OLD SOUTHERONIANS ASSOCIATION
CROYDON & EAST SURREY BRANCH
(Affiliated to the British Transport Pensioners Federation)
Website: http://www.btpf.org/croydon-east-surrey-branch/
CHAIRMAN
Chris. Meredith
TREASURER
John Parkin
SECRETARY
Peter Blanthorn, Moonrakers
Email: pab700@gmail.com
NEWS EDITOR/MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY
Graham Harris,
Email: osacroydon@hotmail.co.uk
ACTIVITIES OFFICER
Gordon Burke
Email: gordongburke@gmail.com
WINTER 2015 NEWSLETTER
Dear Friends
We come to the end of another successful year for the Croydon and East Surrey Branch of the Old
Southeronians Association. It is time to look forward to Christmas and the New Year. I'm sure all
of you who have attended our lunches, coffee mornings, outings, rambles and the holiday
throughout the past year will wish to join me in passing on our thanks to my fellow Committee
Members for organising these events.
I hope that this winter will turn out to be mild; should it be cold and icy take great care when out
and about. If you haven't done so already don't forget to get your flu jab.
With best wishes for a very Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.
Chris. Meredith
Chairman
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS
0LD SOUTHERONIANS ASSOCIATION - ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING - WEDNESDAY 20 APRIL 2016
The Old Southeronians Association Annual General Meeting will be held on Wednesday 20th April
2016 at the East Croydon United Reformed Church Hall, Addiscombe Grove, East Croydon. Full
details will appear in our Spring 2016 Newsletter. Please put the date in your diary now. All
members are invited to attend.
OSA Croydon – Winter News 2015
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ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS (continued)
CROYDON & EAST SURREY BRANCH – ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 27th APRIL 2016
We shall hold the Old Southeronians Association Croydon & East
Surrey Branch Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 27th April
2016 at the East Croydon United Reformed Church Hall, Addiscombe
Grove, East Croydon. Full details will appear in our Spring 2016
Newsletter. Please add this to your new Diary. All members are
invited to this Meeting.
SOCIAL EVENTS AND OUTINGS
COFFEE MORNINGS – ALL CHANGE FOR THE NEW YEAR
We have to change the day of our Coffee Mornings. Due to another group using the
venue on the day we used to meet it has proved necessary to change the day. From
January 2016 we shall meet on the THIRD TUESDAY OF EVERY MONTH. The first
Coffee Morning in 2016 will be TUESDAY 19th JANUARY 2016.
The dates for Coffee Mornings in 2016 are as follows:
19th January
17th May
20th September
16th February
21st June
18th October
15th March
19th July
15th November
19th April
16th August
20th December
We meet in the Clock Tower Café, which is adjacent to Croydon Library in Katherine Street,
Croydon, Surrey. The group meets in the spacious area to the rear of the Café which is specially
designated for our Group. We meet between 10 30 am and 12 00 (noon) and we suggest you get
there early if you want to sit with a particular friend. The number of coffee morning members
grows every month and we hope the change of the day will not deter our regulars from attending.
We hope it will also encourage more of you who were unable to attend on the previous day of the
week. Why not stay for lunch after the Coffee Morning? The Clock Tower Café’s has an extensive
menu at reasonable prices. We look forward to seeing you on the third Tuesday of every month at
our Coffee Morning.
Lunch Group
We have an impressive list of venues for our Lunch Group and we were able to visit quite a few in
2015. All, except one, were a great success. Unfortunately, at one venue that we have used and
enjoyed on a few occasions previously, we had some complaints about a longer than
usual wait to be served and the food not being as hot as it should have been. So we
have decided to strike this place from our list of suitable venues. The first
meeting of the Lunch Group in 2016 will be in February. Full details have not yet
been finalised and will be available in the New Year. If you would like to join us
for this Lunch please contact Graham Harris – Membership Secretary (full
contact details are on the front page of the Newsletter). If you know a Restaurant that can cater
for a group of 30 people plus and is in easy access from a station please let Graham Harris know
about it.
OSA Croydon – Winter News 2015
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DAYS OUT 2016
Again, we have a full programme of Day’s Out for 2016. Gordon Burke, our Activities Officer, has
been researching places of interest for us to visit. From a Museum to a Castle and lots in between.
