Visit to Ludoquist
2025-09-16 19:00 - 22:00 (Europe/London) | Ludoquist, 63-67 High Street,, Croydon,, CR0 1QE, United Kingdom
Step into The Ludoquist! Croydon’s award-winning little haven for board games, good food, and great company.
What games? Anything from Ludo to 3-D chess!

Keith has booked tables from 7pm to 10pm. Just turn up and challenge your fellow COPSErs to the games of your choice.
A good range of food and drink is available. It costs £8 per person to play as many games as you like.
There’s more about The Ludoquist on their website here.

Bowls Taster at Croydon Bowling Club
2025-09-23 20:00 - 22:00 | Croydon Bowling Club, 10 Nottingham Road, Croydon, CR2 6LN
After many visits to Tenpin, a chance to try your hand at proper bowls. We last did this in 2021, and a very enjoyable evening it was.
Croydon Bowling Club will generously provide coaching and facilities, free of charge.
Details:

Arrive from 8pm for 8.30 kickoff
We’ll be on the indoor green
Please consider the greens and wear sensible flat footwear
The bar will be open, card only
Drivers need to enter their registration numbers into the reader inside the entrance to avoid a fine

If you haven’t been to the Bowling Club before you’ll find it a pleaaant relaxing place to have a fun evening. Check out their website here.
Location:
10 Nottingham Road
Croydon
CR2 6LN
W3W: https://w3w.co/spits.starts.sleep

National Army Museum - Chelsea Walk
2025-09-27 10:00 - 16:00
A five mile flat walk from Victoria station to Imperial Wharf station visiting the National Army Museum (free entry)

Meet at East Croydon Station for 10.00am to catch a train to Victoria Station (loo and coffee stop at Victoria station)
The walk will start at Victoria Station at about 11.00am

There will be an optional pub stop at the end of the walk from about 4.00pm near Imperial Wharf station before getting frequent trains back to either Clapham Junction or East Croydon stations.

(Note: the Chelsea Physic Garden is closed on Saturdays)

Keith
mobile/text = 07749 515486
(after 7pm)

Architecture II
2025-09-30 20:15 - 22:00 | South Croydon United Church Hall, Aberdeen Road, South Croydon, CR0 1EQ, United Kingdom
Barry’s walkabouts pointing out some of London’s fascinating architecture are always popular. Here he comes along for the second time* to present the fruits of both COPSE and other excursions.
The content will be whatever has caught Barry’s eye, so no spoilers here. But, to whet your appetite, here are some themes he covered last time:

City churches
tube stations with oxblood tiling
interesting squares and crescents
modern City monstrosities
sadly disappeared treasures
innovation in housing over the centuries

* the first was in March 2022. Doesn’t time fly?

Barn Dance - Merstham
2025-10-04 18:30 - 22:00
Here are the details for the Barn Dance on Saturday 4 October, including the booking link:

Barn Dance | Merstham Women’s Gro.

Time & Location

Saturday 04 Oct 2025, 18:45 – 22:00
Merstham Village Hall, Station Rd N, Merstham, Redhill RH1 3ED, close to Merstham train station and 405 bus stop.

About the Event
Join Merstham Women’s Group for an evening of folk music and barn dancing with a caller.
Tea, coffee and soft drinks will be served along with cake. We hope to have some other food too but we are still in the process of sorting exactly what it will be.

The timeline for the evening will roughly be:
Arrival from 18:45
19:00 – music starts
19:15 to 20:15 – barn dancing
20:15 – 21:00 – break for food, drinks and raffle
21:00 – 22:00 barn dancing
22:00 – finish
Cost
Adults 16+ £15.00.

Regards

Margaret

Loop Walk - Elstree to Barnet
2025-10-05 09:30 - 17:00
Yes, it’s time to pick up the LOOP* again, continuing on from Elstree (and Borehamwood) Rail Stn, getting as far as Barnet, returning from High Barnet Tube station, a distance of around 7-8 miles.

There is a Yellow Tabard** crossing (so do bring one if you can) and about half a mile following alongside a busy A road (the A1, no less!), but also going through some ancient ice age woodland and pleasant rolling meadows of Hertfordshire, so you takes the rough with the smooth!

There are NO pubs, cafes, or shops along the route, but we can explore the wonders of High Barnet at the end, of course. So bring along your hot beverage and sandwiches and cakes, etc.

