The Tuesday File - 2008
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|
 Collected thoughts from our club's signature
running night!
Contributions for this weekly record are welcomed
from ALL individuals, not just race group
leaders, so if you have some memorable or interesting
stories from your Tuesday nights, just
e-mail
me letting me know which group you were running
with and you can be part of the tapestry that is
the Tuesday File!! |
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DECEMBER 2008 |
|
30th December |
The last Tuesday of the year saw
a hardy couple of dozen or so
runners gather under the lampost
as the temperature dropped to -6
but there were still three or
four risking frost bite in
interesting areas by wearing
shorts. With a number of
regulars distracted by
festivities elsewhere, Paul
O'Grady and Ali Amanat lead the
fast and slower groups
respectively and Peter Amos and
John Mackay did their usual
thing. It was not a night for
hanging around but envigorating
and a good chance to shake down
the Christmas fare before
Hogmanay. |
|
23rd December |
Bernie Bic
The 'long group's 'Christmas
Light Run'........
.........visited Farnborough
Village (very good), Pinecrest
Gardens (excellent), Beverley
Road/Plough Hill (good),and
Farnborough Park (uninspiring).
It was a shorter run this
evening, 7.26 miles, due to the
call of a pre-Christmas drink in
'The Buff' and the promise of a
'free raffle' (which proved
profitable for our group).
The weather was dry and mild,
and a decorative time was had by
all.
|
|
16th December |
Chas. Waterman
To
Enter for the Turner Prize
Performance Art Competition--or
not.
This evening the 'long group'
ran a circle around the
outskirts of Orpington.
Our gentle route, at a spirited
pace, took us to the station,
Crofton, Scads Hill, Poverest,
Marlings Park and St. Mary Cray
station, then on to Reynolds
Cross and up Chelsfield Lane
before returning to The Buff via
Avalon Road, Court Road and Park
Avenue.
There is no decision yet whether
to enter for the 'Turner Prize'
but we did enjoy the 9.5
conversational miles.
Chas. Waterman
|
|
9th December |
2nd
10k Handicap Series Race |
2nd December
Very Chilly
 |
Bobby Biro
Christmas
Lights and a Strange Phenomenon
This evening the 'Long Group'
went to Bromley to see the
extraordinary, lavishly-lighted
house and garden in Hayes Lane.
It did not disappoint.
The run down there was quick,
and after viewing the spectacle
we continued along the road
until we turned right up the
alley to Masons Hill.
The run back to The Buff was
almost as direct but we took in
Chatterton Road shops,
Turpington Lane and Magpie Hall
Lane before returning to the
A21.
The odd thing about tonight's
run was the finish-- we usually
have a long, faster pace or a
shortish sprint. This evening
there was a slippery frost on
the footpaths from Farnborough
Green (the old primary school)
all the way to The Buff so our
speed decreased as we gently and
gingerly covered the last mile.
Ten miles we ran this evening
and very bracing it was.
|
|
NOVEMBER 2008 |
25th November
|
Chas. Waterman
During the winter, for a bit
of variety, the long group
usually runs a speed session on
the second Tuesday after the 10k
handicap.
So this evening we followed a
straightforward 8 mile route to
Orpington High St, Cray Ave,
Poverest, Petts Wood, the
Coppice Estate to (via the
recently-opened 'Richmal
Crompton Fields') Bromley Common
and back to 'The Buff' along the
main road and through
Farnborough Village.
We ran some of this slowly, and
some we sped for between 400 and
800 yards (or metres). The
faster sections numbered about
eight, plus a 'back to front'
session (when you find yourself
at the back of the pack you run
flat-out to the front) to get us
through Bromley Common and up
the hill to Locks Bottom.
|
|
18th November |
Bernie
Bic
Short
and Sweet.
A 9pm appointment with the
Orpington Road Runners' AGM
meant that tonight's 'long run'
would be 'short'.
We warmed up by crossing the A21
to the Beechwood Estate and
running up the steep hill. We
repeated this a few times until
top 'uphill-sprinting-speed' had
been reached.
Then gently over to Green
St.Green High St from where we
made some more hill ascents and
descents along the side of the
valley, finally leaving Osgood
Avenue and finding ourselves
back at 'The Buff'.
|
|
11th November |
1st
10k Handicap Series Race |
|
4th November Dry and Mild
|
Bernie Bic
A view
of 'The Dripping Tap'
The 'long group' headed down the
A21 towards Bromley and turned
right into Holmesdale Road.
Pausing only to not admire the
Christmas decorations on 'The
Dripping Tap' shop we made haste
to Page Heath Villas and Holmes
Place gym.
Continuing through Whitehall
Recreation Ground we soon
reached Southborough Road, then
followed Southborough Lane to
Petts Wood. Crossing the 'level'
footbridge we waved cheerily to
numerous Petts Wood Runners who
were just finishing their run.
St. John's Road, Lynwood Grove ,
Hillview Road and Tower Road saw
us to within sight of 'The Buff'
which set off an energetic
finishing burst of speed.
The weather this evening was dry
and fairly mild and we completed
9.8 miles.
Peter Amos
Peter and Allan led a group of
20 around Chris Thompson's
infamous Fartlek
route. The distance may have
only been 10k but the sprints,
hill climbs,
leapfrogs and "high fives" added
some serious value. With the
weather a
little warmer than of late it
wasn't long before everyone was
warmed-up.
With everyone putting in as much
effort as they wanted, or were
able to,
everyone got the most out of the
session which should reflect
some good
times in next week's 10k
handicap. Watch out for Colin
Holmes as he has
either been doing some secret
training or seeking help from
certain Tour De
France competitors! |
|
OCTOBER 2008 |
|
28th October Cold |
Chas Waterman "The
Twisted Zigzag"
This evening
the 'long group' remained within
the confines of the 10k route.
Without venturing further than
Locks Bottom and the Orpington
War Memorial we followed
Sevenoaks Road, Ridgeway
Crescent, Tubbenden Lane,
Lovibonds Avenue and Crofton
Road.
The route therefore contained
irregular zigs and zags, and
with a chilly temperature
causing the pace to quicken, we
soon covered 9 miles back to
'The Buff'.
|
|
21st October Perfect Dry Conditions |
Chas Walterman:
''Can't pass a 'Blue Plaque'
without stopping''
Tonight's 'long group' route
took the form of a triangle. We
ran to 'Keston Mark',and down
Oakley Road, and about
two-thirds of the way down we
stopped at an old favourite---
the house called 'The Glebe'
which bears a plaque to show
that it was once lived in by
Richmal Crompton who used to
teach at Bromley High School for
Girls but is better known as the
author of the 'Just William'
books.
