St Francis of Assisi Catholic Ramblers’ Club
Affiliated to the Ramblers Association and H.F. Holidays
www.stfrancisramblers.ukwalkers.com
Email: stfrancisramblers@gmail.com
List of Rambles for Autumn (September to November) 2022
Sunday 4th September Leader: Ant Connolly (Explorer map 184)
NB This walk was originally planned for Sunday 21 August but has been rearranged for this date.
Meet: London Liverpool street (0920) for (0937) train to Wivenhoe (arr 1044). Also calls at Stratford (0944)
Lunch: Picnic lunch only by Brightlingsea Church – plenty of benches. A hot meal can be had at the pub at end of walk
Tea: The Rose & Crown, Wivenhoe. Please click on this link Rose & Crown menus if you are coming and wish to have an afternoon meal.
The pub would like us to pre-order the food by 11.00am on the day.
Sunday roasts available – Beef/Turkey and other options from the
Distance: 10 mainly level miles walking by the River Colne. No stiles or mud
but there are some protruding tree roots on part of the walk and walking poles would be useful
Fare: CDR £15.00 Wivenhoe from boundary zone 6 with railcard discounts.
Ant will get on the train at Shenfield
Please be seated near the front of the train if possible.
Click HERE to photographs taken on Ant's walk above.
Saturday 10th September Leader: Kevin MacNamara (Landranger map 179)
Meet: Victoria 0840 for 0908 train to Margate (arr 1107).
Ramblers can also use the high-speed train from St Pancras International departing 0925, calling Stratford International 0932 and arriving Margate 1059.
Lunch: The Captain Digby, Kingsgate Bay
Tea: Short stop at Broadstairs for ice creams / refreshments where ramblers can opt out, if they wish.
Or The Royal Victoria Pavilion (Wetherspoons) Ramsgate at end of the walk.
Distance: 9 miles linear walk returning from Ramsgate. The walk is mostly along the cliff top path with views over the channel and takes in several secluded coves.
Fare: From Victoria £23.00 CDR with railcards - Not valid on HS1 trains from St Pancras International CDR Ramsgate £24.80 with railcards.
Sunday 18th September Please note change of leader.
Leader: Roger Yelland (OS Explorer 174 & Epping Forest: the official map produced by the OS for the City of London Corporation)
Meet: 0945 Epping (Central line, zone 6) for 1000 prompt start. Journey time from Oxford Circus is approximately 50 minutes.
Lunch: The Black Swan, Broadley Common, Nazeing
Tea: Let’s see…
Distance: Approximately 14 miles, through Epping Upland, parts of the northern Forest, and the estates and farmland of the Forest Buffer Lands. Returning from Epping. Quite a few stiles on the walk.
Fare: Oyster/Freedom Pass/Travelcard options.
Roger will meet the ramblers at Epping station.
Some photographs taken on Roger'ss walk above can be seen HERE
NB. The above walk was originally to be led by Maria Vas and Maria had advised that walkers will enounter some stiles on this walk.
Whilst stiles have been replaced on a large number oif footpaths they are still to be found when out on rambles and will be for some time.
Photographs taken on the walk can be seen by clicking HERE
Wednesday 21st September Hyde Park Short Walk Leader: Sheila Bravin
Meet: Notting Hill Gate U/G Station (District, Circle, Central Lines) South Exit by Leon, 10.55 for 11.00 start.
Numerous buses pass the station. See TFL Journey Planner for more details.
Coffee: There will be a coffee break and toilet stop, the place decided on weather conditions. Please Note: Most public toilets in the Royal Park charge 20p entrance.
Distance: About 2 to 2 1/2 hours leisurely walk including numerous stops to take in the views. We will visit “millionaires row”, Kensington Palace, Princess Diana Memorial Walk, lakes,
sculptures, monuments, gardens and rewilded vistas reminiscent of 18th Century country estates.
There are plenty or drop out points on the walk. Please wear walking shoes as conditions may be wet underfoot.