WHERE TO MEET
Meet at East Croydon from 9.45am BST, to catch the 10.03 to Farringdon
Change at Farringdon for the 10.33 train (Thameslink, towards Luton) alighting (getting off) at Elstree & BW at 11.01.

I aim to be at East Croydon, but should anything go wrong my end I will already be on your train at East Croydon, or be already on it from Farringdon, and will come and search for you.

Contact me for further details, 07968 223589 – NO EMAILS ON THE DAY, I WON’T SEE THEM TILL I GET HOME!

Paul.

Gatliff Planning
2025-10-07 20:15 - 22:00 | South Croydon United Church Hall, Aberdeen Road, South Croydon, CR0 1EQ, United Kingdom
Autumn is upon us and so is the Gatliff Marathon: Gatliff – Croydon Outdoor Pursuits & Social Events Club. Together with the Weald Walkers Wander and the Southern Cycle Saunter, the Gatliff Marathon is one of COPSE’s three public facing events. This gives us the opportunity to raise the profile of the club. The Gatliff Marathon was started in 1984 to celebrate the club’s 50th anniversary. It is named after Herbert Gatliff, one of the founder members. This “one-off” event have been going for 41 years. This is the 41st Gatliff Marathon which has run every year, except 2020. There are two routes, 50k and 25k, mostly on footpaths and bridleways across Kent, Surrey and East Sussex. The routes go south this year towards Ashdown Forest and Winnie the Pooh country near Hartfield, with the opportunity to visit Pooh Sticks Bridge. The objective is to complete the route within 10 hours. Participants get a certificate on completion.
Entries are just over 140 participants. We would love to get over 200 people on the day. Please do like and repost our Facebook: COPSE Croydon Outdoor Pursuits and Social Events Club | Facebook post. We will have more Gatliff Marathon posters and flyers for you to take away to give to friends, neighbours, the local Park Run, Running Club etc. Surplus funds from the event goes back into club funds to pay for the rent on the South Croydon hall etc.
The Gatliff is a major logistical exercise in both people, around 45 marshals, and in terms of equipment. Like going on holiday, we have got to the packing phase for the Gatliff Marathon. This will come apparent if you come along on Tuesday evening. The evening will be hands on, including packing supplies for the event and writing out check-cards.
Do come along to find out more about the event; to finalise plans and we will attempt to answer any questions you may have. You can get an advance copy of the route instructions as well if you are taking part. Do join Ken’s 25k team.
You can see Bob C and renew your subs as well.
Refreshments from 20:15, with a 20:30 start. We need volunteers to bring equipment down from the storeroom and in from cars. Any spare cardboard boxes are useful as well, though I have some.
We look forward to seeing you.
Margaret

Capital Ring Walk, Section 3: Grove Park to Crystal Palace
2025-10-12 09:00 - 17:00
Continuing to be inspired by Paul’s assault on the Loop, and encouraged by the enthusiastic turnout for Parts 1 and 2, I’m continuing the Capital Ring circuit. Click on the map for full details of what the Capital Ring is.

This leg is about 8 miles and includes parts of Beckenham Place Park and a meetup with some fellow dinosaurs at Crystal Palace Park.
There are plenty of feeding and toilet opportunities along the way, and a good lunch option at the Homestead Cafe in Beckenham Place.
We finish at Crystal Palace Station, which has rail links to West Croydon (direct) and East Croydon (via Norwood Junction) as well as lots of buses.
Joining Opportunities
Due to track works etc the usual rail route to Grove Park via London Bridge would take over 1½ hours and involve a Rail Replacement Bus 😱. So we’ll catch the SuperLoop 5 to Bromley and the 261 to Grove Park.

Dingwall Road Bus Stop (outside East Croydon station) from 10.15 to catch the 10.26 SuperLoop 5 to Bromley North.
https://w3w.co/urgent.orders.fight
Marvels Lane, Grove Park, where this leg of the Ring starts, from our scheduled arrival at 11.18
https://w3w.co/wheels.groom.spits

Contact
Ken on 07921 258876

A History of Croydon High Street with Carole Roberts
2025-10-14 20:15 - 22:00 | South Croydon United Church Hall, Aberdeen Road, South Croydon, CR0 1EQ, United Kingdom
Here’s local historian Carole on a previous visit. You’ll remember how enthusiastically we responded to her wonderfully researched and presented talks on the Davis Theatre and the Grand Theatre. Now she’s back to regale us with tales of Croydon High Street.
A must see event for our Club!