Once the excitement had died
down we continued to Farnborough
Park, Crofton, alleyways, The
Knoll and Broom Hill to
Orpington High Street.
Crossing almost straight over we
passed All Saints Church and
almost to Ramsden before turning
right to Avalon Road. We
returned via Park Avenue and
Sevenoaks Road to 'The Buff'.
We had dry conditions yet again
and this wide-ranging run
totalled 10 miles.
Sarah Beal: John
Mackay took a group up Warren
Road and the Highway to Court
Road. From there to Wheatsheaf
Lane and then the A21 back to
the Buff. About 6 miles in
total.
A few hardy souls attempted the
Mad Mile from Pratts Bottom
roundabout to the Rose & Crown
Pub - a nice run in perfect
conditions.
|
14th October
Dry and Cool |
Kevin Abel:
I led a
medium paced group of a dozen
runners around the 10k handicap
course complete with an
extension into Farnborough Park.
6.7 miles were covered in a
lively 57 minutes including the
usual sprint down Sevenoaks Road
back to base camp
Bobby Biro:
Chislehurst Circular
The 'long group' has run
this route many times, but not
so far this year, and it was
ideal this evening for a more
gentle than usual 'stay together
large group'.
We went to Orpington High St.
and turned up onto the Knoll and
over to Scads Hill. Poverest,
St. Paul's Cray Common and
Chislehurst Common followed and
then the welcome descent past
Chislehurst Station.
Our return to 'The Buff' was via
Blackbrook Lane, Oxhawth
Crescent, Shepperton Road and
the long footpath by the railway
which leads to Orpington
Station. Over the last few
hundred yards anyone who wished
to sped along to a fast finish.
Dry conditions prevailed and we
ran 9.9 miles.
|
7th October
|
Chas Walterman:
Tackling the North Face of Enid
Blyton. Another first for the
'long group' tonight, to
Shortlands to view the 'Blue
Plaque' on 83, Shortlands Road
where Enid Blyton lived for some
years.
Our route took us straight along
the A21 to Bromley South, then
Queen Anne Avenue to Shortlands.
We paused for a few moments
outside the house of the great
writer and continued to
Pickhurst and Hayes, Bromley
Common and Farnborough.
This was a fairly pacey run
covering 12.3 miles in good
weather conditions.
|
|
SEPTEMBER 2008 |
30th September
Cool and Blustery |
Kevin Abel:
Peter Amos
led a medium group at a brisk 9
minute pace up to Chelsfield
Station, along The Highway and
through the Ramsden Estate onto
St Mary Cray, before cutting
through the Nugent Retail Park
and a straight forward run back
along Cray Avenue and Orpington
High Street culminating in a
sprint down the Sevenoaks Road.
Total distance covered 6.4 miles
in a swift 55 minutes
Peter Platignum:
The 'long
group' set off in the usual good
spirit tonight, heading for
Crofton, Southborough and
Blackbrook Lane. We soon passed
Chislehurst Station and were
going up the long hill, past
Bullers Wood School and down to
the area of Bromley known as
Widmore. Down a dark alleyway we
found Holmes Place gym, but we
didn't stop because we had to
get to Chatterton Road shops.The
return to 'The Buff' was along
the A21 as far as 'Frankie and
Bennie's' from where we ran 'at
our own pace', which generally
means 'as quickly as possible'.
Yet again we had a good
temperature and no rain. In all
we sped through 10.5 animated
miles. |
|
23rd September |
Bobby
Biro:
This week the
'long group' took the familiar
route along the main roads to
Knockholt Station, Polhill
Roundabout and 'The Polhill
Arms'. We returned the same way
except that we ascended
Wheatsheaf Hill and continued on
the Orpington-by-pass to The
Highway and down Warren Road.
Various paces were chosen by
individuals; either steady, or
sprints, or something
in-between, or anything, so long
as we essentially stayed
together in one bunch. Once
again the weather was dry with a
comfortable temperature and the
distance covered was a
conversational 9.83 miles. |
|
16th September |
Chas
Waterman: Thank you
very much to Mark Tennant for
leading last week's 'long
group'. He took a 15-strong team
on a local, hard and hilly,
route totalling 10 miles. This
week a smaller group set off
along Orpington High St to St.
Mary Cray High St and Main Road,
St. Paul's Cray. We ascended the
long St. Paul's Wood Hill to the
common. Our indirect route home
took us to Chislehurst Road, a
footpath, a footbridge over the
railway near Petts Wood and to
Orpington Station. The final
flourish was, in response to a
request, a sprint. This puts an
end to conversation for a few
minutes while we regain our
breath and contemplate our 9.3
mile energetic run. Thanks again
to Mark for last Tuesday.
Kevin
Abel took Jan's group
out again last night on 7.3 mile
undulating route taking in
Tubbenden Lane, the path from
Orpington Station to Crofton
Lane, Petts Wood, Poverest Road,
the bypass and a finishing
flourish down Park Avenue and
Sevenoaks Road. |
|
9th September |
Michael
Bennett: Ran tonight
in a group of 26 around the
streets of Farnborough, Crofton,
Petts Wood, Poverest, Knoll and
Back! 7.3 miles in just about an
hour and a few minutes. |
|
2nd September |
Chas
Waterman: What is the
point of Bickley?
An unexpected and pleasant
increase in numbers this week
brought 20-plus runners out with
the 'long group'. At a healthy
pace we set off towards Bromley
and turned right into Magpie
Hall Lane, continuing to
Blackbrook Lane.
From the top of that road we
turned left into Bickley Park
Road and arrived at 'Bickley
Point' (pause for reflection),
where five roads meet. Our
route took us past Bickley
Station and along the back roads
to Southborough shops, then,
having crossed our earlier path
we made our way back via
Lakeswood Road, Beaumont Ave.,
Lynwood Grove, Hillview Road and
Tower Road to Sevenoaks Road and
'The Buff'. Thus we completed an
irregular figure-of-eight 10
mile route. After a wet day we
were grateful for a dry and
comfortable evening.
Alison Burns: Kevin
led a group along Sevenoaks Road
at a healthy 8.5min/mile pace.
We passed the Petts Wood Runners
at Carlton Parade running onto
'our patch'. A few friendly
jeers then up Poverest Road,
Petts Wood and back towards
Orpington via Mayfield Ave. A
quick hop over Station Road and
down Tubbenden Lane, cutting
across Ashbourne Rise towards
the lights of The Buff. 7.1
miles in total at a good pace. |
|
AUGUST 2008 |
|
26th August |
Chas
Waterman: Still
clinging to the last of the
daylight, the 'long group' this
evening made it to Chelsfield
Village before having to keep to
the roads.We took Skibbs Lane
and Chelsfield lane to Derry
Downs, St. Mary Cray and the top
of Poverest. Crofton Lane came
next, followed by Dalewood Road
and the footbridge over the
railway to Kelvin Parade. We
continued via Lovibonds Avenue
and Starts Hill Road which gave
us a straightforward run back to
'The Buff'.
