DECEMBER 2010

28th December

At Last The Christmas Lights Run
 
All through December we were prevented by snow and ice from taking any of our customary 'Christmas Lights' runs. Tonight was the first opportunity we've had to use pavements, with very few pieces of ice remaining, so the 'long group' ran along the A21 to Bromley. On reaching the traffic lights at Hayes Lane we turned left and in a couple of hundred yards we stopped to admire the amazing display of coloured lights, Father Christmases, animals, and a Big Wheel turning, all in the front garden of what is generally referred to as 'The Dripping Tap' house.
 
After a few minutes in the limelight we carried on our way, along Hayes Lane, into Mead Way, along Bourne Vale and up Pickhurst Lane to Hayes Library. From there we took Baston Road and Croydon Road to Locks Bottom, returning to 'The Buff' along Farnborough Way.
 
This evening it was a treat to be sure of one's footing and to be running at normal pace. We covered just a fraction under 10 miles.
 
Bernie Bic
 

21st December

Long Group:

Winter Runnerland
 
After a short break for last week's 10k handicap the spell of inconvenient but landscape-transforming snowy weather continues.
 
A small but perfectly-formed 'long-group' ran at a gentle pace all over High Elms golf course (taking care not to fall into any snow-filled bunkers) and Farnborough fields as far as Farthing Street.
 
We returned along Bogey Lane to North End Lane and back into the fields beside Shire Lane, and so to 'The Buff'.
 
This wiggly route provided us with 6 miles of scenic and very atmospheric, misty, running.
 
Nature note; we disturbed three country foxes and one roe deer.
 
Peter Platignum
 

7th December

Long Group:

It's Snow Fun on the Ice

Yet again, road and footpath conditions made it difficult for runners to reach 'The Buff' tonight, with ice being the main problem.
 
Nevertheless, six members of the 'long group' set off using the grassed and snowy verges of the A21 to provide firmer footing.
 
We kept it simple this evening by going up to Tubbenden fields and the Darrick Wood School football pitches, where we found sufficient light, and just running round in circles, figures of eight, triangles and other geometrical mis-shapes until we had accumulated 5 miles or so.
 
It wasn't fast in the snow, but it wasn't slippery and it was agreeable exercise.
 
Bobby Biro
 

NOVEMBER 2010

30th November

Long Group:

Winter Wonderland

The heaviest snow of the writer's life, for a November day, fell today. It started early morning and by 8pm we had had close to 10 inches.
 
A normal run was impossible. Many of our runners were stuck in traffic or on trains.
 
However, fifteen hardy souls made it on foot to the start, some coming from the other side of Orpington and from Petts Wood. Some even made it from home, about 25 yards away from the start !
 
Pavements are very difficult for a group of runners in these conditions so we treated ourselves to what we normally do in such circumstances - a run in the country.
 
With ample light reflected from the snow we easily found our way to Shire Lane and High Elms. In the midst of the woods we split up, with one group returning to 'The Buff' by running a large loop to 'The Rose and Crown' and along Green St Green High Street.
 
The remaining nine of us continued to Downe, New Road Hill ( which usually we can't use because of traffic but tonight was quiet except for a few abandoned cars and some more cars waiting at the bottom of the hill until they could take a run at it), The Wilberforce Oak, Keston Ponds and the bridleway to Farnborough Common. From there it was a careful run through Farnborough Village.
 
I think this was the deepest snow that Orpington Road Runners has ever run through.
 
We had a very peaceful and scenic run which totalled 7.25 miles.
 
Chas. Waterman.
 

23rd November

Long Group:

Short and Sharp
 
Due to the 9pm Annual General Meeting this evening's run had to be kept brief.
 
We warmed up along the by-pass and spent the next half an hour in Green Street Green, repeatedly running up and down the hills by the shops, then returning to The Buff for yet another sprint finish.
 
All good exhausting fun
 
 
Bernie Bic.
 

16th November

Long Group:

Behind Bromley

This was a run of two halves for the 'long group'. The first half was straightforward and the second was wiggly.
 
We followed the A21 all the way to the Homesdale Road traffic lights, then we turned right until we reached Page Heath Villas. We then passed Holmes Place health club and entered Whitehall Recreation Ground, where it was dark.
 
