John Hammond

I am writing to let you all know that John Hammond passed away few days ago. He was 95years on the 25th of Octber 2011.
According to the care workers of Rosclare home in Ewell Road, Tolworth he was admitted to Kingston Hospital on the 18th and died on the 20th of Dec. He died of Chest infection. Pat and Bill Mathews were his regular visitors and I saw him on the 17th before Xmas. He was quite well and in control of his senses. He could read books and write letters which he used to write to his twin brother.

His funeral is on the 12th of January at 12.30 at Randalls park Crematorium, Leatherhead. His next of kin number is 02086423734, if anybody wants to enquire.

A Group 28th Dec

We left Walton-on-Thames day centre (some 15 of us).. for Woking with the intention of doing this part of the ride mainly off road.This was along side the Thames as far as the outskirts of Weybridge and then on to the Wey Navigation Canal and stopping at New Haw where the above photo was taken.Here we discovered that we had lost four riders.We continued on to the junction with the Basinstoke Canal which took us to the outskirts of Woking then a short way by road to Weatherspoons for Lunch.Here the four missing riders were already seated they having found the roads more to their taste.

After a quickly served lunch we got away early 1.15 and set off again via Old Woking,Send,Send Marsh,by passing Ripley by back lanes to Downside Medicine Garden the intended tea stop.This unfortunately was closed so after some discussion it was agreed that Squires at Stoke D'Abernon would be our best bet.

Tea was taken their and with the late sun shining we departed for our separate ways.My total mileage was a mere 35.

Ray

B Group - 28th December 2011

Walton to Thorpe village and back to the Walton Centre for tea
(about 18 miles)

It was a very short ride for the B group to-day...resulting in a short ride report!

I was surprised to count more than 20 riders before starting off on our epic ride!! Irene very kindly offered to lead the second group of a convenient split and it was very successful....many thanks Irene. Also my thanks to Terry for being our back marker to-day!

We left Walton on the tow-path heading for Weybridge and we followed the usual route through to Addlestone, along Green Lane, just touching the A320 before turning right into Holloway Hill. My plan was to take the next right turn but we were a little ahead of ourselves time wise so I continued along Holloway Hill keeping right at the fork and then turning into Lyne Lane, right into Almers Road, taking a left at the T and next right over the railway and M3. We took a right at the next T and on into Thorpe village where we had lunch at The Red Lion. A very nice pub, good food served by very pleasant bar persons!!

We were on our way back to Walton by 2pm via Chertsey park, Chertsey Bridge, Dockett Eddy Lane and Shepprton Church Road. The plan was to have tea at the Riverside Arts Centre but we found it closed (between Xmas and New Year) so....some one had the brilliant idea...have tea at the day centre! We were so lucky for one of the staff (I feel ashamed to say that I have forgotten her name), very kindly made pots of tea for at least a dozen of us. Bargain of the day at 50p a cup!!

So ended another super day....thanks to all for being one of to-days party!

Pam :-) :-)

A Ride - Ace of Spades Lunch

The "A" group enjoying a splendid Wetherspoons lunch served so efficiently and prompt we were away by 1:45pm on our way to Nonsuch. Thanks to Graham for his exquisite and intricate route finding!

Easy Riders - December 14th 2011

Roger was due to lead our ride today but unfortunately he was not well and Lynda stepped in at the last minute to take the lead. After some discussion with Mark it was decided that we would head for lunch at Woodies ending with tea at the Mannsion House in Nonsuch Park, Cheam. Lynda, Mark, Malcolm, Sandy, Beryl, John C, Neville, the two Alans, Norman, Tom and David set off on the journey.

Our first stop was at the Kingston Sikh Temple in Lower Marsh Lane, Berrylands which Mark had arranged. On entering the building we had to remove our shoes and cover our heads using the scarves supplied by the temple leader before we could enter the Temple itself. The Sikh religion believes in the union of the soul with the one God and that all people are equal. We were shown the "Sri Guru Granth Sahib" a Holy Book which is revered by Sikhs as their supreme guide and were offered tea and food whilst all sitting at the same level on the carpeted floor of the temple. Most of us declined the tea but accepted the food which was sweet cooked semolina a by product from the manufacture of flour.

