Sample Programme
FridayFIRST FRIDAY DRINKS - EL BARCO LATINOOur FIRST FRIDAY wine bar evening returns to the River Thames for early drinks, chilling on deck (maybe literally), and summer fun. We shall meet at our old favourite riverside venue El Barco Latino. The manager assures us they are now open for business in the evenings and will have a selection of wines and beers available. At the time of going to press the food situation was vague. However there are several places nearby if we wish to eat later on. We will be there from 6.30 onwards. We encourage members to join us early as we may move on later in the evening. Please note that latecomers (after 9pm) may have to pay an entrance fee since the venue transforms into a Salsa Club around 10pm. Directions: Nearest station is Temple. Cross the road to the river, walk west a few yards to the obvious pier and El Barco Latino is the boat on the right. PLAN B: In the event of any problems with the venue we shall simply walk a little way along the Embankment to Somerset House for drinks on the terrace.
SaturdayPARK WALK IN SOUTHGATE NORTH LONDONMeet your host (if it's not pouring with rain) at the cafeteria at 10.30am for a 40 minute walk around the beautiful Grovelands Park N14. The nearest entrance gate to the cafe is opposite Woodcroft off Broadwalk. The nearest tube is Southgate (Piccadilly line) station. After the walk we can have a cuppa in the cafe which has a vast selection of goodies. ‘WINE AND CHEESE’ GET TOGETHER AT ARCHWAY AT 8 PM- Please book with the officeYou bring the wine or whatever you like to drink. Cheeses and nibbles supplied for a minimal charge of £2.00 per person. The evening will be held at the host’s flat. Ring the TOP bell. Tubes: Archway and Highgate. (Closest to Archway tube). Limited numbers within reason – Please let the office know by 12pm latest on the day if you are coming.
SundaySWIM AND DINE IN NORTH LONDONPart one is a swim with Monica and Dave at the Southgate Leisure Centre in Winchmore Hill Road less than 5mins walk from Southgate station (Piccadilly line). Meet us at 11am either at the station booking office or join us a bit later in the water. We shall swim for about 30mins to work up an appetite. Part two at 1pm is a jumbo Sunday lunch costing £7.25 at the Orange Tree pub in Highfield Road, Winchmore Hill N.13. We hope to have enough transport to convey you to the pub. Drivers making their own way need to park near Sainsbury's in Green Lanes and walk across the New River Bridge next to the Esso Petrol station into Highfield Road. The pub is to found on the right hand side. This really is a wonderful lunch treat and we certainly get our five a day here.
MondayTHE GREAT LONDON DIAGONALATHONParsons Green to Palmers Green – 14 miles. This walk is of Richard’s own devising, a diagonal walk across London from Parson’s Green in the North-East. Please meet at Parson’s Green tube at 10.30 am. The walk includes Chelsea Football Ground, Brompton Cemetery, Lexford Gardens, Kensington Gardens, Hyde Park, Wallace Collection, Regents Park, Primrose Hill, Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood, Alexandra Palace and the New River. We return from Palmers Green to Kings Cross in the evening. Lunch is in the cafeteria in Regents Park, next door to the Open Air Theatre. For those wishing to do the second half only, we set off from the cafeteria at 2.30pm. This excludes “eating-time” – please come earlier if eating! JACK-IN-THE GREEN FESTIVAL – Please book with the officeLet’s go pagan in Hastings! In the 16th and 17th centuries in England people would make garlands of flowers and leaves for the May Day celebration and they became increasingly elaborate. Works Guilds would try to outdo each other, in the late 18th century this became a matter for competition. Milkmaids in London carried garlands on their heads with silver objects on them, but the crown had to go to the chimney sweeps. Their garland was so big it covered the entire man. It became known as Jack in the Green. Catch the 8.47 am train from Victoria to arrive at Hastings at 10.56. We will catch up with the procession as it eventually arrives at the castle at 12.30. Admission to the castle is £3. There will be a showcase performance of Morris Dancing with Mad Jack’s Morris and Hannah’s Cat Morris which are composed entirely of “Cotswold Women”. There will be tasty food stalls at the castle as well as a craft fair. The Jack-In-The-Green character will be slain – at 15.30pm. Hopefully this will be only symbolically. The castle closes at 5pm. Our return train leaves Hastings station at 18.18 to arrive back at Victoria at 20.31.