Total distance covered - a
decent 9.36 miles at a decent
pace which left most feeling as
though they had had a run. |
19th August
Slight rain beforehand |
Chas
Waterman: Daylight is
now at a premium, but the 'long
group' managed a route through
High Elms to Holwood Farm and
,via the Wilberforce Oak
by-pass, to Keston Ponds. We
took the straight roads of
Westerham Road, Oakley Road,
Gravel Road and Lower Gravel
Road and we were soon in the
Coppice Estate and on our way to
Crofton Lane. From here the
footpath adjacent to the railway
got us to Orpington station and
on to 'The Buff'. A smaller
group this week with holidays
taking a toll on numbers, but
all eight of us enjoyed the run
in comfortable temperatures. We
covered 9.5 miles.
Steve
Wright: Peter
Amos led a group across the High
Elms golf course, towards and
through the H.E.R.O.S. car park
before onwards to Shire Lane,
then to Farnborough and around
the back of Darrick Wood,
showcasing the Saturday Darrick
Wood track before returning
home, via the Triangle, at a
splendid 6.2 mile route.
Nick
Kasper: There’s
nothing like the failing
daylight to concentrate the mind
on getting out of the woods
quickly. We had a quick jaunt
over to Norsted Farm via Cudham
Lane South and then it was road
all the way back – Charmwood
Lane, A21 and Sevenoaks Way –
5.87 miles in total, according
to Sat Nav Sally….. |
12th August
Nights drawing in? |
Chas
Waterman: The 'long
group' had a quietly exhausting
evening. We spent the time in
High Elms, running in circles
and increasing our speed with
every lap. After a few laps we
stopped for recovery then
repeated the exercise.
Darkness fell too soon, but we
made our way across the fields
to Farnborough Village and on
arrival at 'The Buff' we found
that the total distance amounted
to 8.5 miles.
Kevin
Abel: A fast paced
run that took in Ted’s Bridle
path, High Elms whilst
crisscrossing several other
groups, some very big hills over
to Charmwood and Fairtrough,
then back via Pratts Bottom,
Chelsfield Lakes and the sprint
down Warren Road. Covering just
over 8 miles including several
alleys as well … |
5th August
Finally overcast |
Chas
Waterman: This week
we headed south-west for Pratts
Bottom then Halstead before
turning west and running that
very attractive,
sparsely-populated countryside
all the way to Downe. This
route is continually up and down
as it crosses quite a few
north-south valleys, but this
just adds to the fun. We passed
through Washneys, Mace Farm and
Cudham Guide Camp. Light was
failing and we had to return
along North End Lane to Shire
Lane, thence to 'The Buff'. We
covered 10.5 miles with no rain
although it was slightly damp
underfoot. Nature note; Three
roe deer seen near Pratts Bottom
and one female glow-worm,
glowing brightly on a step at
Darwin's orchid bank.
Kevin
Abel: Brian lead a
group of a dozen plucky runners
on the promise of watching some
planes. We headed along one of
possibly the longest trials
through High Elms and up to
Downe, before going past a golf
course and the edge
of Biggin Hill airport but
unfortunately we couldn't find
any planes plenty of stinging
nettles though. Before coming
back via the Wilberforce Oak and
Keston ponds before a final
sprint through Farnborough
village.... |
|
JULY 2008 |
29th July
Still summertime! |
Steve
Wright: A collection
of plucky runners in their
rainbow of sports clothing to
compliment the florescent yellow
shirts congregated for tonight's
offerings. Chris M was away so
Derek Laws stepped into the fray
to lead the long group. I went
along with Brian Mead's 'dozen'
and we covered a total of 8.75
miles across various fields and
tracks including around Downe,
and finishing with a sprint back
home along Ted's path at Shire
Lane. It was Last Tuesday of the
Month and for July this was
reasonably well attended for a
post-run chit-chat and a no
doubt soft drink! :)
Chas
Waterman: Many thanks
to Derek Laws for leading this
week's 'long group'. He
took a route to Bromley Common,
Hayes Common, Coney Hall and the
very top of Pickhurst. The
return was via Hayes Village and
Croydon Road to Farnborough and
finally, The Buff. Thanks again
for a great 11.5 mile run. |
22nd July
The ants are swarming! |
  Steve
Wright: Another
excellent summer's evening for
Tuesday night running. With
Brian Mead leading another group
departing from Petts Wood, there
was a slight depletion in
numbers, but this didn't stop
groups led by Chris, Peter A,
Nigel, Graham and John from
departing from the lamppost.
Nigel's group took a 6-mile
round trip to Downe, stopping
briefly in the village to
exchange a few words with a
local Morris dancing troop.
We caught sight of a number of
other running groups, including
John Mackay's, as we traversed
the wonderful High Elms
countryside. Still a bit early
for fields of poppies, but
that's global warming for you!
Mark J Russell was also spotted
leading group at the Coach and
Horses, primarily cheerleading
other unsuspecting groups
passing through Farnborough!
 Chas
Waterman: The 'long
group' ran a 'new for Tuesdays'
footpath this evening. We took
the most direct route to Holwood
Farm, via the Shire Lane
bridleway and Bogey Lane, and
continued to Leaves Green.
Descending into the valley
beyond, we climbed the hill to
Layham's Farm. We crossed the
road, followed the field edges,
and for the first time on a
Tuesday we ran behind the
'Metropolitan Police Dog
Training Centre' [complete with
barking to accompany us] to
Layhams Road and quickly turned
into North Pole Lane. This quiet
lane led us to the familiar
territory of Nash. We made our
return passing Keston Ponds and
the bridleway to Farnborough
Common. On reaching 'The Buff'
we had covered 10.3 miles with a
brisk pace throughout [but
'brisker' for the last two
miles] in very warm
temperatures. |
15th July
Baking |
Summer Run
5: The Chelsfield Circular
Kevin
Abel: Don't know if
anyone has updated you on Tim
Aldred's 12 miles+ run over to
Shoreham and back, all those
hills around Well Hill were
worth it just for the cracking
views down into Shoreham
village, the path back to
Badgers Mount was certainly
challenging then the last 4
miles were on the roads back to
the buff. Unfortunately nobody
got bit by a badger and I was
too exhausted to spot much
wildlife just a really excellent
run....
