| St Francis of Assisi Catholic Rambler's Club (Affiliated to H.F. Holidays) The Club is approved by the Archbishop of Westminster; affiliated to the Rambers Association. Website: www.stfrancisramblers.ukwalkers.com
Programme of Rambles / Events for Winter 2014/2015 (Items for the next programme by the end of January please)
Being Ramble List Compiler again after such a long time feels a little strange but the challenge of putting together a complete programme each quarter is one that has its rewards. First of all, thank you to John Burbage for all his hard work over so many years, and I am sure I speak for everyone in wishing him a good rest after all he has done. Thanks should also go to the members who have helped to make this current programme possible.
On a serious note, it is very concerning that the same members have to be relied on time and again. Put simply, we need to increase the number of ramble leaders as declining health and mortality have been major contributory factors in recent years to the present situation.
Ten members who have not led before being prepared to commit to doing one or two walks per year would go a long way to easing the burden on current leaders, and fifteen would be brilliant. Please bear in mind there are two or three members who put on around eight to ten walks each during the year. What if they were unable to carry on? How much of a gap would that create?
If you have never led before all the present leaders will be very happy to help you quickly become confident and proficient. If you are not sure what to do, or where to go, there is an archive of walks that have not been done for some time which you are welcome to use.
Please give this serious consideration and step forward. To paraphrase John F Kennedy; ask not what your club can do for you, but what you can do for your club.
Happy rambling
Paul
Sunday 7th December Leader: Paul Brunning OS map 188 Meet : Cannon Street 09.35 for 09.59 train to Sevenoaks (arr 10.28) Lunch : White Rock, Underriver Tea : Possibly Distance: 9.5 miles, returning from Sevenoaks Fare : £7.40 with Network card. Paul will meet the ramblers at Sevenoaks
Sunday 14th December Leader: Martin Harrison OS map 176 Meet : Cockfosters (Picadilly line zone 5) 10.15 for 10.30 start. Journey time from Leicester Square around 45 minutes Lunch : Chequers, Potters Bar Tea : Trent Park if time permits Distance : 10 miles, returning from Cockfosters Fare : One day travelcard up to £8.90 plus Oyster and Freedom Pass options.
Sunday 21st December Leader: Paul Connolly OS map 176 Meet : Highgate (Northern line High Barnet branch – zone 3) 10.00 for 10.15 start Lunch : Jolly Butchers Stoke Newington – good grub and fine ales Tea : Let’s see. Distance : 10 miles through some interesting urban backwaters, returning from Stratford (also zone 3) Fare : One day travelcard up to £8.90 plus Oyster and Freedom Pass options.
Sunday 28th December Leader: John Burbage OS map 187 Meet: Victoria Station 09.00 for 09.10 train to Boxhill & West Humble (arr 10.06). Train also available from Waterloo; departs 9.02 with change at Epsom to meet the Victoria train. Coffee : National Trust Centre, Boxhill. Lunch : William IV, Mickleham. Very popular walkers’ pub with good food and local ales. Medium/upper upper price range. Distance: 9-10 miles. Very hilly with six steep climbs designed to burn off the Christmas calories. Fare : Return Boxhill and West Humble £5.75 with Network Card. Leader may join train en route. Please ensure that you have appropriate footwear and clothing for the winter conditions.
Happy new year everyone. Just one little thing to spoil the fun; its fare rise time again!
As far as possible, fares have been checked and are correct, but please be gentle with any leader when that nice person at the booking office asks for a few extra pennies in exchange for a ticket.
Sunday 4th January (Explorer Maps 134,135) Leader: Maurice Hickman
Meet : Victoria at 0935 for 1002 train to Three Bridges (arr. 1048) Lunch : Rowfant House, Rowfant (good beer and food) Tea : Snooty Fox, Three Bridges Distance : 10 miles, returning from Three Bridges. The last two miles will be on urban paths. Fare : £11.30 with Network Card Rowfant House is a grade II listed building and has a Latvian chapel at rear. Maurice will meet the ramblers at Three Bridges
Sunday 11th January (Explorer Map 171) Leader: Joseph O’Reilly
Meet :Paddington at 09.20 for 09.45 train calling at Twyford. (Note: Train leaves from platform 13 or 14 which is some distance from the ticket office.) Quick change at Twyford for the 10.43 train to Henley on Thames. Lunch : Stag & Huntsman, Hambledon. (Benches nearby for eating packed lunch.) Tea : Catherine Wheel, Henley on Thames. (JDW House) Distance: 10.5 leisurely miles. Fare : £10.30 returning from Henley on Thames with Network Card.