Fare: Oyster / Freedom pass / Travelcard options
Some photographs taken on Sheila's walk above can be seen HERE
Saturday 24th September Leader: Maurice Hickman (Explorer map 144)
Meet: Waterloo at 0915 for 0942 train to Bentley (Hants). (arr 1106)
Lunch: Anchor Inn, Lower Froyle
Tea: Railway Arms, Alton
Distance: 7 miles plus optional I.5 miles around Jane Austen’s Alton
Fare: CDR Alton £16.40. From boundary zone 6 £10.35. Both with railcard discounts.
The ramble follows the St Swithin’s and Itchen Ways including an interesting prayer stop at Bentley church with its fine yew trees outside and pilgrim carvings inside.
Saturday 1st October (Later deferred to Sunday 2 October and later still cancelled altogether because of problems with rail time adjustments following industrial action on Saturday 1 October) Leaders: Derek and Mary Clarke OS Explorer map 226
Sunday 2nd October (Now cancelled) Leaders: Derek and Mary Clarke OS Explorer map 226
Meet: Kings Cross 0850 for 0912 train to Ely (arr 1022).
Lunch/Tea: The Almonry Restaurant and Tea Rooms, Ely.
Distance: 7 miles via Little Thetford. Please bring a drink and snack as there is no pub for lunch en route.
The walk is shorter than normal in order to allow walkers
time to visit the wonderful Ely cathedral and surrounding historic buildings.
Fare: £15.35 CDR Ely / £14.50 from boundary zone 6. Both with railcard discounts.
Due to proposed strike action, the walk planned to take place on the 8th October will now take place on Sunday 9th. Please note the change of London departure station. Details are as follows:
Sunday October 9th. Leader: John Burbage OS Landranger map 199
Meet: Victoria Station 0910 for 0931 train to Tonbridge (arr. 1022)
and change for the 1031 train to Robertsbridge (arr. 1108).
The train also calls at Orpington 1003 and Sevenoaks 1012.
Lunch: Bodiam. Choice of the Castle Inn for medium price pub food, The Wharf Tea Room for light meals, sandwiches etc., The Castle View Cafe for snacks.
The leader will reserve a table at the pub.
Tea: The Ostrich Hotel and Bar beside the station if time allows.
Distance: 11 miles returning from Robertsbridge. Mainly on the level but with two hills, one each side of the Rother Valley.
The morning walk is mainly through farmland given over to pasture and the afternoon a mixture of farmland and woods with some mud in places.
Bodiam castle can be visited during lunchtime but it is only a ruined shell so at £12 (Free to NT Members) may not represent good value. Fine views in places.
Fare: £14.55 CDR Robertsbridge / £12.70 boundary zone 6. Both with railcard discounts.
Cheaper advance fares London £5.45 each way / £3.80 each way boundary zone 6 with railcard discounts.
Please note: If buying advance tickets, they are for specified trains only and it is your responsibility to select departures, especially on the return journey, that give plenty of time to complete the ramble comfortably.
John will join the train at London Bridge.
Saturday 15th October Leader: Maria Vaz OS Explorer map 173
Meet: Totteridge & Whetstone (Northern Line – High Barnet branch line) 1000 for 1015 prompt start
Lunch: The Prince of Wales, East Barnet village. Lots of other eating options nearby
Tea: Palmers Green
Distance: 10 miles following parts of the Dollis Valley Green Walk and
the Pymmes Brook Trail. Returning from Palmers Green rail station.
Fare: Oyster / Freedom pass / Travelcard options
Some photographs taken on Maria's walk above can be seen HERE
Saturday 22nd October Leader: Margaret Brady OS Explorer
map 147
Meet: London Bridge 0945 for 1007 train to Edenbridge Town (arr 1045).
Also calls East Croydon 1022.
Lunch: The Swan, Edenbridge. Other eat in or takeaway options available.
Tea: Maybe
Distance: 8 miles returning from Edenbridge
Fare: CDR Edenbridge Town £9.00 / £5.65 from boundary zone 6. Both with railcard discounts.
Margaret will meet the walkers at Edenbridge Town. Please note there are no toilet facilities at the station.
Some photographs taken on Margaret's walk above can be seen HERE
Saturday 29th October. AGM and Mass for deceased members.
