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 (Europe/London) | 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)

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

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

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.

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

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!

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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!

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.