We soon left it and ran up to Southborough Road, Highfield Road, The Fairway and Southborough shops. Continuing to Petts Wood we increased our pace up Beaumont Road and Dale Wood Road until we reached Orpington Station. For the rest of the evening we ran 'back to front' (if you find yourself at the back of the group, sprint to the front) along Tubbenden Lane and through the Davis estate for a mass sprint to the finish.
 
This was a pleasurable outing, totalling 10.3 miles.
 
 
Chas. Waterman
 

2nd November

Long Group:

Window Shopping in West Wickham High Street

It's been a while since the 'long group' crossed the Greenwich meridian so tonight we did it again.

Our route took us to Locks Bottom, the 'Keston Mark', Baston Road, the top end of Hayes Station Approach and Bourne Way. We were soon at Coney Hall roundabout where we paused to look at the imaginary line of 0 deg longitude crossing the road.

After that excitement we ran up Glebe Way to see the shops ! Turning right into Ravenswood Avenue and right again to the swimming baths we started our return run. This led us along Hawes Lane, past the old Hawes Down School to Addington Road and Bourne Way.

From there we precisely retraced our earlier steps all the way back to 'The Buff'.

It had been a mild, dry evening and we ran 11.6 miles.  
 
Bobby Biro
 

OCTOBER 2010

26th October

Long Group:

The OXO House

Tonight's 'long group' run was a straightforward affair, starting with 3.8 miles of downhill to Crittall's Corner, via Orpington High Street and Sevenoaks Way. We turned left, paused to look at the oxo-patterned woodwork on the lodge to Scadbury Estate, and went on up to Frognal's Corner.

To get back to 'The Buff' we sped to Chislehurst, up Bull Lane, along to Poverest roundabout and continued to Scads Hill, Mayfield Avenue, Hill View Road and Tower Road to Sevenoaks Road.

All this was carried out at a healthy pace and we covered a distance of 'a few yards short of 10 miles'.  
 
Bernie Bic
 

19th October

Long Group:

Zigzag

The weather was not promising this evening, with heavy showers until 7pm, so this run was kept 'close to home'.

Without going outside the circular route of the ORR 6.25 mile handicap course we zigzagged our way from 'The Buff' to Locks Bottom.

We used Sevenoaks Road, Tubbenden Lane, Newstead Avenue, The Ridge, Lovibonds Avenue and Crofton Road before heading back to 'The Rose and Crown' and 'The Buff'.

No more rain came so we had a dry run and accumulated 9.45 miles.  
 
Chas. Waterman
 

12th October

Long Group:

Trying Again for a Miserable Run

Solely for the reason that it has been suggested that the 'long group' has been enjoying itself too much recently, tonight we tried for a 'miserable' outing.

Unfortunately, within the first 10 yards, someone laughed, and so the attempt had to be abandoned.

We took the indirect route to and from Polhill this evening, via Cloonmore Avenue, Warren Road, The Highway and Court Road to Hewitts roundabout, down the hill and left to Polhill.

Returning along the Orpington-by-pass we went down Wheatsheaf Hill once more, but turned right for Knockholt Station and Pratts Bottom.

Thence we ran up Chelsfield Hill, along and down World's End Lane, then up to Tubbenden Lane before the descent to 'The Buff' and an ebullient sprint finish.

The distance was 9.7 miles and we did enjoy it !  
 
Bobby Biro
 

5th October

Long Group:

A Gated Community
 
Looking for a new destination for a Tuesday evening run the 'long group' started with familiar roads to Poverest, St. Paul's Cray Common and Manor Park Road to Chislehurst Common and Hangman's Corner.
 
From here we entered the gated road named Camden Park Road, with its wooded surroundings and large houses in a wide variety of architectural styles.
 
Leaving through the bottom gate we continued up Yester Road and Logs Hill to St George's Road, Bickley and on to Southborough for Oxhawth Crescent.
 
Soon we were at Crofton and once again on the footpath to Orpington Station, followed by Tubbenden Lane and the Davis Estate to 'The Buff'.
 
This route used a few roads not previously trodden on a Tuesday, and, on this mild evening, we ran 10.8 miles.
 
 
Bernie Bic.
 

SEPTEMBER 2010

28th September

Long Group:

The Planned Un-planned Run

The 'long group' undertook a run at paces varying from warm-up to fast/slow to faster/slower and very slow. We used road humps and lamp posts to divide the speeds.