Mass, General Meeting, and Midweek Walks.
The programme will be as follows:
12.30 Mass for the Club and Deceased Members
13.15 Gather in the hall for a prompt start
13.30 Meeting
14.00 -14.15 Social get together with bring your own food to share
16.00 Depart.
Agenda for the Meeting
1. St. Francis Prayer
2. Introduction
3. Reports: Ramble List compiler, Treasurer.
4. Election/appointment of new committee.
5. Questions. (Ideas and proposals for Club future to be referred to the new Committee Members who may be available during the social get together.)
6. Finish 2pm approx.
All the Committee is up for re-election and there are a number of resignations. Unless there are replacements it may be difficult to keep the Club going. Please offer your help especially if you have knowledge of social media and communications (or have reliable contacts) to enable us to reach out to a younger audience.
There will be a social get-together after the Meeting to share stories and meet other Members. Please bring food to share.
Please attend this important event.
The Committee.
A PDF copy of the list of deceased members (updated on 23 October 2022) can be downloaded by clicking HERE. I hope to have a limited supply of the leaflet with me at the Mass but you can if you wish print a copy yourself in advance.
Sunday 30th October Leader. Tom Gilmartin OS Explorer map 161
Meet: Blackfriars Station for 09.42 train to Beckenham Hill, arrives 10.10. Also calls Peckham Rye (Overground) 0956.
Lunch: Crystal Palace High Street, there are many cafes, eateries and pubs for walkers to choose from.
Tea: No Tea today.
Distance: 8 miles. Walk finishes at Streatham High Street Rail Station.
Fare: Oyster / Freedom pass / Travelcard options
Some photographs taken on Tom's walk above can be seen HERE
Sunday 6th November Leader: Philip Groves OS Explorer Map 13
Meet: London Bridge 0850 for 0909 train to Hassocks (arr 1005). Also calls East Croydon 0924.
Or Victoria 0840 for 0902 train, arriving Hassocks 0958. Also calls Clapham Junction 0909 and East
Croydon 0918.
Lunch: The Devil's Dyke Pub, Devil's Dyke
Tea: Hassocks
Distance: Around 14 miles, some hills. Please bring a torch which may be needed for the final stage of the walk
Fare: CDR Hassocks from London Bridge £8.55 with railcard discounts. Please note: This ticket is not valid for Victoria services
From Victoria £17.35 / £12.45 boundary zone 6. Both with railcard discounts.
Philip will meet the group at Hassocks.
Saturday 12th November Leader: Maurice Hickman Explorer map 146
Meet: Victoria 0920 for 0941 train to Holmwood (arr. 1047). Also calls Clapham Junction 0948, Balham (Northern line) 0953, Mitcham Junction 1003 and Sutton 1013.
Lunch: Surrey Oaks, Parkgate
Tea: Not available
Distance: 7 miles, returning from Holmwood
Fare: CDR Holmwood £10.25 / £5.65 boundary zone 6. Both with railcard discounts.
Maurice will meet the ramblers at Holmwood
Saturday 19th November Leader: Pauline Lobo OS Landranger map 166
Meet: Euston 0930 for 0951 train to Watford Junction (arr 1008) then change to platform 11 for 1030 train to Garston (arr 1035)
Lunch: Moor Mill Inn, Bricket Wood. Or bring a picnic.
Tea: St Albans Abbey Cafe. Plenty of other options in the town. Possible chance to attend the Evensong Service in the Cathedral.
Distance: 9 mainly level miles along the Var Valley finishing at St Albans.
Fare: Option 1; CDR St Albans Abbey £9.55/ Boundary zone 6 £5.40, both with railcard discounts.
Option 2; Ramblers can also return from St Albans City (Thameslink), very frequent direct trains back to St Pancras and
points further south.
Single ticket prices, all with railcard discounts.
From Euston to Garston £8.40 / Boundary zone 6 £3.60.
Back from St Albans City to St Pancras £6.50 / Boundary zone 6 £3.65.
