312 stop within a few minutes’ walk.
Trains: Stanley Arts is just a five minute walk from Norwood Junction station.
Do come back to me with any queries.
Ireen Best 07968 035522

In Stanley Arts’ own words:
Come one, come all for a night of dancing and merriment just like the good old days!
Back in November 2019, when no one knew the word “Covid”, The Conquering Heroes played a ceilidh (traditional dance) at Stanley Halls and an amazing time was had by all. Now you – yes you! – can join us for such a night once again!
Came last time? Relive the glory days of pre-pandemic life! Missed out on the fun last time around? Don’t miss out again! Never heard of a ceilidh? Worried that you won’t know what do to? Think you are a terrible dancer? Have no fear! Our experienced callers will teach you the steps to some of the world’s favourite group and partner dances.

Bike Ride Grand Union Canal or East Grinstead
2022-11-13 10:00 - 17:00
Primary plan – Grand Union Canal trip.
Secondary, if the trains are not running ride South from Croydon.
Grand Union Trip, assemble at East Croydon station at 10:00 to catch next train to Victoria.
Weather and legs willing ride out to Southall and back along the Thames to Clapham Junction for train home.
If the trains are not good, assemble at Canary Cafe, Brighton Road, opposite Whitgift School, at 10:00 riding South via paths and lanes turning in a loop to return by bike when we feel like we feel like it.

Captions & Conker Conkwest
2022-11-15 20:30 - 22:00 | South Croydon United Church Hall, Aberdeen Road, South Croydon, CR0 1EQ, United Kingdom
Amazing two-for-the-price-of-one offer!

This Tuesday evening we bring you not just the usual extraordinary single COPSE Club Night value, but our special bargain basement deal:

the perennial favourite Captions Competition, where we compete to find the humour in apparently random photographic configurations of COPSE people
a chance to relive your schooldays with our Conker Conkwest. Paul will provide the conkers from his recent intense collection activity, though you’re welcome to bring along your own if you think they’re hard enough.

Expect an evening of entertainment and fierce competition. And there’s always Ruskin House for afters.

Visit to the Old Clink Museum, London Bridge
2022-11-19 10:00 - 17:00

First Aid and Safety with Red Cross Trainer
2022-11-22 20:30 - 22:00 | South Croydon United Church Hall, Aberdeen Road, South Croydon, CR0 1EQ, United Kingdom
As a follow-on from our recent past attention to the safety arrangements for our Club activities, e.g. a review of “Guidance for Walkers / Leaders” and advice on rucksack contents for emergencies etc., we shall be welcoming a First Aid Instructor this Tuesday. Although a few years back we have had sessions from instructors able to join us in person, this time the information will be via Zoom, involving a Red Cross trainer very familiar with digital presentations.
Some of us may already have good First Aid knowledge, some of us may have very little. Even those with the former can benefit from refreshing their skills and we can all be attentive to what might provide important help to our fellow COPSE Members in future circumstances.
There should be opportunities for questions and answers as the session progresses. Do bring a pen and paper, if you think noting down some facts would be useful to you.
Please arrive for teas and coffees at 8.15pm so that we can open our Red Cross Zoom at 8.30pm.

Planning Meeting
2022-11-24 19:30 - 22:00 | Crown & Pepper, 242 High Street, CR0 1NF
Planning Meeting for both Outdoor and Club Night activities.
This is where we put together the next quarter’s schedule – your chance to get your ideas onto the Club plan. Bring along your proposals for activities we can all share.

We have the back room of the Crown & Pepper. The meeting proper is scheduled for 7.30, but you’re also welcome to join us for a meal first, starting at 6.30.
All members are invited!

Croydon Country Walk
2022-11-26 09:45 - 17:00
Re-arranged “Croydon local walk”
From 9.45am = meet at East Croydon station
10am = “board” a New Addington tram to Lloyd Park
From 10.30am = a four mlle leisurely walk via Lloyd Park (could be muddy). Addington (or Shirley) Hills, Heathfield (or “the Riesco”) estate, Coombe Wood Gardens (cafe stop).
Afterwards there will be an option of either
1) the “Coombe Lodge” Beefeater pub for a meal or drinks or
2) walking back to Lloyd Park
+ then a tram back to East Croydon station.