Gatliff Marathon 2025
2025-10-18 07:00 - 19:30
Link to Gatliff Marathon Page 2025

Trafalgar Night!
2025-10-21 20:15 - 22:00 | South Croydon United Church Hall, Aberdeen Road, South Croydon, CR0 1EQ, United Kingdom
Yes, it’s Trafalgar Day and Andy is going to help us celebrate with an evening of entertainment in his own inimitable style. Expect the unusual!

Surrey Town Walk
2025-10-25 09:00 - 17:00
To those interested in coming on my “surrey town walk” this Saturday (25th) this is the plan =>

– From 10am meet opposite East Croydon station (bus stop E7)
– 10.15am (approx) 466 bus to Westway Common in Caterham on the Hill (Surrey) which is the LAST STOP of the 466 bus route.

From 11.15am (approx) an “ups + downs” six mile walk (which could be muddy) via the Caterham barracks redevelopment, “the fox” pub (lunch stop), happy valley, farthing downs to Coulsdon Town centre for about 4pm with an option at the end to go to “the Pembroke” pub where there are plenty of buses going to Banstead, Purley + Croydon.

Keith Southam
keithsoutham@yahoo.co.uk
mobile/text = 07749 515486

AGM
2025-10-28 20:15 - 22:00 | South Croydon United Church Hall, Aberdeen Road, South Croydon, CR0 1EQ, United Kingdom
It’s our Annual General Meeting
Your opportunity to look back at the past year and forward to the next. Reports will be made, officials elected, motions tabled, awards handed out and good deeds applauded.
All are welcome – looking forward to our usual large AGM turnout.

Associates (and others) Weekend at Kirkby Stephen hostel
2025-10-31 - 2025-11-02 | kirkby stephen, Market Street, Kirkby Stephen, CA17 4QQ, United Kingdom
This is an Associate Members weekend, now open to regular members.
Accomodation has been booked at Kirkby Stephen hostel, a former chapel in West Yorkshire. It is convenient to all facilities in this lovely old town, It is a good centre for a range of walks of all abilities. Full description on their website here.
Kirkby Stephen is about 20k from M6 J38 along the A685.
Kirkby Stephen station, on the scenic Settle & Carlisle line, is about a 30 minute walk away.
Alan Sidaway will be doing the catering.
We have an option to stay Sunday night and return on Monday 3rd November.
The accommodation is in small dorms, £32 ppp.
As no deposit has been requested yet, I would first like to know who is interested in attending by the end of September.

Barry

RAF Kenley History
2025-11-04 20:15 - 22:00 | South Croydon United Church Hall, Aberdeen Road, South Croydon, CR0 1EQ, United Kingdom
Join Kenley Revival volunteer, Linda Duffield, for a whistlestop journey through the ups and downs of more than a century of aviation at RAF Kenley.

London's pearly kings and queens
2025-11-08 10:00 - 17:00
UPDATE

Dear All,

“Maybe it’s because I’m a Londoner . . . ” that I have always been a little intrigued by the traditions of the “East End” that are manifested in the often impressive costumes worn by the folk in my title. Having discovered there is now a museum established especially to share the story behind the traditions and culture, I have made a quick visit to this and think some of you might like to join me there to view a very extensive display of photographs and information! Those COPSErs not Londoners might be learning of this tradition for the first time so do come along!

The museum has been set up by George, Pearly King of Peckham, now in his 90s – and the location of it is because London property prices were beyond his budget! However, he has an immense collection of material.

I have booked for a group of us to visit the museum next weekend on Saturday, 8th November.

Where to meet
Meet at East Croydon station at 10am for the 10.12am train to Stoneleigh, via Clapham Junction. We should arrive at the museum by 11am. The museum is open until 2.30pm. Entry is £8 but £5 for seniors.

Hot drinks are available – and we can pre-book a lunch of “pie and mash” for £6.50 pp. I shall order this for about 12.15pm, allowing us to peruse some of the exhibition first. Please do let me know, if you would like to be part of the group visit and if you would like to book the lunch.

Following the visit, it might be nice for people to enjoy an hour browsing the shops along “The Broadway”, a substantial street with a variety of outlets, including local, independent shops. We can then adjourn to “The Station” pub, for a drink etc. before our return to Croydon.

