The NERDS did a ramble the other day. If I give you a report will you promise not to piss it about and produce your version?  (Yes but be it on your own head regarding the images!)


Anyway, the NERDS met up at The Steamworks pub/bistro
next to Seaford Station.

The Bish and Lafayette were the two first and each found he had fucked up his right knee as a result of doing stupid things on rambles.

The rest arrived - Froggy, Sandyballs, Paco and Matt. We drank coffee and in some cases beer. 

Outside it was sunny and hot.

Because of the euphoric weather someone decided to make Froggy Routemaster on the basis that even he couldn't get lost walking to Newhaven.

We walked along the seafront. The Bish bought prawns

from a wayside prawn seller and Paco told us about his plan to bring girlies on rambles.

He is never successful in this because none of the girlies he knows gets up before midday.


We walked along the abandoned railway line

to Tidemills then towards a lot of industrial rubbish infront of which someone had built a big fence - presumably to keep the poor immigrants out.

We skirted this and headed for the old Newhaven detention centre where we used to go and shout at Algerians.


This was obviously a nostalgia ramble because we passed Amy's paper shop AND The Engineer.

We didn't dare go in the latter even though it was open since rumour had it that the beer was poisonous.

We noticed that our old office was still knocked down

so stopped for a moment and murmured a prayer.


Finally we ended up at The Ark (again)

Lafayette seems to spend most of his life here.

The food was the usual high class pub grub. ( L is being ironic here, by the way) whereupon Froggy said he had been diagnosed with leprosy

and told he had to diet and lose two and a half stone. Good luck with that, Froggy.


The day was livened up when 3 Filipino slave girls came in for their lunch.

They were too good looking for us so we ignored them. Paco wanted to ask them if they were late risers but he was too shy.


Matt told some crummy jokes, Paco and Lafayette drank malt whisky and felt smashed. It was a good day. Then we went home


Lafayette.

Ramble arrangements 23/7/21

Hi fellow NERDS,

This month we meet under the new freedom generously donated to us by Our Supreme Leader. Yes, as I type we are only a few hours away from Freedom Day! 

Sunlit uplands beckon…….NERDS will be able to embrace and hug each other without fear of social censure. Joy shall be unrestrained! 

As discussed last time on Zoom, we meet on FRIDAY 23rd at Seaford Station in the Steamworkspub. Suggest 10.30 ish. My train arrives at 10.40. We lunch at either The Flying Fish or The Ark - whichever takes our fancy.


We may as well continue with the Zoom sessions on the 20th of the month, for Brian’s benefit at least. New log-ins though, as follows:


Meeting : 764 2563 7962


Password: ******


For some reason my computer would not allow me to book the meeting for 12.00 noon so I have booked for 11.30.

See you on the day

Harry

NEW DATE FOR JULY'S RAMBLE!! 23rd JULY 2021

Brilliant! OK. Let us do Friday 23rd. No changes!!

Harry


*******************


Harry….,23rd July Friday is ok for me .

Matt

********************

OK Harry, let's do Friday 23rd. You can do it, Matt can do it, Charles can do it and I can do it. Paco and Tony, I'm sure you can also do it!

Fast Frog


**********************

Fuck it! Fuck it! Fuck it! Have cancelled the dentists on the 14th but have now found out that I have to self-isolate for 7 days following Bab’s operation this coming Monday.

Therefore this means we can only meet the week after. Sorry to start this all again but who cannot make what that week? I cannot do Wednesday 21st. Monday would not be ideal but in extremis I could do it.
Sort it our NERDS!!

Harry

So the Ramble for July is the 14th!

Vive la Revolution! 

French Frog

Froggy's First Reply

Hi Harry and all,

I don't mind which day, although Matt and I have a provisional luncheon date on the Friday (so that would normally just leave the Tuesday or Thursday ....and Tuesday's my bluesday (shopping), but of course I can do, if required and I'm sure Matt and I could find another day if Friday became the firm favourite?

Currently watching a DVD given to me yonks ago by Mike Clarke called Broken Trail (he loved these sort of western-type films). Nothing unusual in the playing of this except that my son has rigged up some kinda setup for it to play directly onto the TV straight from the CD player on my stereo!!!! What??? Full explanation to anyone who is even remotely interested.

So to recap; Tuesday Thursday or Friday are ok which is basically all that you can do anyway Harry!

Go go go to all Harrys playing for England and can I say "please, you English wunderkinds, whack those Danes tomorrow in revenge for what they did to my lovely boys, with that grotesquely unfair scoreline". So give us another 4-0, but in our favour this time, having had the practice against Ukraine!!!

Froggy

July's Ramble Arrangements (1)

Hi all,

We provisionally booked the Ramble date for Wednesday 14th. Unfortunately I have a dentists appointment (root canal, ouch!) for that day. Anybody have a preference for another day that week? Not Monday.