Women Spitfire Pilots - talk by Clare Walker
2022-11-29 20:30 - 22:00 | South Croydon United Church Hall, Aberdeen Road, South Croydon, CR0 1EQ, United Kingdom
During World War II, 164 women flew as pilots in the Air Transport Auxiliary,
playing their part in the delivery of 308,000 aircraft. They flew in wartime
conditions, in all weathers and many times without ever having flown a
particular aircraft type before. It cost 14 of them their lives.
After the war, they became known as ‘The Forgotten Pilots’ and were expected to
quietly return to civilian life. But as their numbers have dwindled to just a few,
their remarkable achievements have once again brought them back into the
spotlight.
Clare Walker is passionate about keeping these amazing women pilots alive in
the public memory. Her illustrated talk includes video footage, as well as
photographs from the archives of the Air Transport Auxiliary Association’s files,
including those in the collection of ATA founder and commandant, Gerard
d’Erlanger.
Visit her website for more details of her work.

Carshalton Frost Fair
2022-12-03 12:00 - 17:00
Sited in the beautiful setting of Carshalton Ponds the Frost Fair is a traditional winter event with activities for everyone.
The area is lit with twinkling fairy lights which all helps create a magical atmosphere. Outside Honeywood Museum and in the nearby Memorial Gardens and Festival Walk, stalls from the Wallington Farmers Market and the Eco Fair join us. They offer a varied range of tasty treats and a variety of wonderful locally made Christmas gift ideas such as glassware, pottery, woodcraft and more. There is a tasty hog roast & seasonal food with bar & warming drinks.
Plus a little birthday celebration with a drink in the pub.

Tai Chi with Richard Pearce
2022-12-06 20:30 - 22:00
Tai chi, as I’m sure you know, is an internal Chinese martial art, now much practised here for its health and fitness benefits – low impact exercise relieving stress on the body and mind.
Bob Gilly is an adherent, and we’ve persuaded his teacher, Richard Pearce, to come along this Tuesday evening to enlighten us all. He will explain its history and background, give a demonstration, and invite our boldest to give it a try.
No special clothing required to take part, but high heels are best avoided.
Come along, you could find a new enthusiasm in your life!

London Walk
2022-12-11 09:25 - 17:00
This walk will be in North London, about 8 miles long.
The route will take us through some elegant squares of Islington and other points of interest to Camden, and Primrose Hill (nice view weather permitting!) Then down the hill for a bus to Kings Cross or tube (no Thameslink from St Pancras). There are cafes toilets and pubs en route, also two parks suitable for a packed lunch.
Meet at East Croydon station about 9.25 for the 9.39 to London Bridge, then bus 141 to Shoreditch Park. Anyone who is joining us at London Bridge, meet at the upper level exit by the entrance to the Shard, opposite the bus station. We will be leaving at 10.10. There are several bus routes etc if you want to leave the walk early.

Let's Decorate - in the Warm!
2022-12-13 20:30 - 22:00 | South Croydon United Church Hall, Aberdeen Road, South Croydon, CR0 1EQ, United Kingdom
You may have noticed that the thermometer has taken a downward turn lately, and the Hall is as much affected as anywhere else. So this week, and possibly next week’s party too, we’re going to use the back room, where the radiators actually belt out some heat.
Cheaper than staying at home – and possibly warmer!
As you’re all aware, Olga will help you find your inner creative genius to make decorations for Christmas – for the Hall or to take home, you choose.
By agreement with the Church, we can make our mark on the Hall and leave it in place for next week’s party. Olga has provided a list of things you might want to bring along, below; I’d like to add streamers, strings of LED lights and anything else that will make the place festive.
Here’s Olga’s list:
I will provide the paper but please bring along the following if you can:
PAIR OF SCISSORS
GLUE
SELLO TAPE
STRINGS OF ANY SORT
COLOURS OR FELT PENS
HOLE PUNCHER
PICTURES (or cutting from magazines) of Xmas theme.
And any other thing you may already have that may be useful for decorations.