Wednesday 16th March 2016 – London Transport Museum
London Transport Museum explores the story of London and its transport system over the last 200
years, highlighting the powerful link between transport and the growth of
modern London, culture and society since 1800. They care for over 450,000
items - preserving, researching and acquiring objects to use in their galleries,
exhibitions and other activities. Some of the most comprehensive urban
transport records from cycles, barges and cars to buses and trains, etc.
Drawing of the interior of the South Eastern Railway (SER) station at Charing Cross in 1864.
London Transport Museum - Meet at 10.30 at the Museum Entrance.
Rail station - Charing Cross. Underground - Covent Garden. Bus stop - Strand.
Concessions £13.50 Group £11.50 (10 +). Prices as at 2015
Wednesday 18th May 2016 - Hatfield House
Hatfield House is the home of the 7th Marquess and
Marchioness of Salisbury and their family. The Estate has
been in the Cecil family for 400 years. Superb examples of
Jacobean craftsmanship can be seen throughout the House.
Hatfield House was completed in 1611. It was built by
Robert Cecil, first Earl of Salisbury and son of Lord Burghley,
the chief minister of Elizabeth I. The deer park surrounding
the house and the older building of the Old Palace had been
owned by Elizabeth’s father, Henry VIII, who had used it as
a home for his children, Edward, Elizabeth and Mary. It was while she was living in the Old Palace,
in 1558, that Elizabeth learned of her accession to the throne.
Meet Hatfield Rail Station Ticket Hall at 11.00 off 10.35 from Kings Cross
Seniors £15.00 for visit to House, West Garden And Park. Group (20+) £13.00 (2016 prices)
Thursday 14th July 2016 - Hughenden
Hughenden offers a vivid insight into the charismatic personality and colourful private life of the
most unlikely Victorian Prime Minister, Benjamin Disraeli, who lived here from 1848 to 1881. You
can browse among an extraordinary collection of personal
memorabilia, and there's even a Victorian playroom for
younger visitors. A secret wartime past is revealed in their
Second World War room in the cellars, with interactive exhibits
and eye-witness accounts. Experience the immersive wartime
displays in their ice house bunker and find out why Hughenden
was high on Hitler's hit list. They've recently opened their 3rd floor rooms where you can take in
colourful vistas of the surrounding countryside, or pause for a moment to reflect on Disraeli's
reputation as one of the leading authors of the Victorian period.
Hughenden – National Trust Members – Free
Adult Entry - £11.00 (2015 price)
10.18 train from Marylebone to High Wycombe then bus number 300 from Bridge Street to the
Manor
DAYS OUT 2016 (continued)
OSA Croydon – Winter News 2015
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Wednesday 10th August 2016 – Arundel Castle
There are nearly 1,000 years of history at this great castle, situated in magnificent grounds
overlooking the River Arun in West Sussex and built at the end of the 11th century by Roger de
Montgomery, Earl of Arundel. The oldest feature is the motte, an
artificial mound, over 100 feet high from the dry moat, and
constructed in 1068: followed by the Gatehouse in 1070. The
building we see now owes much to Henry, 15th Duke of Norfolk
(1847-1917) and the restoration project was completed in 1900.
It was one of the first English country houses to be fitted with
electric light, integral fire fighting equipment, service lifts and
central heating. The gravity fed domestic water supply also supplied the town. Electricity cost
over £36,000 to install, but the splendidly carved chimneypiece in the Drawing Room only cost
£150! The Gardens, Chapel, Keep, Shop And Coffee shop are all open from 10.00; however the
Main Castle rooms do not open until 12 noon
Arundel Castle - Meet at Entrance to Lower Lodge off Mill Road at 10.30. The entrance is
approximately 10 minutes from Arundel Rail Station.