I am collecting names for the group booking so please let me know a.s.a.p., if you would like to be included.

Regards,

Ireen Best (07968 035522)

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A visit to the Cockney Museum at Stoneleigh, near Epsom.

Join us to discover the history and culture of London’s pearly kings and queens. George, the Pearly King of Peckham, established the museum to illustrate his heritage. There are many photos, models clothed in traditional costumes, and other mementoes to view. There’s also the option of booking a famed pie and mash lunch!

Arrival there late morning. Exact times and travel arrangements to be advised nearer the date.

Queries to Ireen: 07968 035522

Ireland Retrospective
2025-11-11 20:15 - 22:00 | South Croydon United Church Hall, Aberdeen Road, South Croydon, CR0 1EQ, United Kingdom
In April Linda and Tim led a brilliant COPSE trip to the Wild West of Ireland. Tonight we share the experience in picture and story.

CODA Agatha Christie’s play Spider’s Web production
2025-11-13 16:00 - 2025-11-16 20:00
Hi All,
I’ve purchased a ticket to see Agatha Christie’s Spider’s Webb on Sunday 16th November 4pm.

The play is staged by CODA at Selsdon Hall between 13th – 16th November.
Details in email, below. Selsdon Hall is situated in basement of Sainsbury’s Supermarket in Selsdon. Near corner of Addington Road and Old Farleigh Road. Buses from Croydon: 64, 412 and 433 stop outside.

If anyone would like to join me, please purchase your ticket via link, below:
https://codashows.co.uk/

Contact me if you would like to meet beforehand or in Selsdon Hall.
Thanks,

Pravina
0208 655 0077

Loop Walk - Barnett to Gordon Hill Rail Station
2025-11-16 09:30 - 17:00
oh dear, the anticipation is unbearable! Time for more LOOPing and the last bit this side of the Solstice!

We shall be striking onwards from High Barnet, across Monken Hadley Common towards Cockfosters – we may meet ‘Livingstone, I presume’ along the way!

At Cockfosters there is an opportunity to finish after about 3 miles and go home by tube, and should anyone wish to do this they will be issued with the instructions and map to get there. It’s reasonably straightforward to get to the station.

We’ll then venture into Trent Country Park and across Enfield Chase where we may see through the mist Henry VIII (or should that be Henry Tudor!?) out hunting.

Depending upon weather and light levels we have three different places where we can stop, all north of Enfield. 1. A bus (313) half hourly into Enfield. 2 & 3 are walking links to Gordon Hill rail stn, which is effectively a suburb of Enfield. Home by train changing onto Victoria Line at Finsbury Park. Next time we shall pick-up the route from exactly wherever we finish this time.

Around about 8 miles or so. Bring food and drink, but there is a pub near Cockfosters and a cafe at Trent Park soon after.

More lovely undulating Hertfordshire into Middlesex countryside, with no main roads to follow, and islands at all road crossings – a steady climb to start.

Where to meet
Meet at East Croydon at 9.15am for the first train after 9.30 to Victoria to change onto tube to High Barnet, via Euston (there’s a Victoria train spot on 9.30 and one after at 9.44).

NOTE: I would like to be walking by 11am please, or jolly soon after. I hope to be at East Croydon all being well, but I may have to go straight onto Victoria (if I have problems with my train) and then onwards and meet you along the way or at High Barnet tube ‘booking hall’.

It might be useful to have contact details of someone who knows they are coming, so as to be in contact, if necessary.

Paul 07968 223589.
No Emails on the day of the walk please – voice or text only

*The London Outer Orbital Path (LOOP) is a 150 mile foot trail around the outskirts of London, using rivers, woods and meadowland, parks and even some suburban streets. It is the further out version of the Capital Ring.

OBJECTivity, No. ?
2025-11-18 20:15 - 22:00 | South Croydon United Church Hall, Aberdeen Road, South Croydon, CR0 1EQ, United Kingdom
What are these things?