Cheers

Harry

Chronicles of the fortunes on the NERDS

 Chronicles of the fortunes of the NERDS

The day dawned warm and sultry foreshadowing an above average hot day to come.  Froggy and Paco, who this time had already purchased his rail ticket, boarded the train at Seaford and travelled to Newhaven where they met up with Lafayette and then  continued on to Lewes to meet Sandyballs. Paco 

was sporting a new purple head covering which would magically keep him from suffering from sunstroke and identify him to the local facial recognition cameras forever more.

The travelling NERDS boarded the train to Berwick and alighted there and headed immediately to the Berwick Inn to prepare themselves for the rigours of actually rambling rather than staying in a nice pub garden and boozing all day - as has taken place once or twice in the past.  Beer was drunk and sunscreen applied to various exposed section of bodies not shielded by trousers, shirts or shorts and hats!

Reluctantly departing from the Berwick Inn the NERDS climbed the hill towards Arlington and then down to the reservoir

where various opinions were expressed as to which way around the lake would be quicker.  

Lafayette and Sandyballs went through the fields and arrived ten yards before Froggy and Paco but had difficulty getting over a chained gate so actually came second in the “going a bit round the reservoir” race!

The day continued extremely hot and from the reservoir the NERDS headed towards the church at Arlington (not Chalvington) and eventually made it to Pete’s Pub, The Yew Tree.  

Pete was not there but the NERDS were seated outside under cover and sweated and perspired. 

 

Amazingly there was no Harveys beer so everyone had red wine, white wine and Prosecco. 

  There was also the opportunity to sample other beer and brandy and coffee.  Lunch was mainly huge portions of lamb, superbly cooked, but as usual Sandyballs had fish and chips.  The barmaids all looked the same apart from their age and their service was pleasant and reasonably quick.

After eating and drinking the consensus was;”Fuck, we’ve got to walk back.”  It was still torrid but everyone set off stopping every hundred yards  

or so so that Lafayette could catch up and rest his weary bones.  Eventually everyone arrived knackered at the Berwick Inn and quenched their thirst with lots of alcoholic different things and counted out how many trains back to Lewes could be missed.  Ultimately the conveyance back to Lewes was boarded where everyone went off in their separate ways.

June 2021 Ramble update

Hi y’all,


This month we walk next Wednesday - the 16th - lunching at The Yew Tree in Chalvington. Not forgetting a pit stop (or two) at The Berwick Inn. No Matt (again) as he is visiting his health care professional.

So, the 10.25 from Seaford, arriving Lewes at 10.41. Then the onward train at 10.47 on Platform 3.

Don’t forget your sun-cream, hat and of course your face-mask.

Harry

June Ramble suggestions

Hi all NERDS,


I have quite a lot going on for the end of this month so would it be ok to have an early-ish Ramble this time? I am looking at Wednesday 16th. Problems for anyone?

I was thinking about a possible return to The Yew Tree, Not a long Ramble, a good place to eat and the benefits of a Pit Stop at The Berwick Inn (both ways!)

Theories, rants, objections all welcome!

Harry

May 2021 Ramble notes

LUCUBRATION ON A PEREGINATION




Thursday the 27th of May dawned cloudy but the sun soon drove off the cotton wool shadows and the NERDS awoke knowing that the ramble to The Rainbow pub at Cooksbridge was soon to commence. The Seaford contingent boarded the train betimes, however Paco nearly missed the carriage as he was sitting having breakfast at home in his underpants and had temporarily forgotten it was Ramble day. Everyone assembled at Lewes station and the muster rota showed that Sandyballs, the Routemaster, was there with Lafayette, Froggy and Paco but the Admiral was absent due to family business but had intimated that he would attend later!

The Pullman conveyed the NERDS onwards from Lewes to Cooksbridge where they rambled the half mile into the hinterland from the station to The Rainbow pub.

At the door to the Rainbow everyone was met by a youth by the name of Eddie! He looked about 17 years of age and with his amazingly painted on eyebrows was very. very camp but was obviously pleased to see some customers. (In fact he reminded Lafayette of the principal character in a book his mother used to read him at bed time to frighten him into going to sleep. (This was Little Black Sambo but of course nowadays you can’t say “Little”. “Black”. or “Sambo”, because it’s against The Law!!)






Anyway everyone sat outside in the very pleasant sunny weather and Eddie brought us some Harvey’s Best. That was OK. We failed to get a steak “meal deal” because it was the wrong time of day!!! But had steak anyway and it was very nice. The two bottles of wine ordered was Malbec but found it tasted sub-standard so Lafayette went back to Eddie and demanded a swop for some Merlot which was only slightly better!

Just then the Admiral rolled up in his Rolls (actually a BMW), joined us, made disparaging remarks about the wine list (Wot Wine List?) and set to at the pie he had ordered .






Pudding was pretty good, a crumble with ice cream and then we got to coffees and cognacs. Once again the Rainbow failed to deliver. We we offered “Three Barrels” brandy (it was that type of establishment) which we reluctantly took since there was no alternative. So if you’re going to The Rainbow in future remember; Food Good, Drink lousy!.