Admission Charges – Various Prices ranging from Gold Plus (£18) – Concession (£15.50) allowing
access to all areas - to Bronze (£9) allowing access only to Shop, Café, Restaurant, Fitzalan Chapel,
The collector Earl’s Garden, Garden and Grounds – Prices quoted for 2016
Wednesday 14th September 2016 – National Maritime Museum, Greenwich
Experience the world's largest maritime museum, filled with inspirational stories of exploration
and endeavour at sea and packed to the gunwales with intriguing objects
and fascinating galleries. Other attractions on site :-Royal Observatory;
Queens house, art gallery (recently refurbished)and Cutty Sark - adjacent to:Greenwich Market, regarded as one of London’s best covered markets with
up to 120 stalls showing craft & design
Meet at the Entrance Hall of the National Maritime Museum at 10.30
Location about 10 minutes from Greenwich or Maze Hill Rail Stations
17th October 2016 - National Memorial Arboretum
Here you will see a memorial celebrating the achievements of railway workers over 150 years which has
been unveiled at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.
The carving of a steam engine in black granite rests on top of a plinth,
which includes a montage of images representing the railway industry.
The British Transport Pensioners Federation (BTPF) raised about
£50,000 for the memorial. The memorial at the Alrewas site is of a
Class 8F steam engine and measures about 2.7m (9ft) wide by 2.3m (7.5
ft) high. BTPF, a voluntary organisation for retired railway staff in the
UK, said the memorial was partly in memory of those killed in railway
construction and those who have lost their lives in accidents.
The Arboretum is an evolving, maturing woodland landscape featuring 30,000 trees and a vast collection of
memorials from all walks of life and religious denominations. The 150-acre site is a living, growing tribute
to those who have served and continue to serve our country.
Free admission - Donation appreciated. Cafe/Bar And Restaurant on site
Train – Bus and 30 minute walk travel on 09.46 from Euston which arrives at Lichfield Trent Valley at 11.15.
You will arrive at the Arboretum at approximately 12.45
Train/Taxi £6.00 per person (£12.00 each direction 4 per taxi). Travel from Euston on 10.46 arriving at
Lichfield Trent Valley at 12.15. You will arrive at the Arboretum at approximately 12.40.
OSA Croydon – Winter News 2015
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OSA CROYDON & EAST SURREY BRANCH RAMBLES 2016 – 52nd YEAR
Derek Jemmett has been planning and leading these walks since 2001, and he has now decided to have a well earned
rest. We are extremely grateful to Derek for all the work he has done for the OSA Croydon Branch in this way. John
Parkin has agreed to succeed Derek. John is known as the “official photographer” on our walks. During the Virginia
Water Walk Derek was presented with a card and a bottle of whisky, which we know he will enjoy, as a Thank You for
all the work organising the Rambles over the past 14 years. We wish him good health and many more good walks in
the future.
Our walks are open not only to members of the OSA but to friends as well, including non –railway people. We try to
walk at a steady pace and make sure no one gets left behind. Mileages shown are approximate. The pace is always
very gentle; we do not rush anywhere. Please remember that if joining our Rambles you do so at your own risk.
Please wear suitable boots or shoes and clothing. Please bring a picnic lunch and where appropriate something dry to
sit on. Walks will go ahead whatever the weather… but there may be exceptions in extreme conditions!! There may
be a pub stop en route, but this would be for a short refreshment stop rather than a meal.
The train times quoted are those applicable when the list has been compiled in November 2015. Please ensure you
check current times for the day. We will try to accommodate people arriving on late running trains – please note John
Parkin’s mobile number to enable you to contact him on Ramble Days in case of late arrivals etc. If you have one
please bring your Concessionary Bus Pass for possible use. Full contact details of John Parkin*, the Rambles Organiser,
are given at the end of Rambles at the end of the newsletter
An advance “Pilot” walk is arranged to ensure we know the route and we welcome assistance in case holidays or
illness prevent the normal leader from doing so. Please contact John Parkin* the month prior to a walk if you want to
join him on the Pilot Walk for a particular walk.
We have put a number of walks in different areas on this year’s programme with a number of linear walks and hope
that they will be supported. Some are taken from guidebooks or walking magazines, whilst others are from personal
experiences.

Full contact details of John Parkin, the Rambles Organiser, are given at the end of the list of Croydon & East
Surrey Branch Rambles at the end of the newsletter.
Please go the to the back of the Newsletter for a list of Croydon & East Surrey Branch 2016 Rambles
London West Branch - Rambles
Rambles are also arranged by the London West Branch and you can find a list of their programme for 2016 at the end
of the Newsletter.