Chas
Waterman: To complete
this year's augmented trilogy of
five annual summer runs, the
'long group' tonight took to the
familiar trails of the 'Chelsfield
Circular'. Passing through
Chelsfield Village and bordering
Crown Wood the route covers open
farmland which is classic
'Market Garden' country
producing fresh vegetables and
salads for local and 'not so
local' sale. Apart from this
cultivation there is little sign
of habitation for a wide area,
except for the distant views of
south and east London, and
beyond. We ran close to
Crockenhill but before reaching
it we turned back towards St.
Mary Cray. A brisk pace was
maintained throughout and we
totalled 9.5 miles in 1hr 20min.
Thanks to Nigel Webb for
initiating this, run many years
ago. Nature note; one paraglider
with a parachute, an engine and
a pilot came out of the sky to
have a look at us, but soon
soared off when he saw our
yellow shirts. |
|
8th July |
 Summer Run
4: The Crockenhill Run
Chas
Waterman: Tonight the
'long group' undertook the
fourth run in the augmented
trilogy of summer runs. Our
route passed through Snag Lane,
Cudham Recreation Ground and New
Barn Lane. We turned left onto
the footpath by New Barn Farm to
stay in the valley and continued
to Grays Farm. Then we headed
east on the North Downs Way. We
paused to admire the view of
Westerham from our vantage
point, but were soon on our way
along the hill to the tops of
Hogtrough Hill and Brasted Hill
before going north to Letts
Green, Washneys, Fairtrough and
Charmwood Lane. 12.5 miles were
run and we arrived at 'The Buff'
by 10pm. The weather had been
good with daylight lasting until
our return. Nature Note: We saw
six deer [including one handsome
white male] and three badgers
[one of which was in the middle
of a field so we had plenty of
time to watch as it shuffled
away to the hedge]. |
|
1st July |
Summer Run
3: The Lullingstone Run
Chas
Waterman: Tonight the
third run in the trilogy of
Summer long runs took the 'long
group' to Lullingstone. Good
weather and dry underfoot
conditions accompanied us on the
now familiar route to Chelsfield
Village and Lullingstone golf
course. We were soon running
alongside the River Darenth and,
on arriving at the visitor
centre, we were warmly welcomed
by Mrs Wehrle with a reviving
drink of water and a biscuit !
Thank you very much.
We ascended the long hill away
from the river and reached the
quiet country lanes which we
followed up to Well Hill and
back to Chelsfield, the, in
conclusion, a steadily
increasing pace down Warren
Road. We arrived at 'The Buff'
at about 9.36pm having totalled
just under 10 miles |
|
JUNE 2008 |
24th June
Mediterranean |
Summer Run 2: The Chevening
Evening
|
Most of the pack either set off at 7:30pm for Knockholt Pound, where they were
met by a flotilla of cars from the 8pm Buff assembly. Collectively they enjoyed
one of the longest runs in our Tuesday calendar, taking in the 4.5 mile
Chevening Loop. Depending on whether you took a lift there and back, or there
one way, you could have ended up doing around 13 miles! Chris' long group
departed the Buff at 8pm and ran the route in reverse! Those not wanting
to take on Chevening either went with Nick (below) or joined a not insignificant
group led by Graham. |
 Nick
Kasper: Our 'fantastic four'
left the Buff for Keston Ponds where the fishing season was in full swing. We
returned via Downe village, picking up parts of the Cudham Circular and the
Orpington 10k route and arrived just as the first wave of runners were returning
from Chevening. Laura was missed; she returns this week to her native
Switzerland. In a message she sent to the group, she said: "Thank u for all
the nice runs and the history lessons :) I've learned lots of new words". In
case you're wondering, they included "barbed wire", "superstition" and "stinging
nettles", not the colourfully descriptive terms sometimes uttered by exhausted
runners! |
Chas
Waterman: This week,
in the series of summer runs,
the 'long group' tackled the
scenic 'south face' of the North
Downs.
Taking the lanes to Knockholt
Pound we then turned right at
the end of Chevening Lane to
start the anti-clockwise tour
through the fields to the top of
Sundridge Hill, into the woods
by the gamekeeper's cottage and
down the hill with its glorious
views across the Vale of
Holmesdale.
Further down the hill we passed
in front of the impressive
Chevening House and continued to
the church where we were
welcomed in the now traditional
manner by the ringing of the
bells.
This was followed by the steep
ascent of the footpaths of
Turvin's Farm to the summit of
the downs, and on to complete
the circle at Knockholt Pound.
The group then retraced their
steps of the outward run to
arrive at 'The Buff' at 9.50pm.
having covered 13 miles.
Thank you to Richard Smith for
steering and pacing the group to
and from Knockholt. |
|
17th June
Lovely |
Summer Run
1: The Nash Run
Nick
Kasper: A clear sky promising a
glorious sunset clouded unexpectedly over, but we were treated to the
spectacular sight of the sun going down over central London from a vantage point
in Chelsfield.
 Chris Thompson showed us a new memorial to a Hurricane pilot who lost his life
in the Battle of Britain and we enjoyed an impromptu concert by a couple of
dudes who were strumming their guitars in
a field ("We don't upset
anyone with the noise out here" commented one).
We regrettably have to say "Auf Wiedersehen und alles Gute" to Laura Dittl, who was running with the Tuesday
group for the final time before returning to mainland Europe.. |
 The
series of long rural runs for
the long light evenings began
today with the 'Nash'.
Richard
Smith once again led the 'long
group', and via Farnborough
Fields made for the bridleway
which leads to Keston Ponds from
Farnborough Common. Leaving the
ponds behind, the route
descended the 'Chicken Run' into
the Vale of Keston and on to the
hamlet known as 'Nash'.
Soon they were running through
Well Wood and in the area of
Queensway. Unfortunately,
hereabouts, our only lady runner
suffered a badly twisted ankle
and had to call for a taxi.
Thank you to Derek and Ian for
waiting with her until safe
transport arrived. The run
continued up to West Wickham
Common and Keston, and the
return to The Buff was a
re-tracing of steps through the
bridleway and the main road.
Thanks go to Richard for the
run, which covered over 10
miles.
Chas
Waterman |
|
10th June
Blue skies
Summer sun |
 Nick
Kasper:
In stark contrast to the previous week warm, sunny weather prevailed on this run
over to Cudham and Downe (7.1 miles). Un-tempted by the lure of Greece v Sweden, we treated
ourselves to the delights of viewing the Charles Darwin sundial in Downe village
(opposite the George and Dragon pub) and learned why the windows in the
Old Fire
Station (now a residential property) are different shapes. We also discovered
why Tolblerone bars are triangular (they are shaped like Switzerland’s highest
mountain, The Matterhorn).
