KESTON WALKERS NOTCH CHOIR RECORD 

The choir walking group made its first outing of the year on Friday April 10, completing a delightful 5.3-mile circuit from Keston in balmy spring weather.

The uphill stretch above Furze Bottom

A record thirteen members took part, beating the previous total of eight which was established in July 2013.

Eleven walkers set out from the Fox at Keston Common at 2.30pm and after a short roadside stretch headed down a wooden path to Furze Bottom. From there they struck up across open farmland to its mid-point refreshment stop at the King’s Arms, Biggin Hill.

Katrina Keel befriends horse near Furze Buttom (photo Trevor Watkins)

They were joined there by choir chair Kimball Ormond and Annie Ormond. Kim and Annie, who live in Keston, provided a fascinating commentary on local landmarks during the return leg. These included the meadowland where Charles Darwin pondered his theory of evolution and the oak tree where William Wilberforce resolved to end the slave trade.

Walkers spot a skylark (photo Trevor Watkins)

The highlight nature spot of the walk was a solitary skylark hovering high above farmland on the return leg, although it sadly declined to treat the walkers to a song.

Banners leads on homeward stretch from King's Arms

The group reached the Fox at 6pm. Eleven walkers took part in the outward leg, twelve in the return, and social member Ted Mouat attended both the mid-way stop and the post-walk dinner at the Fox.

The  record-breakers at the King's Arms.  From left:  Phil Blewett, Sally Blewett, Dick Jones, Tony Keel, Pete Smith, Katrina Keel, Annie Ormond, Kimball Ormond, Dave Bannister, Bob Mackay, Trevor Watkins, Ted Mouat, Mike Rowe, Peter Gillman