OSA Croydon – Winter News 2015
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MEMBERSHIP
The Croydon & East Surrey Branch has not had any new members since our last Newsletter. Do
you know someone who worked in any of the British Railway Southern Region
Companies and is receiving a Railway Pension? Are they a member of the Old
Southeronians Association? If not and they are interested please ask them to
contact Graham Harris (Membership Secretary) or Peter Blanthorn (Secretary)
for a membership form and/or further details – contact details are on the first
page of this Newsletter.
It is with sadness that we have to report the passing of the following two members. Our thoughts
are with their Families and Friends.
Mrs Joyce Evelyn BUSS who lived in Bexleyheath, South East London died 11 August 2015
Doug BALLARD who lived in New Malden, Surrey died 07 September 2015
For those who have recently celebrated their Birthday or Wedding Anniversary we would like to
wish you many Happy Returns of the Day. For those who have moved to a new home we wish
you happiness at your new address. If you are in hospital we wish you a speedy recovery and
sincerely hope that you are back home in time for Christmas.
If you or your Partner’s circumstances change in any way, (for example a Birth, Marriage, Move of
House or Passing On) please advise Graham Harris (Membership Secretary).
NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIPTION
Again we remind everyone that the 2015/16 Newsletter Subscription was due
on 01st July 2015. Postage is getting more and more expensive and we are
unable to send Newsletters by post unless we get the full Subscription. If you
haven’t paid your 2015/2016 Newsletter Subscription and usually pay by
Cheque please send your Subscription of £3 to Graham Harris (Membership
Secretary) – contact details appear on the first page of the Newsletter. Your
cheque should be made payable to Old Southeronians Association – Croydon
and East Surrey Branch. For those of you who pay by Direct Debit via your
Bank please ensure that the payment is for the full £3.
NEWSLETTER BY EMAIL
Did you know you can get your newsletter by email? You will receive the
latest newsletter as soon as it is published. Receiving your newsletter by
email is completely free of charge. To receive your Newsletter only by email
please send an email with your name and address to Peter Blanthorn
(pab700@gmail.com) who will add your details to the mailing list. If you opt
for news by email and by post it will still be necessary for you to pay the £3.00
subscription fee. If you are happy to receive your Newsletter only by email
please send us an email at least once a year confirming your name and address and passing on any
news you may wish to share with us.
OSA Croydon – Winter News 2015
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TRAVEL MATTERS
The BTPF has teamed up with Fred Olsen Cruise Line to offer members discounts on all their
cruises. To get your 10% discount, book online at fredolsencruises.com or call 0800 0355 110 and
quote code; BTPF10. This discount is in addition to any other discount you may get and is
extended to friends and family travelling on the same booking. Note; This discount is available to
all OSA members as the OSA is affiliated to the BTPF.
We have received reports of problems with International booking arrangements where booking
fees have been charged whereas the ATOC website indicates that these were covered by the
Booking Agent. This has been reported to BTPF who have taken it up with ATOC. Anyone who has
similar problems should send full details to BTPF to enable the matter to be investigated.
Reports have also been received with regard to obtaining Tfl Privilege Ticket from BR Stations
when Ticket Offices are not open at the start of the journey. If you have experienced a similar
problem please report it direct to BTPF giving full details so that the matter can be investigated.
