2023 White Cliffs
This social walk started along the Spectacular White Cliffs from the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial to the Few at Capel-le-Ferne, near Folkestone, Kent.
2020 London’s Roman Wall Social walk
Saturday 7th March 2020
Social walk March 2020
We started our walk from outside the main entrance of Fenchurch Street station, making our way to Tower Hill and the first sighting of the old wall.
From here we travelled North, weaving between the streets to spot remains of the wall before reaching Aldgate. Although the old gates of London are long gone, the Museum of London have placed tiles or information boards where they once stood. The display at Aldgate is one of the best. Our walk was fortunate to coincide with a exhibition of sculptures in the city and as we followed the route of the wall North towards the Barbican, several of these sculptures could be appreciated. The group spent a little time exploring the area around the Barbican where some of the best remains of the wall are seen. Onwards to the Museum of London and a break for lunch.
After lunch, it was South to the River Thames, passing places of interest such as the burial place of Dick Whittington, probably London’s most famous Lord Mayor. The river was much wider when the Romans were here, and a real find, tucked away in what is now a church-yard just off Lower Thames Street, was an original timber post from the first bridge across the river. A short stroll back to Tower Hill completed the walk.
I thank the Centurions and friends who attended the walk, George Beecham who did the reconnaissance walk with me, and Ken Livermore for providing extra notes of interest on the day.
2019 Cambridge
Centurion’s Social Walk – Saturday 30th March 2019 Centurions, friends and family were invited for a leisurely 6 mile stroll through some of the sights of Cambridge to Granchester, beloved of literature’s 1900’s Bloomsbury Group and former village resident Rupert Brooke.
For over 700 years students such as Newton, Darwin, Cromwell, Wordsworth and others (e.g Pink Floyd) have travelled from Cambridge to Granchester village so now we are adding the Centurions to the list. The route took in modern and old architecture, including Paradise and Number 10(!)
After a break at the Orchard Tea Rooms in Granchester the route wandered back to the railway station via Byron’s Pool where Lord Byron is reputed to have swum, Trumpington Meadows and eventually following the guided busway back to the station.
Below – participants in the walk
2018 Chelmsford to Heybridge
30th September 2018
Report from Social Secretary, Steve Kemp:
The Centurions took to the canal towpaths of Essex for a social walk on Sunday 30th September. From Springfield basin in Chelmsford the group followed the Chelmer and Blackwater navigation east, passing a couple of permanent mooring communities, before reaching Paper Mill lock, 7 miles completed and the mid-way point of the route.
Continuing through the Essex countryside, motor cruisers began to replace canal boats on the approach to Heybridge basin at the mouth of the Blackwater estuary, marking the completion of our 14 mile stroll.
Cream tea was enjoyed in the Tiptree tea rooms. Then with souvenirs purchased it was time to take to our vehicles for the return to Chelmsford.
Centurion social walks take place throughout the UK and are open to all.
Strolls secretary Steve Kemp racewalker@sky.com welcomes volunteer walk leaders and suggestions for new venues.
Contact Steve if you have an idea for a social walk in your area. Keep an eye on our website www.Centurions1911.org.uk for details of our Spring 2019 walk in Cambridgeshire.
Walk details:
10am Springfield Basin , Wharf Road, Chelmsford CM2 6YQ. The walk passes through lovely countryside and pretty locks, with a lunch stop midway at Paper Mill Lock.
FINISH
The walk finishes at Heybridge, where the Tiptree tea room apparently serves a nice Cream Tea!
Centurion social walks take place throughout the UK and are open to all.
Strolls secretary Steve Kemp racewalker@sky.com welcomes volunteer walk leaders and suggestions for new venues.
Contact Steve if you have an idea for a social walk in your area. Keep an eye on our website www.Centurions1911.org.uk for details of our Spring 2019 walk in Cambridgeshire.