Sunday 18th January Leader: Paul Connolly OS map 177 Meet : Leytonstone (Central line – zone 3) 10.00 for 10.15 start Lunch : Station House, Chingford – just over from the railway station Tea : Maybe in Loughton. Distance : 10 miles through some interesting urban backwaters and the southern part of Epping Forest returning from Loughton (zone 5) Fare : One day travelcard up to £12.00 plus Oyster and Freedom Pass options.
Sunday 25th January Leader: Paul Brunning OS map 188
NB We have had late notification of train changes on this Sunday. There will be no direct trains from Cannon Street to Orpington. So if you go to Cannon Street for the train listed below you can take the first train to Waterloo East or Charing Cross where you can get a train to Chislehurst and then a train from Chislehurst to Orpington (arriving at Orpington by bus). This should get you to Orpington at 11 04. Ring rail enquiries on 08457 48 49 50 for confirmation.
Meet : Cannon Street 09.50 for 10.10 train to Orpington (arr 10.32) Lunch : Queens Head, Downe Tea : Possibly Distance: 9.5 miles, returning from Orpington Fare : One day travelcard up to £12.00 plus Oyster and Freedom Pass options. Paul will meet the ramblers at Orpington
Sunday 1st February Leader: John Burbage OS map 177 Due to another timetable alteration (the reverse of last week's), the train to Grove Park has been changed to depart from Cannon Street Mainline Station (meet 09.40) at 10.00 (ar. 10.24)(District/Circle). The train calls at London Bridge Mainline Station (10.04) (Northern/Jubilee) then runs fast to Hither Green and no longer stops at Lewisham. Walkers travelling on the DLR via Lewisham can take the 225 or 273 bus to Hither Green or the 284 (d. 0945 from Station) or 261 (d. 09.53 from Police Stn.) to Grove Park. Leader's mobile number is: 07970 905293. Meet : Charing Cross mainline station 09.35 for the 09.58 train to Grove Park (arr. 10.24). Train stops at Lewisham for connections to the DLR and Victoria train services. Lunch : Wetherspoons in Eltham. Good value. Tea : Depends! Distance: 11 undulating miles on the Capital Ring returning from Woolwich Arsenal (via Lewisham). The route is mainly on paths but possibly with some rough walking. Fare : One day travelcard up to £12.00 plus Oyster and Freedom Pass options.
Sunday 8th February (Map: London A-Z). Leaders Virginia & Roger Yelland.
Meet : East India station (DLR, Zone 2). 10.00am. Lunch : Possibly the Prospect of Whitby or the Town of Ramsgate (CAMRA). Call Roger on 07910 358646 if you wish to join us for lunch. Tea : South Bank Distance : 8 miles including Trinity Buoy Wharf (includes a hut where Michael Faraday carried out experiments), then following various riverside walks, docks, basins and canals (including Canary Wharf), passing St Katharine Docks, the Tower of London, Bankside, Shakespeare's Globe, and the Tate Modern. We can enjoy the early evening lights of the city playing on the river. "Sweete Thames runne softly, till I end my Song". Finishing at either Blackfriars, Embankment or Westminster (as the mood takes us). For a photographic preview follow this link (available now), or ask and we can email the link to you. http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.289715004394955.78256.100000693729661&type=3&l=9903803b4b Fare : One day travelcard up to £12.00 plus Oyster and Freedom Pass options.
Sunday 15th February Leader: Philip Groves (tel 07736 060 254) OS map 198
Meet : Victoria 0820 for 08.47 train to Lewes (arrive 9.51) Lunch : Rose Cottage Inn, Alciston, good home-cooked food and local real ales Tea : Seaford - also option of excellent fish and ships near the station Distance: around 15 hilly miles, returning from Seaford Fare : £17.30 off peak CDR to Seaford with Network Card on the day. Or £13 if booked in advance (e.g. on www.trainline.com) Philip will meet the group at Lewes.
Sunday 22nd February Leader: Maurice Hickman OS map 187
Meet : Victoria at 0935 for 1002 train to Redhill (arr. 1034) Lunch : Feathers, Merstham Tea : Fanny's Farm Shop, Markedge Lane Distance: 9 miles. Returning from Redhill Fare : £7.25 with Network Card Maurice will meet the ramblers at Redhill
Please put a torch in your bag!
Don't get caught out in the dark without a torch on long winter walks. Head torches are particularly useful as they enable you to have both hands free.
