Chelmsford YHA Group

Programme

Wednesday Meetings, Weekends Away & Other Events

November 2007

Wednesday 7th November

Pub Night – Chelmer Tavern

Dave J

Join us for a drink from 8:30pm in the Chelmer Tavern, Dukes Lane, Springfield (just off New Dukes Way which you can get to from the roundabout on the A138 with the big footbridge over it, see map).

Please note the pub also does nice food, should anyone feel like turning up early for a bit of nosh.


Sunday 11th November

Thames Barrier visit and walk

Helen B

The Thames Barrier has been described as the eighth wonder of the world. Learn about the River Thames, the flood threat and how the Barrier works. We have a talk and tour booked for 11am, which will take about an hour, after which Cress has offered to take us on a Thameside walk.

Please let Helen know if you are coming and meet at the Barrier entrance off Eastmoor Street at 10:45am at the latest. Cost will be about £5 each.

By car: The best way is via the M25, getting off at J2 (Canterbury) to join the A2 and then the A102 towards the Blackwall Tunnel. Take the A206 and follow the route shown by the map. Allow 50 minutes from the M25 at Thurrock to reach the Barrier car park, parking is £1.50. There is an overflow car park.

The car park shuts at 3.30pm but I have been told by staff that if we talk to Security before leaving on our walk we will be able to leave our cars there and they will let us out when we get back.

By public transport: The nearest train station is Charlton (a 15-minute walk away). Take the DLR to Greenwich and then the train to Charlton. Trains are every 30 minutes – check with National Rail for timings. Walk up Woolwich Rd to the Barrier as shown by the map. Check for rail engineering works before choosing this travel option.

Buses 177 or 180 go from Greenwich station to the Barrier. The 177 runs every 15 minutes on Sundays – take the bus in the direction of Thamesmead Town Centre and get off at the Woolwich Road/Charlton Lane stop. The journey takes about 20 minutes. The 180 runs every 20-25 minutes. Take the bus in the direction of Belvedere Industrial Area, getting off at the Woolwich Road/Charlton Lane stop. Journey time is about 20 minutes.

Alternatively, go to North Greenwich via the Jubilee Line from where the Barrier is a 40 minute walk away. Buses 161 or 472 run from North Greenwich to the Barrier. Both run every 15 minutes. Take the 161 in the direction of the Chislehurst War Memorial or the 472 in the direction of Thamesmead Town Centre. Get off at Woolwich Rd/Charlton Lane, journey time about 15 minutes.

See route map and detailed bus stops and walking route.

As we are planning a walk straight after the visit, please be sure to bring sandwiches as refreshments can’t be guaranteed.


Wednesday 14th November

Committee Meeting

We will be trip planning for next Spring and organising Wednesday evenings for January. Everybody’s welcome.


Dead Vlei

Wednesday 21st November

Namibia Slideshow

Dave & Ali

Sun, sea & lots of sand. Fabulous scenery to share with you from one of the least densely populated countries and possibly the oldest desert on earth.

Preview some of Dave's pictures here, and Ali's here.


Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th November

Coldblow Farm Bunkhouse

Cressida

A comfortable bunkhouse on a working farm near Thurnham in Kent. On the boundary of the farm is the North Downs Way National Trail and close by is the Pilgrim’s Way. Enjoy walks on the North Downs, visits to Chatham Dockyard and Thurnham or Leeds Castle. The bunkhouse has a fully-equipped kitchen, showers, and central heating. You need to bring a sleeping bag.

Directions: leave the M20 at junction 7 and take the first exit left A249 (in the direction of Sheerness and Detling). Very soon after joining the A249 move into the right-hand lane so that you can turn right/east into Detling Village. In Detling look for a narrow road, the Pilgrims Way, opposite the Cock Horse Pub. Turn here towards Thurnham. After one mile, at Thurnham, the Black Horse Pub, go straight across the crossroads towards Hucking. Next left, a staggered crossroads into Coldblow Lane, signposted to Hucking. Coldblow Farm is half a mile up the steep hill, the first farm on the right. We’re in the “new Bunkhouse”. Grid ref TQ822580, post code ME14 3LR, see map.

£36 to book your bed. Total cost around £48.



Wine Tasting

Wednesday 28th November

Wine Tasting

Graham

Bottoms up ! Do you like wine? Do you fancy trying something different, but not sure what to choose? During the evening we'll sample some popular wines. We'll compare colours, bouquets and of course their tastes. I'll show you how to navigate your wine department with more confidence. Exact cost will depend on the number of attendees, but is likely to be about £5 each. Please bring six glasses.

Please let Graham know if you are coming by 21st November, so he knows how much wine to buy.


Note: Unless otherwise stated, Wednesday events start at 8.30pm at the YMCA in Victoria Road, Chelmsford

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