Croydon Outdoor Pursuits & Social Events Club

BBC Proms Royal Albert Hall
2023-08-02 19:00 - 22:30 (Europe/London)
Celebrate and enjoy the world’s greatest classical music festival together. This concert features the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra with works by Mozart and Rachmaninov and Ukrainian composer Ivan Karabits whose son Kirill will conduct the orchestra. 7.30pm RAH. See Andrew for a ticket. First come first served. Preceded by picnic by Albert Memorial.

Walk Maidenhead to Marlow (10 miles)
2023-08-06
Please meet at E.Croydon station by 9am for the 9.09 Thameslink train to Farringdon. Then we take the Elizabeth Line to Maidenhead, but we have to change at Paddington, arriving at Maidenhead 10.56.
The journey will be free for those with Freedom Passes , otherwise you need to buy a return ticket to Maidenhead.
Then it is about 25mins walk through the town to where we join the Thames path. We follow it through Cookham to Bourne End, (6 miles) or on to Marlow (10 miles) if conditions permit.
It is an easy level path, but it might be a bit muddy after the recent rain. You can bring a packed lunch, but there are pubs and cafes en route.
We return from Marlow or Bourne End by train to Maidenhead . Departing at 15.29 from Marlow, or 16.06 from Bourne End to Maidenhead 16.52. (hourly service) You will all need a ticket for this journey (£5.30 from Marlow)
Then it will be about a 90 minute journey back to Croydon.

Lesley's Trip to Uzbekistan
2023-08-08 20:30 - 22:00 | South Croydon United Church Hall, Aberdeen Road, South Croydon, CR0 1EQ, United Kingdom
Unbeknownst to most of us, earlier this year Lesley went on a tour of Uzbekistan.
Why?
Where?
How?
Turn up to find out! She’s come back with an outstanding set of photos and tales of her trip, and now she’s going to share them with the rest of us.

Walk Coulsdon Town to Kenley
2023-08-13 12:00 - 17:00
Local walk from Coulsdon Town up through Farthing Downs and Happy Valley to the Fox Inn for light refreshments. From there you can get the bus back to Croydon or continue through Kenley Aerodrome to Kenley Station or bus stop.
Meet at Aldi in Coulsdon at 11am.

Quiz Nite
2023-08-15 20:30 - 22:00 | South Croydon United Church Hall, Aberdeen Road, South Croydon, CR0 1EQ, United Kingdom
Andrew will entertain us with his ingenious Quiz!

North London Walk (Moved to Sat 16th Sept)
2023-08-19
Please note that this event has been rearranged to Saturday 16th September.

Beachy Head Walk
2023-08-20

Captions & Kit
2023-08-22 20:30 - 22:00 | South Croydon United Church Hall, Aberdeen Road, South Croydon, CR0 1EQ, United Kingdom
Yes, this time it’s Captions and Kit!
This Tuesday we have a variation on our ever-popular “Captions and . . . “ themed Club Night.
Not only . . .
. . . has Linda has selected the usual challenging set of photos for you to apply your wits to, and recognition will undoubtedly fall to the wittiest.
. . . but also . . .
. . . a novel “Kit” component of the evening.
This is your opportunity to unload or acquire items of kit, while benefitting our favourite charity, Shelterbox. As Ireen explains below, the original thought was to buy / sell / haggle over outdoor kit of the kind COPSE people often have occasion to use, but there’s no reason to confine ourselves to that – anything you no longer want to give house or shed room to is eligible.
Also, as a seller you decide how to split the spoils with Shelterbox – 100/0, 50/50, 0/100 and points between, the choice is yours.
Here’s the full explanation, from Ireen’s email:
Dear All,
A suggestion from Keith S, concerning similar experience with another club, will be taken forward for COPSE at our Tuesday, 22nd August evening.
Our programme had “Captions” listed and this will now become “Captions & Kit”!
The idea is that all Members are invited to bring along items that they wish to part with and that funds raised will be put aside to add to our annual ShelterBox donation.
Occasionally, some COPSErs do advertise that this or that is available, “if anyone wants it.” Of course, outdoor activity gear such as walking poles etc. might be well received but other items you would appreciate parting with (thereby gaining more house space!) might also find new homes.
Some large tables will be available to display things and you can label your contributions with your name and set price – or perhaps bartering might happen. Anyway, we’ll give it all a try.
The “Captions” part of the evening will still provide its usual chances for the fun of creative thought but we’ll add this opportunity to sell/buy, while people are milling around thinking about the photos on the wall.
PLEASE ESPECIALLY NOTE THAT ANY ITEMS REMAINING UNSOLD MUST BE TAKEN AWAY AGAIN. We shall not be adding them to our upstairs storeroom!

Regards,

Ireen Best (07968 035522)

PLANNING MEETING (October to December)
2023-08-24 19:00 - 22:00 | Spreadeagle Pub, 39-41 Katharine St, Croydon, CR0 1NX, United Kingdom
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. All are welcome. Bring along your proposals for activities we can all share.
Note the change of venue and time from recent versions.
It’s in an upstairs room at the Spread Eagle pub in Katharine Street. We’ll gather from 7pm for those eating/drinking, and start the business proper at 8pm.