Club Committee 2014-2015
(Please note: Addresses and telephone numbers are not included in this internet version of the programme)
President: Fr Peter Newby, Parish Priest,
St Mary Moorfields, 4-5 Eldon Street,
Secretary Membership Secretary
Maurice Hickman Antoinette Adkins,
Treasurer Ramble List Compiler
Gillian McLauchlan Paul Connolly,
Publicity
David Crundall
Other Committee Members
Henrietta Van-Zaelen
Denis O'Mahoney
John Burbage has stood down from the committee having served for two years and Paul Connolly has taken his place as the Ramble List Compiler. We all owe our thanks to John for all the hard work and dedication he has shown as the previous compiler of rambles. He has agreed to become an ex-officio member of the committee and assist in areas where he thinks he would be able to help. Any member can be an ex-officio member and you would not be tied to any duty unlike the official elected members. It is a good way for members to find out what goes on at the committee meetings and perhaps take up some of the jobs at a later stage which some members have been doing for such a long time.
News and Events - Winter 2014/2015
Golden Wedding Anniversary Congratulations to Joe and Kate Hand (nee Fitzgerald) who celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary on 19th September 2014
Ann Brook's Sister Ann Brook's sister, Betty Said, died recently. Please pray for her. May she rest in peace. Her funeral was on 18th of November at Petts Wood.
Greetings from Betty Morrison Betty who has recently undergone surgery after a fall, wishes to thank all who have offered prayers and sent kind messages to her. She is not able to reply herself but sends greetings, many warm wishes, and love to everyone.
ANNUAL REUNION AND SOCIAL GATHERING 2014 Many thanks to all those who attended and contributed in various ways to our annual Reunion and Social at St. Mary Moorfields on 27th September last. A special 'thank you' to all who came early to help set it up, and clear away afterwards. From the appreciative messages received since, we know it to have been another happy event in the ongoing life of the club. Thanks also to members who sent greetings, good wishes, messages and news items beforehand. These were all conveyed and appreciated Not least, our sincere gratitude to Father Peter for the use of St. Mary Moorfields hall and its excellent facilities. May SFACRC continue to go from strength to strength. Anne and Maureen.
SATURDAY 6th DECEMBER 2014 -- from 1pm. German Christmas Market (Weihnachtsmarkt) at the German Y.M.C.A. Lancaster Hall Hotel, 35 Craven Terrace, London W2 3EL www.german-ymca.org.uk Typical German refreshments served in the restaurant from 1p.m Tea/coffee and delicious German cakes available throughout the afternoon. Tombola from 1.30pm. The market opens at 2.30pm. Christmas cards, candles, original handicrafts, face painting, German specialities, stollen, German bread and more. The German choir sings "Weihnachtslieder” This is an event for everyone and provides an opportunity for us to get together in a congenial Christmas atmosphere Proceeds to charity.
Travel: The nearest underground station is Lancaster Gate on the Central Line. Directions are as follows: Turn R out of station, cross Lancaster Terrace at the traffic lights, walk a short distance along Bayswater Road (Kensington Gardens on L.), pass The Swan pub, turn R at Lancaster Gate, keep straight on, cross a little road (Brook Mews North) and into Craven Terrace. You will see the YMCA sign ahead of you. It is about 8-10 minutes from the station. If further information is required please contact Maureen Furlong
CHRISTMAS CONCERT AT ROBINSON COLLEGE, CAMBRIDGE.
On Saturday 6th December the choir and musicians of Robinson College will join together for a programme of selected songs and Christmas carols. The programme, which traditionally marks the start of the University vacation, also includes instrumental music. It commences at 11.30am but is preceded at 11am by the serving of mince pies and hot drinks. The college stated that they would be more than happy for us to join them. If you are interested, log on to www.robinson.cam.ac.uk and click on Christmas Concert for the booking form. Tickets, which are £6 each or £5.50 with concession, will be sent to you immediately. Failing that, contact Robert Slater.
Please assemble at King's Cross at 0900 for the 0914 train to Cambridge. Arrival time 10.03. Robert will meet everyone at Cambridge. With network railcard the return fare is £10.55. Lunch will be at about 1pm at The Eagle, Benet Street, Cambridge, followed by a short walk of about three miles. Tea will be at the Copper Kettle, King's Parade, Cambridge.
CHRISTMAS DINNER & DANCE SATURDAY 13TH DEC.
It's that time of year for, what has become, the annual Christmas Party at Lowiczanka Restaurant(POSK),238 -246 King Street ,Hammersmith(nearest tube station Ravenscourt Park).Why not experience a nightclub atmosphere while enjoying a three course meal and live cosmopolitan music to dance to. Time of arrival: 6.45 for 7pm. The cost is £22.50, excluding drinks which can be bought at the bar at reasonable prices. Please send your choice of courses together with your cheque, payable to R.G.Slater, Robert can be contacted by email: rgs166@hotmail.com. He will require payment by no later than Saturday 6th December. The £22.50 Menu (Menu Number 1) is listed below.
