Croydon Outdoor Pursuits & Social Events Club

Objectivity
2024-05-14 20:15 - 22:30 (Europe/London) | South Croydon United Church Hall, Aberdeen Road, South Croydon, CR0 1EQ, United Kingdom
It’s time for COPSErs to rummage among their bits and pieces, their mementoes and their treasures.
Be they exotic items from far-flung places or homely items with a little tale to tell, please find and bring along some objects to display this Tuesday. Even ordinary-looking something-or-others can hold the attention of an audience, when their significance is explained.
The humorous, the sentimental, the puzzling, the educational – all can find their tabletop place. If you have several objects that could be displayed, please choose up to three to put out initially, with some you keep aside for if time allows further contributions. If you can please pass Ireen your first items in a bag, they can make their appearance anonymously and people can begin the evening by perusing the display. (Let Ireen know if something is too delicate for others to handle.)
We’ve previously viewed a special musicbox (with a slightly “spooky” tale attached), tools, carvings, a cabbage press, bells, a skull(😱) . . . and a great variety of other things. Some of the stories behind each object have taken us on virtual travels, far and wide.
I wonder where we shall go this week!

South Kensington and Hyde Park
2024-05-16 10:30 - 18:30
On the 16th May we will meet at E. Croydon station at 10.15 for 10.30am to Victoria station then to Gloucester Road station to see sculptures by a lady artist then walk to South Kensington station tunnel to see her posters with anagrams. After that we will visit the Natural History Museum and have a tea break for about an hour.

In the afternoon we will visit Hyde park where the old Crystal Palace museum used to be (subsequently then moved to Upper Norwood). We will carry on walking to the Royal Society Musical academy museum where you can even play some musical instruments.

By 4-4.30pm walk back to Victoria station have a meal at Wetherspoons then back to E Croydon station.

Day Trip to Brighton
2024-05-18
During May Brighton is bursting with life thanks to the Brighton Festival https://brightonfestival.org/ and Brighton Fringe https://www.brightonfringe.org/events/?

If you are up for a loosely organised amble around the town and some of its FREE performing arts events and laines and beachfront bars, please come along. Timings below.

There is also a ticketed event in the fringe that I think would appeal and is at a sensible time: https://www.brightonfringe.org/events/the-flying-bubble-show/ The Flying Bubble Show. And for which tickets are available. “Dive into The Flying Bubble Show, where dreams and reality blur in a breathtaking fusion of bubble magic and aerial flying.” 1pm; standard ticket £14 concession £12. Please buy your own ticket. Or if you’d like me to book for you, let me know. I have booked myself a ticket.

Rough plan for the day:

Meet East Croydon 9.45am / buy rail tickets (Thameslink day return £15.50 before concessions)
09.59 Train to Brighton
10.48 Train arrives Brighton
11am to 12.30pm amble through North Laine area with its quirky shops and cafes
12.45 arrive at Fool’s Paradise, venue for, at 1.00pm, The Flying Bubble Show, see above
2.00pm exit show and find lunch
3.00pm to 6.00pm amble beachfront and multiple FREE performance events (e.g. World Kiosk, Anchored in Air *, The Journey, Neolithic Cannibals: Deep Listening to the Unheard, Days of Wonder, Ooze Machines )

* For “Anchored in Air” the one show is at 2.30pm so we would have to work out where that venue is and hot foot it.

Then around 6.00pm we should have easy / takeaway food (e.g. fish and chips) and find somewhere to collapse for a drink – beachfront bar maybe. Possibly a restaurant but that would be a major challenge to accommodate a group during a festival Saturday?

Then around 8.00pm, unless we have found another event to attend I think we will be happy to set off back home.

