March to May 1998

The day begins at I0 am sharp and ends wuh Mass at 10 am. Dom Anthony will guide us through the morning with a l.enten theme. Fr. David Barnes our I'resident will join us tor lunch and guide us through the afternoon period before celebrating Mass at 3prn. Cost for the dav is £10 This includes coffee, lunch and cost of venue. All bookings Lyn Woolham, before the 23rd March, Cheques payable to St Francis of Assisi Catholic Ramblers. Directions: The Monastery is on the A 110 halfway between the intersection with the A111 and Oakwood Underground Station on the
Piccadilly Line. and about five minutes walk from each. Coming by motorway. leave the M25 at junction 24 and head south on the A111 for approximately three miles. The 307 bus stops outside the Church on Brarnley Road. There is a car park in front of the Church. Look forward to seeing you there.

MONTHLY DINNERS:

Club members meet on the first Saturday of each month for a meal at a Central London Restaurant (not too expensive). Meeting place is outside Westminster Cathedral after 6 pm Mass except that the April Mass will be at the Holy Apostles, Pimlico for Mrs Lonza Borg R.I.P. Contact any committee
member for details. TIle next one will  be the on 7th March the 4th April (in the Holy Apostles). and 2nd May.

Monthlv Informal Socials: On the second Friday of every month there is an
opportunity to meet other members socially at a Central London pub. The venues selected serve food until at least 8 300. Make a note of the following dates and venues

Friday 13 March 1998: "The Learned Monk" at the Holborn Viaduct exit from City Thameslink Staion. Nearest Underground Station is St Pauls (Ccntral Line). Follow signs for the Old Bailey. The entrance to City Tharneslnk is 600 yards trorn the station on the left, about 50 yards beyond the Old Bailey.

Friday 18 April 1998 (third Friday as the second is Good Friday):
Wcthcrspoons. Victoria Station.

Friday 8 May 1998: The Euston Flyer - a new Fullers pub at 83 Euston
Road. directly opposite the new British Library Building and midway
between Euston and Kings Cross Stations (slightly closer to Kmgs Cross).

No need to book for these evenings; just turn up from 6 30 onwards and look for either Paul Connolly or Tony Finnegan. For details or to make suggestions for future venues ring either Paul or Tony.

Welcome to new members: Tom Berrie, Northfleet, Kent,  Anthony Buck,Edgware,

Middlesex, Frances Dean, Hove, East Sussex Diane Galligan, Streatham,
London, Lesley Hill, Hounslow Middlesex, John Jovce, Raynes Park, London, Con McCarthy, Albury, Guilford, Surrey, Stephen Sharples, St Albans. Herts. Welcome as Life Members: John and Olivia Delargy, Michael and Liz Donnelly.

OBITUARY

Sincere sympathy to Rena Borg on the death of her Mother Mrs Lonza Borg.
The 6pm Mass in the Holy Apostles Church in Pimlico on Sat 4th April 1998 will be offered for her. Rena would like to thank members who sent letters of sympathy, Mass cards, and those who attended the funeral. Their kindness was much appreciated.

Sincere sympathy also to Maria and Tony Chainey on the death of Maria's
mother Mrs Ellen Maplesden at the age of 89. The 6pm Mass in The Holy Aposties Church in Pirnlico on Saturday March 28th 1998. will be offered for her.

Boots: Peter Mcdonald has a pair of size 8 High Tec Boots in good condition,too small for him. Anyone interested contact Peter..

Donations to Assisi Earthquake Fund: Our thanks to all the members who
sent donations towards this fund. We have sent off a cheque for £285. Any late offerings will also be sent.

Advance notice Summer Party: This will be held in St Saviour's Church
Hall, Pimlico on Saturday July 25th. More information in next

programme.

