More Reviews
SUNDAY WALK
On a wet and windy day in November, nine brave club members, undeterred by the dire weather forecast, met for a 10 mile walk. From Victoria station they took the train to Newhaven where the intrepid group set out along the river Ouse, following the river upstream to the charming and historic town of Lewes . This motley and bedraggled group marched steadily onward, without stopping for refreshments or a rest (which was not surprising considering there was nowhere to shelter), and battered by torrential rain and gale force winds kept a good pace, arriving in Lewes in a record 3 hours. A little diversion occurred about half way, when we met a group of local men struggling to drag a rowing boat out of the river; having gallantly helped with this endeavour and brought the boat ashore, we continued to our destination where a warm and welcoming pub provided much needed refreshments and a hearty meal. Full marks for those who braved the elements and helped to make this a very enjoyable day out. Your Club Organiser was not in possession of waterproofs this day, and it is true to say he was a little wetter than the rest of us, leaving puddles all over the pub floor. He is now the proud owner of a bright yellow waterproof cape, which he shall model on the next walk come rain or shine. These walks do not always go according to plan but it is fairly unanimous that they are always a good day out. If you haven't yet tried these outings, do come along. The programme usually gives an indication of the level of fitness required so there is no excuse......
VISIT TO LINCOLN CHRISTMAS MARKET
Early one cold and overcast December Saturday, nine hardy souls boarded a coach and headed up the A1. They were on a mission. And that mission was to spend, spend, spend.
They arrived at the McArthur Glen Design Outlet near Mansfield , had some lunch and then set off to see what delights the shops had to offer. And there was plenty. Several hours later, they staggered back to the coach laden with goodies, and all at discount prices. Next stop was the Forest Pines Golf and Country Club, a luxurious hotel in the Lincolnshire countryside. A carvery dinner had been arranged and the evening was spent discussing the bargains which had been bought and the charms of the hotel. Early next day, and after a full English breakfast, a group set off for the Lincoln Christmas Market. And what a market that was. Our hardy group returned to London light of heart and light of pocket.
Moral: Don't miss out next time!
THE GREAT KALEIDOSCOPE GROWING CONTEST!
The Great Kaleidoscope Growing Contest will kick start in February. This year we will forsake the rather rude and exotic marrows, which caused a great deal of merriment last year, and resulted in some outstanding specimens being produced. Instead we shall try a different horticultural challenge. If you would like to know more you will need to come along to club night on 15th February to join the contest and purchase seeds, or just to have a drink and chat with your green fingered friends.
FROM A KALEIDOSCOPE MEMBER
Thank you for sharing in such a special evening on Saturday at the Rembrandt Hotel. With Lennie controlling the disco and everybody mingling on the dance floor, there was no need to remain seated. The hotel staff could not have been more helpful catering for our every need. The food the best in quantity and quality that I have tasted in a long time. A great evening was had by all.
EVENING AT THE WETLANDS WILDLIFE CENTRE
Sometimes, the forces of nature conspire to dampen even the most meticulously planned event. And sometimes the sun shines on the righteous and the not so righteous, and everything works out fine. A semi-impromptu evening at the London Wetlands Centre in Barnes brought out a goodly group of members and despite early showers, the sun shone all evening. We wandered along the winding paths surrounded by trees and flowers and gazed at the numerous lakes filled with waterlillies and abundant wildlife - especially ducks. We saw the Shoveler duck and tried in vain to spot a Gadwall or two but had to make do with a flirtatious Heron who teased and flirted with us and a photographer with a paparazzi lens. At dusk we sat on the terrace and had a glass or two of wine, some of us had a BBQ meal. As darkness fell ducks flew overhead silhouetted against the moon, and just when we thought it was all over, the charming restaurant manager brought out a huge tray filled with chocolate brownies to tempt us further.
Some of us managed to eat two!
SEVEN SISTERS COASTAL WALK.
(Turned out nice again…)
Our annual visit to the Seven Sisters Coastal path started very inauspiciously with gale force winds and rain; the Seven Sisters were there and we can usually see all of them and even beyond, but on this day we could see nothing due to the low cloud and rain. Our wits were pitted against the weather, trying to retain our footing and not straying too near the edge of the cliffs proved difficult. Having lost a member of the group early on (not over the edge fortunately, just taking the view that there must be a better way to spend Sunday!) the rest of us struggled on manfully towards Birling Gap where comfort and a pub lunch awaited - and, as in all good walking stories, the clouds cleared, the sun came out and we had a glorious day. Paddling in the sea at Eastbourne was almost but not quite our grand finale, which included a Fish and Chips supper with wine at a delightful seafront cafe. The moral of the story is never be deterred by the English weather.