Midweek trip to Lulworth Cove YHA (Dorset)
2023-08-28 08:00 - 2023-08-31 17:00

Visit to RAF Hendon Museum
2023-09-03
Entry to the museum is free of charge.
Meet at East Croydon Train Station from 9.35am for the 10.03am Thameslink train to Farringdon, change to another Thameslink train to Mill Hill Broadway. We will take a bus, the 303, which stops right outside the RAF museum.
Fifteen timed entry slots have been booked from NOON which means there will be time to have a coffee somewhere. The museum is open from 11am to 5pm.
Background + history
The RAF Hendon Museum (at Grahame Park, Colindale, NW9 5LL) was once part of RAF Hendon station but prior
to that, it was one of the country’s first civilian airfields opening in 1911.
During WW1 it was requistioned by the home defence. During WW2, it become an operational RAF station and then home to no. 24 transport/communications squadron and also served briefly as a fighter station during the battle of britain during the summer of 1940.
RAF Hendon Museum was officially opened by the late queen in november 1972 where the hangars housed only a mere 36 aircraft which has increased to what it is today.
“The Battle of Britain” museum was opened by the late queen mother in november 1978 which was been substantially refurbished.
RAF Hendon Museum is world famous for showing both the history of aviation + the history of the RAF displayed in six hangars as follows
1) admittance + main entry point
2) “early days of flight” until 1918
3 + 4) “the historic hangars” featuring aircraft from WW2
+ the cold war
5) “the bomber hall” featuring aircraft from the battle of britain which includes “a wellington”, “a lancaster”
+ “a spitfite” !!
6) “the RAF in an age of uncertainty” featuring aircraft from 1980 to the 21st century.
The museum has a public restaurant built within “a mess 1930s store building”.
keith

Chi Kung: the Shibashi
2023-09-05 20:15 - 22:00 | South Croydon United Church Hall, Aberdeen Road, South Croydon, CR0 1EQ, United Kingdom
Let Teresa continue her introduction to Chi Kung / Qigong by introducing you to the Shibashi.
Explanation shamelessly ripped off from another website:
“Shibashi” means eighteen and Shibashi Qigong is a wonderful set of 18 Qigong exercises practised as a whole for maintaining all round good health and wellbeing. The movements are simple, gentle and flowing, and a joy to practise.

The Autism talk originally scheduled for this date has had to be postponed. With luck it will appear in the Autumn programme.

St Matthew's Church Quiz
2023-09-09 19:00 - 22:30

East Grinstead now Not So Circular
2023-09-10
This is a stroll of about 8 miles into some interesting countryside around East Grinstead. Some small hills but nothing too taxing, and we’ll fit in a pub call.
Update 9th September
As the heat seems about to continue, I’ve looked at ways to reduce our exposure on tomorrow’s walk. The one I planned had lots of open country and it occurs to me it would be foolish to expose ourselves that much.
So I’ve devised an alternative route that is almost all in shade. Thanks to the late unlamented Dr Beeching the railway line between East Grinstead and Three Bridges is defunct, and most of it is now a delightfully shaded footpath.
This does mean we no longer have a circular route, and unfortunately you’ll need to buy two separate rail tickets – one to East Grinstead and one back from Three Bridges. Alternatively, turn back at the halfway point (around Crawley Down).
The walk is still 8 miles and has even fewer hills (trains don’t like them).
No change to meeting arrangements:
Meet at East Croydon Station at 10.25, in time for the 10.39 to East Grinstead (usually platform 6) – or join the train at Sanderstead (10:44) or Riddlesdown (10:47). Arriving East Grinstead at 11.19.
I’m sure I don’t need to remind seasoned COPSErs about the importance of water, sunscreen, hats etc – be careful out there!
PS
I’ve failed to find a pub on the way (the one in Crawley Down seems to have encountered its own Beeching Effect) but there is a small Co-op in Crawley Down if you need ready access to drinks and snacks.

Singalong with Steve
2023-09-12 20:15 - 22:00 | South Croydon United Church Hall, Aberdeen Road, South Croydon, CR0 1EQ, United Kingdom
Steve Barbe returns to again take an impromptu COPSE choir through its vocal paces. No singing ability required, this is purely about enjoying the process of exercising your lungs and making some (possibly musical) noise.
Steve brings humour and freshness to get the most unpromising vocalisers up and joining in.

North London Walk (West Hampstead to Highgate 6 miles)
2023-09-16 10:00 - 17:00
Meet at East Croydon Station from 9.40am for the 10.12am Thameslink train to West Hampstead.
This will be a six mile walk (mostly flat) via Hampstead, Hampstead Heath, Kenwood House (visit + tea stop), Highgate Village and Waterlow Park to either Highgate or Archway Station (both Northern Line).
There will be a pub stop 🍺🍷☕ near the end.

Jana's Quiz
2023-09-19 20:30 - 22:00 | South Croydon United Church Hall, Aberdeen Road, South Croydon, CR0 1EQ, United Kingdom
Jana’s put together an entirely novel and mysterious Quiz for us all. Come along and enjoy!

