A walk in the dark
Thirsty walkers gathered outside The Hope in Carshalton at midday on November 15, waiting for the pub to open so that they could satisfy their pre-walk hydration requirements. Thirteen walkers set off, a number presaging the ill luck to come.
Happy walkers beside the Wandle, unaware of the shocks to come
Everything went to plan as the walkers headed northwards along the quiet trail on the banks of the Wandle river. Near Hackbridge a fisherman in his waders was enjoying his rural pursuit in the middle of South London suburbia. As the group approached Mitcham, the route turned east from the river towards the cricket green. Here the walkers divided, with one group (local to the area) electing to circumnavigate the green to the south while the Banners group headed north – reaching The Windmill Inn overlooking Mitcham Common first, and hence winning the race to order their beer. As daylight was at a premium, there was time for only one beer and one song, much appreciated by the friendly pub landlady who implored us to return before too long.
The walkers pose for Pete's camera at Mitcham Junction - blissfully ignorant of the problems ahead
From the Windmill, the group continued southwards through Cranmer Green Nature Reserve. At Mitcham Junction it boarded a tram to Wandle Park, where it intended to pick up the Wandle Trail as it emerged from Croydon. The walkers were in high spirits, as this was the first occasion public transport had been used in the middle of a choir walk. Cheery banter transformed into despondency as the tram terminated at Therapia Lane due to a broken-down tram further along down the line. Fortunately, local and walk returnee Steve Lloyd took charge and led us off to the nearby stop for the 455 bus. Coincidentally on our way we greeted new chorister Dave "Woody" Wood who had just finished work.
Benighted walkers contemplate the lights at Carshalton Pond
Acting on Steve’s advice, we disembarked from the 455 in his home village of Beddington, where we could rejoin the Wandle Trail. However the delay had burned all our contingency daylight and dusk was setting in. Twilight turned to night as we crossed Beddington Park and rounded Westcroft Sports Centre, setting a new record for the longest section of any walk completed in the dark.
As we neared journey's end, we paused on a bench by Carshalton Ponds and enjoyed the lights twinkling on the water as curious geese gathered around. Upon reaching The Hope we found social member Ted Mouat, and were soon joined for beer and pot meals by Roger Parkinson. Inevitably the evening finished with a few songs, whose highlights were our full Christmas repertoire (O Holy Night), and Barry Farrant's superb rendition of Presley's Blue Christmas.
PS: Following the walk, Hazel Willson found this wonderful drawing done by her father in the 1950s, showing the bridge at Willow Lane, looking towards Mitcham Junction station. "Very different from last week," Hazel commented.
Willow Lane Bridge in the 1950s