By all means explore the festival and fringe programme and suggest events we could go to.
Regards
Andrew
07985 936953

Green North Croydon Walk
2024-05-21 19:00 - 22:30 | Thornton Heath Station
Keith says:
This is almost a repeat of my walk on Sunday January 7th, where, after a meal at “The Bull” pub, a few of us went to the nearby leisure centre + watched the Streatham Redhawks ice hockey match ⛸ 🏒 🥅.
As I don’t want to finish too late, we’ll be meeting much earlier at 7PM outside Thornton Heath Station (which you can get to by train from either East or West Croydon + various buses from Croydon) where the four mile “easy” walk will be as follows =>
Thornton Heath Station
Thornton heath recreation ground,
Norbury Hall (or Squirrel 🐿) Park
Norbury Park
Norwood Grove
“The Rookery” gardens 🌹🌻 🌳🌲
Streatham Common to Streatham High Road, where the walk will finish about 9pm.
There will be an option of either going to “The Rabbit Hole” or “The Bull” pub for drinks 🍺🍷🍵, where opposite you can easily get the 109 bus back to central Croydon or go by train from either Streatham Station or Streatham Common Station.

One Night in Dublin @ Fairfield Halls
2024-05-23 19:30 - 22:00
On 23 May Fairfield are staging “One night in Dublin”. The band is the “Wild Murphys” a full eight piece band with guitars, flutes, violins, harmonica, ukuleles etc. I saw them last year and they are very very good and will be playing all the best Irish classic songs.
Tickets are £28.75. Availability is still fairly good but if you do wish to come suggest booking sooner rather than later. Please book your own tickets but we will meet up before or after for a meal/drink.

Beachy Head Walk
2024-05-26 09:00 - 18:00
Please note that the date of this walk has been changed from Saturday the 25th to Sunday the 26th May.
The walk will be from Seaford along the coast to Cuckmere Haven, then over the Seven Sisters cliffs to Eastdean. A hilly 9 miles with lovely views.
Bring a packed lunch, but there will be a cafe at Cuckmere Haven park centre and a cafe and pub at Eastdean.
So meet at E Croydon by 8.50 to get the 9.04 train to Lewes, changing there for Seaford arrive 10.25. We will get the bus back from Eastdean to Seaford, so you need a return ticket to Seaford.
Barry

Walk: Dickens in London
2024-05-27 12:00 - 17:00
On Monday 27th May I’ll be leading a Dickens themed walk around some of parts of London he frequented
We will meet at East Croydon station on the main concourse at 12 noon to catch 12.15 train to St Pancras where our walk will start 30 minutes later. An early stop will be at the Charles Dickens Museum in Doughty Street where he and his family lived from 1837-1839. Those who want to look around it’s £12.50/£10.00 and for those who don’t we can grab a cuppa in the cafe/garden. The walk will continue through Farrington, Holborn and the City of London ending at London Bridge. We expect to see 40+ Dickens related sights.
At the end of the walk we can take refreshments at the George Inn loved by Dickens. If you want more information before the walk feel free to ask. If you need to contact me on the day my number is 07931 533785
Look forward to seeing lots of you on Monday
Julie

A Games Evening
2024-05-28 20:15 - 22:30 | South Croydon United Church Hall, Aberdeen Road, South Croydon, CR0 1EQ, United Kingdom
🎶
Oh the games people play now
Every night and every day now
Never meaning what they say now
Never saying what they mean

Nah, not those games.
Our Tuesday evening will be a social one – a fun Games event. Andrew and Paul D will turn the Hall into a COPSE palace of diversions for your amusement.
What games? I have no idea, but can’t wait to find out. Come along and all will be revealed!

Planning Meeting
2024-05-31 18:30 - 22:00 | Spreadeagle Pub, 39-41 Katharine St, Croydon, CR0 1NX, United Kingdom
The last Planning Meeting was gratifyingly well attended and productive. A repeat would be great.
It’s when we fill out the Programme for the next quarter, both for Outdoor events and Club Nights. You may have marvelled at the range of activities this Club provides, but what’s even more marvellous is that they all originate in the fertile imaginations of our members. Bring along your bright ideas – very few are ever rejected – or if you can’t make it in person convey them to me, Sandra, Greg or any other Committee member.
Where? Upstairs at the Spread Eagle pub
When? 8pm on Friday 31st May. Arrive from 6.30 if you’re eating there.
Ken

"Go Green ! Go Exploring!"
2024-06-01 11:00 - 16:00 | Croydon Central Library, Katharine Street, Croydon
Croydon Green Spaces Open Day

Come along to Croydon’s Central Library in Katharine Street to chat to some of our Club Members about COPSE.
We are an invited stallholder at “Go Green! Go Exploring! Green Spaces Open Day”, taking place at the library this Saturday between 11am and 4pm. We often spend time in various of Croydon’s lovely parklands so find out how you could share these visits with us.