Objects, that’s what. Exhibited, with their fascinating histories, at our last OBJECTivity evening.
Tomorrow night is another opportunity to show off your fine china, family heirlooms or just, well, bits of rock!
Here are Ireen’s words of enticement again:
Dear Interesting People,
That covers all COPSErs, one way or another! We’re such a mixed bunch and with so many different experiences. Resulting from these, we must have a wide range of items that would tell a tale of family, travels, mysteries, or hobbies. This week at our hall objects will be the activity we shall share.
Please bring along anything that you could explain a little about. This may be something of its history or its sentimental or monetary value. It might be something amusing or perhaps be an object so unusual that others may not even know what it is – or maybe you don’t know yourself but another Member might be able to identify it for you!
Please bring one to three objects to entertain us and pass them to me at the start of our evening. If you have extras, these could also be brought and kept aside, in case time allows us to explore a few more things. (Of course, audience required to enjoy the collection so please come along, even if you have no objects this time.) However, this weekend might afford time for many to find something!
Teas and coffees between 8.15pm and 8.30pm.
Regards,
Ireen Best (07968 035522)

Capital Ring Walk 4 - Crystal Palace to Streatham Common
2025-11-23 12:00 - 17:00
Continuing to be inspired by Paul’s assault on the Loop, and encouraged by the enthusiastic turnout for Parts 1 to 3, I’m continuing the Capital Ring circuit.
Click on the map for full details of what the Capital Ring is. This leg is only just over 4 miles, so we’re starting a bit later to accommodate Sunday lie-ins and make sure it’s light when we start. The walk covers territory that may be familiar to many of us – Norwood Grove, Streatham Common and The Rookery – but we’ll point out a few places along the way that you may not be aware of.
There are plenty of feeding and toilet opportunities along the way, and those inclined might round off the day with a beer and/or food at The Railway pub.
We finish at Streatham Common Station, with direct trains to East Croydon and, no doubt, buses nearby.
Joining Opportunities

East Croydon station from 12 noon to catch the 12.13 to Crystal Palace- usually Platform 1.
https://w3w.co/dock.jars.folds
Crystal Palace Station, where this leg of the Ring starts, from our scheduled arrival at 12.22
https://w3w.co/eaten.handle.lists

Contact
Ken on 07921 258876

Festival Fun
2025-11-25 20:15 - 22:00 | South Croydon United Church Hall, Aberdeen Road, South Croydon, CR0 1EQ, United Kingdom

Hunterian Museum
2025-11-29 09:00 - 17:00
Update

Hi everyone

To let you know that I was amazed at the enthusiastic response to the Huntarian Museum trip next Saturday and all the 20 spaces for the group booking have now been taken!

If you would really like to come along next Saturday and join the group I will inquire about changing the booking.
BUT please contact me asap.

I will be at club night on Tuesday at the hall and will talk to those who do not have email to see if they are interested in coming along.

But you do not need to be a part of the group and can independently queue to enter the museum, which is free, and join everyone after for lunch and the visit to the Novelty Automation collection during the afternoon.

All the best,
Andy
07751182930

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Hi everyone
Our visit to the Hunterian Museum in Lincoln’s Inn Fields in central London is happening next Saturday 29th November.
What is it?
The Hunterian Museum is named after 18th century surgeon and anatomist John Hunter and located at the Royal College of Surgeons in Lincoln’s Inn Fields.
The collection contains over 2000 anatomical items together with instruments, equipment, models and paintings which trace the history of surgery from ancient times to the latest robot assisted operations.
https://hunterianmuseum.org/It is free to enter.
If you would like to join me on this visit please let me know.
I have made a group booking for 20 people at 10.30 am on Saturday morning and I need to know who is going to be a part of this group. I can adjust the numbers if there are more people who want to come but I do need to know.

Where to meet
We will meet at East Croydon at 9.15 am to catch the 9.31 train to Blackfriars from Platform 2.
This arrives at Blackfriars at 9.51 allowing plenty of time to walk to the museum for our 10.30 visit.After our visit, I plan that we lunch at the Penderel’s Oak, a large Wetherspoons pub nearby Holborn.In the afternoon I plan that we visit the Novelty Automation collection in nearby Princeton Street.
This is a collection of satirical home-made arcade machines.
https://novelty-automation.com
It is free to enter and contains a large number of machines for which you can purchase tokens to use. I found it quite amusing!
After this we will go to Farringdon rail station to return to East Croydon.
Please would those interested in joining the group to the Hunterian Museum, please let me know asap and I will add you to the list.
I will be announcing this trip at next Tuesday’s club night meeting to let those who are not on this email list an opportunity to join the visit.
Normal walking footwear will be fine.
I look forward to hearing from you!
Andy T
07751182930

Tony Rowland's Life in Funerals
2025-12-02 20:15 - 22:00 | South Croydon United Church Hall, Aberdeen Road, South Croydon, CR0 1EQ, United Kingdom
Here’s Tony, still engaged in the family funeral business that bears his name – and in his many other interests – despite officially retiring a while ago.

