Walking in the new normal

The choir walkers staged two outings in April and May 2021, taking advantage of the less stringent Covid regulations but still adhering to government guidelines. On 26 April two “sixpack” groups left the  Bletchingley Arms and headed for Brewer Street and its glorious Tudor farmhouse. Navigator Dave pointed out the site of Bletchingley Palace, gifted by Henry VIII to Anne of Cleves in 1540. 

Back to new normal walking in spring sunshine

The next landmark was an ancient railway carriage sporting a Chinese-style roof. Its owner, pushing a wheelbarrow at nearby Pendell Farm, told us he had constructed the roof for “something to do” during lockdown.

Further excursions and diversions took the group across Nutfield Cricket Club for welcome rest and refreshment in the charming garden of the Inn on the Pond, where Dick Jones was waiting to join us.

Refreshing stop at Inn on the Pond

After serenading the landlady we sang more songs in a cavernous tunnel under the M23.  Once back at the Bletchingley Arms, one sixpack remained for an outside dinner under some heaters, where the group tucked in and chatted about how good  it was to start the return to normal walking life after lockdown.

On 17 May, 13 walkers, taking advantage of a further relaxation of rules, gathered inside the Hare and Hounds, Godstone - at tables of six of course.  Navigator Dave led the walkers, including debutantes Linda Taylor and Barry Farrant, across Godstone Green, over the Greensand Ridge and down onto the Greensand Way.  

Study in light and shade

We negotiated a difficult crossing of the busy A22 whereupon  local expert Roger Lee led a tricky stretch across fields and a stream towards the Barley Mow and the half time refreshment. We sheltered from the rain under a large gazebo, rewarding the welcoming staff with a few songs from our repertoire. 

The Godstone 13 - lucky for some

A dry return leg crossed open fields to Leigh Gunpowder Mill and its picturesque millponds. We admired George Gilbert Scott’s alms houses and his restored St Nicholas Church before regaining the Hare and Hounds, where social member Ted Mouat was dutifully waiting for us.  After an excellent meal – at tables of four - other diners and the staff showed their appreciation of our singing with rapturous applause.