Croydon Outdoor Pursuits & Social Events Club

Jubilee Weekend Suffolk
2022-06-01 08:00 - 2022-06-05 17:00 (Europe/London)
FULL

Platinum Jubilee Night
2022-05-31 20:30 - 22:00 | South Croydon United Church Hall, Aberdeen Road, South Croydon, CR0 1EQ, United Kingdom
Dear All,

This will be the night to bring along your or your family’s memorabilia from the reign of QE II. Anything that is connected with her past seventy years, her 1953 coronation or anything further back that has any “royal” connection. We’ll have a display table set up in the room for your mugs, books, tea towels, teaspoons, etc. Surprise us with what has remained stowed in your home!

Please try to bring a contribution of food. Probably, most of us try to be healthy with outdoor exercise and our regular dietary choices. However, for one night, we’ll indulge ourselves in the “cuisine” that would have been common party food during 1952/3 or that has any royal connection. (Think sausage rolls, sardine, jam, spam, or hard-boiled egg sandwiches; coronation chicken, Victoria sponge, jammy dodgers . . . and so on.) Whatever comes through our hall door will be shared so please do try to bring something, if you can. Also, please pop into a bag and bring along your own plate or bowl, plus cutlery, so no-one is faced with an extra washing-up task in our hall kitchen.

To add to the sense of occasion, don any early ’50s attire that you can think of. If you really can’t dress in period style, try at least, to go for something red, white and blue.

It’s planned to have some little appropriate challenges / party games. There will be points! There will be a prize!!

Mostly, whatever happens will depend on your involvement so come along with the thought of having a good COPSE “D.I.Y.” time.

Regards,
Ireen Best

Walk in Riddlesdown
2022-05-29 10:00 - 17:00
Two opportunities to meet:

Riddlesdown Station, 10.09 from East Croydon arriving 10.17.
Bus stops on Mitchley Avenue at about 10.30, at the junction with Lower Barn Road.

Bus 412:

from Purley High Street at 10.08 – 5 minutes
from Croydon, Park Street at 9.50 – 25 minutes

The walk will range over parts of Riddlesdown, Kenley and Coulsdon commons, circling back to the start points.
Nine miles, mostly off road. Hilly in parts with occasional steep bits – but if I can do it . . . .
Expect mud here and there if there’s been any rain.
Optional pub stop for lunch/beer after about 5 miles.
Many opportunities to leave the walk early if preferred, by bus and train.

Walk London Bridge to Hackney
2022-05-28 10:00 - 17:00
Meet @ East Croydon station from 9.45am to catch the 10am train to London Bridge or meet at meet on the upper concourse at the end of platform 12.
The walk is about six miles via London bridge, city “skyscrapers”, Spitalfields market, Shoreditch High street, a visit (free) to “the Museum of the Home” (formerly” the Geffrey Museum”), Hackney City farm, Broadway market (lunch stop), Regents Canal, Old Street, Moorgate, and more city “skyscrapers” before heading back to London Bridge station at about 4.30pm.
For any query contact Keith on 07749 515486 (any calls after 7pm please)

Planning Meeting
2022-05-26 19:30 - 22:00 | Crown & Pepper, 242 High Street, CR0 1NF
Planning Meeting for both Outdoor and Club Night activities.
This is where we put together the next quarter’s schedule – your chance to get your ideas onto the Club plan. Bring along your proposals for activities we can all share.

Musical Instruments
2022-05-24 20:30 - 22:00 | South Croydon United Church Hall, Aberdeen Road, South Croydon, CR0 1EQ, United Kingdom
As you’ve seen from Ireen’s email, it’s dedicated to the fun and frolics of exploring the world of musical instruments.
This is your chance to show off your hitherto unsuspected virtuosity on the kazoo, or just to try an instrument you have always hankered after – or possibly have never even heard of.
We’ll have a variety of examples of instruments strange and familiar in the Hall. The idea is to give any of them a try, satisfy curiosity and have fun.

Musical skill and training definitely not a prerequisite!