Tony is back this week, by popular demand, after being thwarted by technical issues on his last visit a couple of years ago, though he did valiantly carry on without benefit of visuals – the culpa is entirely mea. This time nothing can possibly go wrong 🤞, so we’ll have the whole package of his surprising and entertaining take on seeing us out of this world.

Croham Hurst and Coombe Wood Walk
2025-12-06 00:30 - 17:00
Hi all

Join me for a walk to Croham Hurst and Coombe Wood on 6th December.

Meet 12.30 at East Croydon station https://w3w.co/dock.jars.folds
or 1pm near Lloyd Park cafe. https://w3w.co/birds.evenly.author

About 6 miles.
Ending back at Lloyd Park.
Steve
07914 224653

Art Evening - 8.15 start!
2025-12-09 20:15 - 22:00 | South Croydon United Church Hall, Aberdeen Road, South Croydon, CR0 1EQ, United Kingdom
Please note that we’ll start earlier than usual, at 8.15, to give enough time to complete our masterpieces.
With the expert guidance of Teresa, we’ll be flexing our artistic muscles again to make collaged Xmas cards and origami.
Materials will be provided, but you can also incorporate existing stuff. Bring scissors if you have them. As Teresa appealed:
Do any of you have CHRISTMAS CARDS, OLD MAGAZINES in COLOUR, WRAPPING PAPER any kind? That you are happy to donate towards the Art Evening on December 9th? If so please bring along to the Club or drop off at my place. Address on request.
Thanks Teresa

Edenbridge pre- Xmas walk, mince pies and mulled wine.
2025-12-14 09:00 - 17:00
Hello copsers

I have a cunning plan for this Sunday. From Croydon, catch the 09.23 train to Uckfield, alighting at Hever at 9.50.

We will then walk to Chiddingstone for coffee and cake, then on to Markbeech for beer (should be Harveys Old Ale). After that we will walk to Cowden and get the train back to Edenbridge Town. A 10 minute walk takes us back to Hever Towers for Mulled Wine and Mince Pies.

The route is about 6.5 miles and is likely to be muddy. Best to bring some food to keep you going. You will need to get a return ticket to Cowden.

Remember, you have to earn your pies and wine by doing the walk. Please let Grumpy Knickers know if you intend to come so that we know how many supplies to get in.

Cheers

Tim

Christmas Party at the Spread Eagle
2025-12-16 19:30 - 22:00 | Spreadeagle Pub, 39-41 Katharine St, Croydon, CR0 1NX, United Kingdom
This year we’re having a change, moving out of the Hall to the upstairs room we’ve hired at the Spread Eagle pub.
A buffet will be laid on and there’ll be jollity. More details to follow.

Yule Solstice Day
2025-12-21 10:00 - 17:00
UPDATE

The Walk ( 3 miles)

It’s looking a lot like a walk over Box Hill. Day return to Box Hill and Westhumble rail station,

Getting there
Please take the train departing WEST CROYDON rail station at 10.35am, and change at Sutton (train arrives at 10:48).
The train from Sutton departs at 11.11am and arrives at Boxhill and Westhumble train station at 11.35am

Note; I will board the train at Sutton or Epsom.

You may come on the walk, even if not eating and maybe have a drink at the end.

The Meal (from about 2.30pm at the Stepping Stones Pub)
On the day we all pay our separate bills, and ensure the pub has included its service charge/included tip. Pay for any drinks at the bar.

IF YOU WANT TO TRY AND JOIN THIS MEAL STILL, I AM NOT PERSONALLY TAKING ON ANY MORE BOOKINGS, SO PLEASE CONTACT THE PUB YOURSELF AND MAKE YOUR MENU CHOICE WITH THEM AND PAY YOUR DEPOSIT TO THEM, should they require one. Mention my name as the booking you are trying to join. Find their contact details and the everyday Festive Menu on their website.

See you, PAUL.
07968 223589 (no emails on the day!)