 Also,
adding to our unofficial map of Orpington, the route from the A21 to Cudham is
known (according to Martyn Longstaff) as 'dead fox lane'. As he explained: "I
was running up there one time, and we saw a dead fox". Lastly, we discovered that the multi-national composition of our group extends
beyond Europe – to California no less!
Welcome, Amanda, to Orpington Road
Runners! |
|
Chas
Waterman:
This
week's 'long group' was taken by
Paul Marshall on his maiden
voyage as leader. The route took
the runners to Farnborough
Village and fields before taking
the hilly paths back to Green
St. Green and up the long steady
hill by Cudham Lane to Snag
Lane. More hills followed, near
Mace Farm and on the way to
Washneys. Then down Stubbs Hill
and up the steep one to Single's
Cross, Knockholt. A left turn
into Randle's Lane took them to
the top of Rushmore Hill. The
return to 'The Buff' was via
Hookwood Road Pratts Bottom, and
the main road.
The climax of the evening was
the sprint over about 200 yards
to the finish. The weather was
warm and the total distance
covered was just over 10 miles,
all completed in daylight! Many
thanks to Paul for his offer to
take the run this evening. |
 Kevin Abel reports that Brian's
group completed an energetic
hilly run, covering around 8.4
miles taking in Cudham Lane, the
top and bottom of Rushmore Hill
and a swift finish back to the
Buff, via nettles and
knee-clouting.
Brian Mead took a
couple of photos on his phone
from his group to capture the
glorious weather. Check out our
new
"Summer Runnin'"
collection on Flickr and please
send us shots of the best and
worst moments from your groups'
runs! |
|
3rd June
Not for the fair weather runners |
Peter Amos: With John Mackay in the drier, warmer
climes of the Med, Peter A directed the
damp and cool proceedings of this
Tuesday evening session. With the 10k
fast approaching Jan suggested that we
run the route for the benefit of those
unfamiliar with the course. Paul O
covered the long group in lieu of Chris
Marshal and Nick provided an alternative
to the 10k option.
 Jan, Jenny, Peter A
and Graham led a substantial group up to
the A21 crossing to give the traffic a
taste of the jam likely to be caused on
the 22nd! A final regroup at Farnborough
village before the groups set off at
their own pace along the puddles of Tye
Lane and into the fields to disturb our
very own Springwatch rabbits on the edge
of the woods. Those unfamiliar with the
“undulating” course around High Elms
were soon puffing, and as we returned
along Ted’s path it looked like the race
had started early with a long procession
heading for the path up to the
allotments. The grass through Tubbenden
field gave everyone a final soaking
before a circumnavigation of Darrick
Woods brought us all back to the
evening’s starting point and the final
return back to the Buff, where some of
us took advantage of the warm
environment of the hostelry to dry off. |
Nick
Kasper: On a cold, wet
and thoroughly miserable evening
Nick Kasper took his 10 minute
mile pace stretching and
regrouping drowned rats up to
Goddington Park, on to Lily Wood
and back to the Buff via
Farnborough Village.
It was great to welcome back
Annette from injury – she had
the common runner’s complaint
Plantar fasciitis, a
condition which causes pain
under the heel. Also, we had a
brand new member - Clive - who
has lived all his life in
Orpington but had never been on
a run in the local countryside
before! |
 Paul
O: Our leader Chris was
carrying an injury, so in his
absence and due to the ‘iffy’
weather we ‘legged it’ up Warren
Road towards Well Hill were we
took in various traffic free
country lanes in the direction
of
Lullingstone Park and we headed
back in the direction of St
Mary’s Cray. As this was mainly
on country lanes and pavements
we cruised at a ‘lively’ pace to
complete the circular route
finishing with an even quicker
pace down Warren Road again,
covering 9.3 miles. We only
managed to loose the one runner,
but upon our return we found him
sat outside The Buff Drinking a
pint of Guinness which looked a
good idea as we all returned
soaking wet!
Chas Waterman:
Foul weather conditions did not
deter a 'long group' of about 15
setting out. To cope with the
possibility of even heavier
rain, tonight's leader, Paul
O'Grady devised a rural route
along the lanes around
Chelsfield and Well Hill, thus
not venturing too far from base,
but still running just under 9.5
miles. |
|
|
MAY 2008 |
27th May
Mild |
Chas Waterman
: Half-term
holidays took a toll on the 'long group'
numbers tonight, but the eight or nine
of us who ventured out had a quiet and
scenic run towards Knockholt and
Halstead, and found a couple of paths
not previously used on a Tuesday.
Fortunately the threatening rain held
off and we had a dry run to Knockholt
Station, from where we picked up the
pace all the way back to 'The Buff'.
Total distance covered - just over 9
miles. Nature note; heard, one cuckoo,
near Washneys. |
 Brian Mead: My run last Tues was a bit different
as it started from Petts Wood and dived
straight into Petts Woods (where else)
narrowly avoiding the
Petts Wood
Runners
and a "High Noon" show down, then
following the recent rain splashed on
and down through the Scadbury nature
reserve (no Wildebeest) then back up and
into Petts Woods, skirting the green
pond, Hawkswood Farm and then back home
via Jubilee park. This excursion turned out to be
very popular and so we'll do it again in
July sometime.
Michael
Bennett:
I did Brian Meads' run - 8 miles
of off road fun! A pretty sharp
pace - as usual - the Garmin said
8:29 m/m on return. lots of
short climbs and muddy trails
- about 20 people in the group!
|
 Steve Wright:
Jan Lenton's group ran some 7.5
miles taking us near the plane
crash site, down the track
behind Farnborough and towards
Keston Ponds, then towards and
thankfully stopping at the
Wilberforce Oak for a short
history lesson. We returned via
Downe Village and the path
returning on Shire Lane. |
 Zoe Wright:
Having not run with the club for
a while I decided to opt for
John Mackay's usual 5-ish
option, which unfortunately for
my legs turned out to be more
like 6 miles this week. Was
chatting too much to take too
much note of the route but think
we went through High Elms and
out to Snag Lane then back to
the A21 via "Badger Corner",
where ORR Legend has it that
someone was once bitten by a
badger. None were present on
Tuesday, the
day-glo yellow shirts were
clearly too bright for them! |
|
|
20th May |
 "Up hill and
down dale" aptly described this run, led
once again, by Richard Smith. Via Shire
Lane and Holwood Farm the 15-strong
group were soon at Leaves Green, from
where they continued down into the deep
valley and onto the bridleway which
comes out on Blackness Lane by the old
Keston Fruit Farm. The route then took
in a tour of Keston Common and along
another bridleway to Farnborough Common
and a quick return to 'The Buff'. Just
under 10 miles were covered and Richard
squeezed out the last of the daylight to
make the most of this rural run. Many
thanks to Richard for tonight's outing.