Ireen’s words:
Dear All,
We do hope both those of you with musical ability, plus those who think they have none will come through the door this Tuesday! If you believe you belong in the latter category, don’t worry – there will be a chance to try spare instruments and to enjoy this “have a go” opportunity. Members with musical ability will be assisting others to try things out.
Please remember to bring with you any of your own instruments – or, perhaps, from the loft, the ancient family one you found that once belonged to a grandparent! We’ll share any talent around and everyone can try to produce some harmonious sounds – or otherwise! Should be fun. Remember: percussion, brass, wind, string – all instruments welcome.
The attached photos show the Ashcroft stage at the Fairfield Halls last night. It was filled with guitars and four talented musicians. Unfortunately, we shan’t have those young men with us at our hall but their playing might have inspired any other COPSERs who attended the evening. If you have a double-necked guitar, do bring it to show us.

Walk Denbies, West Humble and Mickleham 8 miles
2022-05-22 09:30 - 17:00
Circular 8 miles walk from Dorking around Denbies, West Humble and Mickleham.
Meet at East Croydon Station @ 9.40 to catch the 9.59 train to Dorking Deepdene via Redhill. Buy return ticket.
Expect some hills and bring your own packed lunch.

Croydon Heritage walk in South Norwood
2022-05-21 14:00 - 17:00
We will explore the social and religious history, architecture, religions, famous people associated with the area eg Sir Arthur Conan-Doyle, Pissarro and Shirley Bassey, and it’s industrial past.

The tour will start and end at Norwood Junction station. We will aim to depart at 2.30 pm. There is a train from East Croydon at 2.15 and one from West Croydon at 2.16.

We will have a park stop if you want to bring your own refreshments but we pass some cafes also and my house for toilet breaks! My thinking is we will finish c 5pm then for those who want to stay around afterwards to stay for drinks and food there are a few nice choices. It would be useful to have some idea as to numbers. The whole walk will be dog friendly and there is some street parking for drivers. If you need to contact me on the day my number is 07931533785

Walk to Coombe Gardens to see the flowers.
2022-05-17 19:00 - 22:00
Meet at Lloyd Park tram stop at 7.30
OR
By Park Hill Park entrance (Barclay Road) at 7.10
Drinks at the Coombe Lodge Pub

Visit to Faversham and Doddington Place Gardens
2022-05-15 10:00 - 17:00

Drawing
2022-05-10 20:30 - 22:00 | South Croydon United Church Hall, Aberdeen Road, South Croydon, CR0 1EQ, United Kingdom
Hope to see lots of folk willing to have a go at still life drawing. Materials provided include A4 & A3 paper, charcoal and soft lead pencils. We’ll try to avoid using rubbers though bring one if you prefer. If you wish to use colour please bring your own. Please also bring a board to lean on, like a piece of hardboard or thick cardboard so that you’re not working flat and some clips to secure if you have. Attached is a photo of the kind of set up for drawing. If you have objects that you’d like to include please bring to the session, though nothing too complex, simple shapes are needed. I’ll do a demo and bring some examples.
Look forward to see your creations.
Teresa 😊
—

Bluebell walk -
2022-05-08 10:00 - 17:00
The plan is to walk from Tadworth to Merstham, around 7 miles.Starting at altitude 233m/764ft and ending up at 96m/315ft this canhonestly qualify as a gravity assisted downhill walk. {ignoring anyminor bumps on the way}Train to Tadworth from East Croydon. 10:13 from East Croydon, 10:15 fromSouth Croydon, 10:18 from Purley Oaks. Change at Purley for the 10:28,arriving Tadworth 10:48. All inside TFL zones.Trains home from Merstham are two an hour but only 13 minutes apart.Direct trains take 14(!) minutes at 30 minutes past. Trains with achange take 21 minutes at 43 minutes past the hour. Out of TFL ticketneeded. £3.80 or less with a railcard to Coulsdon South, back in TFLterritory. Also useful info from Dionne, the 405 bus is another optionfrom Merstham to Croydon, hourly at 26 past, so lots of workable routesback home. Currently no stoppages announced for these services.The walk covers Banstead Heath, pub stop option in Mogador, which mightbe a little early, over the M25 to Colley Hill, along the North DownsWay East to Reigate Hill, Gatton Park and Pilgrims Way to Merstham. Mapattached.There is a cafe in the Reigate Hill car park. Apart from this, limitedover the counter refreshments. Bring a picnic and drinks, always a goodplan. There is a pub in Merstham that we could promise ourselves a drinkin at the end of the walk, time permitting.