After this visit we left to continue our journey to Woodies, unfortunately on the way Neville had a run in with a bollard by Berryland station, he was badly bruised and shaken but not far from home. We had a good lunch at Woodies meeting Charles B before the group moved on to Cheam for tea in Nonsuch Park, whilst I headed for home in Hampton. An interesting day but quite a short ride.

David Salmon

"A" Group Xmas Lunch 14 Dec

As Mark has said Paul led us all a song and dance and roundabout route to lunch and for me a hell of a climb over Box Hill above on my "Fixie" it's taking some getting used to!

Thanks to Pam for organising our lunch. There is an old saying there's no such thing as a free lunch but in my case I did get a free soup! If anyone missed out I.O.U. £2! Don't all shout at once!

B group 7 December

'Is it a bird, is it a plane ....what is it ?' One of our experienced veteran riders said 'I wouldn't ride THAT' - but eleven year old schoolgirls do !

Thoughtfully, and to avoid delay on the run, Liz had her puncture en route to Cobham where on a cool, sunny morning (contrasting with last December's snow and ice !)

I led a large group via Downside and Bookham Common to Bookham. After a short stretch of Lower Road we turned south, past the entry to Polesden Lacey, down Bagdon Hill to the A24. A wiggle through the tunnel, along the cycle track to Pixham Lane then across the golf course led to lunch at The Royal Oak, Brockham. The pub was nicely decorated and we had a couple of tables reserved, far outnumbering the other four customers. The food was delicious but the service was rather slow - but - there were twenty of us !

After lunch most followed me, despite the warning of an off-road, downhill stretch with loose gravel. Soon word came through that Robert was a puncturee but backmarker Pam (thanks) and Tim stopped to assist. The off-road ended at Four Wents Pond crossroads where we turned right and followed the usual route to Dorking and Leatherhead (Annie's). Only three of us stopped for refreshments but soon Pam, Tim and Robert joined us.

Terry

Easy Riders - November 30th 2011

Photo of Norman because it was his 80th birthday last Sunday. Congratulations, Norm.

A good gathering at Weybridge meant we set off with more than a dozen in tow. Turned right out of the day centre, back up Baker Street a little way and down the narrow buttress-walled Springfield Lane to the Green. Straight over and down to the river, over Walton Bridge, up Walton Lane, Manygates to the end, turn right and continue to end. Cross A244 and travelling north a little to join the School Walk footpath which took us in a easterly direction avoiding the snarlup on the Shepperton Road. We paused in the cemetary to search for the grave of John Gregson, star of such films as Genevieve (1953) The Titchfield Thunderbolt (1953) The Lavender Mob (1951) Whisky Galore (1949).

Continuing in a direct easterly direction we followed a cycle path through Oakington Drive along car free open land which was once designated for a main road but thankfully never built upon. Eventually forced to turn south we joined the Lower Sunbury Road for a little way before turning north on a path next to the reservoir straight across the A308 into Kent Passage, turning right to soon join Station Road and down to the Jolly Coopers in Hampton. Very welcoming, nice garden at rear and good quick service. Mick and Nev made tracks for home and about a dozen sat down to eat. Into Bushy Park by Dukes Passage, a pause at the Water Garden for a photo, thanks to David Salmon for some local detail on the illicit goings on in Bushy House in the 1500s. Out of the Lion Gate, along the river to Valeries for tea.

Spotted 3 rainbows during the afternoon and one limping stag.

Thanks for the merry company.

Steph

(Mileage, because someone asked: 8 before lunch and 8 after.)

A Group Pics

'A' Group some more pictures: at the National Trust for lunch and the Canal on the way back.