Ceilidh / Barn dance at Beddington village hall
2024-06-01 18:30 - 21:30
An invite for fellow Copsers to put their best (two left) feet forward….

I will be going to the Ceilidh / Barn dance at Beddington village hall this Saturday 1st June if any members are interested in joining me.

Details:

Date: Saturday 1st June 2024.

Venue Beddington village hall CR04TA

Doors open at 7pm.

Dance from 7.30pm – 9.30pm.

Cost: £7.00 (cash) on the door.

Live music from the Wandle Ceilidh band.

People can bring their own drinks and glasses.

No experience required. In fact this will be my first barn dance.

Travel plans:

Meet at West Croydon Bus station at 6.30pm latest. This will allow time to catch the 18.36 410 bus to Croydon Rd/Plough lane followed by a short 0.3 mile walk to the hall. Return travel via the same route.

For anyone wishing to drive there is very limited parking at the halls, possibly some limited parking in nearby side roads.

I notice that there is a pub nearby (The Harvest Home), perhaps we can go there afterwards.

My mobile: 07403 808 007

Special Event: Charles Dickens, Conjuror
2024-06-04 20:15 - 22:30 | South Croydon United Church Hall, Aberdeen Road, South Croydon, CR0 1EQ, United Kingdom
A Special Event!
As a timely follow on to Julie’s Dickens Walk, we’ve managed to secure the services of author, magician, and Dickens expert Ian Keable to present his show:
Charles Dickens, Conjuror: Playbill of his Most Famous Show

Charles Dickens was an amateur conjurer for around seven years of his life, from the time he wrote A Christmas Carol to David Copperfield. His best known performance was on the Isle of Wight in 1849; he wrote a highly amusing, and informative playbill to promote this show. This playbill, where Dickens called himself the ‘Unparalleled Necromancer’, provides the focus to talk about how Dickens was inspired to take up magic, which other conjurers influenced him, whether he was any good as a conjurer and how he depicted, and wrote about, magic in his own books, articles and letters. The talk includes a description of some of Dickens’ tricks from his own repertoire, plus some performances by Ian. Any questions are allowed – apart from ‘how do you do it!?’

Check Ian’s website for more details, including video of his TV appearances.
This show comes highly recommended so it is bound to be popular. Please arrive in good time for an 8.30 start.

Trip to Berlin
2024-06-06 08:00 - 2024-06-13 23:30 | Berlin, Germany
Update 29th May
Nearly time to go! We currently have 14 intrepid travellers who have booked travel and accommodation. Some are going by train, some flying from either Gatwick or London City, and several different places to stay have been booked.
You can join us right up to the last minute if you can get the bookings – let me know if you have a sudden craving for currywurst in its native habitat and I can let you know everybody’s plans.
Ken

Here’s a date for your diary:
We’re going to Berlin!
Ireen and I are going for a week, travelling out on Thursday 6th June and back on Thursday 13th. Please join us for all or part of that time.
Why Berlin?
Berlin is a fascinating city and well worth your time. There’s plenty to see and do – historic sites, museums, art galleries, boat trips, and, of course, tremendous nightlife for us youngsters. Not to mention the currywurst. Public transport is excellent and cheap, though it’s also very walkable and even cyclable, being mostly flat.
There will be a mixture of group, small group and individual activities, to be driven by the interests of those going.
Travel
At this point the only arrangement made is our travel. We’re going by train, which turns out to be one of the more expensive options – Eurostar St Pancras-Brussels, then Brussels-Cologne-Berlin. Other travel options include bus and plane – a good reference for travel options is Rome2Rio. As far as my research goes, weekend travel is the most expensive, while Thursday less so.
Accommodation
To be arranged.
Ireen and I have made our own arrangements, with my sister who lives there – very centrally, near the Cathedral. For the rest of you, there are many hostels to choose from, and of course hotels, AirBnB etc to consider.
What Now?
Please let me know if you’re interested in this trip so we can gauge the demand for accommodation etc. More plans will be made!