May Bank Holiday: 

Kevin Doyle is arranging a Twotbree day 58 mile walk, staying at tbe Ridgeway Youth Hostel. Saturday 23rd to Monday 25th May. He has booked 8 places in the Hostel Accommodation may be limited at hostel
To book contact Leader, Kevin Doyle, or the Hostel Tel 01235 760253 as soon as possible. Bed and Breakfast or Hotel accommodation TEL
Tourist Information 01235 760176. Camping out is also an option. For travel see ramble list, Saturday 23rd, walk the Ridgeway Path to Wantage 15 miles. Sunday 25th, Mass at St Johns Church, Wantage lOam after a two mile walk. Distance for day 24 miles. Monday 25th ,
Avebury to Marlborougb. 18 miles. Bus to Swindon tben train
to London.

Holiday In Greece June 1998: Some members are considering 8/9 days holiday in Greece, possibly Athens. The Peloponnese/Crete at the end of June. Estimated cost £500+. If anyone is interested in such a trip please contact Pat Jayawardena as soon as possible. No later than the 21st March.

Visit To Museum Of London: Saturday March 21st 1998. Interesting
displays of history and changing geography of London. Meet Dorothy Hickman at St. Paul's underground near the booking office between 12.15
and 12.30. Five to Ten minutes walk to Museum. Admission £5. Lunch venue to be decided. Any ideas to Dorothy. 

Visit to Althorp:
Maurice Hickman is not going ahead with this trip now. See Ramble list for alternitive on Saturday 28 March.

NB: The club is in possession of a group membership Y.H.A. card. Contact me (Helen) if you would like to borrow it for hostel weekends.

POETRY EVENING: Saturday 18th April 1998 at Joseph O'Reilly's. First reading starts at 7.29 sharp. 6pm Mass in St Dominic's Church, Gospel Oak. The 24 bus stops outside the Church. Directions to house, turn right at traffic lights, take the 5th turn left to Rona Road, Gospel Oak (also close to Gospel Oak station on tbe North London Line. Wine
Cheese and Grapes provided, Let Joseph know by Thursday 16th if attending. 

Madeleine Lawrence: We were sorry to hear Madeleine was in St George' s Hospital in Tooting over Christmas. She is now home and we wish her a
speedy recovery.

Items for next programme should reach the secretary or ramble list compiler by the end of April. 

Subscriptions: Any member who has not yet paid their subscription which was due at the end of December is deemed lapsed and has been removed
from the postal list. Subscriptions can be paid to Gillian or any committee member. Please make cheques payable to "St Francis of Assisi Catbolic
Ramblers Club".

Happy Rambling

RAMBLE LIST AND NEWS MARCH - MAY 1998

COPY DATE FOR THE NEXT PROGRAMME : FRIDAY 24TH APRIL
Many thanks to those who led walks in the last programme and those who have made this one what it is. Please note I am looking for your contributions to the summer and the autumn programmes. Early submission of rambles assists greatly in being able to present a varied and balanced programme for the members of our club, so leaders please give some thought to what you could do over the coming months.

As the long lingering [barmy] balmy summer days will be upon us soon (allegedly) the club is looking for specific walks on the last saturdays of June, July, August. and September. The idea is to have rambles further
from London than would be practical for a sunday, but still within the network southeast card area. Length of walk. is less of a criterion than location and any interesting features along the way. so thinking caps on and
suggestions please.

One last thing; Don't forget to read the blue secretary's comments (above)!!!

Sunday 1st March 1998 (os map 166)                Leader: Rena Borg
MEET: Liverpool 0955 for 1013 train to Cheshunt (arr 1037)
LUNCH: Coach & Horses, Nazeing
TEA: Maybe
DISTANCE: 12 miles returning from Cheshunt
FARE: [ 4.60 cdr

Sunday 8th March 1998 (os map 187)                Leader: Ranald Watson
MEET: Waterloo 0940 for 0959 train to Horsley (arr 1039)
LUNCH: Abinger Arms, Abinger Hammer
TEA : Not today thanks
DISTANCE: 11 miles returning from Horsley
FARE: £6.10 cdr
Likely to be muddy. A stiff hill climb soon after lunch (the ideal way to bum off those calories)