Barnes Bridge Walk (6 miles)
2023-09-24
An easy going walk of about 6 miles along the banks of a very scenic part of The Thames.
Meet Barnes Bridge Station 11.15am (direct train from Clapham Junction platform 5 at 11am).
The walk crosses Barnes Bridge and continues a few miles along the river and then crosses Hammersmith Bridge for a more wooded path and going by the yacht and canoe club to Fulham Bridge where we can cross again & spend some in time in Fulham Palace Gardens.
There is also an attractive park with fountains, ornamental gardens and a Cafe.
The way back is by train from Fulham Broadway Station to Wimbledon & then tram back to Croydon.
Alternatively, Putney Station is 15 minutes walk away.

Gatliff Planning
2023-09-26 20:15 - 22:00 | South Croydon United Church Hall, Aberdeen Road, South Croydon, CR0 1EQ, United Kingdom
Gatliff Time!
This evening is one for Planning for the Gatliff Marathon, and your chance to go hands-on with your support for this major Club event.
Unlike last year’s effort there’ll be no struggles with the field communications system. Instead it will be an evening of creating, packing and sorting materials for the big day. Margaret will be there to organise, give information and answer your questions.
The event takes place on Saturday 14th October, and has been many months in preparation, led by Margaret. I’m sure you’re all aware that, in addition to its intrinsic benefits as an enjoyable occasion, the Gatliff has long been a major contributor to Club funds and a factor in keeping our Subscription as low as it is. It deserves your support in every way possible.
I completed the 25K last year, and I’m down to do it again. If my ancient limbs can do it, what’s stopping you???
Ken

Visit to Thai Buddhist Temple in Wimbledon (guided tour at 2pm)
2023-09-29 14:00 - 17:00
A guided visit to the Buddhapadipa Temple which is a Thai Buddhist temple located in Wimbledon. The tour is booked for 2pm. Please see below for the link to their website for more information.

About Us

For those who would like to travel from East Croydon, the arrangement is that we meet at 12:15 – 12:20 and take the next tram to Wimbledon. We should arrive there around 1pm and will wait in front of the station for any who would like to meet us there. At 1:10 we will set off for the temple which is around a 30 minute walk away. If there are any who would like to meet us at the temple, please get there before 2 so that you can join the guided visit. The temple is open to the general public so you are able to enter beforehand and wander around the grounds. Please see the link below for information about visiting. Do note that there is a dress code of discreet clothing.

School / Group Visits

This event needs to be booked in advance – we will need to let the temple know numbers before our visit.
After the tour we can walk around the temple grounds and there is an option of going for a Thai meal or refreshments at the nearby Giggling Squid.

Walking Treasure Hunt - Box Hill, Dorking
2023-09-30
St Matthew’s Redhill is organising a Walking Treasure Hunt on Saturday 30th September, along similar lines to the Weald Walkers Wander. The plan is to have a relatively easy morning session, geared towards families and children, but in which everyone can take part, ending with a pub lunch at ‘The Stepping Stones’ pub next to Boxhill and Westhumble Station. The more seasoned walkers will then have an afternoon route to follow which will be more challenging, both in terms of clues and the route itself.
The walk is 5 miles in total, 2.5 miles in the morning and 2.5 miles in the afternoon. The cost to enter is £1 per person. The maximum number of people in a team is 5. The Stepping Stones pub is serving barbecue/street food/sandwiches and there is no need to book lunch in advance, see: The Stepping Stones Pub Dorking, Box Hill & Westhumble (steppingstonesdorking.co.uk).
The start is Rykas Cafe, Box Hill at 09:45, which has plenty car parking, see: Home | Rykas.
However, there is going to be a rail strike on Saturday 30 September. There is no limit to the number of teams COPSE can enter, but we will need to know final numbers by Friday 29 September at the latest.

100 Spaces in 100 Days
2023-10-03 20:15 - 22:00 | South Croydon United Church Hall, Aberdeen Road, South Croydon, CR0 1EQ, United Kingdom
A talk by Nicola Hunt
Nicola entertained us last year with the very well appreciated “Grand Day Out in Croydon” talk she gave with the RSPB.

This time her theme is Croydon’s open spaces. Expect to learn a lot more about them than you thought you knew!

Brixton Walk
2023-10-08
Meet outside Fairfield Halls at 1pm this Sunday. We will cross the road to catch the 109 bus to Brixton. It’s quite a long bus ride so do bring your packed lunch/ drinks/ snacks
We will be doing quite an extensive tour of Brixton to include the prison, windmill, Bowie legacy, market and much more. Thanks in advance to Keith S who has lots of knowledge about Brixton to share with us
We are ending the trip with a meal at Dan Clare’s Kitchen at 6pm. (https://danclairskitchen.co.uk) I currently have a booking for 18 people:
IF you want to eat with us and are not on the email list please let me know ASAP. Similarly, if you no longer are able to join us please let me know ASAP
Currently it’s scheduled to be warm and sunny in Brixton this Sunday aft
For those of you with woolly woofs the restaurant is dog friendly

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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)