'B' Group.....Wednesday 30th November 2011

To-days ride was led by Irene.
On yet another fine November morning, nineteen cyclists left Weybridge on their way to Addlestone. Into Green Lane, left and right, next right into Hardwick Lane making our way to Stroude Road where we passed Great Fosters Hotel, originally a 16th century mansion that was once actually in Windsor Great Park! Into Egham, up the hill, right into Middle Hill arriving at Englefield Green, apparently heading for Windsor Park but we turned into Wick Lane where thirteen of us had lunch at The Sun public house, six chose to go to Saville Gardens for refreshment! The Sun is a very nice pub but it took over an hour before all the group received their food!! Hence, the folks who went into Saville Gardens finished their lunch long before The Sun group - so - led by Gill, they went on their way to 3s's! (Or home)!
It must have been 2.30 when we cycled away from the pub! Irene was hoping to have tea in Walton but as it was so late, she settled for tea at The Bakers in Shepperton.
We had that wonderful free wheel ride down Tite Hill into Egham, through Thorpe, around Penton Park and over Chertsey Bridge to Shepperton. Only four folks stopped for tea. After sharing Bernard's rather large piece of bread pudding, Pam and Irene returned to Staines and Robin and Bernard cycled to Feltham station.

PS....I was in such a hurry when I wrote this report that I forgot to thank Irene for leading us to-day on a very interesting and pleasant ride - Thank you Irene :)

B Ride 5th October 2011

Cobham – Abinger Common – Leatherhead

The ride was programmed to be 25 miles – 11 before lunch (with stops at the top of each hill) and 14 afterwards with lunch at The Abinger Hatch and so it was. Chinese whispers however were the downfall of one starter who returned to the RBL for a lost possession (not communicated to the leader!) and who then went towards Abinger Hammer. A gentle ride through Downside and across Bookham Common took us to Effingham and on to Hogden Lane for the first hill. Here Cliff found the going tough and Terry did an excellent job of sheparding. We proceeded on via Ranmore Common Road, over White Down and up on to Abinger Common for lunch. Terry arrived shortly afterwards and said that Cliff had decided to go home via Dorking and let the train take the strain (I spoke to Cliff later in the day at home - he had got back and was feeling OK). After lunch we continued south round the bottom of Leith Hill to Coldharbour. It was on this section one of our number complained his gears weren’t working properly. The piece of string which came out was about 2 foot long – no wonder his gears were temperamental! After Coldharbour it was down to Dorking, past Denbies to Annie’s in Leatherhead for tea. 23 started, there were 22 for lunch and 15 took tea. Like the numbers the weather declined during the day and by the end there was a distinct autumn chill in the air.

Peter T

'All the way to Alfriston, from Chichester to Alfriston ...'

The Chichester bit isn't right, nor, for that matter is the Alfriston part. But Ms Farjeon wouldn't have got on half as well with 'East Meon to Polegate', so I've gilded the lily a bit. Anyway, you get the drift - I've taken advantage of the dry conditions to ride the South Downs Way, and a jolly good ride it has been.

I set off from East Meon because it's easily accessible by train from Sutton - change at Guildford and ride from Petersfield. It's also a good place to start because it's here that the path rises up to the top of the Downs, and the real journey begins. Conditions were good, and the surface was mostly dry, but it was surprising that there were still some puddles in the sticky chalk marl in places. This is no route for a wet day.

Monday was an absolute stunner - the last day of our 'Barbecue Autumn' - with great views and warm sunshine all the way. I took lunch at the 'Ship' in South Harting, where they promised locally sourced food and a warm welcome, delivering handsomely on both. Tea was at the Boathouse, Amberley - a table by the river for home made apple pie in the sunshine. The overnight stop was in Arundel, with an easy choice of hotel - the Norfolk Arms, which is the only hotel recommended by my 1899 CTC Handbook. I did ask about the service offered in 1899 to wash and store your bicycle for 6d (2.5p, for youngsters), but apparently it's no longer available - but I could put my bike in the boilerhouse for nothing. So that was OK. Maggie came down for supper, and we ate well - me dressed in the clean clothes she had brought.

An early start this morning, as Maggie had to get back to work and I was happy to be on my way. Very prettily up on to the Downs, with the pace increasing as lunchtime neared (no elevenses). I'd had to descend to South Harting on Monday, and today was no different - I went down to the Bull in Ditchling where I ate well. It also meant going back up Ditchling Beacon, but there you are. If I have one criticism of the South Downs Way it is that there is nothing to eat at the top of the hill - take it with you, or ride down.