TuesdayFIRST TUESDAY……THE HOBGOBLINWelcome to the Hobgoblin in Balcombe Street. The nearest tube is Marylebone, a five minute walk. Do not worry as you walk up Balcombe Street that all appears residential. Surely no pubs here? But carry on and there is, on the right. There are a few good beers and the usual selection of wines. There is an exotic Thai menu. Main courses are around £8 including Chilli King Prawns and a hot Curry. This is a quieter pub than usual so come and join us from 18.30pm and soak up the ambience. We may be in the cosy bar downstairs or the main pub area. BAROQUE – Victoria and Albert Museum– Please book with the officeVictoria and Albert Museum, South Kensington,Cromwell Road, London SW7 2RL. The nearest tube is South Kensington. The literal translation of the word “Baroque” comes out as something like “misshapen pearl” and wasthe first global style to have a significant worldwide impact. It spread from Italy and France to the rest of Europe. Then it travelled to Africa, Asia, and South and Central America via the colonies, missions and trading posts of the Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch and other Europeans. The style was disseminated through the worldwide trade in fashionable goods, through prints, and also by travelling craftsmen, artists and architects. Chinese carvers worked in Indonesia, French silversmiths in Sweden, Italian furniture makers in France. Sculpture was sent from the Philippines to Mexico as well as Spain. London-made chairs went all over Europe and across the Atlantic. The French royal workshops turned out luxury products in the official French style that were both desired and imitated by fashionable society across Europe. But Baroque also changed as it crossed the world, adapting to new needs and local tastes. Your host is Joanna. Meet under the wonderful green glass “hanging chandelier” sculpture in the main foyer of the V and A at 12 noon. After the exhibition we will seek refreshment nearby.
WednesdayHIGHGATE FRENCH CIRCLEOur meetings are cheerful, friendly events. They are really well attended so if you are shy you can hide, or if you are an attention seeker you have an audience! All we ask of you is that you SPEAK ONLY FRENCH, so nobody minds if your French is a bit faltering. Tonight’s theme: - WINE AND CHEESE EVENING. A simple but tasty supper with wine provided and a selection of French books will be on sale. Limit of 5 minutes to each participant. Join us from 8-10 pm at the Highgate Society, 10A South Grove, Pond Square, Highgate (by the red telephone box). TERRA – Mediterranean CaféWe are in the bar downstairs. It all happens from 7.15pm onwards. Come and relax with us! There is a varied and tempting menu at reasonable prices, and we have exclusive use of the downstairs area. We are 8 minutes from Warren Street station or Goodge Street station. Alternatively, Great Portland Street tube is also nearby. GAMES CORNER.Scrabble and Draughts BRIDGE AT TERRA.We also welcome our Bridge players old and new at around 7.00pm.
ThursdayCHELMSFORD CLUB NIGHT at The Hare and elsewhere!Come along for a drink and chat, and maybe a meal, at our somewhat rural Essex venue. Our pub choices have pleasant food at reasonable prices. We’ll be there from 8.15. Whilst The Hare is our ‘base’ we do explore other local pubs, so if you are planning to join us do give the office a ring on Thursday morning – they will know where we will be that day. You’ll find ‘The Hare’ in Roxwell, a leafy suburb of Chelmsford. It’s on the Roxwell Road at the junction with Vicarage Road. Roxwell Road is the A1060 that leads from Chelmsford to Sawbridgeworth. DRINKS AT THE TIPPERARY – Fleet StreetMeet your host Ann with the inside out programme at 6.30pm. The address is 66 Fleet Street EC4Y 1HT. The nearest tube is Blackfriars and the pub is near Whitefriars Street. This pub is the oldest Irish pub in London founded in 1700 which was a long time ago. Allegedly this was the first pub where Guinness was on sale. Pub food is available as well as the usual beverages – including Guinness. NORTH LONDON BOOK GROUPMeet at 8.00pm. Ring Joanna to confirm your place. The book is “Ghost” by Robert Harris. CHINESE BUFFET – Victoria– Please book with officePLACE: CHINESE GOURMET BUFFET, STRUTTON GROUND, VICTORIA, SW1. MEET: ST JAMES’S PARK TUBE STATION AT THE BROADWAY EXIT. TIME: 6.30 PM TO LEAVE AT 6.45 PM. Join Sandra tonight for a wonderful evening of excellent food and companionship. We have been to the Chinese Buffet many times before, so please join us for gastronomic experience. You can eat as much food as you like for £8.50 – you won’t leave hungry!
FridayTOOTING LEISURE CENTRE - For those who like exercise and are 50+Friday Morning at Tooting Leisure Centre – Garratt Lane Tooting. 11.30-1.00 – all or any of: Badminton/soft tennis/aerobics class/fitness gym or swimming. All for the total all inclusive price of £2.25 (sometimes they charge slightly more), and you may have to pay an induction fee if first visit. TRUCKLES, PIED BULL YARD – BLOOMSBURY – WC1A 2JRToday we will be again at Truckles, Pied Bull Yard. This is a courtyard between Bury Place and Bloomsbury Square, close to the British Museum and an easy walk from Holborn or Tottenham Court Road tube stations. This is a traffic- free environment with loads of outdoor space. Please join us there from 6.00pm and please come before 8.00pm as we may move on.
