Croydon Outdoor Pursuits & Social Events Club

Fun Quiz
2020-02-04 20:15 - 22:00 (Europe/London)
It’s a fun and stimulating general knowledge quiz complete with slides so you can read the questions as well.

Hidden London – Lib’s London Walk
2020-02-02 09:30 - 17:00
Assemble from 11:15 at East Croydon station ticket hall for the 11:34 To London Bridge.

Explore, hike, discover, marvel and wonder at the hidden secrets of Croydon’s companion town, Londinium, far away “over the water” *

“Hidden London” theme means this is all a little hush hush. We will pass by and visit a series of hidden features. Some hidden from sight, some hidden in plain sight.

After finding some hidden places in the immediate vicinity of London Bridge, we will take a mystery trip to a hidden corner of London, where we will hike on a hidden path for around five miles.

Our outbound train arrives at London bridge 11:48, so you can join us there instead. If you’re late or otherwise miss us, we’ll be in the general area for about one hour, so you can track is down by phone or other magical means.

Expect all the walking to be completed in daylight, before finding a hidden station to take us back on a hidden route to good old Croydon, by which time it might just have gone dark. All the transport links are within the TFL zones 1-6.

Destinations, Holiday & Travel Show - Olympia
2020-01-30 10:00 - 2020-02-02 17:00
Jan 30th – Feb 2nd

“Pat on the Back Party”
2020-01-28 20:15 - 22:00
This coming Tuesday’s Club Night will take the form of a party / social. We recall with thanks the hard work that went into making last year’s Gatliff Marathon a success and also the Club’s 86th anniversary.

Everyone is welcome. If you don’t venture down on a Tuesday very often we’d love to see you. In particular the many who contributed to running the Gatliff Marathon would be most welcome as the Club gives you an informal thanks and “pat on the back”.

There will be a little party / snack / Gatliff Marathon style snack food – some warm – plus some mulled wine or apple juice provided. But you can bring your own supplies to contribute and share, including alcohol.

Some Gatliff memorabilia will be on display and some achievements and “Gatstics” announced.

I also plan that a large wall map of Europe will be on display as a focal point for tracing where our Nordic trip in May is planned to go.

Lights and recorded music will contribute to the atmosphere – if you have any music for dancing requests for the playlist please inform me asap.

Please being along any other items / activities that will help with a party.

Down House (Home of Charles Darwin) Visit & Walk
2020-01-26 10:00 - 17:00
Catch the 119 bus at 10.09 from East Croydon Bus Stop E1 (or at 10.07 from Fairfield Halls Bus Stop KC) to Hayes George Lane. Then catch the 146 bus at 10.42. Get off at Holmwood Farm at 10.50 where we will assemble.

We will then walk just under 3 miles to Down House where you can buy lunch or eat your own and then explore the house and gardens. After that we will walk half a mile in to Downe itself for some liquid refreshment then get the bus home – departing at 20 past the hour.

If anybody wishes to drive and offer lifts then let Tim know, but if you want to do the walk you will need to park in Downe by 10.15 then walk a mile back to the start.cheers

Burns Night Ceilidh at Stanley Halls
2020-01-25 20:00 - 23:00
Tickets include a special performance by SLiDE dancers

Doors open at 7PM

An ‘Evening of Rod Stewart’ at The Boom Boom Club, Sutton
2020-01-24 19:30 - 23:00
Book tickets at feenstra.co.uk/boomboom

Illustrated talk: “How to have the time of your life in West Africa”
2020-01-21 20:15 - 22:00
The charismatic young man behind “Black Star Caravan” visits us to amaze and uplift us with an insight into the adventures that “Black Star Caravan” offer. They’ve an upcoming trip by land from London to Guinea Bissau.

Not only is the disparate group of travellers, friends, artists and performers leading a tree planting sideline on the way but they will entertain and amaze the locals they encounter on the way with circus workshops, cinema, building playgrounds, making art and generally uplifting all they encounter. Come and share this amazing energy.

Illustrated talk: “The meaning of China – the impact of its rise on the rest of the world”
2020-01-14 20:15 - 22:15 | South Croydon United Church Hall, Aberdeen Road, South Croydon, CR0 1EQ, United Kingdom
A visiting speaker gives a unique insight into modern China. Barnaby Powell is a Croydon resident who is fascinated by China and comes to give the benefit of his research and insight with an illustrated talk into what the modern growth of this huge civilisation means for the rest of the world.
Non members welcome.