Bobby Biro
The medium group led by Nick Kasper on
20th May (a massive 30 or so runners in
total) headed off to Downe and from
there past Cudham scout camp before
returning via Cudham Lane South. The
seven mile run (which included
regrouping and stretching) passed a
couple of white
coal tax posts which were erected in the
19th century to define the boundary
where tax on coal needed to be paid. You
see, running is both hysterical and
historical! |
13th May
Scorchio |
After a weekend of 25+ degrees in the
Capital Tuesday was a splendid blue sky
day and so what better way to spend the
last hour or so of sunlight than heading
into High Elms and the surrounds with
your fellow runners? The groups
tonight were lead variously Chris
Marshall (the historical run), Brian Mead, Peter Amos, Nick
Kasper (the hysterical run).
Dry and mild
weather and dry underfoot were the
weather conditions greeted the 'long
group' this evening. Tonight's run was
of the 'no re-grouping' variety and a
steady pace was maintained through
Farnborough fields to Downe, Luxted,
Cudham Valley and Cudham Lane. Thence to
another valley near Mace Farm and on to
the path to Washneys and Fairtrough.
Back on roads, the speed increased
considerably for the last two miles or
so to Pratts Bottom and 'The Buff'.
Total distance covered 9.6 miles.
Nature note; collectively we spotted the following [listed for interest and not necessarily for their rarity] ; 1 pheasant, 3 skylarks, 3 country foxes, 2 badgers, 1 roe deer. While we were admiring the deer, one wit remarked 'If we wanted to see deer we should have gone to Knole Park, there's blimmin' loads of 'em there!'
Bobby Biro
 Brian's
group took a special request by Lucy to
head for her former stomping grounds,
... "a
healthy number of barmy runners heading
up toward Leaves Green (the summit) via
Bogey Lane and "stinging nettle alley"
at top of Shire Lane (a lot of
squawking..) and then down to the long
Bridleway that emerges back at Keston
Road via Chicken run hill (groan), then
finishing along the darkening footpath
behind the Keston Park "social housing"
estate. Apparently it was nearly 9 miles
but that can't be right!!
Brian is
also planning a "special" run on Tuesday
week (27th) at same time as usual from
Petts Wood which will take in Petts
Woods and Scadury Park and which is
entirely off road. Leave from the car
park situated between Petts Wood Library
and the footbridge at the end of Petts
Wood (West) High Street. Next to News
Shopper building.
 Also, Nick Kasper took a group (with
stretching and regrouping) 7miles over
to Keston to see the sunset over the
ponds. The route took them through
Darrick Wood and past the scene of the
tragic air crash some weeks ago. Laura,
our only Swiss national road runner, was
determined to expand her knowledge of
English during the run; she added
'stinging nettles', followed shortly
after by 'dock leaves' to her
vocabulary! She perhaps wasn't the only
one who didn't appreciate the significance of
the
Wilberforce Oak. One of the
group astonished the other runners by
being able to converse with Laura in
what appeared to be fluent Swiss-German,
but Laura admitted that the would-be
linguist made one fatal mistake - "Every
word he uttered" she explained. |
|
6th May |
 John Mackay:
"This was the first of the real "summer" runs with a day of good weather
morphing into a beautiful evening for running. It brought out the crowds and several new runners. Chris Marshall was forced to pull out with an injury sustained in some track work (so now you know how he does it) but Richard Smith stepped in with a 9 mile Bluebell run. Brian Mead took a 7-8 mile mystery tour, Jan Lenton and Nick Kasper lead
separate groups on 6-7 mile routes with Nick promising some old fashioned grouping and stretching. John found some bluebells without having to go for 9 miles, much nearer 5 in fact. Graham and Paul set out together before Paula lead a breakaway on a shorter route. Nearly everyone finish in the remains of the daylight and it was pleasant enough for people to stop and chat on the Green.
Snag Lane seemed to be a popular route tonight. One group was seen heading that way ahead of John's group who stopped to admire the bluebells half way up (well that was our excuse) when the fast group came charging up the hill to ribald applause. Brian decided that the slower pace was a wiser move but I am not sure that it will do his London to Brighton training much good."
Brian Mead describes his group's run: "A
gorgeous evening taking in the long drag
up the bridle way from the A21 to Snag
Lane, and a setting sun, then through
the bridle paths to The Washneys and
then down to Pratts Bottom and then over
the golf course and emerging through a
hole in the fence into Church Lane
before finishing off across the
Chelsfield and home down Warren Road.
Somewhere between 7.5 and 8 energetic
miles and even included two alleys!"
Kevin Abel confirms for this group: "We
had a hilly and energetic 7 ½ mile run
via Charmwood, Pratts Bottom and
Chelsfield Lakes Golf Course that
culminated in a sprint finish down
Warren Road"
Thank you very much to Richard Smith for stepping into the breach at the last minute, and leading tonight's 'long group'.
The route took a large number of runners to the vicinity of Mace Farm and into New Year's Wood.
Passing through Birches Croft they were greeted by a wonderful display of bluebells.
Never let it be said that Orpington Road Runners doesn't offer the opportunity to appreciate the fragrant beauty of an English springtime woodland.
The route continued to Knockholt Church where,on turning left they made their way home via the quiet lanes that lead to Charmwood Farm and the main road.
The run was 9.29 miles in length and reached 'The Buff' at 9.29pm !
Thanks again, Richard. Chas Waterman |
|
APRIL 2008 |
|
29th April |
Glorious Mud.
After hours of pouring rain, it magically cleared at 7.55pm. We therefore had a dry run--apart from the mud, puddles, and slippery surfaces. The long group was undaunted and we skidded through High Elms to Bogey Lane, Holwood Farm and the Wilberforce Oak to Keston Common.
We ventured on to West Wickham Common and Hayes Common to Hayes Village. Our spirits undimmed, we waded across the fields to Oakley Road and Bromley Common. Now free of mud we sped along Farnborough Common and back to 'The Buff'.
We covered 10.1 cheerful miles on this memorably muddy run and visited five 'commons'.
Bobby Biro
Paul O'Grady confirms: "the long group run was a battle
through the mud and water (ankle deep in places) for ten miles! Time for the
trainers to go in the washing machine."