Today's route consisted of climbing a set of downs, rattling along the top, a whizz downhill and then repeat. Good fun, and not bad views sometimes, but generally hazy weather cheered up by occasional bursts of sunshine. A sunny run over Firle at the end of the afternoon, but shadowy as I descended to Alfriston. I rode across the river and started towards the Wilmington Long Man, but it was evident even to me that it was beginning to get dark - a quarter to six. This off road stuff is interesting enough, but it's not quick. Tarmac was the solution, and I put the hammer down for Polegate and a train home. I caught the 1804 and Maggie picked me up at East Croydon just after seven.

Not a bad little adventure. 96.7 miles, 11,901 feet of climbing and a very slow average speed. My Genesis Croix de Fer did well - it was in its element, really - no punctures, no problems.

Mark

Dennis Broughton update

I thought you might like to know how Dennis is progressing in kingston hospital, I visited him today and he told me that his hip operation had been sucessful and he is likely to be sent home in a few days time.How he did is that he cycled up to the top of a ramp in front of his sons house as he tried to dismount his foot got caught in the frame of his panier and he fell on one side and could not get up till someone came to his rescue and called the ambulance by 11 pm they found his hip broken and did the op next day. He hope to be back in saddle within six weeks.

Report sent by Mark Roy

Cricket Whites

Shepperton Greeno Day Centre - No Cycling Footpath

Spelthorne Council - No Cycling on Footpath beside Shepperton Greeno Day Centre

Dear All,

I have been contacted by Spelthorne Council, to say that they have received many complaints from local residents about cyclists using the footpath from Manygate Lane, beside the allotments and playing fields, to get to the the Greeno Day Centre. That must be the Wayfarers - including me!

I have said that I would bring the Council's concern and that of the residents, to the attention of our members. May I therefore ask that, if using the footpath to visit the Greeno, you dismount and walk along that section of footpath. The alternative is of course to access the Centre via Glebeland Gardens. I am sure that we will all wish to retain the goodwill of the Council in our continuing use of their Day Centres, as well as set a good CTC example by respecting the relevant cycling by-laws.

I have put a couple of snips above to highlight the footpath in question.

I will ask Colin Quemby to include this request in the next issue of the Sou'Wester, but would be grateful if you would please bring this matter to the attention to all members that you know , who do not have a computer or access to the internet.

Many thanks,

Jeff

B Group Aug 24th

B Group's ride for 24th August was a river ride with a couple of inland loops thrown in for good measure! There were 24 of us setting off from the Greeno heading for The Town Wharf pub at Old Isleworth. After the rain of the day before, we took the inland route to Molesey before joining the towpath at Hampton Court. From there on it was towpath to Kingston, over the bridge and along the other side as far as Teddington Lock. It was good to see youngsters out on the water at Molesey Boat Club and at Kingston. At the Lock, we turned inland towards Ham then followed a series of paths round the back of Ham House to the Garden Centre at Petersham and finally on the 'dry' flood route path across a meadow to join the towpath once more at Richmond - a new route for most with some challenging narrow paths! Crossing the river at Richmond Bridge, the final lap to the Town Wharf was familiar territory. With a large group and a stand-in cook, lunch stretched to a couple of hours and I thank everyone for their patience. However, it was pleasant enough sitting outside next to the river (albeit at low tide!), watching the resident heron, chatting and being entertained by the constant flow of aeroplanes coming into Heathrow low over our heads - the flight path changed just as we left! After lunch a slightly shorter route than planned was put into action. We went through Syon Park and on to Kew Bridge where Liz, took over as leader. Crossing Kew Bridge, we turned sharply left and left again, to join the towpath which we followed under Chiswick Bridge to the brewery, then turned inland to the East Sheen Gate into Richmond Park. Back on my original route, we crossed the park to Ham Gate, turned left immediately to cut across to Tudor Drive, down to the lights, straight across and left on to paths leading us straight to the YMCA Cafe, back on the river. There were 12 of us by now, others having dropped off on the way After tea most continued to Kingston Bridge before separating to head home. Thanks to co-leader, Liz, and to Irene for being back-marker. Gill Finlay

A + B Groups, 10 August

The Ace Café - Wembley - Little Venice - Richmond Park

Leader Frank

A & B Group Aug 10th

I doubt if you wish to follow today’s route on a Greater London street atlas, but if you do, be my guest and good luck.



