Your Region : South East England

This section contains an overview of activities, events or items of general interest to South East Associates:

2008  -  Associate Events  -  2008

3 mile walk, 1 boot, 200m ascent, park and woodland.

A full day out, the castle is 5½ miles south of Newbury.  It is set in 1,000 acres of sweeping parkland by ‘Capability’ Brown for Lord Carnarvon – of Tutankhamun fame – and still the home of the 8th Earl and Countess.  There is an exhibition in the house of artifacts discovered by Lord Carnarvon in the search for the tomb of Tutankhamun.
The grounds include two gardens (the Secret garden and the Monk’s garden) and breathtaking views across the downs of North Hampshire.

Options for the day include: a short walk taking in ‘Heaven’s Gate’ a ‘folly’ on Siddown Hill, a picnic in the gardens (bring your own) and a visit to the house.

On the way home a visit to the nearby Sandham Memorial Chapel is recommended.  It is a 1920’s chapel, filled with Stanley Spencer murals inspired by the experience of WWI – an internationally recognized monument of British Art.

MEET:    10.15 for 10.30am start at Highclere Castle, Burghclere.  North or south on the A34 south of Newbury, look for the exit to Tothill Services, and then follow the brown tourist signs to the castle.

COST:    The gardens are free, and entry to the house is £7.50 (free to members of the Historic Houses Association).  The Sandham Memorial Chapel is half a mile further north on the edge of Burghclere  village – entry is £3 (free to National Trust members).

Thursday, 14th August - Shepperton Walk     

4 miles, 1 boot, level walk.  Paths, fields and quiet lanes alongside the River Thames.
Use public ferry to cross Thames.  Shepperton-River Thames walk.

Perfect for a hot day in August – a circular level walk of just 4 miles starting from the charming village square with 14th century pub, olde cottages and church, along and over the Thames by ferry (been here since Henry VI) and back for lunch.

MEET:     10.15 for 10.30am start in church square car park opposite Kings Head pub on B375 Shepperton.  Car park also in Church Road, sat nav TW17 9JY (pub).

LUNCH:    1pm Kings Head, Church Square, Shepperton  'phone 01932 221910
14th century pub.  Usual baguettes, sandwiches plus blackboard menu.
Non-walkers are welcome.

DIRECTIONS:     B375 Church Square, Shepperton.

Thursday, 21st August - Summer Lunch

It’s that time of year again!

Blubeckers Mill House at North Warnborough, near Odiham, has proved to be a successful summer lunch venue for the past three years and being just off the M3 it is easy to get to by car.

Come and enjoy a 3-course meal with wine and coffee and catch up with your friends and colleagues.

MEET:     At the restaurant from 12.15 pm.

LUNCH:    1pm sit down.

COST:    £12

DIRECTIONS:     Exit the M3 at Junction 5 and drive south on the A287.  At the first roundabout take the 3rd exit.  The Mill House is just down on the right and there is ample parking.

7th to 12th September - Norfolk Break - (Five Nights)

North Norfolk is best known for its ever-changing coastline which has a wealth of historic towns and villages to visit, miles of unspoilt beaches and, of course, its famous Norfolk Broads.  A refreshing escape from the bustle of the South East.

September is the ideal time to visit Norfolk.  It is not too busy and the weather is very pleasant.  It is c.170 miles from West London – 3 hours drive from the SE, or 3 hours on the train.

We will stay at the Pheasant Hotel, a delightful Country House Hotel near Sheringham set in two acres of ground in an area rich in wildlife.  Dinner, bed and breakfast for the five nights will cost £300 per person.  The food is very good, particularly the seafood, and we will have use of the resident's lounge with complimentary coffee.

Planned visits are to:  Blakeney Point for a heath walk or seal boat trip; explore the beaches and town of Wells-by-the-sea and visit Holkham Hall and estate; take the North Norfolk Railway to Holt on market day; Walsingham Priory; and Sandringham - the Queen’s Norfolk retreat.

Hotel availability is limited so you are advised to book quickly.

Tuesday, 23rd September - Cookham Walk           

5 miles, 2 boot.  Paths, roads and quiet lanes with one 50m hill and one stile.

MEET:    10.30am at the National Trust car park on the B4447 just on the west side of the village.  You can use the pub postcode for sat nav then half mile west.

LUNCH:     1pm  The Bel and Dragon, High Street, Cookham, SL8 8SQ
                  Non-walkers are welcome.

Future dates for your diary:
 
Walks -
22nd October - Windlesham
11th November - Chaddlesworth

Pub Lunch -
22nd October - Windlesham following morning walk

Transport -
9th October - London Transport Museum

Bowling -
27th November

If on the day of the event you are unable to make it, it is important that you notify the event leader on the number given for the appropriate event, so that the event is not delayed while we wait for you.

(ph  28/05/2008) 

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