Sunday 15th March 1998 (os map 153)              Leader: John Burbage
MEET: Euston 0840 for 0900 train to Wolverton (change at Milton Keynes) (arr 1020)
LUNCH: The Navigation, Thrupp Wharf
TEA : Macdonalds, Milton Keynes
DISTANCE: 14 miles returning from Milton Keynes. Fairly level all the way round
FARE: £13.10 cdr Wolverton ( £. 8.65 with network card)
NOTE: Direct train service from East Croydon via Clapham Junction to Milton Keynes -
Please check on 0345 484950 for details

Sunday 22nd March 1998 (os maps 187 & 188)    Leader: Tony Finnegan
MEET: Victoria 0900 for 0926 train to East Grinstead (arr 1028)
LUNCH: The Anchor, Hart fieId
TEA: None
DISTANCE: 14 miles returning from East Grinstead
FARE: £ 7.90 cdr

Saturday 28th March 1998 (os map 152)              Leader: Maurice Hickman
MEET: Euston 0800 for 0824 train to Northampton (arr 0940)
LUNCH: Fox & Hounds, Great Brington (serves hot food)
TEA: Perhaps
DISTANCE: 16 miles returning from Northampton
FARE : £ 15.10 cdr ( £9.95 with network card)
The morning part skirts the south side of Althorp Park. At Great Brington brief visit to the church, Spencer family burial place.

Sunday 29th March 1998  DAY OF RECOLLECTION
Sunday 5th April (os map 169)                                 Leader: Frank Bigg
MEET: Liverpool Street 0940 for 1000 train to Manningtree (arr 1106)
LUNCH: Black Horse, Stratford St Mary
TEA: Maybe
DISTANCE: 10 miles returning from Manningtree
FARE: £9.30 cdr with network card
A walk through the beautiful Constable country

Friday 10th April 1998 (Good Friday) (os map 187) Leaders: Tony Finnegan

                                                                                                              & Paul Connolly
MEET: Victoria 0940 for 1002 train to Three Bridges (arr 1052)
LUNCH: Cowdray Arms, Worth
TEA: no 'T'
DISTANCE: 8 miles returning from Three Bridges
FARE : £8.20 cdr
In the afternoon we will be attending the Good Friday service at Worth Abbey which starts at 3pm.

Monday 13th April 1998 (Easter Monday) (os map 186)

                                                                           Leader: Kevin "Darcy" Doyle
MEET: Waterloo at 0910 for 0932 train to Alton (arr 1051)
LUNCH: The Three Horseshoes, East Worldham
TEA: Chawton. Tea house & pub opposite Jane Austens house (admission 2.00)
There will be time to visit the house.
DISTANCE: 10 miles returning from Alton
FARE: £ 10.80 cdr

Sunday 19th April 1998 (os maps 198 & 199)    Leader: Philip Groves
MEET: Victoria 0820 for 0847 train to Lewes (arr 0956)
LUNCH: The George, Alfriston
TEA: Birling Gap
DISTANCE: 20 very hilly and exhilerating miles returning from Eastbourne
FARE: £ 10.55 cdr Eastbourne with network card

Sunday 26th April 1998 (os map 186)                 Leader: Terry Dobson
MEET: Waterloo 0850 for 0915 train to Haslemere (arr 1015)
LUNCH: Crown Inn, Chiddingfold
TEA : no 'T' today
DISTANCE: 12 miles returning from Haslemere
FARE: £ 10.60 cdr

Saturday 2nd May 1998 (os map 150)                 Leader: Paul Connolly
MEET: Paddington at 0825 for 0848 train to Honeybourne (arr 1044)
LUNCH: The Fleece Inn, Bretforton (The pub is owned by the National Trust)
TEA: Evesham - reasonable selection of places
DISTANCE: 15 miles returning from Evesham
FARE: £ 14.15 cdr Evesham with Network card
Is this the first time a club ramble has reached the River Avon??

