THREE AUTUMN WALKS

The choir walking group has been busy over the past two months, notching three walks in quick succession.   On 30 September eleven walkers set off from the Inn on the Pond in Nutfield in glorious sunshine and passed Spynes Mere lake and the gatehouse to Bletchingley Palace, the home of Anne of Cleves.  Then came the magnificent early Tudor Brewer Street farmhouse followed by the half-time stop at the Red Lion on the Bletchingley ridge.

September sunshine near Nutfield (Photo: Michael Pardon)

The fine weather persisted as the group returned to the Inn on the Pond, pausing only for a sing (“Brothers Sing on”) under the M23.  The outing was notable for the debut of two new walkers, John Marshall (second tenor) and Nick Hewitt (top tenor) – and for the absence of founder-member Peter Gillman, missing his first walk after undertaking all twenty-four since the group’s inception  in February 2012.

The Nutfield eleven, plus Ted Mouat  (Photo: Michael Pardon)

On 19 October the group was in action again, with seven walkers starting and finishing at the Wattenden Arms in Kenley, and a halfway stop at the Whyteleafe Tavern.  There were splendid views from Kenley Common and Riddlesdown. Historical highlights included the London-Newhaven Roman Road, Riddlesdown Lime Quarry, and Kenley Aerodrome, fabled for its key role in the Battle of Britain in the summer of 1940.

The Kenley seven

The Chipstead group plus Nick Hewitt's dog

The third walk in the series was on 16 November, with the start/finish at the Ramblers Rest in Outwood Lane, Chipstead and mid-point stop at the Brewers Fayre in Burgh Heath.  The late-autumn weather was ideal, cold but clear, and the walk made the most of the contours and rise-and-fall of Chipstead Valley, with a succession of outstanding views.

Ten walkers took part, and the most dramatic moment came when second tenor Bob Mackay (age: 84 and a half) attempted to recapture his youth by vaulting a six-bar gate.  As he crashed to earth on the far side he lost his glasses, which were only found after a mass search by the entire group.

Gategate: Bob Mackay makes the leap (Photo: Trevor Walkins)

Searching for Bob's glasses

Bob reunited with his glasses

The last walk of the year is scheduled for 21 December and will be known as the Winter Solstice Walk.  Details to follow.