The other groups were with Jan, Graham and John in a semblance of numbers
reminiscent of years gone by. After an hour or so we all reconvened in the Buff
for beer and nibbles and considered the fortunes of Man United v Barcelona.
|
|
22nd April |
Group leaders tonight were Chris, Peter
A, Jan, Graham, John, and Linda. A clear
night in which we increasingly headed
into the countryside - but not for the
full duration alas! Jan's group
did just under 6 miles in just under one
hour. Remember - anyone can write up
their Tuesday experience - e-mail me and
I will upload!
Stevie W |
|
15th April |
Paul O'Grady stood
in for Chris Marshall, ... "which were
very big shoes to fill for the night.
The pressure of thinking where to take
the long group was palpable for a whole
week. Post Marathon we did 8 miles with
a 5 mile cut off for those that ran the
FLM, with a nice sprint down from
Chelsfield Station to the Buff at the
end." |
|
8th April |
Numbers were a bit down on a bright dray evening that was just too tempting to get off road despite it being the last Tuesday before the Big One. There was quite a sight as various groups of yellow shirts were seen heading of down "Ted's Path" by Shire Lane. John's group beat the rapidly
disappearing daylight to get across the field to Farnborough Village before touring the posh bits of the Keston and Farnborough Park estates and then returning via Starts Hill. All in all a good steady 5.5 miles to keep limbs moving before the Marathon.
Good luck to all runners on Sunday!
J
Mackay |
|
1st April |
John Mackay announced that soon we would be able to venture off-road. Well it was a little bit “sooner” than anyone expected if you had joined Brian Mead’s group this evening! First it was along “Ted’s path” in Shire Lane before heading across the field to St. Giles church. Then into Farnborough Park and along the “disputed” footpath, that thankfully is still open, to go behind the bus garage to reach the footpath beside the golf course. Then it was along the back roads of Petts Wood before disappearing into the darkness of the footpath that runs alongside the stream behind Crofton Junior School. A final foray through Darrick
Woods brought us close to
Sunday’s plane crash site before
returning, somewhat muddy, to
The Buff. Brian certainly wasn’t
“fooling” around!
PA
|
 |
Meanwhile, Kevin Abel stepped in and took Jan Lenton’s medium-fast group out the opposite direction around the 10k route... great fun was had by all running up the hill past Orpington Station out and back in 50 minutes.
"It was a fairly big group 15 - 20 of us did about 8:45 to 9 minute mile pace the same that we normally do, I dropped of the front group of
4 towards the Rose and Crown on the way back, Hastings and Paddock Wood had taken there toll at the point. I also took a group out a few weeks ago on a
Tuesday night as well a 7 mile jaunt into Petts Wood including going up Poverest Wood which was good fun ...."
Well done Kevin for for stepping
up to the challenge of leading a
group!
|
A smaller
'long group' this week due
mainly to the impending 'London
Marathon', and we embarked on a
slightly zigzag circular route
via Newstead Avenue, Crofton
Road and Croydon Road to the 'Keston
Mark'. Thence to Bromley bus
garage and Princes Plain,
through the Coppice Estate and
up to Petts Wood station. We
greeted Petts Wood Runners as we
passed them on our way to
Poverest and St Mary Cray. We
returned along Anglesea Road and
Kynaston Road to Avalon Road and
down Spur Road.
No heroics were required this
evening to reduce the risk of
injury before the marathon, so
the last mile was run 'at one's
own pace'. Nevertheless a bit of
speed was added by a few of us
as we approached 'The Buff'. A
dry and mild evening accompanied
us on this 10.6 mile run.
Bobby Biro |
|
|
MARCH 2008 |
|
25th March |
Jan Lenton led a group at a
moderate-to-fast pace to Poverest and
back, taking in the fast mile heading
down to the A224. We covered 6 miles in
about 50 minutes - just in time to make
a sharp retreat to the Buff for LTOTM
drinks.
SW
It wasn't
the shortest route we could have taken.
This evening the "long group" visited
the exterior of the "Pollhill Arms". We
set off in the 'wrong direction' (as
someone pointed out) but soon turned up
Park Avenue to the 'Orpington by pass",
then up the main road to Hewitt's
roundabout then down Wheatsheaf Hill.
Continuing along the "old A21" we
eventually reached the top of Pollhill
where we turned around and started the
spin home. Coming back via the top road
we again ran down Wheatsheaf Hill but
turned right this time and, at varying
speeds, we passed Pratts Bottom and were
soon back at "the Buff". Good
temperatures and only a few drops of
rain accompanied us on this 10.5 mile
run.
Bobby Biro |
|
18th March |
A
"long" group of about twenty
maintained a worthwhile pace
this evening as we sped along
familiar pavements to Petts
Wood, Blackbrook Lane and
Chislehurst. Running up Summer
Hill was fun, and no pausing at
"the Tiger's Head". we continued
to St Paul Cray Common.
Instead of the usual route back
(via Poverest and Scads Hill) it
was an unexpected pleasure to
add some distance to the run by
going down Leesons Hill to St
Mary Cray station and return
along the main road and
Orpington High Street to "the
Buff".
This run was measured at 10.3
miles.
Chas Waterman |
 |
|
|
11th March |
The 5th
Charity
10k Series Race. |
|
4th March |
Another evening
with good running weather saw about a dozen
of us set off as the 'long group' to Scads
Hill, Poverest and Chislehurst Common. We
continued to Sainsbury's where we turned
left into Willow Grove, sped down Yester
Hill and moderated our pace for the ascent
of Logs Hill.
We returned along Southborough Road and
Southborough Lane to Oxhawth Crescent from
where we cut through Shepperton Road to
Crofton. The footpath by the railway got
us to Orpington Station and we took the
usual route through the Tubbenden area to
the Davie Estate and the Buff.
Tonight's run made a pleasant
excursion
to a district visited less often on Tuesdays.
Total distance covered - 11.5 miles.
Chas Waterman - typed but not stirred |
| |
|
FEBRUARY 2008 |
|
26th Feb |
Back to something
like normal with the return of last weeks
absentees. A good crowd had the option
of a fartlek session with Chris Marshall,
an eight miler with Brian Mead, 6 miles
with Jan Lenton.
The improving Graham Johnson had to enlist
Linda Kemp's support to cover the less adventurous
as he covered a good five miles.
Finally there was the Mackay 'about 5 miles'
which was a bit on the short side as he
and a number of others were feeling jet
lagged or just recovering from idleness.
JM
A large group of
twenty set out on this evening's 'fartlek'
session. The weather was dry and on the
'mild side'. Although we ventured no further
than Knockholt Station, by doubling back
on ourselves a few times we ran a total
distance of eight miles. Our speed varied
from a dawdle to 'quite quick' and it proved
to be a useful and refreshing run.