Some photographs taken on Pauline's walk above can be seen HERE
Thursday 24th November. Short Walk. Leaders: Tricia / John Burbage
Meet: Phipps Bridge Tram Stop 11.25 for 11.30 start. The stop is 6 minutes from Wimbledon Station (Southwestern / Thameslink / District Line U/G), Mitcham Junction Station Thameslink) and 21 minutes from East Croydon Station. West Croydon users take the tram to East Croydon and change.
Coffee: There will be a break for coffee during the walk.
Distance / Time: About two hours leisurely walk including coffee break on mainly good paths but with some grassy areas and
board walking. The route will meander by the river Wandle to visit Morden Hall with its Rose Garden and Stable Blocks and then over to Deen City Farm. Returning to Phipps Bridge Tram Stop. Optional visit to Merton Abbey Mills available.
Fare: Free to Freedom Pass / Over 60s Pass holders otherwise TFL Fare zone 3 and London Trams Fare Zone (as Bus).
Friday 25th November
11.00 am. Funeral Mass for Catherine Scott R.I.P. Brompton Oratory. Brompton Road. Nearest Underground South Kensington (District and Circle Line, Knightsbridge (Piccadilly Line).
Tea and coffee will be served afterwards in St Joseph's Hall.
Please see further details below (at the end of the newsletter) but note that for donations "Mary's Helpers" should read "Mary's Meals". In addition we have been informed that there will also be an Old Rite Requiem Mass for Catherine at Our Lady of the Assumption & St Gregory, Warwick Street, London W1B 5LZ on Wednesday 23 November at 6.30pm. The church entrance is located on Warwick Street, between Beak Street and Glasshouse Street, just off Regent Street. The nearest tube station is Piccadilly Circus.
Sunday 27th November Leader: Ant Connolly OS Explorer map 175
Meet: Harold Wood station for 1045 start. Elizabeth line trains direct from Paddington - platforms A/B . Latest connection
departs Paddington 0952 calling Bond Street 0955, Tottenham Court Road 0957, Farringdon 1000, Liverpool Street - platform A - 1003, Whitechapel 1005 and Stratford 1011, arriving Harold Wood
1037.
Lunch: The Orange Tree pub, Havering-Atte-Bower.
Tea: Bedford's Park Visitor Centre and/or Moon and Stars (Wetherspoons), Romford.
Distance: 8 miles walking through London Loop section 21 and parks, returning from Romford. Very frequent service back into London. Dropout point at 5 miles.
Fare: Oyster / Freedom pass / Travelcard options
Ant will meet the ramblers at Harold Wood station.
+ + + +
Sunday 27th November Leader: Ant Connolly OS Explorer map 175
Meet: Harold Wood station for 1045 start. Elizabeth line trains direct from Paddington - platforms A/B . Latest connection
departs Paddington 0952 calling Bond Street 0955, Tottenham Court Road 0957, Farringdon 1000, Liverpool Street - platform A - 1003, Whitechapel 1005 and Stratford 1011, arriving Harold Wood
1037.
Lunch: The Orange Tree pub, Havering-Atte-Bower.
Tea: Bedford's Park Visitor Centre and/or Moon and Stars (Wetherspoons), Romford.
Distance: 8 miles walking through London Loop section 21 and parks, returning from Romford. Very frequent service back into London. Dropout point at 5 miles.
Fare: Oyster / Freedom pass / Travelcard options
Ant will meet the ramblers at Harold Wood station.
Monday 28th November 2022
Requiem Mass for Kathleen O'Malley with Fr Gerald Wilson OAR, as celebrant, 9.30am at St Anne's Catholic Church, 363 Kennington Lane, Vauxhall, London SE11 5QY.
The nearest station is Vauxhall.
Cremation at Lambeth Cemetery and Crematorium, Blackshaw Road, Tooting, London SW17 0BY.
Refreshments after funeral mass in the Phillip Howard room upstairs inside St Anne's church.
Details of the rambles on the Winter Programme up to the end of December 2022 are now also available and can be seen on clicking HERE
Club Committee 2019/2020
A General Meeting was held on Saturday 29 October 2022. A new committee was elected but details have not yet been notified. They will appear here when available,
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