Wishing you the Compliments of the Season
and the Happiest and Healthiest New Year
From
Graham Harris
Newsletter Editor/Membership Secretary
OSA Croydon – Winter News 2015
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OSA CROYDON & EAST SURREY BRANCH RAMBLES 2016 – 52nd YEAR
DATE
DETAILS AND DESCRIPTION
MILES
MARCH 8th
RICKMANSWORTH TO CHALFONT
(Linear) - River Chess walk
6.00
MAY 10th
HOLMWOOD - LEITH HILL - DORKING
(Linear) Leith Hill is the second highest
point in south-east England
HASSOCKS - LEWES (Linear) steep uphill
near start leading to fantastic views
over South Downs
JUNE 14th
WENDOVER (Circular) Fantastic views
across the beautiful Chilterns landscape
TRAVEL
ARRANGEMENTS
Meet Rickmansworth
Stn 1119 (Marylebone
1057)
10.00
Meet Holmwood Stn
1032 (Victoria 0931;
Clapham Junction 0937)
Meet Hassocks Stn 1034
London Bridge 0942
East Croydon 0955)
10.00
Meet Wendover Stn
1045 (Marylebone 0957)
9.25
Meet Horsham Stn 1026
(Victoria 0932
Clapham Junction 0938
East Croydon 0948)
8.00
Meet Falmer Stn 1049
(Victoria 0937 change
Brighton depart 1040)
8.00
Meet Dormans Stn 1014
(Victoria 0923
Clapham Junction 0929
East Croydon 0941)
OCTOBER 11th
OTFORD TO EYNSFORD (Linear) River
Darent, two castles and a Roman villa
8.50
Meet Otford Stn 1028
(Victoria 0952)
NOVEMBER 8th
CHINGFORD - EPPING FOREST (Linear)
An Autumnal walk probably finishing at
Loughton (Central Line) Stn
6.00
Meet Chingford Stn 1014
(Liverpool St 0948)
APRIL 12th
JULY 12th
HORSHAM & NUTHURST (Circular)
Through a countryside dominated by
meadows rich in flowers…
AUGUST 9th
FALMER (Circular) through Stanmer
Park to one of the best viewpoints on
the South Downs
DORMANSLAND (Circular) Meandering
round the Sussex, Kent and Surrey
SEPTEMBER 13th border...
8.00
RAMBLES ORGANISER - John Parkin. Email - Trolleybus654@aol.com
The train times quoted were correct on Publication of the Newsletter. You are asked to check
current train times before each Ramble and also check for possible engineering works.
OSA Croydon – Winter News 2015
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Old Southeronians Association - London West Branch Rambles 2016
London West Branch arranges Rambles for the first Tuesday of the Month. Again, everyone is welcome. See below
for a full list of 2016 Rambles organised by London West Branch.
Tuesday 1 March – Grand Union/Regents Canal
Meet Paddington Station (Canal entrance) – 10.30
Leader – David Milnthorpe
Walk along Grand Union/Regents Canal to Euston (possibly Kings Cross). Approx 4/ 5 miles. Level walking – some
steps.
Tuesday 5 April - Hindhead and Devils Punchbowl
Meet Haslemere station 10.50, (catch 11.09 bus.)
Leader –David Brown
Approx 5 miles with a couple of steep gradients. Picnic lunch. No seating available, Bring sitters
Tuesday 3 May - Bedwyn to Hungerford
Meet Bedwyn Station 11.35
Leader Peter Blanthorn
Approx 6 miles. Level walking, picnic lunch.
Tuesday 7 June - Tisbury West Circular
Meet Tisbury Station 11.10
Leader- Geoff Pearce Approx. 6 miles. Some hills. Picnic lunch.
Tuesday 5 July - Tolworth to South of Malden Rushett
Meet Tolworth station 10.45 LeaderJohn Noorani
Largely level walk. Approx 6 miles. Pub lunch at Star Public House, at end of walk. Return by 465 bus to
Chessington/Surbiton. Bring your Bus Pass if you have one.
Tuesday 2 August - Basingstoke Canal, Pirbright Village, Brookwood Cemetery
Meet Brookwood Station 10.15
Leader- Bob and Angela Owen
Approx 5 miles Picnic lunch
Tuesday 6 September - Mortimer Station to Bramley (Hants) Station via Silchester Roman Settlement
Meet Mortimer station 1050 (1038 ex Reading or 1036 ex Basingstoke).
Leader -Neville Hodges
Approx 5.5 miles. Mainly level with just a couple of gentle gradients. No Stiles. Picnic lunch - no seating available,
bring sitters.
Tuesday 4 October - Windsor to Maidenhead Thames Path
Meet Windsor & Eton Riverside Station 10.55
Leader- Colin Masters
Approx 7/8 miles. Level walk. Picnic lunch.
Tuesday 1 November - Pangbourne circular
Meet Pangbourne 11.00
Leader Neville Hodges
Approx 6 miles. Some hills. Picnic lunch.
Tuesday 22 November End of Season Social
Woking Railway Club (Arrive after 11 30).
All past, present and prospective members welcome.
Additional Walks – Dates to be advised.
Contact - Colin Masters
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