Ken

Walk: Richmond Park and Wimbledon Common.
2024-06-08 09:00 - 17:00
This walk will take us across Richmond Park to Wimbledon Common, the windmill and Cannizaro Park. A quite easy walk of about 10km.
So meet at East Croydon by 9.05 for the 9.19 train to Clapham Junction, changing there for the 9.43 to Richmond (all within the Oyster pass zone).
You can bring a packed lunch, but there will be many refreshment cafes etc en route.
From Wimbledon village there is a bus down to the station for the tram back to Croydon (or train via Clapham Junction).

Barry's Evening Stroll
2024-06-11 19:30 - 22:00
Large numbers will be away sampling the nightlife of Berlin. For those remaining, Barry will lead a gentle local stroll in the waning sunshine.

Meet at Blackhorse Lane Tram Stop 19.30.
W3W: ///shared.hails.apples.
This is about 9 minutes from E.Croydon on an Elmers End or Beckenham Junction tram (not New Addington) Also bus 197 stops nearby.
We will walk through the Brickfields Park to Tennison Road, then via Enmore Road to South Norwood Country Park. After a circuit of that we will return from Arena Tram Stop about 21.00.
Trams back to E.Croydon from there, or alight at Addiscombe for a drink at the Claret & Ale, just 30 seconds from that tram stop. A very pleasant little pub!

Dorking - Day of Dance; Reigate Summer Festival - Evening
2024-06-15
Any COPSErs who come down to Dorking can gather to watch some colourful and energetic dancing, wander around the quite pleasant town together, locating a few of the local pubs, share a lunch break in one of those – or choose between the many coffee shops and other eateries.

I leave individuals to work out their own transport arrangements (at present, I am still in Berlin!) but I shall be travelling to Dorking by car.

I suggest those wanting to enjoy the mass dance display at the start, head for arrival at the Dorking Halls by 10.30am. I aim to be there by then and shall be looking for some of you!

To conclude the day out, please continue to the bottom of this message to see input from Margaret, with her invitation to transfer eastwards to Reigate for the evening.

Hopefully, phone signals will be good in Dorking town and any of you can reach me on my mobile, as the daytime progresses.

Regards,

Ireen Best 07968 035522

Ireen and I are joining forces to offer an evening of music in Reigate to complement your Day of Dance in Dorking. It is very easy to get to Reigate from Dorking by train or bus.

Reigate Summer Festival: Home – Reigate Summer Festival is a new event for this year celebrating various local arts groups.

I will be there to promote Renewed Hope, one of the three charities being supported by the festival:Reigate Summer Festival 2024 – GiveWheel.

I suggest meeting at the Market Stores pub from 18:00 to discover what is on:
Schedule – Reigate Summer Festival. The pub is very close to the main music venue, the Tunnel Stage. We could also find somewhere to eat, but it would be good to book this in advance.

Regards

Margaret

Woolwich Dockyards Walk
2024-06-16 09:30 - 17:00
I will be leading a walk on Sunday 16th June to Woolwich Dockyard.
We will meet at East Croydon station at 9.50 to catch the 10:03 East Croydon (platform 4) Thameslink towards Bedford which arrives 10:20 London Bridge. Then we catch the 10:31 from London Bridge (platform 1) to Woolwich Dockyard arriving at 10.50.
If you wish to meet at London Bridge or Woolwich Dockyard please let me know.
I aim that we visit both Woolwich Dockyard and the Woolwich Arsenal during the walk which will take around 4 hours and about 8 km (5 miles).
It will be along paved areas and through parks so light walking shoes are fine.
For added excitement I am planning that we sail on the Woolwich Ferry to North Woolwich and return via the foot tunnel.
We will end up at the Great Harry, the Wetherspoons pub in Woolwich, for a late lunch at about 3 pm -so you might like to bring a sandwich to keep you going.
We will return from Woolwich Arsenal station to London Bridge, and then to East Croydon station.
Let me know if you are going to come along and look forward to seeing you on Sunday 16th!
Cheers
Andy Thompson
07751182930