We followed an impromptu route to Locksbottom and Crofton to Kelvin Parade and The Knoll, keeping as far as possible to side roads until we arrived at Court Road. From there the merry band ran down Charterhouse Road to Sevenoaks Road and 'The Buff'.

However, it did not stop there, we continued further along Pinewood Drive simply to return a few moments later for our final sprint.

Distance covered - 9.4 ORR miles.

Chas. Waterman

21st September

Long Group:

Moonlight Serenade

No apologies for a repeat run. We had a clear sky and an almost full moon so the 'long group' made for the quiet country lanes.

Usually our moonlit runs are accompanied by cold weather but this evening it was mild, if not warm.

Our route took us up Charmwood Lane to Fairtrough, Washneys and Lett's Green. All the way we were struck by the strong contrast of the bright moonlight in the open areas with the darkness of being under leaf-laden trees where no light could penetrate.

From Lett's Green we sped up Shelleys Lane to Knockholt Church and down Blueberry Lane, turning left down Singles Cross Lane and eventually returning to Fairtrough. Here we descended Budgins hill to Hookwood Road and the bottom of Rushmore Hill.

From Pratts Bottom the pace picked up considerably but we regrouped in time for yet another final sprint, which pleasantly completed our 10 mile run.

Bernie Bic

21st September

Medium Group:

I led a group of a dozen runners over to St Mary Cray and Petts Wood. We headed up the long hill – Warren Road and then proceeded to go into the Highway and then through the Ramsden Estate, regrouping for a second at the boating lake before dragging ourselves up Poverest Road and down the other side of the hill to reach our destination at Petts Wood. Our return leg was straightforward via the Queensway, Crofton School and a sprint along the long alleyway to Orpington Station. We then finished by finding a few more hills and alleyways and a sprint back to the buff.

7 ½ miles were covered in 1 hour 5 minutes in good conditions

Kevin Abel

14th September

Long Group:

The Green Street Green, Chelsfield, Orpington, Crofton, Locksbottom, Farnborough, Green Street Green Circular.

The title says it all !

The 'long group' had a shorter run this week, taking us up to Windsor Drive, The Highway and Court Road; down to the War Memorial and on to Locks Bottom (alternative spelling).

We did not run straight back to 'The Buff' but added a loop along Tubbenden Lane and up Ridgeway Crescent. Along the ridge the happy band sped, culminating with a lively sprint down Pinewood Drive.

We covered 8.5 miles this evening. The rain came lightly, then went.

Bobby Biro

7th September

Long Group:

On the Road Again, Again.

It's that time of year once more and the whole of tonight's 'long group' run was on the roads and pavements.

Numbers were down slightly following the great success of many of our runners in Sunday's 'Kent Coastal Marathon', who took a shorter route this evening.

Nevertheless a respectable group, including one of the marathoners, went to Locks Bottom, Hayes Common, Hayes Village, Hayes Lane,Shooting Common, Chatterton Road and Southborough Lane to Petts Wood.

From Petts Wood we returned to that Winter favourite - the long footpath that follows the railway to Orpington Station, which took us eventually to Tubbenden Lane, the Davis Estate and 'The Buff'.

We had a warm,dry, evening and we covered 10.3 miles with energy remaining for a useful sprint.

Congratulations again to Sunday's marathoners.

Peter Platignum

7th September

Medium Group:

I ran in Peter Amos’s group with the promise of hill training whilst only being 1½ miles from the buff. The first hill came pretty quickly and we ran up Vine Road and along the undulating Windsor Drive, next we tackled another hill and went up and over Cloonemore Avenue to Orpington Hospital, going underneath the railway bridge we went up Repton Road – apparently this is only a mile but felt like considerably more. Finally we staggered up Park Avenue and returned via Spur Road and the usual sprint back to the buff. 7 ½ exhausting miles were covered.

Kevin Abel

AUGUST 2010

31st August

Long Group:

Country and Town.

We only had a few minutes of twilight tonight but the 'long group' made it into High Elms and up to Farnborough again this week. From there it was all town - via Tubbenden Lane, Hill View Road and Mayfield Avenue to Scads Hill.

Next we descended Willett Way to Petts Wood and continued down Southborough Lane to 'The Crooked Billet' where we turned left for Bromley Common and a straight run back to 'The Buff'.

We had another good turn out this evening, remaining well-grouped and maintaining a steady pace.

