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Birthday fun in Whyteleafe

Five walkers gathered outside the Radius Arms in Whyteleafe on a drizzly Sunday morning, November 25, and debated how short we could make the walk as the weather seemed to be closing in. Undeterred, the group soldiered on across Whyteleafe Rec and up some steep muddy steps to the top of Riddlesdown close to Warlingham School.

The five (very superior) walkers (photo: John Parker)

Fortunately the weather had stabilised as we walked a couple of miles along the very scenic downland and over the top of Riddlesdown Quarry before descending back to the valley and crossing the A22 at Kenley. A more gentle ascent took us to the top of Kenley Common, where we could observe the distance we had covered.  The final stretch took us back down grassland, past St Luke's Church into the valley and the Radius Arms.

Having completed a refreshing 3.9 mile walk, we were able to look in a superior manner at the other choir members who had gathered to help celebrate the birthday of Angela Goddard, who had travelled with friends all the way to Rochester to hear the choir a few weeks previously. The intrepid five walkers were reinforced by Gerry Upjohn, Ted Mouat, Steve Lloyd, Roger Lee and Mark and Janine Hughes as we tucked into the excellent buffet and beer which Angela had provided.

CMVC refresh themselves at the Radius: birthday girl  Angela the centre of attention (photo: Banners)

Suitably refreshed, we were able to serenade Angela and her party for over two hours, using up most of the après repertoire. Their level of appreciation was indicated not only by the continual applause, but also by the amount of beer they plied us with throughout the session!