Outing: Quiz Nite at the Builders Arms
2022-05-03 20:30 - 22:00 | Builder’s Arms Pub, 65 Leslie Park Road, Croydon, CR0 6TP
Yet another attempt to claim the Builders Arms Quiz prize. This time for sure!
We’ll enter as many teams as we can. The quiz usually starts at 9pm.

Weekend Away
2022-04-29 08:00 - 2022-05-02 17:00
Smithy’s Bunkhouse, Pantygelli, near Abergavenny

Outing: Tenpin Bowling at Valley Park
2022-04-26 20:00 - 22:00 | Tenpin, Valley Park, Hesterman Way, Croydon, CR0 4YA
As I’m sure you’re all aware from intense perusal of previous announcements, our Club Night on Tuesday, 26th April, is focused on Tenpin Bowling.
You can, of course, just turn up to enjoy the social setting and company of your fellow COPSErs for no charge.
But, for the players, I have to book lanes – and pay! – in advance, so I need commitment from you quickly.
Please email Ken by end of Friday, 22nd April to book your games.
The price is a Tuesday Special, 50% off, £7.45 each for two games, and if so minded you can play more games by stumping up more cash on site. We will have a lane for each set of 6 people, so we’ll divide ourselves into teams of about 3 and, depending on numbers, swap around so we have some competition.
If you don’t know the place, the Tenpin Bowl offers a variety of activities besides bowling – table tennis, pool, arcade games plus café and bar – so you can diversify once there. Also, for eating, there are various fooderies around including Creams Café, Frankie & Bennie’s, Chiquito, McDonalds and Burger King.
In summary:
Where?
Tenpin Valley Park Leisure Complex
Hesterman Way
Croydon CR0 4YA
When?
Lanes will be booked for 8.30. Arrive between 8.00 and 8.15 to be ready to play.
Getting there?
Tram: Ampere Way (9 minute walk, says Google)
Buses:
455 to Franklin Way / Valley Park (8 minute walk)
189 to Purley Way / Newman Road (12 minute walk)
Alternatively, plenty of car parking.
How much?
£7.45 up front for two games, more on the night if you want to play more

Weald Walkers Wander
2022-04-24 09:00 - 17:00
THE EVENT: The walk is usually about 10 miles. You will need to solve clues to find each checkpoint and your map and compass skills will also be put to the test. Points are awarded for completing quizzes and games, at the checkpoints. A trophy is awarded to the winning team.
THE TEAMS: You will need to enter in teams of between 2 and 5 people. Everyone is welcome – young or not not so young, families or other groups, however at least one person in each team must be 16+.
TIME: Start times allocated between 9.00 – 10.00am, with teams leaving at 3 minute intervals.
START/FINISH: Woldingham Village Hall, Station Road, Woldingham, Surrey, CR3 7EU. OS MAP Explorer 146 – TQ 371 557.
WHAT TO BRING: The latest Explorer map 146, 1:25,000 scale, pen and paper, compass, suitable footwear and clothing and some snacks for the way.
CHECKPOINTS: Cold drinks and biscuits will be provided at all checkpoints. Hot drinks and snacks will be served at the lunch stop, and cream tea and cakes at the finish.
ENTRY/REGISTRATION: In advance: Adults £8.00, U16 £4.50 or On the day: Adults £10.00, U16 £5.50.

Bird Talk by the RSPB
2022-04-19 20:30 - 22:00 | South Croydon United Church Hall, Aberdeen Road, South Croydon, CR0 1EQ, United Kingdom
“A Grand Day Out in Croydon”

Walk on the South Downs - 9 miles
2022-04-18 09:00 - 17:00
From Hassocks to Lewes. A stiff (steep) ascent of Downs near start then undulating. Mostly even underfoot maybe ruts so boots better than shoes.