Monday 4th May 1998 (bank holiday) (os map 187)

                                                                                Leader: Witold Sokolowski
MEET: Charing Cross 0915 for 0936 train to Chipstead (arr 1028)
LUNCH: Ramblers Rest, Outwood lane
TEA: Walton On The Hill. Walk to Kingswood then train to Tadworth for this.
DISTANCE: 10 miles returning from Tadworth
FARE: £5.00 cdr Tadworth

Sunday 10th May 1998 (os map 166)                     Leader: Tony Finnegan
MEET: Kings Cross (Tharneslink station) 0910 for 0931 train to St Albans (arr 1003)
LUNCH: Rose & Crown, Sandridge
TEA: St Albans
DISTANCE: 12 miles returning from St Albans
FARE: £6.00 cdr

Sunday 17th May 1998 (os map 188) Leaders: Hilary Mcnab & Stephen

                                                                                                      Graham
MEET: Victoria 1000 for 1022 train to Borough Green (arr 1109)
LUNCH: Papermakers Arms, Plaxtol
TEA: An infusion of dried leaves and boiling water - but not on this walk!!!
DIST ANCE : 9 miles returning from Borough Green
FARE: £7.20 cdr
Visit to Old Soar Manor (NT) and rhodedendron walk in the afternoon

Saturday 23rd May 1998 (os map 150)              Leader: Paul Connolly
MEET: Paddington 0825 for 0848 train to Evesham (arr 1052)
LUNCH: Queen Elizabeth, Elrnley Castle
TEA: Pershore
DISTANCE: 16 miles returning from Pershore
FARE: £ 14.35 cdr with network card
A walk through very beautiful country including going around Bredon Hill which features an ancient tribal fort and some splendid views of the heart of England

Monday 25th May 1998 (bank holiday) (os map 165) Leader: Francis

                                                                                                   O'Sullivan
MEET: Marylebone 0920 for 0945 train to Haddenham & Thame Park way (arr 1035)
LuNCH: The Gatehangers, Assendon
TEA : If possible (can't find it on the map)
DISTANCE: 14 miles returning from Haddenham & Thame Park way
FARE :£10 cdr

Saturday 23rd May to Monday 25th May1998  Kevin Doyle is doing a three day walk along the ridgeway. See below for more details.

Sunday 31st May 1998 (os map 199)                    Leader: Maurice Hickman
MEET: Victoria 0825 for 0847 train to Hastings (arr 1058) or
Charing Cross 0850 for 0910 train (arrives Hastings 1053) ++
LUNCH: Two Sawyers, Pett. Good food and home brewed beers
TEA: Not likely
DISTANCE: 13 miles returning from Hastings
FARE : £16 cdr ( (10.55 with network card)
Terrain quite hilly particularly in the afternoon as the walk goes over the Firehills.z
Expect some spectacular views.
++ This train calls at Waterloo East 0913 and London Bridge 0917.
Maurice will meet walkers at Hastings station.

Saturday 23rd May to Monday 25th May1998  Kevin Doyle is arranging a 58 mile walk from Goring on Thames to Marlborough. Meeting at Paddington 10 40 for the 11 08 (direct) train to Goring and Streatley. First night will be at Wantage Youth Hostel (8 places reserved). Hostel telephone number is 01235 760253 if you need to make your own arrangements. B & B's available (telephone Wantage tourist information on 01235 760176 for assistance). The second night will be spent camping along The Ridgeway.
If you are interested in this trip then please call Kevin to reserve a hostel place or for more information.

Some points to rememember ;

1) Except where otherwise indicated fares shown are full fares from London.

2) Rail works may affect journeys and are usually not known at the time the programme is prepared. Please telephone 0345 484950 for information on this. Details are usually available from the thursday prior to the Sunday concerned.

3) Most trains out of Waterloo and Victoria stop at Clapham Junction. and trains from Charing Cross usually stop at Waterloo East and London Bridge. Again the train enquiries service on 0345 484950 will provide further information.

4) Enjoy yourselves !!

A note of concern ;
Someone had informed (incorrectly) other members in early January that the list was already complete then. This has made the preparation of this programme a far harder task than it should have been. Only due to the
goodwill of the leaders approached in late January who agreed to put on walks has a full programme been possible, and they are to be congratulated for their commitment. Ramble lists will only be closed off after the copy date as given at the top of page 3, and you are very welcome to call me to check how things are shaping up for future programmes.