London Canals and Green Ways Part 3 - Bike Ride
2020-01-12 10:00 - 17:00
By popular demand, we now have the third London Canal Ride in the series, crossing Central London, just to the North, cycling the Canal towpaths, parks and other quiet routes.
This time we are joining up the West and the East, riding from Little Venice along Regent’s Canal, and down through the East End to the Thames.

Meet at East Croydon station from 10:00 for the 10:21 to Victoria.
We might need to commandeer more than one train to cram on the bikes so please assemble at Victoria from 10:30

Mystery Auction
2020-01-07 20:15 - 22:00
Over our Club’s Christmas break, please set aside any unwanted Xmas presents in good condition (it need not be new), wrap “anonymously” and bring it along on the evening.

Our Club’s annual “Mystery Auction” is in aid of our adopted charity, “ShelterBox”, which provides emergency supplies to those in great need, wherever they may be.

COPSE has previously donated two complete green boxes stuffed with appropriate survival equipment.

New Year Walk from Oxted
2020-01-04 09:30 - 16:30
A circular walk of about 6-7- miles from Oxted.
Meet at East Croydon station at 9.25 for the 9.39 train to Oxted, arr 10.00.
You can bring some lunch, but there will be a pub stop at the Carpenters Arms, Limpsfield Chart.
As it is quite muddy, boots and gaiters would be advisable.
Trains back to Croydon depart every half hour.

Surrey Inns Kanter, Epsom Downs with LDWA
2020-01-01 09:15 - 17:00
(20 or 12 miles)

Start 0915-1030 – Finish by 1630 (see website for more details)

NO HALL
2019-12-31 08:00 - 17:00, 2019-12-24 08:00 - 17:00

Yuletide Festive Walk
2019-12-28 09:30 - 17:00
Meet at 9.40am East Croydon Rail Stn to catch 10.03 to Plumpton, Sussex.

The walk is around 8 miles, the bulk of which will be before the lunch stop, and will include quite a climb up to about 600 feet above sea level*, then along a short stretch of the South Downs Way before diving back down again to the Half Moon Inn at the foot of the Downs, south of Plumpton, for a pub stop.

A bracing walk to help blow out the cobwebs of the old year – and those Brexit Blues (whichever side of the great divide you stood on).

Will try and make the 4.29pm train at the latest train back from Plumpton to East Croydon (but there is a pub fairly nearby the station if needed).

Visit to Severndroog Castle in Eltham
2019-12-22 10:00 - 16:00
Severndroog Castle ( actually a folly) is located in South-East London. This is an 18thC. preserved Gothic tower situated on Shooters Hill. From the viewing platform there is a 360 degree panoramic view of London.
Meet 11.30 at the castle. Bring sandwiches, or enjoy the tearoom said to be filled with ‘homemade treats’. If there is time and weather permitting, we could take a walk through Castle Wood and Oxleas Wood, both of which have nature trails.
If you are going by train, meet at East Croydon 10.00 am for the 10.14 am train to Blackheath. You need to change at Peckham Rye. At Blackheath catch the 89 bus to stop SE Memorial Hospital. Then walk to the castle.

COPSE Christmas Party at the Spread Eagle Pub
2019-12-17 20:15 - 22:00

Warlingham to Oxted Walk - Approx 5 miles
2019-12-15 10:00 - 17:00
Walk from Warlingham Sainsbury’s to Oxted, over the North Downs,
through Woldingham and up to The Ridge, then Titsey Woods, passing
stately Titsey Place and on under the M25 into Oxted.
Meet at East Croydon Station at 10am, then leave promptly to catch
the 10:13 bus 403 from Fairfield Halls bus stop KA, due in to Warlingham
Sainsbury’s at 10:39 – or you could join en route.
For the trip back there are trains from Oxted at 29 and 59 past the hour.

Captions & Cornflakes
2019-12-10 20:15 - 22:00
Continuing the theme of “Captions + something beginning with the letter C”, we shall be allowing ourselves that little evening treat that many people serve themselves, when fancying an end-of-day snack. However, “Captions & Cornflakes (Etc!)” means that for the “etc.” you will be offered a range of different cereals – chocolatey, cinnamony, hazelnutty … and so on. In other words, you can have a little try of flavours which might have tempted you, when you saw them on shop shelves, but you have usually resisted because they have not the sensible food value to which you would give your own shelf space!