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The Meal (from about 2.30pm at the Stepping Stones Pub)
IMPORTANT: Please select your food choice by Friday 12 December along with any dietary needs/allergies.

This will be at the Stepping Stones pub, about 8 minutes walk along a road from the Box Hill & Westhumble rail stn – also a car park at the pub. It will be at 2.30 in the afternoon, with a walk beforehand of around 3 miles in the local area. You can attend just the walk, just the meal, or both, or neither! Maybe a good idea to have a change of footwear, and ways of hiding any mud on trousers (there are tricks you can use)…like last year.

How to select your food choice
Please go to their website and look at the Festive/Christmas everyday meal menu (not the ones for just Dec 25th, 26th or New Year). Note that the vegan gravy and vegan custard can be normal gravy or custard. I shall assume everyone is having normal gravy/custard UNLESS you say you want either in a vegan form.

The pub would like our menu choices by December 12th (Friday) please, and wish to be informed of any dietary needs/allergies.

If the booking goes over TEN, they will start to need a £10 deposit from each person. You can do all this through me, but if you do anything direct with the pub, please mention my name for the booking and tell me if you have booked direct, or paid a deposit to them.

I know it’s still over 3 weeks away (as I write) but they suggest booking as soon as possible, especially as Sundays is their busiest day.

More details of the walk to follow nearer the time.

(So far the deposit is not necessary.)

Paul.

ShelterBox "Mystery Auction"
2026-01-06 20:15 - 22:00 | South Croydon United Church Hall, Aberdeen Road, South Croydon, CR0 1EQ, United Kingdom
Happy New Year! You are invited to warm up at our now toasty Hall.
The occasion is, of course, our annual Mystery Auction, where we have some fun raising cash for our pet charity, Shelterbox.

If you’re not familiar with Shelterbox have a look at their website, https://shelterbox.org/.

What you can do is to

wrap up your goods (unwanted and/or valuable)

and/or

turn up, enjoy the banter, and above all place your bids for the mystery parcels.

Don’t worry if you can’t contribute items, just come along and enjoy the evening.
For the uninitiated, here are Ireen’s words of explanation from her email:
Dear All,
I hope 2026 is off to a good start for everyone – and you are each feeling “resolute”! No, I’m not referring to all the personal resolutions (which might already have been broken?!) but to our Club one that we make this annual effort to gather enough funds for a whole “ShelterBox box”.
For our “Mystery Auction”, please spend a few mins in advance, wrapping your duplicated or unloved objects (rapping, as you do so, is optional!) and pass them to me from 8.15pm on Tuesday. Household / kitchen appliances in good condition – (perhaps never used, even if intentions were good!) could also be rehomed. IF there is a content of particularly high value, you can add a label with a reserve or start price on – likewise, if the item is only suitable for a male or female recipient. However, part of the fun is sometimes when bids disregard the latter, e.g., when Chris T. became the new owner of a lovely, silky camisole! (He happily gifted this to a female friend!!)
Wrapping paper need not be new – any kept from opening your own received presents, be they Xmas, birthday etc. will be good. If you have some items to donate but cannot manage to come along in person, please let me know and I hope I can help by collecting beforehand.
Re my title, “Lightening Your Load”: bulging wallets and purses can be brought through the door and you can benefit by carrying them away with far less weight in them! Also, please remember that our 2025 techy advance gave us a card machine, although chequebooks could still be brought! Once again, Treasurer Bob will kindly be managing the finance for the evening.
N.B. If the attached table is of interest, I am taking emailed or telephoned bids, as well as on the night, and can collect from its donor and deliver to you in the near future. The table is good and sturdy and a size that will very comfortably seat four people. Please contact me with your offers!
Width: 46¼” (117.5cm) X Depth: 31½” (80cm) X Height: 29” (74cm)

I close with another good wish for everyone to have as good a 2026 as they possibly can – and with a quote from the ShelterBox website:
EMERGENCY DISASTER RELIEF Families are facing a bitter winter in make shift shelters, struggling to survive:
Supporting communities in crisis

Right now, over 120 million people around the world have been made homeless by disaster and conflict. ShelterBox is working to change this.
By providing emergency shelter and tools for families robbed of their homes by disaster, we’re transforming despair into hope.
We want to see a world where no family is left without shelter after disaster. Join us.
Regards,
Ireen Best (079868 035522)