Chas Waterman
-- has typewriter but internet connectivity
requires major road works to be commissioned
in Orpington! |
|
19th Feb |
Half Term
week meant that a number of regulars were
missing. This gave an opportunity
for new faces to have a go at leading a
run.
Well done to Kevin Abel who took the 6 mile
steady pace run and to Charlotte Parkhouse
who upped the anti by including a drinks
stop with chocolates kindly supplied by
her family. At that rate she could
find herself in regular demand.
JM
The "long group"
and the Stanley Matthews Memorial David
Bowie Run
 The
title
sums
up this run - a dozen of us headed for Sundridge
Park, Bromley, via Bromley Common, Southborough
and Fleetlands Road.
We halted outside Bowie's childhood home
and discussed the music of the man, before
continuing the run to Bromley North and
along the A21 all the way to Tubbenden Lane,
where we diverted ready to sprint the last
100 yards or so.
The temperature was good for running tonight
and the streets were dry. Total distance
covered was 11.9 miles.
Chas Waterman -- on
his new typewriter! |
|
12th Feb |
A cold frosty night saw a smaller than usual
turnout for the 4th in this year's Handicap
series but the conditions meant that there
were some good times as everyone was keen
to get back to the warm. No fewer
than 40 of the 64 finishers beat their expected
finish time.JM |
|
5th Feb |
Peter Amos
and Alan led an initially keen small group
along Seven miles of territory behind "enemy
lines" in Petts Wood. Phew!
SW
Another "first"
for Tuesday evening, the seventeen strong
'long group' ran to West Wickham.
Taking the straightforward
route to Locks Bottom, Hayes Common and
Hayes Station we soon found ourselves crossing
the "Greenwich Meridian" at Coney Hall and
heading up Glebe Way to "The Swan". then
to the swimming pool, our destination. The
return was via Pickhurst Rise and Pickhurst
Lane to Hayes from where we retraced our
earlier steps. All of the run home was "no-regrouping"
with the last half-mile "at one's own pace".
Plenty of exercise was had this evening
and eleven and a half miles were covered.
Chas Waterman
- not running out of Air Mail envelopes
yet!!
|
|
JANUARY 2008 |
|
29th Jan |
If the good
sized crowd who gathered by 8.00 were drawn
by the prospect of the Last Night drink
in the Buff, it didn't turn out that way.
Some runners were still returning to the
Green at nearly 10.00, almost an hour after
the more sensible had had their refreshment
and were leaving.
No fewer than six groups set off with several
new runners and the long awaited return
of Martyn Longstaff from injury. Chris Marshall
took his usual group on a 10 mile mystery
tour - a mystery because he had not decided
on a route. Michael Bennett continued with
his extended run for the marathon brigade
which was advertised as a steady paced run,
Peter Amos begged to differ on that description.
Jim Peters and Brian Mead got together to
take a sprightly paced 7-8 miler to the
darker parts of Petts Wood and Jan Lenton
offered a 6 mile fartlek type mixture. John
Mackay lead over 20 people off on a tour
of the finer parts of Chelsfield Park and
environs while Graham Johnson covered 4-5
miles at a modest pace for those of more
nervous disposition.
JM
No-one was deterred
from joining the "long group" by the advertised
"mystery tour" so we set off in a good running
temperature to Orpington Station, Crofton,
Town Court Road, the footpath over the railway
and to the top of Scads Hill. We continued
to Perry Hall Road, the Knoll, Orpington
High Street, and Court Road. We were getting
a bit dizzy by now but a respectable pace
was kept up as we went on to The Highway,
Windsor Drive, and Farnborough Village.
From here it was all sodnhill, with a level
sprint finish. We hadn't ventured more than
two miles from "The Buff" but our total
distance was 10.5 miles.
Chas Waterman - by
Air Mail.
|
|
22nd Jan |
Tonight a large
"long group" tackled many of the hills local
to Green Street Green. Some hills are longer
than others, some are steeper. Many of them
we ran more than once. The arduous Beechwood
Estate was ascended five times but a cheerful
spirit was maintained!
Chas Waterman -
by Air Mail |
|
15th Jan |
A wet and
foul day with more rain threatening had
an impact on numbers. 8.00 saw a hardy 50-60
creep out from hiding and gather under the
lamppost. We still managed to set
off in four decent size Groups. Chris
Marshal lead one bunch off on a speedy 10
miler despite some dissent. Mike Bennett
introduced the first of his long & slow
10 milers for those trying to build up for
the Marathon. John took a steady route
round by Chislehurst Road and Crofton which
Emma measured as almost exactly 5 miles
as promised. Graham and Christine took a
slower group for a 4-5 mile canter.
The rain returned half way round but it
still felt worthwhile once we had finished.
JM
Cold when wet, warm
when not, sums up the evening's weather.
Nevertheless it was a cheerful "long group"
that set off to describe a circle around
Orpington. Out slightly-wobbly circumference
touched Chelsfield Lane, St Mary Cray, St
Paul's Cray, Petts Wood and Crofton. We
covered ten miles which, for a change, culminated
in 'not a sprint'.
Chas Waterman
- delivered to the Internet by Air Mail |
|
8th Jan |
The 4th
Charity 10k series race. |
|
1st Jan |
The Todd-Gold Run:
After some sixteen years of hosting a New
Year's day run in memory of his running
companion, the late Ian Gold, Brian Todd
reluctantly has had to call 'time'. Very
many thanks to Brian for all his superb
long runs and to Norma for laying on the
post-run spread of tea, coffee and cakes
(notably the heavenly 'angel food cake').
All was not lost, however, as Elaine and
John Mackay gallantly stepped forward with
an offer to host the 2008 run. So, with
a new venue and menu (a walk was added to
the runs) some thirty-five of us arrived
at Elaine and John's with contributions
of biscuits, cakes and buns at 1pm on the
1st.
Elaine led the walk of five miles around
the Chelsfield area. John took a group on
a six-mile jaunt in theo ther direction
on the Chelsfield Circular and it was a
pleasant surprise for them to meet Elaine's
group in the "middle of nowhere". The third
group was taken by Chris Marshall to Crockenhill,
Eynsford, Shoreham and well Hill; a route
of some thirteen miles.
The day was grey and overcast but not cold,
and provided good conditions for an after-Christmas
walk/run in the countryside. After the outdoors
activities, we repaired to the comfortable
surroundings of Chez Mackay, where we tucked
into the wide variety of goodies available.
Tea and coffee were in great demand. To
round things off, Norma and Brian were able
to join us for this important final stage.
For welcoming us into their home, we thank
John and Elaine.
Chas Waterman - the
resident Chief Editor
of the Tuesday Night Chronicle |
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