Total distance covered was 10.2 miles

Peter Platignum

24th August

Long Group:

Low Alcohol, High Spirits.

The 'long group' managed half an hour of cross-country this evening before complete darkness fell and we had to get to street lights. It wasn't much compared with the miles we've covered over the summer months, but it was better than nothing and we did reach Orange Court Lane, Farthing Street and Bogey lane.

In Farnborough Village we returned to the roads and carried on via Lovibonds Avenue and Crofton Lane to Scads Hill and Perry Hall Road. From there it was a straightforward run up Orpington High Street and Sevenoaks Road back to 'The Buff'.

We had an extra-large group tonight - almost twenty of us, but we kept together well and maintained an enjoyably decent pace. The distance, on this varied terrain, was 8.5 miles.


Quentin Quill

10th August

Long Group:

Variation on a Theme of Nine Miles.

Very many thanks to Andrew Ingram who led last week's run. Andrew took the group on an eleven mile circular route through the countryside to Knockholt Church and returning in the gathering gloom along the lanes and roads.

This week we took on the fifth in the trilogy of traditional summer runs. This is Nigel Webb's 'Chelsfield Circular' and begins with a run up Warren Road, across the Orpington by-pass to Chelsfield village.

The route then takes us into the lanes and fields, passing the abandoned London Orbital Road embankment near Skeet Hill, and continuing almost into the village of Crockenhill but turning sharp left over market-garden fields to Bleak House Farm. Thence to Chelsfield Lane, Avalon Road, Spur Road and back to 'The Buff'.

We had good weather tonight, but some mud underfoot, and we had a dozen or so runners - a good number for the middle of the holiday season.

Distance covered - a few yards over nine miles.

Thanks again to Andrew for last week.


Phil. Parker

JULY 2010

27th July

Long Group:

Two Holes.

The weather forecast for this evening was 'rain'.

In dry and bright conditions the 'long group' headed for the shelter of the woods in High Elms Country Park. We spent a while in Farnborough fields first, entering High Elms at the bottom of North End Lane.

From then on we simply ran the footpaths and bridleways, visiting the two 'dene holes' on the way. We zigzagged the length of the park using the four or five parallel paths and generally enjoyed all the sharp hills (as usual, it seems more up than down) and varied pace.

Although we hadn't ventured far away we still clocked up just under 8 miles - all in good weather, the evening had remained dry.........

Bernie Bic.

20th July

Long Group:

The 'long group' was led this evening by Tim Aldred who volunteered to take us to Shoreham while we still had some daylight.

We set off on familiar paths to Well Hill then entered 'Woodland Trust' country to Timberden Bottom, followed by the steep uphill to the ridge above Shoreham. The view across the Darent Valley from here is superb, with the village just below us and, away to our left the lavender fields in full flower at Castle Farm.

We descended into Shoreham, followed the river for a while, climbed out of the valley again and headed for Andrews Wood and the Polhill roundabout.

In the gathering gloom the rest of the run was straightforward and took us past Knockholt Station to Pratts Bottom and back to 'The Buff'.

Total distance tonight was just under 12 miles.

We were pleased to have David Hurley join us this evening. Due to logistical reasons (he lives miles away) David can't make it very often these days but we noted that he is still in very good running form! I think he enjoyed the outing, not least because Essex is fairly low level countryside and our route tonight was positively 'Alpine'.

Thanks again to Tim.

Chas. Waterman

6th July

Long Group:

This Year's 'Shamrock Run'.



This evening the 'long group' had a short run.

We ran to Downe, pausing on the way to look at the Tulip tree now in flower in High Elms, and stopped at the churchyard water tap.

From this tap we ran three loops (hence the 'shamrock'), each of about one mile: the first to North End Lane, the second close to Down House and the third around Christmas Tree Farm.

As we neared the end of each loop the pace was increased considerably to finish with a sprint. Time was made to recover and take on water between each lap. We also visited the grave of Charles Darwin's gardener.

Our return to The Buff was through High Elms to the Beechwood Estate and culminated with another sprint to the finishing line (our lamp post). What this run lacked in distance was more than made up for in speed. We covered just over 8 miles.

Nature Note; A male peacock was standing, in a stately manner, in the road in the centre of Downe. He uttered loud approving squawks as we passed.