Obviously, large servings will not be supplied but everyone wishing to try the variety provided should gain a good taste with a few spoonfuls. If you have a cereal that you would like to share, please do bring any of your own packets along.

N.B. It would be really helpful if you could bring a bowl and spoon from home and a bag in which to take the used ones back. This would save a good deal of work for whoever will form the clearing-up brigade!

Pre-Xmas Weekend away to the 1912 Centre in Harwich
2019-12-06 12:00 - 2019-12-08 17:00

Comedy Clips
2019-12-03 20:15 - 22:00
This week we indulge our humourous side with comedy clips. From TV shows, radio, film, www, play, book, etc.

Walk from Coulsdon South station - Approx 6.5 miles
2019-12-01 10:15 - 17:00
Meet at East Croydon station about 10:15 to get the 10:24 train to Coulsdon South which is in fare zone 6.

The walk will go via Farthing Downs to the Fox pub on Coulsdon Common then via Chaldon church back to Coulsdon South.

Bring a packed lunch.

If anyone wants to drop out by the time we get to the Fox pub, there is the possibility to get bus 466 back into Croydon. The bus stop is only a few minutes away from the pub.

Singing Workshop
2019-11-26 20:15 - 22:00
This week we are treated to the delights of local musician, Steve Barbe, who will guide us through some popular songs to make everyone feel uplifted & engaged in the moment.
It has been proven that singing in a group improves wellbeing, providing a sense of togetherness, & its roots go back to ancient times.
We will be commencing at 8.30 so please be sitting comfortably by 8.20 ready to experience the power of song.

Gatliff Marathon
2019-11-24 08:00 - 18:00
The Gatliff Marathon is an annual challenge walk, jog or run of 25 or 50km mostly on footpaths and tracks in the Kent and Surrey countryside.

The challenge is to complete the event in under 10 hours, following the route directions and checking in at each of the checkpoints.

See our website for full details.

Gatliff Marathon Preparation
2019-11-19 20:15 - 22:00
An evening of sharing, learning and relaxed fun preparing for the Gatliff Marathon on Sunday. Marshals will be able to meet each other and their checkpoint leader, learn where the route and checkpoints go and refresh their knowledge of what is expected of them.

Non-marshals will be able to enjoy seeing some of the ground-breaking technology that will be used this year as key marshals are trained. View the super-dooper updated spread sheet projected on the screen, see where the route goes and enjoy some hot and refreshing snacks and treats. You can also role-play being an entrant to give the trainee check-in marshals some live tests.

Plus you can just catch up with your COPSE buddies, it will be an enjoyable evening.

City Break - YHA Stratford-on-Avon
2019-11-15 12:00 - 2019-11-17 17:00

Talk - Expedition cruising in the Russian Far East
2019-11-12 20:15 - 22:00
Nicky will be giving a talk about the cruise she did in August down the coast of north east Siberia.

A fascinating trip in a remote and pristine area which is larger than the UK but with a fraction of the population. She will be concentrating mainly on the wildlife that she saw, including whales, bears, eagles, seabirds etc and also talking a little about the history of exploration in this area.

Van Gogh Walk – London
2019-11-10 10:15 - 17:00
This is a walk which traces Van Gogh’s commute home from his Covent Garden office to his home in Stockwell.

Meet at East Croydon station in time to catch the 10.34 train to London Bridge then the 10.56 to Charing Cross.

First stop will be room 43 at the National Gallery to see seven of Van Gogh’s paintings including the iconic Sunflowers. We will then stroll to the site of his office then begin our walk through Embankment Gardens, cross the Thames, and walk down the A23 passing by the Imperial War Museum.

Lunch stop at The Tommyfield pub around 1pm. Or if you prefer you can bring a packed lunch and have it at Kennington Park. The diners will catch you up there.

https://www.thetommyfield.com/

We will complete our walk down to Hackford Road. The house is open till 5pm.
Return home starting with a tube from Stockwell then a train to Croydon. The total distance will be about 4 miles.

Stanley Halls Barn Dance
2019-11-08 20:00 - 23:00
With the ‘Conquering Heroes’

“A band of local folk musicians who can be found playing tunes from the British Isles and beyond! An accomplished ceilidh band, we’ve brought music, dancing and joy to festivals, community events, weddings and parties across London and the South East.”
