Fourteen Poly Ramblers and two guests converged on Rainham, Essex on a sunny though chilly Saturday afternoon for the last 5 miles of the London Loop. Some had spent the morning visiting Rainham Hall, others were in the pub and one or twovisited the reptile emporium. We headed off across the level crossing towards the river, led by Martin and Anna, the latter carrying a large cardboard cake box. After a mile we arrived at the banks of the Thames estuary, very industrial but not unattractive in a way. Continue reading May 14th. Rainham to Purfleet→
With 30 or so Polys on the club weekend at YHA Lulworth Cove, it was a select group of six on Rosie’s walk through Battersea. The early mist was clearing as we entered the park, and there were plenty of people enjoying a stroll in the weak sunshine. There were encouraging signs of spring with banks of daffodils, vociferous ducks and geese, together with posing herons and screeching parakeets. We passed the Peace Temple and took in the view of Chelsea across the river. Our lunch stop was at the Source restaurant in Ransome’s dock where we were all accommodated on a round table and enjoyed a leisurely and agreeable meal. Continue reading Saturday 12th March, Battersea to Wandsworth Town.→
Just myself and Sandra accompanied Jackie on this lovely varied walk, the weather being bright but cold. Berkhamsted’s popular half marathon had just set off and it was some time before we could cross the road from the station. Jackie and Sandra set off at a cracking pace, with me struggling behind which was to be the pattern for the rest of the day. Steady climbing through woodland and grazing, took us to Berkhamsted Common, 150 years to the day from the battle of that name. The landowner, Lord Brownlow, had put up a metal fence with a view to incorporating the common into his private estate. Locals reinforced by a gang of navvies brought in by train, dismantled it and dumped it in view of his mansion. Continue reading Sunday, March 6th. Berkhamsted circular.→
Twelve Polyramblers alighted from the train on a bitterly cold but dry morning. We made our way down the lovely Marden valley towards Woldingham School, stopping to pass the time of day with a couple of extremely tame and needy deer. Passing Bay pond, we reached Godstone and had lunch in the friendly Hare and Hounds. The service was less than brisk but there were no complaints from us as it was so good to be out of the wind. We were joined by Geoffrey, still not able to walk any distance but thankfully on the mend. Continue reading Saturday 27th February. Woldingham to Oxted→
The AGM, which took place at the University of Westminster, was attended by 38 members, four more than last year. This time, we were in a large room with nice blue chairs with wheels and we had plenty of space to accommodate everybody. The AGM was attended by our long-lost mascot, Quintin, who had spent a few years in the attic of Gerald’s brother (for the record, Quintin was supposed to go home with Danny after the meeting but Siew Tin offered to look after our mascot). The formal business of the meeting included the minutes of last year’s AGM, the report of the Committee on the activities of the club and the financial report and statement of accounts. The Rambler of the Year Award was presented by the President to Geoffrey who had done a record 63 walks in 2015. It was the 14th time he won the award! Continue reading Saturday 5th March. Annual General Meeting→
The Polytechnic Rambling Club – Walking with friends