Chas. Waterman

JUNE 2010

22nd June

Long Group:

Eynsford Viaduct.
 
This was the 'long group's' third in the trilogy of long summer runs. Known as the 'Lullingstone Run' it was initiated by Martyn Longstaff many years ago.
 
This year, with Martyn's blessing, we extended the route to include the footpath level-crossing at Eynsford and the road which runs under the railway viaduct.
 
Thus our way was Chelsfield Church, Maypole, the site of the now-demolished 'Kent Hounds' pub, Lullingstone golf course entrance, Hulberry, Eagle Heights, Eynsford, the Roman Villa, the Visitor Centre, followed by the usual route to Well Hill, Chelsfield and Warren Road to 'The Buff'.
 
It was a very light evening with sunshine all the way until about 9.20pm. and we covered 12.25miles.
 
Many thanks to Andrew Ingram for bringing his camera this evening to provide 'photo opportunities'. Simon Collins also acted as our 'David Bailey' so that we could have Andrew in the scene.  We look forward to seeing the results.
 
Peter Platignum.

15th June

Long Group:

Tonight was the second in the trilogy of 'making-the-most-of-the-longest-summer-evenings' runs and the 'long group' followed the lanes through Charmwood, Fairtrough, and Stubbs Hill to Knockholt Pound.
 A little further on we turned right onto the 'North Downs Way' which took us to Sundridge Hill.
 
Going left to 'Keeper's Cottage' we turned left again into the woodland of the Chevening Estate and descended the scarp slope of the downs, with the wide views opening up as we went.
It was a glorious evening as we paused for a few moments to take in the rural scene, some of the landmarks, and the strong shadows courtesy of the sun, now low in the sky. 
 
As we neared Chevening Parish Church we heard the customary and welcoming sound of 'bell-ringing' practice which then accompanied us as we took water from the churchyard tap.
 
Our destination reached, we headed for home. This time we went up the direct, steep path back to Knockholt Pound from where we retraced our earlier steps to 'The Buff', arriving with still some daylight. Total distance covered - 12.2 miles.
 
Human Nature note: On our descent through the Chevening woods we encountered myriad Orpington Road Runners running up the hill. Many were wearing our 'glow worm' t-shirts and they all created an impressive sight.
 
Chas. Waterman
 

June 8th

Spending Time in 'Nash'.
 
This evening's 'long group' run was the first of the summer long runs and we embarked on the Peter Clinch (our much-missed member who emigrated to the sunny South Coast a couple of years ago) route to the hamlet between Coney Hall and Keston known as 'Nash'.
 
This year we approached the area by way of Farnborough Common and the bridleway to Keston Ponds. West Wickham Common was fun - we ran down and up the steep hill into the valley before reaching Nash.
We tackled every footpath we could find without entering Well Wood. We ran circuitously until it was time to head back via the infamous 'Chicken Run' and the same route as our outward run.
 
Plenty of energy was still available to speed down Farnborough Hill and to sprint the last 100 yards to 'The Buff'.
 
We had no rain, despite the forecast, and we clocked-up 10.6 miles.
 
 
Peter Platignum

June 1st

Very Uncomfortable.
 
This evening's 'long group' run proved to be outstanding.....
 
We set out to Downe, Single Street, the scout camp and Jail Lane, which we followed westerly for a short while before taking the footpath towards the West Kent Golf Club.
 
We turned left in the woods before reaching the golf course and ran the path adjacent to Biggin Hill airfield. About halfway along the path becomes narrower, which is not normally a problem.
Tonight, however, with the misty rain of the daytime continuing we soon found wet foliage weighed down across the path, wet trees hanging low, and tall healthy nettles eager to sting us.
Therefore we ran almost one mile crouching down to avoid the trees only to find our heads in amongst the wet cow parsley, whilst being stung all up the fronts of our legs.
It was not comfortable, but we were all undaunted as we cheerfully pressed on to clearer land near the end of the runway. 
 
That over we went on to Blackness Lane and Keston Church and returned to The Buff along the path by Shire Lane and up to Farnborough Village.
 
Thus we completed 10.8 miles in good spirits on a memorable evening.
 
Nature note: one roe deer, a few bats and a couple of llamas.
 
Bobby Biro

MAY 2010

25th May

Long Group:

Sparrow Wood and The Moresore Concerto.
 