Soup Wild mushroom cream soup with Christmas croutons (V) Borscht with mushroom (V) or meat dumplings
Main Course Roast turkey with orange and raisin on sweet cranberry sauce Roast pork stuffed with apricots Salmon steak served with creamy spinach and garlic sauce
Dessert Classic Christmas pudding traditionally served with brandy sauce Homemade cherry tart
Coffee/tea
Soups are served with Polish white and brown bread. The main courses are served with roast or new potatoes and selections of vegetables.
Vegetarian Main Course: Spinach pancakes or Polish dumplings
FESTIVE CHRISTMAS LUNCH Thursday 18th December 2014 1pm
Crown Carvery Waters Edge Reservoir Road RUISLIP 3 courses including festive cracker. £8.49
MENU Starters Tomato and Roasted Red Pepper Soup with bread & butter. Crunchy Button Mushrooms with garlic mayo dip. Prawn Cocktail – prawns, lettuce, seafood sauce.
Mains Choose from Carving Deck or Nut Roast Wellington. VE Freshly steamed or roasted vegetables, potatoes, stuffing.
Puddings Dairy Ice Cream, sauce and topping. Christmas pudding, brandy sauce and custard. Lemon Meringue Pie with fluffy cream. Double Chocolate Yule Log with fluffy cream. Profiteroles with Belgian chocolate sauce.
All puddings are marked V. Wine etc. Can be ordered from the bar. Only drinks purchased at Waters Edge may be Consumed on the premises. To facilitate serving it is necessary to choose our menus before hand. There is a non-refundable £5 deposit for each person but to save postage cheques etc. I will pay these if you let me know you are definitely coming and you can reimburse me afterwards.
Please ‘phone or email your menu choices a.s.a.p. Travel: Take the H13 bus from RUISLIP station. Metropolitan or Piccadilly Line to RUISLIP LIDO. Waters Edge is at the Lido. Those who know the area may wish to choose a different route. Any further info. if required, from me.
Maureen Furlong. E email: marysia1883 @yahoo.co.uk
Saturday 17th January 2015 New Year's Party
The party will be at St Mary Moorfields Church Hall from 7pm onwards following mass in the Church which will be at 6pm (for the benefit of new members St Mary Moorfields is at 4-5 Eldon Street which is close to Liverpool Street Station - carry on past Platform 1 and go up the ramp or steps into Eldon Street). Bring food to share and your choice of drink and pay £5 on entry. Prizes for the raffle will be gratefully received. Our regular friendly disco will be provided by 'Canute' with soft music for the first hour and music for dancing later.
Future Events
Santiago to Finisterre Maurice is planning to walk from Santiago to Finisterre and back again. He is planning to fly out from Gatwick on the 1740 Easyjet flight on Tuesday 21st April and return on the 1015 morning flight on Thursday 7th of May. Anyone is welcome to join Maurice on this venture. They can join for the whole of the walk or only part of it. He is planning to stay a couple more days at the end of the walk in Santiago to soak up more of the atmosphere of this fantastic city but there is a more expensive evening flight back to Gatwick on Tuesday 5th of May if people prefer that. The total cost including the flight will be about £600-£700 as where possible we shall stay overnight in the Spanish refugios which usually charge about 5 Euros for a bed for the night. Of course you have to carry all you need for the whole journey (including a sleeping bag) on your backs. Mattresses and pillows are provided at the refugios!
Arundel and Brighton Ecumenical Walking Pilgrimage (Saturday 15th August to Sunday 30th August 2015)
The A & B Walking Pilgrimage next year will be around the diocese of Arundel and Brighton as next year the diocese celebrates 50 years since its foundation as a separate diocese from Southwark.
The walk will start in Chertsey on Saturday 15th August and finish at Arundel on Saturday 29th August. There will be rest days in Crawley and Brighton. There will also be splendid accommodation at St John's Seminary in Wonersh and at The Towers Convent in Upper Beeding.
One of the walks will again be led by Francis (from Dorking to Redhill). Maurice will be leading the next day's walk from Redhill to Crawley.
More info. as it comes available from the pilgrim website: www.thepilgrims.org.uk
Other Matters - Tony's email address Tony Finnegan who runs the Club website (www.stfrancisramblers.ukwalkers.com) is changing his email address from 30avarn@tfinnegan.org.uk to: tony@tfinnegan.me.uk |
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