Train to Hassocks: MEET AT EAST CROYDON AT 9.15 (or earlier if you want to buy from the ticket office window rather than ticket machine; train departs 9:33am). Buy a DAY RETURN TO HASSOCKS.

Return from Lewes (at Lewes station we buy a single to Wivelsfield to re-join the route covered by the return ticket). The combined return and single fares should be £25.40 full fare. Network cards etc could be shared for third off.

Bring PACKED LUNCH and something to sit on (plastic bag / mat) and of course suitable clothing including extra layers (hat, scarf and gloves in case cold wind). Refreshments at Lewes (pub / café) at end of walk before catching train back.

Andrew
07985 936953

Walk Edenbridge to Bletchingley - 10 miles
2022-04-16 09:00 - 17:00
Meet at East Croydon station at 09:00 to catch the 09:22 train to Edenbridge Town which arrives at 09:45.
Bring a packed lunch, but refreshments will be available en route.
For additional info call Margaret 07985 198 947

Outing: Folk Night at the Cryer Arts Theatre, + preceded by Wandle Walk
2022-04-12 15:30 - 23:00 | CryerArts Centre, 39 High St, Carshalton, Surrey, SM5 3BB
Keith says:
1) As you know, I’m arranging an outdoor COPSE visit to the Cryer Arts Studio In Carshalton High Street on Tuesday12th April for their regular “folk night” (2nd Tuesday of each month) which starts at 7.30pm.
I’ve been going there for a few months now and have been impressed by not only the “proper” stage, tables in front (which can be removed for folk/barn dancing), the staggered rear seating, the welcoming bar (open from 4pm + serving a variety of beers, wines + hot food.
2) Also, I’m intending to lead a short three mile walk from Wandle Park tram stop about 3.30pm to Carshalton Ponds(via the River Wandle, Beddington Park + The Grove) aiming to get to the venue by about 5.30pm for a meal + drinks.
Feel free to join us for the walk, the folk night or both.
Please book your tickets, individually or in groups, at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on?q=cryer-folk.
Alternatively, take a chance and turn up on the day.

Bike Ride from Croydon
2022-04-10 10:00 - 17:00
Assemble at Canary Cafe on the Brighton road for a 10:30 departure, so come at 10am for a quick coffee before setting off. Just South of Whitgift School, you can’t miss it. From there we will head further South.
Depending on the weather, on the day and in the days ahead, will depend our ultimate path from Croydon. Some paths could be muddy if we have had wet weather. We have two options:
Godstone Vinyards via Caterham – this is a circular route we took some years ago, which was great fun. As long as it is dry under our tyres, this route is a classic, but it has some off road sections that might be muddy if it has been raining. Quiet back routes down through South Croydon to Caterham, where there is an option to get the train home, or to meet us from the train if you are running late. Then off into alpine Caterham, over the A22 on the bridge, and down to the Vinyards, where there is a cafe. Back via private roads through Warlingham School, into Warlingham, and home down Limpsfield Road.
Keep Cycling South. Further afield on a linear route with the train home. With good weather and strong legs we could take the high road up Riddlesdown to Warlingham, the bike track along the Limpsfield Road to Botley Hill, down through Clackett Lane into Limpsfield Chart, and on to Lingfield, or further, with a train home once we are done. We follow the train line so there are lots of options to get home.
When we get closer to the date we will confirm the final plan, based on your preferences, and the weather

Part 3 Seagull Trail- Old Coulsdon to Nutfield 8-9 miles
2022-04-09 10:00 - 17:00
Meet in the main foyer of East Croydon Rail Station from 10am to pick up the 466 bus @ 10.21
The walk begins at St John’s Church around 11am. We then walk to Bletchingley where there will be a chance to visit the church, cruise the many antique shops and have a drink in one of the pubs if wanted to. (Possibility for anyone to leave walk here and head back on a Redhill bus.)
Returning from Nutfield Rail Station, trains at 29 mins past each hour, via Redhill. (Also a pub near this station.)
Bring usual food supplies.
For any query please call Paul 07968 223589

