The Autumn Walks & Socials Programme is now available, hot off the press! Thank you to everyone who has contributed to the programme, either by putting on a walk or social event, by compiling (Chris and Fi Turner) or proofreading (Anna Elliot and Paul Russell). You've all done a great job and I’m sure your efforts are appreciated by all those who will enjoy your events in the next few months.
If you’d like to lead a walk but don’t think you have the skills then come along to “Putting together the pieces”, our new walk leader training event led by Glyn Jarvis. Whether you've never led a walk, or haven't led a walk for a while and would like a refresher, come along and join in the fun. Once you try you'll see it's not as difficult as it looks!
The group’s AGM will be held on the Saturday 4th October at the Garland pub in Redhill and the new SURG Committee for the year ahead will elected. We are still looking for nominations for the posts of Membership Secretaryand Group Secretary. Both these roles require some administration and IT skills but there will be lots of help at hand to show you the ropes.
Please consider being on the committee. It’s not just meetings, it's fun too and a good way to get to know other SURG members. If you think you may be interested, speak to anyone on the committee or email the Chair by the 26th September.
Bookings are open for Hike Fest weekend (19th-21st September). It will be a wonderful weekend away in the Lake District and you can meet other members from 20s & 30s groups. Places allocated to each group 20s & 30s group are limited, so don’t delay – book your place now! Full details are in the members’ social programme.
And don’t forget that bookings for our Christmas Party Weekend to the New Forest open on 1st September. This year’s party takes place on 5th-7th December, and we’re returning to Burley Youth Hostel, the scene of the first ever SURG Christmas Party, for another weekend of walking and festivities. Full details are in the members’ programme
By Carolyn Mason and Orson Rhodes
Heavy rain during the night was slightly worrying, but Orson had had a word with the Weather Gods and the sun came out as we all met in Winchcombe, having stocked up on sandwiches and cakes from the local bakers and fruit from the grocers.
We headed up the nearest hill (what would you expect from an Orson walk?!) for some stunning views, watched curiously by a deer sitting in the corn field. We walked across possibly the hilliest golf course in the country to reach the top of Cleeve Hill, with stunning views across the Severn Valley to the Malvern Hills and on to the Black mountains.
It was a little breezy for a long stop at the top, so after snacking on homemade pork pies we headed on to Belas Knap, a Neolithic burial mound, for a late lunch. After dragging ourselves to our feet again in the warm sunshine, we carried on along the valley where we discovered Roman treasure. Hidden deep in the undergrowth was an original Roman mosaic, covered only by a plastic sheet. Having taken photos and marvelled that it hadn’t been moved or stolen, we continued down the valley passing Sudely Castle on the way. In true SURG style we found a pub serving tasty local beer in Winchcombe, before heading back to Stow for a night in the Bell Inn with huge amounts of food.
Rain greeted us again on Sunday morning, but once more the Weather God powers worked their miracles and the rain stopped before the start of the walk. The team met up in the tiny little Cotswold village of Guiting Power. We set off across the cornfields, following the valley down, with some lovely views of the villages and surrounding countryside. We arrived at the beautiful little village of Naunton and had a look around the village’s 17th-century dovecote, although we didn’t linger as it was a bit smelly and the risk of having a dove poo on your head was fairly high!
We then continued on to Bourton on the Water, and as we followed the river in to the village the ducks followed us looking for food. Someone should have told them there was no chance of Orson giving a sandwich away!
After lunch on the grass by the stream and a swift pint in the local (well, it was a SURG walk), we headed off to the lovely villages of Upper and Lower Slaughter and its mill (and ice cream) before making our way back to the start. As we reached the cars at the end of the walk, the rain gently started again.
Despite the rather dismal weather, everyone appeared to have a good time at the 10th Anniversary BBQ held in Ripley. And in true SURG spirit, over a dozen brave members were undeterred by the rain and set up their tents to camp overnight.
Sadly the outdoor events were rained off, but while we enjoyed our food some impromptu musical entertainment was provided by Tim Munt (on guitar) and Greg Hemmi (on penny whistle). The annual Cake Competition was judged by three WI ladies (our SURG members have many talents!). All the cakes were delicious, but the winner was Paul Reynolds for a delicious lemon cake.
Hot on the heels of the cake competition it was time for more awards, this time given by the Committee Awards in recognition of contributions to the group:
After the awards the SURG sound system started up and the party continued until around 3.30am! Happily the sun shone on us the following morning, forcing the overnight campers to emerge early from their baking hot tents. Leo cranked up the BBQ again and cooked hot dogs for breakfast, which went down a treat.
Our thanks go to the organisers, Neil Bird and Sarah Giddings, and to our talented cake-bakers, as well as all those who helped to make salads, decorate the hall, set up the music system, cook the food, and clear up afterwards. We look forward to better weather for next year’s BBQ!
By Paul Russell
The Murrell Arms, Barnham, West Sussex.
We're in West Sussex again this month with a true classic! Though not featured in the current Good Beer Guide the beers on offer are always in good condition, being from Fullers and Gales. The best thing about the pub though is its interior décor – it truly is like walking in to a museum with all sorts of old memorabilia on the walls and ceilings. The pub also retains its original layout with three separate drinking areas, a rare thing in today’s corporate identity trend. Food is served at lunch time only, though there is a very good fish and chip shop nearby! The pub is a couple of minutes walk from Barnham station on the edge of some rural countryside. There’s easy walking nearby in this fairly level area of Sussex, and it's not too far from the coast.
The Garland, Redhill, Surrey
Back in Surrey, I have to mention the Garland, venue for this year's AGM. I'm pleased to report that the new tenants, Lesley and Stewart, are carrying on Bill and Shirley’s legacy of providing quality Harvey's ales. There are usually at least five on and they’re now accompanied by three ciders from Addlestones and Thatchers. Still no food in the evenings, just a civilised drinking atmosphere. Why not come along to our AGM on Saturday 4th October to check it out?