Down the Canal, with Barry and Gill Goodman
2024-06-18 20:15 - 22:30 | South Croydon United Church Hall, Aberdeen Road, South Croydon, CR0 1EQ, United Kingdom
Astonishingly, it’s nearly three years since Barry and Gill entertained us with their Traditional Treasures, an evening of revelations and songs about the oddities of English life.
Now they’re back with their new presentation, Down the Canal, the story of Britain’s canals in words, pictures and song. As they describe it:
A look into the history of Britain’s canals – the builders, the life of the working community, the decline of the working boats and the revival of the waterways in recent times, illustrated with photographs, archive pictures and songs (with which you are very welcome to join in!).
If I’m not mistaken, this picture on Barry’s website was taken at our Hall!

Barry describes himself as a singer, musician, songwriter, caller and folk arts educator. Lots more information is available at his website: http://www.barrygoodmanfolk.co.uk/

Day Trip to Lewes
2024-06-22
For those interested in my walk on saturday (22nd) around Lewes. this
is the plan =>

from 9.15am meet at EC stn to buy tickets => 9.40am direct train to Lewes
(trains are half hourly,so if anyone’s late they can give me a call to find
out where we are)

return ticket price from zone 6 with a senior railcard are £17.10

first of all, we’ll go to the information centre when you can decide whether
to stay with me for a leisurely walk around this historic Sussex market town or “do your own thing”.

places of interest include
—————————————-
1) lewes castle + museum(£10/£9 entry)
2) anne of cleves house museum (£6.60/£6 entry)
3) “the john harvey tavern” (alongside the river ouse) + their brewery shop
4) lewes railway land nature local nature reserve
5) lots of “quaint” shops, cafes, pubs (but sadly no wetherspoons !!)
+ restaurants mostly along the high street which crosses the river ouse

if you have any queries, please let me know.

keith southam
keithsoutham@yahoo.co.uk
mobile/text = 07749 515486

Midsummer Soirée? Tertulia? Picnic? Be there!
2024-06-25 20:00 - 22:30 | South Croydon United Church Hall, Aberdeen Road, South Croydon, CR0 1EQ, United Kingdom
Full Details Now Available Here
The belated appearance of the sun has brought out Andrew’s Mediterranean streak! This week he will host a ‘bring and share’ event, aiming for the relaxed and sophisticated atmosphere of an Ibiza beach bar at sunset.
The Hall on Tuesday Evening (artist’s impression!)

This will follow, of course, the COPSE diy tradition, and contributions are invited from all.
First, what will be laid on?

There’ll be sangría, made to an ancient Brogan family recipe
Other drinks, as may be found in the darkest recesses of our store room
Music and video to capture the imagination (I know, it takes a lot of it to convert South Croydon to Ibiza, but still . . .)
Beach games are a possibility we’re exploring

And what can we all do? (I hear you ask)

Bring picnic food to share, especially with a Med tendency. (Feed a few, mass catering not expected!)
Bring drinks, hard or soft, if sangría or store room pot luck isn’t your thing
Raise the tone of the occasion by summer themed readings of your choice – prose, poetry, song or incoherent howl, all are welcome
If possible, dress for the occasion. The choice is yours, though we may draw the line at mankinis.
For music, we’ll make an Ibiza Beach Bar playlist. You may not want to leave this in my hands – send your suggestions to Ken, any time up to Tuesday evening
Any spare flowers from your gardens or other legal sources would be welcome to display in the hall – and take them home or otherwise donate them after

And, averse as we all are to washing up, bring your own eating and drinking equipment and take it away afterwards.
Any questions? Ask Andrew or Ken.

Come along, and enjoy – ¡buen provecho todos!

(Early Warning, superseded by full details above)
An evening of sophistication – elegant canapés, daring cocktails and dazzling conversation among your fashionably-coiffed and designer-clad COPSE colleagues.

Or possibly not.
Details soon.

Local Restaurant Evening Meal
2024-06-27 19:00 - 22:00
Date: Thursday, 27th June.
Time: 7.00pm.
Venue: “Noto” (previously known as “Aqua”), 33 – 35 South End.
(Walking towards Croydon from our old watering hole, “The Skylark”, the restaurant is just a little further along, on the right.)
Cuisine: “Mediterranean”, with a bias to Greek and Italian. A new menu will be in place prior to our visit but the variety should be similar to the present one.