 Tonight's 'long group' route was prompted by Simon Collins who requested an exploration of Sparrow Wood (between Crofton and Petts Wood).
 
 So explore we did, and we managed to come out the other side of this attractive, multi-footpathed maze of old woodland and streams.
 
Once out we ran on to Trinity Church, Bromley Common, up Oakley Road and turned right along the track to the cricket club. After a while we were in fields, and entered the woods which border Barnet Wood Road, which we crossed and carried on through a chestnut coppice until we reached Croydon Road.
 
Again we went straight over and into more woodland before we arrived at Keston Ponds. Next on the itinerary was the 'Wilberforce Oak' (which, due to to the small diversion we took, we had to look uphill to see), Holwood Farm, Downe Village and High Elms Road.
 
We headed into High Elms and ran the wide tracks to Old Hill, from where we descended through the Beechwood Estate to 'The Buff'
 
We had a dry evening and very comfortable temperatures for our 10.7 mile run.
 
Nature Notes:
A pair of mandarin ducks on a Keston Pond, and one roe deer near Holwood Farm.
 
 
Bernie Bic.
 

18th May

Long Group:

Familiar and Unfamiliar.
 
The 'long group' looked for another place that was new to the Tuesday run, and set off on a well-used route up Charmwood Lane to Fairtrough Farm. We were soon in the quiet woods and fields beyond Washneys which feel so remote from civilisation.
 
Our paths led to Knockholt Pound and we headed for Star Hill Road although we turned off at the sharp bend and entered new territory and a track which runs alongside the formidable security fencing on the north side of Fort Halstead. We followed this fence for some distance until we arrived at the housing area attached to the Fort.
 
We ran down the main drive and turned left into Halstead Village. We stayed on the lane for a while then crossed the fields to Pratts Bottom and Charmwood Farm ready for the run in to 'The Buff'.
 
We were grateful for another mild and light evening on which to enjoy this 11.16 mile outing.
 
Bobby Biro
 

11th May

Long Group:

More and More Deer.
 
 Tonight's 'long group' outing was a typical early Summer run, even though the low temperature caused by a persistent north wind made it feel like March.
 
We followed High Elms Road all the way to Downe, then Single Street and Cudham Valley and church. We crossed the recreation ground to Cackett's Lane, Newyears Wood and Washneys Road.
 
Still with plenty of light we continued to Fairtrough Farm and Norsted Lane to Pratts Bottom.
 
On reaching the 'The Buff' we had covered a total of 9.4 hilly miles, through fields and bluebell woods, along footpaths and quiet country lanes.
 
Nature notes;
 
We spotted one country fox, one high-speed badger and, near Single Street, 9 (nine) roe deer.  These deer were unusually slow in bounding away from us and we soon understood why. One of them was limping with a stiff hind leg, and the other eight deer were waiting for her.
 
We agreed that none of us had ever seen on a Tuesday evening as many as nine deer in one group. Each of us, therefore claimed, at Richard Smith's suggestion, a 'personal best'!
 
Chas. Waterman

4th May

Long Group:

A Bit More Daylight.
 
We ventured into 'Nash' territory this evening without entering the true 'Nash Run' (which will come in a few weeks) area.
 
The Beechwood estate, with its lovely steep hill was first on our route and we continued on footpaths via Farnborough Church, Farnborough fields and down to Sevenoaks Lodge where we again followed Shire Lane to Holwood Farm and Keston Church.
 
Then came Blackness Lane, the hamlet of Nash, and Rouse Farm. We descended to Gates Green Road only to ascend steeply Hartfield Road to West Wickham Common. It was a chilly night but we kept warm with good progress.
 
We soon found ourselves at the Keston Fox, from where (due to failing light) we had to follow the roads to Keston Mark and Locks Bottom.
 
Our run was not yet over though and we included a loop around Tubbenden Lane and the Davis estate, culminating in one of our frequent 200 yard sprints.
 
Total distance covered tonight was 10 miles.
 
Peter Platignum

APRIL 2010

27th April

Long Group:

Daylight, Moonlight, and Ghostly Apparitions.
 
 We had it all tonight.  A bright day gave us a bright evening which we used to get us, the 'long group', out into the country around Mace Farm.
 
Magically, as darkness fell, an almost-full moon rose and we were able to complete our run on footpaths and lanes. We visited Lett's Green, Shelleys Lane, Knockholt Church and Blueberry Lane, Stubbs Hill and Pratts Bottom. 
 