Should be a fun evening!

RNLI Charity Concert at Ruskin House
2022-12-17 19:00 - 23:00 | Ruskin House, 23 Coombe Road, Croydon, CR0 1BD, United Kingdom
No Oilskins or Sou’westers Required!
Our late Tuesday night watering hole, Ruskin House, hosts various musical evenings, including jazz, folk and blues. Occasionally, specific concerts are organised, sometimes as charity fundraisers. On Saturday, 17th December, several COPSErs will be attending the one advertised here.

RNLI will benefit and we all know how important is the work of that organization. From its website:
93% Of Our Income Is Donations. We Can’t Save Lives Without Support From People Like You.
If you can, come along to support the evening, enjoy the musical variety and share a sociable time with some of your fellow Club Members.
If we arrive early as a group, we hope to sit near one another.

Xmas Party
2022-12-20 20:30 - 22:00
Food, drink, games, music, general jollity
Update 15th December
Christmas Party Night, 20th December, is taking shape, and you have a part to play, so before I send out the full details here’s an early warning of your part in proceedings:

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 . . .
Hot food will be laid on, but we’d love to see some tarts, pies etc. Show off either your baking skills or your purchasing power. We aim for many people bringing modest amounts – you don’t need to feed the whole party.
Booze and soft drinks: BYOB is the watchword. We’ll supplement your offerings with our remaining supplies of beer*, Coke and Fanta, and we will lay on a little wine, but if you have a particular preference then please bring it along.
Secret Santa: please read Ireen’s email on this (below) – you have all weekend to cruise the markets and malls!
Wear something festive, and above all enjoy the evening!

* mostly the dozen bottles of African stuff left over from Lynn and Kayode’s presentation in June – sorry, the really nice Nigerian Guinness all went .
Full programme to follow.

Ireen’s Secret Santa email
Different COPSErs will be adding to different parts of the party. The following might be something some of you would like to be involved in.
We’ve had “Secret Santa” pressies in the past but some folk prefer not to have individuals’ names to be bought for. Consequently, if you would like to gain a surprise gift this year, simply buy something that you think would suit anyone of your gender. (I hope that doesn’t add complications!) If you are a man, buy for a man, if you are a woman, buy for a woman. The suggestion is to purchase anything that might be nice for someone else in said category to receive but costing only £3 to £5. Bring the wrapped pressie, pass it to me and you will be given a ticket to show you are “in” the process and “Mother Christmas” will give you something else in return, during the evening. (Do please get in touch, if I have failed to clearly convey the idea!)
Happy times ahead – party on!
Regards,
Ireen Best

Post Xmas Walk from Tadworth to Merstham
2022-12-27 10:30 - 17:00
The walk is roughly 8 miles and involves no uphill sections. We pass the Sportsman Pub in Mogador and the cafe and loos at Reigate Hill. Halfway along there is a great reveal, where we walk out onto Colley Hill on the North Downs, with massive views to the South.
All of this is dependent on the trains. It’s a linear walk so unsuitable for driving.
Re the trains, we can’t be sure of the schedule, recovering from the earlier planned industrial action, with “late starting”.
To allow for the late starting services, the plan is to assemble at East Croydon at 10:30 for the timetabled 10:44 to Purley, then taking the 11:00 to Tadworth. There are two trains to Tadworth per hour. Trains back from Merstham are fast, taking 12 minutes, twice an hour, at 03 and 33. Merstham station will require a ticket to get back into TFL zones.
If the trains are totally off, we can still assemble for 10:30 at East Croydon, and take an alternative walk via bus.
The backup plan is the 403 bus to Hamsey Green, walk to Coulsdon for the 60 bus back. The route follows the “South London Downs National Nature Reserve” almost all of the way. This option is down and up and up and down, but still worth the effort. 6 miles, so shorter but harder work. Meet at East Croydon Station at 10.10 to catch the 10:23 from East Croydon, 10:45 from Purley, arrive Tadworth 11:03
Please note Train times to be confirmed.
Return trains from Merstham – hourly fast trains at 07 past