SaturdayMID SUSSEX MARVEL:PETWORTH PARK TO HASLEMERE VIA LURGASHALL WINERY! – 13 MILES.This walk is one of Richard’s finest achievements to date. You will see some of the remotest, peaceful and inaccessible parts of Sussex, made accessible by a journey plan which does involve single fares. The walk includes Petworth Park, Upperton, Pitshill House (associated with the Sitwells), Mill Farm, Lurgashall Village and winery and Blackdown. Please ensure that you catch the 09.48 train from East Croydon to Pulborough station. Upon arrival at 10.50am – rush down to bus stop for 10.58 (Worthing to Midhurst bus No 1) to Petworth. Please understand that if the train is delayed, we will have to wait an hour. (This walk, if any are – is worth a bit of pain!). Please bring a picnic lunch, but there is a possible pub stop at Lurgashall (Noah’s Ark pub) some time after lunch OR The Winery. (Not both). Returning in the evening from Haslemere Station via South-West trains to Clapham Junction. It is regretted that single fares are payable. The walk is well worth it! The Noah's Ark Pub is probably preferable for refreshment purposes, rather than the winery which is best regarded as a curiosity although drinks can be purchased there. MORNING GOLF IN HANWELL – Please book with the office(near Ealing) Join Carol for a round of golf (18 holes) at Brent Valley Golf Course in Hanwell. Call the office for directions and please book by Saturday 9th to reserve your place. ITALIAN MEAL OFF OXFORD STREET– Please book with the officeWe have booked another special offer, this time at Steph's restaurant, 3 Berners Street, W1T 3LD We will enjoy 2 courses and a glass of Prosecco for either £15.95 with a pasta/pizza main course or £18.95 with a meat/fish main course. A la carte is, of course, also available and not too pricey. Paula and Bill tried this deal last month and were impressed. The restaurant is opposite the Plaza Shopping Centre, 5 minutes' walk (ok, we tend to walk quite fast) from either Tottenham Court Road or Oxford Circus tube stations. We are limited to 10 this time, so the first 8 to book will get in. As always: meet from 7:15 and order at 7:30.
We look forward to seeing you.
SundayBATTLE TO HASTINGS – Seaside Walk – 10/12 milesCatch the 9.50am train from London Bridge to arrive at Battle at 11.03. Lunch at the Plough at Chapel Hill, Crowhurst. Please bring emergency rations however just in case. Nothing too challenging in the gradient sense, although there maybe a slight undulation. AFTERNOON TEA AT CHELSEA HARBOURThis afternoon join us for relaxing tea on the terrace of the Wyndham Hotel overlooking Chelsea Marina which is resplendent with fine vessels. Meet at 4pm at the hotel entrance or look for us on the sunny terrace. Traditional afternoon tea is £16 and includes a round of tasty sandwiches, two warm fruit scones with jam and cream and a selection of delicious cakes (including chocolate) and pastries. The teas here are particularly fine including Jungpana Darjeeling, Makalbarie Assam, Fanch Sencha, Pai Mu Tan Silver, and special Earl Grey, refreshing Lemon Seagrass plus an Ayurvedic tea selection. You may upgrade to a champagne tea for £24. This must be one of the most perfect ways to spend a spring afternoon – we think you will agree. Please book with the office. The Conrad, Wyndham is a C3 bus ride from Earls Court station. Come out of the main entrance of the station and you will see the bus stop right opposite. NUNHEAD CEMETERY OPEN DAY - FREE ENTRYNO NEED TO BOOK, JUST TURN UP Nunhead is one of the seven great Victorian cemeteries established in a ring around the outskirts of London and contains some magnificent monuments and lovely angels. There will be stalls, tours, birds of prey, a bug hunt etc and for those who wish, we'll walk round the cemetery starting on the restored side, then round the wild side. It can be muddy underfoot so posh shoes are not advised! Meet Pam at the big Linden Grove gates at 2.30pm. Afterwards we could have a cup of tea at the Nuns Head pub at Nunhead Green ... or, prior to that, we could extend the walk through Peckham Rye Park? Transport: Mainline Train (about 10 minutes) to Nunhead station is probably the best bet; but there are assorted buses which get you fairly close. Alternatively, parking shouldn't be too difficult. |