We covered 10 miles, all in dry comfortable weather.
 
Congratulations to all our runners who completed the London Marathon on Sunday. Some of them even came with us tonight, turning back wisely for a 4 mile run !
 
Nature Note:
 
       By Mace Farm a Tawny Owl flew, at head height, across our path.
More mysteriously, in the dappled moonlight as we descended the woody Budgins Hill (near Rushmore Hill), two white deer-sized creatures crossed the road from left to right about 15 yards ahead of us, jumped up a bank and scampered through the undergrowth. Although it was dark in there a few of us saw them. They were not clear to see but there were two of them and they were very light in colour.....
 
Peter Platignum

20th April

  Quiet Tuesday.
 
 Many thanks from the 'long group' to Paul O'Grady for leading last week's run, an 8.5 mile trip around Darrick Wood and Orpington.
 
This, pre-London Marathon, week we took it easy. Enough daylight was available to get us into High Elms for a while before emerging into Farnborough High Street. We continued via Starts Hill Road and Lovibonds Avenue to Crofton Road, Newstead Avenue, Tubbenden Lane and the Farnborough-by-pass.
 
Distance was only 6.8 miles but as far as I know no-one was injured, and we had a good finishing sprint.
 
Nature Note:
 In High Elms a badger scuttled across the path in front of us and disappeared down a nearby hole.
 
     Thanks again to Paul.
 
Peter Platignum

MARCH 2010

30th March

Long Group:

Roundabout.
 
 To accommodate the needs of our London Marathoners the long group aimed for nine miles this evening.
 
Our route was as follows:- Glentrammon Road, Windsor Drive, The Highway, Court Road, Avalon Road, Chelsfield Lane, Reynolds Cross (St. Mary Cray), Lower Road, Perry Hall Road, Scads Hill, footpath to St. John's Road, footbridge to Town Court Lane, Crofton Lane, Lynwood Grove, Hill View Road, Tower Road, Sevenoaks Road, The Buff.
 
Thus we had a steady non-stop run around and about Orpington totalling 8.84 miles. Weather - cool for the time of year, Spring has retreated to make way for some more Winter.
 
Peter Platignum.

23rd March

Long Group:

Tedium
 
  As announced before the 'long run' tonight we have been having far too much enjoyment. Therefore, this evening we set off with the firm intention of having a tedious run.
 
Our resolve didn't last long - we soon found ourselves speeding three times around Kelvin Parade green and a few moments later we were at Crofton Pound green doing the same again. Then we went to Crofton Heath and ran three times around the Landsdowne/Drayton Avenues circle.
 
By now we were certainly having a great, exhausting, run so to continue we took an indirect route back to 'The Buff' with numerous short (and some long) sprints right to the finish.
 
As usual with this kind of run, the miles quickly accumulate and we covered 8.6.
 
We failed in our intention, but..............we did enjoy it.
 
Chas. Waterman
 

16th March

Long Group:

An Unpredictable Run.
 
On a 'Mystery Run' there is usually someone who knows the intended route.
 
Tonight's run, similar to one we did in the country last Summer', was a total mystery. With multiple leaders, taking about ten minutes each, choosing their own route from where they took over we stood no chance of predicting our itinerary.
 
In the event, with everyone taking turn, we went around the back of Orpington to Petts Wood and up to Chislehurst Common, returning via Blackbrook Lane, Oxhawth Crescent and Crofton.
 
As well as having great fun, we managed to clock up 11.8 miles.
 
Bobby Biro

9th March

Final Race of this year's Handicap Series

2nd March

Long Group:

Hayes 'n' Petts Wood.
 
 Another chilly evening for us but the 'long group' soon warmed up with a run to Locks Bottom, Oakley Road, Barnet Wood Road and Baston Road to Hayes Village.
 
 From there we ventured down to Bourne Vale, emerging eventually back in Hayes Lane which we followed to Holmesdale Road.
 
 We again took to the side roads and, via Raglan Road and Chatterton Road, we reached Southborough Lane, up which we ran as far as Oxhawth Crescent. We continued to Shepperton Road, the long footpath to Orpington Railway Station and Tubbenden Lane.
 
After 10.5 miles we arrived back at 'The Buff'. This was a very pleasant, steady pace with well-matched runners and no re-grouping.
 