No Club Night
2022-12-27 20:30 - 22:00

Ski Trip 29th Jan to 4th Feb
2022-12-28 08:00 - 17:00

Shelterbox Auction
2023-01-03 20:30 - 22:00 | South Croydon United Church Hall, Aberdeen Road, South Croydon, CR0 1EQ, United Kingdom
Usually involving a few laughs, we spend our first Club Night of the New Year setting out to raise whatever funds we can for our Club charity, “ShelterBox”. (Another moment of fame, via the photos below, for “Tiger Tim” and “Camisole Chris”!) Each year, we have managed to send a good sum of ££s to aid those who need a specific help that is appropriate to COPSE and the “outdoor” part of our title.
For our newer members, I offer the simple statement that our longer-standing members are familiar with: many in our Club enjoy warm-season camping for leisure and pleasure. ShelterBox provides survival equipment for those who might need to camp simply to stay alive – sometimes in very challenging conditions.
To raise the ££s, you good folk donate unwanted Xmas pressies or other surplus items to be generously bid for and given new, loving homes by others attending the evening. Our fundraising takes the form of a “Mystery Auction”, with COPSErs taking a gamble on receiving a useful or attractive prize, as they try to outbid fellow members. All gifts are pre-wrapped and the contents unknown.
If you have not been able to pre-wrap, there will be some paper at the hall that can be used but please arrive especially early, if you need to do this.
Understandably, many Club members make individual decisions throughout any year about their personal donations to different charities. For this annual Club effort, click on the green box above for fuller info on how that big green box assists those in dire straits or check via this link
The following is also a reminder of why COPSE has continued to help:
“Everyone deserves a place to call home. It is a human right and the first step towards recovery after disaster.
Shelter is so much more than just a roof. It’s the foundation for life, families and communities. It is a place to feel safe after days or weeks of fear. It offers protection from harsh weather, privacy, and helps to preserve dignity. It’s a space to heal from trauma. Recovery doesn’t happen overnight but a dry and warm place to sleep, prepare meals and be with your family is the vital first step.”
Please remember to bring your bulging wallets or purses – although I.O.U.s will be accepted! (Of course, cash donations also welcomed from any people unable to come along.)

Local walk around Keston, High Elms & Downe
2023-01-08 09:30 - 17:00
This walk will be about 8 miles, but 6 with a possible short cut depending on conditions. It is fairly hilly and some paths will be muddy.
As usual, bring a packed lunch, but there are cafes at Keston and High Elms, and pubs at Downe.
So meet at East Croydon bus station at 9.30 for the 119 bus to Hayes. (or meet at Hayes by 10.00)
Then we will join the London Loop via Keston to High Elms. Return from Downe on the 146 bus to Hayes, then 119 back to Croydon.

60 Years in the Funeral Business, by Tony Rowland
2023-01-10 20:30 - 22:00 | South Croydon United Church Hall, Aberdeen Road, South Croydon, CR0 1EQ, United Kingdom
Tony Rowland, of Rowland Brothers, is a well-known figure in the Croydon landscape.
He will talk about his experiences in building the family business, illustrated with photos and with a fund of stories told with wit and humour.
Plus he’ll answer your pressing questions – like “Why does it cost so much?”

8 mile walk Bletchingley to Oxted + pub meal in Old Oxted
2023-01-15 08:00 - 17:00
Tim says . . .
Hello copsers
I am leading a linear walk about 8 miles long on Sunday from Bletchingly to Oxted, with the option of a meal (including Sunday Roast) in Old Oxted in the late afternoon.
The plan is to meet at East Croydon at 9.30 am to catch the 9.39 train to Oxted, arriving at 10.00. We then catch the 10.28 bus to Bletchingly, arriving at 10.40 am. We will stop to eat sandwiches en route and aim to arrive at the Old Bell in Old Oxted to eat at about 3.30 pm. If you don’t want to stop, it’s a short walk to the Railway Station with trains every half hour.
I need to book tables at the pub as Sunday afternoon is the most popular time for eating, so please let me know today, if possible, if you want to eat. If you don’t tell me in advance then it’s pot luck if you can get food!
We walked a bit of the route yesterday, it is very muddy!
cheers
Tim