Captions and, er . . .
2022-04-05 20:30 - 22:00 | South Croydon United Church Hall, Aberdeen Road, South Croydon, CR0 1EQ, United Kingdom
. . . Contributions!
This Tuesday it’s the welcome return of Captions, when COPSE’s finest wits pin their comments onto embarrassing photos of their fellow members, to the general amusement and gaiety of all.
This year we’ve resolved the “?” to mean a free-for-all sharing experience: bring snacks of your choice to distribute and impress your friends. Sweet or savoury, doesn’t even have to begin with “C” or “K” – carrots, caviar, corn(pop), calamari and kale were all considered but rejected as imposing too great a limitation on your imagination.
Be there and enjoy! And there’s always Ruskin House for afters.

Trip to Bedford
2022-04-02 09:00 - 17:00
Meet at East Croydon Station 9.05 to catch the 9.21 train to Bedford.
The return fare is £22, but you can use a Network card, so about £15.
We will explore the town and walk by the river.

London Architecture
2022-03-29 20:00 - 22:00 | South Croydon United Church Hall, Aberdeen Road, South Croydon, CR0 1EQ, United Kingdom
NOTE EARLY START
As Richard advised in his email the other day, we have squeezed in a special presentation from Svitlana Bilun on her efforts to find accommodation for Ukrainian refugees. She is not intending to sign up COPSErs on the night to billet refugees, but to spread awareness of her work more widely among the community. It is a sort of extension of our ongoing work supporting Shelter. This presentation will start at 8pm.
Our main presentation is by Barry, who will present a talk and slideshow, the fruit of his researches into some interesting topics of London’s Architecture. See if you agree with his tastes!
Timetable for the evening:
8.00 Ukrainian refugees
8.15-8.30 Olga’s tea / coffee experience
8.30 Barry’s show

Walk Oxted to Edenbridge
2022-03-26 08:00 - 17:00
Part of Gatliff Marathon route planning for 2022

John O'Groats to Land's End by Bike
2022-03-22 20:30 - 22:00 | South Croydon United Church Hall, Aberdeen Road, South Croydon, CR0 1EQ, United Kingdom

Bike Ride from Hurst Green
2022-03-20 10:00 - 17:00
Meet before 10.30am at East Croydon station, ready to leave promptly on a train at 10.39, with a day return ticket to Hurst Green. The train calls at Sanderstead at 10.44 if you want to join it there. If we travel together, a return ticket is £5, with a railcard or as a groupsave fare.
From Hurst Green, we cycle half a mile north to pass Oxted Mill and pond, then south on quiet lanes, generally avoiding main roads, through Crowhurst, Lingfield, Dormansland, Dormans, Lingfield again, and back north to Hurst Green, in roughly a figure of 8 shape, and covering approximately 22 miles.
In case anyone can’t manage the full distance on the day, there are ways to drop out and get a train back from stations that we pass along the route.
Bring your own packed lunch but there will be a pub stop at the end.
For any query contact Nigel on 07967 885 039

It's the Ides of March!
2022-03-15 20:30 - 22:00 | South Croydon United Church Hall, Aberdeen Road, South Croydon, CR0 1EQ, United Kingdom

Circular Riverside Walk from Richmond
2022-03-12 10:00 - 17:00
Meet @ East Croydon station from 9.50am to catch the 10.15 train to Clapham Junction and then go to platform 6 to catch the train to Richmond.
Everyone gather OUTSIDE Richmond station ready to start the walk at 11.15 – this is a six mile “circular” mud free walk via Richmond Green, Richmond riverside and to Petersham via meadows, nurseries, past Ham polo club and Ham house.
Walk should finish by 3.30pm but for those interested, there will be a pub stop 🍺 🍷 🍵 🍔🍟🍕 after the walk on Richmond Green.
If you have any queries contact Keith via email keithsoutham@yahoo.co.uk or mob 07749 515486 (calls after 7pm or on the day)