Congratulations to all the ORR team which, in cold and very wet conditions, came a creditable 5th in last Sunday's Tunbridge Wells half-marathon. 
 
 Chas. Waterman

FEBRUARY 2010

23rd February

Long Group:

Thank you very much to Paul O'Grady fo leading last week's run.
 He took the 'long group' on a circular tour of Orpington invloving Chelsfield and Locks Bottom which notched up just under 9 miles.
 
This week we reverted to the normal winter habit of running speed sessions the second week after the 10k handicap.
 
Last month we succumbed to the pull of a moonlight evening and went out into the country.
 
Tonight we found ourselves on local roads sprinting and recovering in turn. We were never more than a mile from 'The Buff' but we still covered 6.7 (at times breathless) miles. All good fun. 
 
Thanks again to Paul.
 
Bernie Bic.
 

9th February

Handicap 10k

2nd February

Long Group:

Nooks and Crannies.
 
The 'long group' went to Bromley this evening. We took an indirect route both there and back.
 
On the way there we toured Crofton, Petts Wood, Blackbrook Lane, Bickley and Widmore. Once in Bromley we found some 'back alleys' and railway footbridges which eventually led us to Hayes Road.
 
The way home was via Hayes Lane, Hayes Village, Barnet Wood Road (very dark and quiet), Beverley Road and Farnborough Common.
 
It was a slightly milder evening and we maintained a healthy pace throughout, clocking up a total of 11.6 lively miles.
 
Bobby Biro

JANUARY 2010

26th January

Long Group:

Moonshine, Moonshadow
 
The 'long group' could not resist the lure of the countryside by moonlight so off we went to Knockholt and the top of the North Downs.
 
Charmwood Lane, Stubbs Hill, Blueberry Lane, Main Road and Brasted Lane took us there. Stoneings Lane, Burlings Lane, New Years Lane Washneys and Charmwood Lane carried us back.
 
On the narrow lanes we did not meet a single item of traffic, which made life pleasantly quiet.
 
This was a very enjoyable run, it wasn't dark anywhere, even when we ran under trees the moonlight filtered through.
 
Total distance tonight- 10.65 miles
 
Chas. Waterman

19th January

Long Group:

After the pleasures of the recent snow the 'long group' got back to normal running tonight.
 
Our route took us all the way down Orpington High Street to Cray Avenue and up Leesons Hill.
 
On St Paul's Cray Common we turned right for Chislehurst Common, passed 'The Tiger's Head' and continued down Old Hill to Chislehurst Road to Pines Road and Bickley Station.
 
Our return to 'The Buff' was via Southborough Lane, Oxhawth Crescent, Shepperton Road and the long footpath to Orpington Station.
 
Total distance this evening was 11.23 miles, in a slightly milder temperature than the previous few weeks.
 
Peter Platignum

12th January

Long Group::

Yet another snow-affected evening !
 
With plenty of snow and ice about the monthly 10k handicap had already been postponed.
 
Still, a large number turned out for a run and two groups went out into the country again.
 
The 'long group' went up Cudham Lane for a few hundred yards then entered the fields, running the edge of High Elms woods in the valley as far as the pylons.
 
After that we climbed the hill and kept to wide woodland paths through Blacklands Wood (where we had the rather spooky experience of meeting John Mackay's group coming the other way) 'til we reached Bogey Lane which we followed as far as the 'big field'.
 
 Soon we crossed Shire Lane and wound along the paths to Farnborough Church, thence down Farnborough Hill to 'The Buff'.
 
This run was only just over 5.5 miles long but should be measured in enjoyment and effort.
Once again there was plenty of reflected light to help us find our way, and underfoot conditions were good with snow deep enough in most places to give grip.
 
Peter Platignum

 

5th January

Long Group:

Despite the forecast of an imminent snowfall this evening we had a good turnout.
 
The 'Long Group' sped off down Orpington High Street to Carlton Parade and Cray Avenue. We turned left up to Poverest roundabout and carried straight on to Petts Wood.
 
We continued to Southborough Lane and the Coppice Estate which led to the footpath to Bromley Common.
Our return was via Farnborough Village,and reached 'The Buff' after 8.4 miles.
 
It was pretty chilly tonight but we kept warm. Overnight we received a few inches on snow.
 
 
Bobby Biro