Starting from North Cheam at 09-05, down Cheam Common Rd, Central Rd, Malden Rd ® into Motspur Park, (L) Claremont Ave, S/O West Barns Lane, (L) along.

Coombe Lane cycle path, over A3 along service road (L&R) into Robin Hood Lane to A308 ® then into Robin Hood Gate, through the centre passing near Pen Ponds and White Lodge home of the Royal Ballet School, continuing, we exited via Sheen Gate

(L) Fife Rd (L) Christ Church Rd, ® West Temple , (L) Derby Rd. Over A205 onto Clifford Ave. Now South Circular, Mortlake Rd , left fork, Park Rd , Leyborne Park , over SCR into Forest Rd , (L) Bushwood Rd , to Kew Bridge .

Over bridge ® & (L) Lionel Rd under M4 continue along Lionel Rd , to (T) ® then (L)

Elderberry Rd, Ascott Ave, Kenilworth Rd, Windsor Rd to The Mall, Ealing, ® then (L) at Hamilton Rd, to Hanger Lane, North Circular Road A406. (L) then ® into Queens Drive, (L) Links Rd along the Tudor Estate, Monks Drive then the cycle route alongside the Piccadilly Line under the A40 then under the NCR along the service road to The Ace Café.

By now our numbers had swelled to 37 (I think). Service was quick and we were requested by the manageress for a group photo shoot outside the famous venue before departing.

Continuing along the service road, (L) past Stonebridge Park Station along Tokyngton Ave past playing fields ® Cecil Ave to Wembley High St, ® and (L) Ecclestone Place and the tour of the Stadium via the upper walkway.

Then down the twin ramps along Empire Way (L) Fulton Rd, ® and (L) Wembley Park Drive, Park Lane, ® into Wembley High St. (L) Ranelagh Rd, Swinderby Rd ® Eagle Rd, then across One Tree Hill into Clifford Rd to pick up the Grand Union Canal at Manor Farm Rd, to the Café Laville in Little Venice junction of Edgware Rd/Blomfield Rd.



After lunch back along Blomfield Rd (L) Westbourne Terrace under A40/M to enter Hyde Park at Lancaster Gate across The Serpentine and ® past the Albert Memorial and the Royal Albert Hall to cross Kensington Gore and ® into Consort Rd, (L) and ® into Queens Gate Terrace, Victoria Grove, Launceston Place, Cornwall Gdns, Lexham Place, Logan Place, Cromwell Crescent, Pembroke Rd to Warwick Rd.

Onto Earls Court, Olympia and (L) into Edith Rd, across A4 at Barons Court, ® Margravine Grds past Charing Cross Hospital and the Thames Studio’s to cross Hammersmith Bridge, ® into Lonsdale Rd and (L) into Boileau Rd, Madrid Rd to Church Rd, and Barnes, Vine Rd, over 2 level crossings, (just a short delay) along Priory Lane for tea at the Roehampton Gate café in Richmond Park.

North Cheam to tea 36 miles.

I can’t say how many there were but, I counted them all out and I counted them all back, and didn’t loose one sole.



Frank

B Group, 27 July

Welcome to Malcolm Spencer, riding for the first time with the B group and to Chris Dent

'A' group 27th July

In what looked to be a dull day for an excursion into the Surrey Hills eleven of us departed from the Dorking Sports Centre.However by the time we arrived at Cold Harbour it had become much brighter and there was quite a good view from the point where four of our valient riders are seen to have conquered the worse of the climb to Leith hill.It was nearly all down hill thereon via Mole Lane to Walliswood and Rowhook where ten of us lunched at The Chequers Inn.Having arrived earlier than I expected we had a longer than usual break with it now warm enough to dine outside.

We continued an a flatter route homewards taking the backroads crossing the A24 at Robin Hood R'abt and the A264 after Warnham Nature Reserve to make a steady climb to Rusper.We encountered the 'B' group on this climb so were spurred on as we did not want to swell their number.The pace increased as we were descending most of the way to Denbies our planned 3's stop.Edd and Tony had decided on a shorter route and was absorbed back into the fold.Those of us who stayed for 3's at Denbies were able to relax over their tea and some with their favourite cake before it run out.

Ray