Outing: Tenpin Bowling at Valley Park
2023-01-17 20:30 - 22:00 | Tenpin, Valley Park, Hesterman Way, Croydon, CR0 4YA
We’re Going Bowling Again
Back by popular demand! A party of COPSE’s finest athletes enjoyed this outing last year, so we’re doing it again.
I’ll book (and pay for) as many lanes as we have players for, maximum six to a lane.

But how do I sign up for this event?
… you may ask. Well, here’s the answer:

Several people subscribed on Tuesday at the Hall. If you didn’t, I’ll take emails, text messages, Whatsapps, even old fashioned phone calls.

. . . . and how do I pay?
By signing up you commit to paying me the outrageously reasonable sum of £7.45. Averse as I am to handling change, I prefer direct payments to my bank, the sooner the better. Ask me for how.

The Details
You can, of course, just turn up to enjoy the social setting and company of your fellow COPSErs for no charge.
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

Shoe Policy
I’ve confirmed that, as last time, you can play in your own shoes, but please make sure they’re trainers or otherwise flat-soled. As far as I know there are no shoes available on site.

Walk Crystal Palace to Streatham Common+ Pub Meal
2023-01-22 10:45 - 17:00
Meet outside Crystal Palace Station from 10.45am (where the coffee stall should hopefully be open).
We will walk down to the bottom of Crystal Palace Park for a close look at the “famous” dinosaurs 🦕🦖 + the lake 🏞 (near Penge Gate) where there are public loos + maybe a cafe stop as it normally gets very busy at Sunday lunchtimes.
We will then then walk back through the park past the (once) National Sports Centre up to the Crystal Palace Museum (top of Anerley Hill) for about 1pm to meet any “late comers” (staying for about 20 minutes) + then continue the “capital ring” walk to Streatham Common, the Rookery Gardens with an option to go to “The Bull” pub (on Streatham High Road) for either drinks 🍺🍷☕ or a meal 🍕 🥙 🍟
where there are numerous travel options to get back to Croydon.

Burns Night
2023-01-24 20:30 - 22:00 | South Croydon United Church Hall, Aberdeen Road, South Croydon, CR0 1EQ, United Kingdom
Fair fa’ your honest, sonsie face
We didn’t argue with that sentiment last year, and everyone had such a good time that we’re doing it again.
If you have yet to be convinced of haggis’s virtues (or even if you have been), roll up on Tuesday evening for a treat of said puddin’, with its traditional embellishments of bashed neeps, mashed spuds, and whatever trimmings we can muster. There will even be a dram in it for those keen on the true Caledonian experience, along with the joyful skirl provided by our in-house piper and traditional poetry read in excruciatingly inaccurate Scottish accents.
Please note that, due to government restrictions, we will be using only left-handed specimens, humanely caught by burly, kilted highlanders using extra strong butterfly nets.
But
(I hear you ask)
what’s my part in all this magnificence?
Well, there are a few things you should be aware of . . . .
1. In the interests of simplicity and getting home before dawn, we’re not washing up! Bring your own plate, glass and cutlery, and take them home at the end of the evening.
2. Drink provided is limited to Scotch and Highland Water for the toasts – in addition, of course, to the regular tea & coffee service graciously provided by Olga. If your tastes veer in other directions, please feel free to bring your own choice of tipple.
3. For the furtherance of jollity and the spirit of the evening, any vaguely Scottish apparel is encouraged. If you can’t stretch to a kilt, how about tartan socks or a Hamilton Accies away strip?
And a special request: if you’re coming along and you’re of a vegetarian persuasion, please let Ken know quickly so that your needs can be accommodated.
Looking forward to that haggis already. No, don’t ask me what’s in it!
(I know, all shamelessly pasted in from last year’s email. Life’s too short . . . )