I am told several COPSE Members have happily eaten there in the past. I was there recently with a friend. Food was good and service was friendly and efficient. We shall have a separate room for our use and I hope to have the tables arranged conference-style (depending on our numbers) so that we are not just in a long straight line.

Please let me know, if you would like to go on the dining list.

Regards,

Ireen Best (07968 035522)

3 Rivers Cycle Ride
2024-06-30 09:00 - 17:00
Meet Croydon Minster 9.30am. https://w3w.co/sheet.stop.fits
Join the Wandle Trail.
I had planned to go to the Wandle Industrial Museum just off the Wandle Trail but this does not open, I found out, until 2pm. But good news: Merton Abbey Priory, which was due to be closed until August, opens again this weekend and does contain, along with the history of the Priory, the industrial history of the Wandle.
Coffee break at Watermill Cafe Merton Abbey Mills.
Cycle on to River Thames via Wandle Trail.
Cross over the Thames to the North Bank, cycle lanes from Chelsea Bridge to Greenwich, cross to South Bank at London Bridge.
Stop at Servewell Cafe Bermondsey, Close to the cafe there is a large stainless steel sculpture of a cyclist and an opportunity for a group photo, then onwards to the Waterfront at Greenwich.
Join Waterlink Trail to South Norwood, another cafe stop near Ladywell Park
Distance approx 40 miles, ebikes welcome.
John Eden eden.john1949@gmail.com
07528299972.

Literary Evening
2024-07-02 20:15 - 22:00 | South Croydon United Church Hall, Aberdeen Road, South Croydon, CR0 1EQ, United Kingdom
Another in our series of events capitalising on the vast intellects and literary leanings of COPSE members.
Come along and tell us about a book you like, or even one you don’t. Or give us a reading – prose or poetry. Or then again, just turn up to listen to the wisdom paraded before you and have an interesting discussion.

Camping Trip in Cornwall
2024-07-04 - 2024-07-11
We will be at Sandparks Campsite, Widemouth Bay, Cornwall – just down the coast from Bude. The campsite doesn’t have its own website, but you see details on Pitchup.com or ukcampsite.co.uk . The cost is £15 pppn, electric hookup is £8 per night. We can all camp together.

There is a pub and chip shop close by, as is the beach.

Public transport option is train to Okehampton then bus to Bude.

Gomshall/Abinger Circular Walk
2024-07-07 09:15 - 17:00
An 8 mile walk in the Surrey countryside, on woodland paths and quiet country lanes, with an optional pub stop at the finish.
Some rough ground and possible mud, so boots advised.
Getting there
Meet at East Croydon Station, 9.15 for 9.25 train.
Other ways of joining us:

at Redhill Station for the 10.10 train to Gomshall
at Gomshall Station at 10.30 to start the walk

Streatham Stroll
2024-07-09 19:00 - 22:00
NOTE this is Plan B. The original Beckenham and Kelsey Park stroll has been affected by a tram strike, so Keith has come up with an attractive alternative.
Later update: the tram strike has been called off, but we’re sticking to the Streatham Stroll.
Meet at Streatham Station (not Streatham Common or Streatham Hill!) at 7pm for a 7.15 start, then an easy evening circular amble of about 3 miles to and through the greenery of Streatham Common and The Rookery.
There are opportunities for tea stops, and we’ll finish about 9 at The Bull pub, where food is an option.
Getting There
Streatham Station is on Streatham High Road, Streatham, London, SW16 6HP. There are half-hourly trains from East Croydon (amongst other places), and it’s also on bus routes 60, 159, 133 and P13.

"Now 90!" Croydon Green Spaces Challenge Walk / Great North Wood Walk: North
2024-07-14 09:15 - 18:00
This walk will form part of COPSE’s 90th anniversary Challenge, overall visiting, appropriately enough, a total of 90 of Croydon’s green spaces. On this occasion we’ll focus on the northern parts of the borough.
Ful details of the Challenge are at the bottom of this page.
You don’t have to take on the Challenge though, you can just come aong and enjoy the walk.
Take your pick of the two options: a full day or a half day.
The Full Day covers 14 miles and will visit 32 green spaces, combining the morning and afternoon sections.

The Morning Section
7.5 miles, 17 green spaces.
Meet 9.15am at East Croydon tram stop.
W3W: https://w3w.co/making.gravy.point

The Afternoon Section
6.5 miles, 15 green spaces, joining up with those continuing from the morning walk.
Meet 1.30pm outside Woodland Café,
1451 London Road
Norbury
SW16 4AQ.
W3W: https://w3w.co/risky.force.trails
200 yards from Norbury station, buses 50, 255 and 109 pass by.
(Attendees can come to Woodland Café or adjacent Affogato Café from 12.30; and phone Andrew on 07985 936953 / check WhatsApp twilight zone group.)
Ending
The walk ends on Whitehorse Lane. From where buses run to Croydon Town centre. Or, continue to Julie’s via two bus stops or ½ mile walk.

So What’s this Challenge?
Over four walks we will visit 90 green spaces. Visit between 30 and 90 spaces and you will receive an award – bronze, silver, or gold for the full 90! And you will have your achievements recognised at the “NOW 90!” Birthday event on Saturday 14 September.

What, Croydon has 90 green spaces?
Yep, in fact 120 according to this map.
Click it for full revelation!

What sort of walks?
Each complete walk will be around 13 miles. As they are local and near public transport, it will be possible to join for part of the walk either at predetermined points or by arrangement. Clock up as many green spaces as you can while enjoying Croydon’s outstanding open spaces and landscape.
Routes will include streets, parks, footpaths and lanes. Good walking shoes should be adequate. To be eligible to receive an award there will be a small administration fee of £1.
When are they?
Currently the four walks’ dates are:

Sunday 14 July
Sunday 11 August
Monday 26 August (bank holiday)
Sunday 1 September.

We hope to repeat some or all of the walks during the week to enable as many as possible to participate.
So how do I start?
Just turn up to any of the walks!

Any questions / more information please contact me.
Andrew Thynne
07985 936953

Visitors Open Evening
2024-07-16 20:15 - 22:30 | South Croydon United Church Hall, Aberdeen Road, South Croydon, CR0 1EQ, United Kingdom
We welcome all visitors to come along to a sociable evening and the chance to find out what we do.
Our members will meet and greet you from 8.15pm. Coffees and teas available. There’ll be a free raffle ticket just for coming through the door – with the possibility of winning a prize donated by the outdoor shop, Decathlon!
Find us at:
South Croydon United Church Hall
Aberdeen Road
CR0 1EQ

The entrance to the hall is on Heathfield Road, next to the Church. Very close to the main road, which is served by many buses. For drivers, street parking is free in the evenings, providing you stay south of Coombe Road.

Visitors' Cycle Ride and Walk
2024-07-21 10:00 - 17:00
John will be leading the cycle ride and Ken the walk.
Both walkers and cyclists will start by meeting near the War Memorial, outside Croydon Central Library on Katharine Street.
Meet from 11.15am for departure at 11.30am
Walkers will enjoy “A Wander Along the Wandle” (about 5 miles total), starting by tram from George Street to the Wandle Park stop and then enjoying parklands and ponds, with their history to explore.
Cyclists will enjoy “A Wheeling Along the Wandle” (12 to 14 miles total), cycling from Croydon and making visits to Merton Abbey Priory Museum and Wandle Industrial Museum.
There will be lunchtime refreshment stops for both groups but you could also choose to bring a packed lunch and drinks with you.
Both walkers and cyclists will meet again about 5pm in Carshalton for an optional pub visit to end the afternoon.

Andy's Mapping and Geography Quiz
2024-07-23 20:15 - 22:00 | South Croydon United Church Hall, Aberdeen Road, South Croydon, CR0 1EQ, United Kingdom
A light-hearted way to find out how much you already know about mapping and geography – particularly some places near to home.
It’ll be multiple choice, so nobody has to think too hard, and you might actually learn something.
A fun evening in prospect.