The NERDS needed to get back to the station quickly for the hourly train back. [Do you remember, Brian, how difficult it is to get boozed up NERDS to do anything quickly?] (Especially on “thee barrels brandy). So Harry set off at a pace down the road - by himself and the rest of the NERDS were kindly offered a lift in the Admiral’s rolls, back to the station. Lafayette thought it was really a treat to get in a car that wasn’t covered in seagull shit, for a change.

Thankfully everyone caught the train to Lewes and ended up in The Landsdowne Arms where we spent the rest of the afternoon looking out on the sunny road, drinking Harveys and boggling the home going schoolgirls and in some cases their Milfy mothers.

A great day, all in all, and thanks to SB for organising and to Eddie for waiting on us all.

I remind all that this is NOT a “write-up” and future essays to this blog will………………

But I digress

 

Hi All,

This month we go on THURSDAY 27th. Lunch location is The Rainbow in Cooksbridge. Seaford participants will need to take the 10.53 service which reaches Lewes at 11.11. A gentle stroll over to Platform 2 ( the last time I was there The Runaway Café was closed - but that may have changed) for the onward 11.27 train.

The service arrives at 11.32. There is bugger all to do in Cooksbridge so we will have to walk quite slowly to get to the pub for 12 noon, which is the opening time. This may involve sitting outside for a few minutes! Fortunately the weather forecast looks to be OK.


The Carvery is not available on a Thursday so you can study the menu online and make your choices. We should be 5 at table, including El Almirante. Matt cannot join us this time.

See you on the day


Harry

Hi all. Hope everyone involved did enjoy the renaissance of the NERDS last month. It was good to be back, although I was a little concerned with the level of Matt’s reliance upon the over-consumption of tap water! Not very NERD-like!

Anyway, let us discuss the date for the May ‘ramble’. Does anyone have a problem with THURSDAY May 27th? We talked about possibly going to The Rainbow, just a very short walk from Cooksbridge station. I will contact them soon to make a booking if that is OK with everyone.

Harry

                                       April Ramble  2021

The day broke fair and cloudless.  Lafayette amble down to the station at Newhaven and waited patiently for the train to arrive.  He had purchased his “old age pensioner” specially reduced fare from the booking clerk who knew him so well she had no need to seek proof of his antiquity!  The train from Seaford subsequently arrived and Lafayette clambered aboard to meet Paco, Matt and Froggy who we’re saving him a seat.  The train ambled on to Lewes where where everyone disembarked  and they all met up with Sandyballs.

The trouble began when Paco decided he perhaps ought ton buy a ticket (like you usually do on a train journey) and went to the office instead of down to platform 3.  Of course he missed the train to Berwick and was left to kick his heels in the waiting room while Laf’ phoned him to give him new instructions and to tell him how everyone was basking in the sun in the Berwick Inn garden and drinking Harveys’.

The NERDS had met Ed Coombe on the train to Berwick and he was going on to meet Wayne Wrath and a couple of other IOs for a drink somewhere near Polgate.

The NERDS continued to bask in the sunshine garden of the Berwick Inn and one pint morphed into two.  Soon it was realised that the following train from Lewes had stopped and no Taco had appeared so it was surmised that he had bypassed the Berwick Inn, foregoing the pints of Harveys’ and gone straight on to The Cricketers.

So began the actual ramble.  The road between the two pubs was largely devoid of traffic due to inevitable roadworks.  The party even got to the A27 and were able to stroll across.  On arrival at The Cricketers ,Pace had thoughtfully got a round in (as per Lafayette’s telephone instructions) and everyone was assigned a table outside in the garden as per National Instructions.  

Just then the weather decided to turn cloudy.

The food was good - everyone had chicken pies.  Then the company had disgustingly yummy puddings and coffees augmented by Lafayette’s hip flask, contains some exotic

spirit.  The weather turned cold, everyone sat around freezing and rubbing their hands for warmth.  The sun was a distant memory and the clouds above looked threatening.  Laf’ sat shivering and wearing his gloves.

When all could stand it no longer everyone hiked back to The Berwick Arms, drank some more beer and saw how many trains could be missed before returning to Lewes.

Apart from the later cold weather all had a good time, even Paco.  What was more amazing was that we had actually walked about at least a mile.  Froggy also took some pictures.

Yes, the real thing! Boots on the ground. Not a zoom screen!


We meet on THURSDAY the 29th. Destination The Cricketers in Berwick. I have booked a table there for 12.30. The menu is basically ‘pub grub’ and can be viewed on line. Coincidentally Barbara and I are dining there with friends this Tuesday so I will be able to give you some feedback.

So. The Seaford ‘community’ should take the 10.25 train which arrives at Lewes at 10.41 on Platform 4. I will join you at Platform 3 where the connection to Berwick leaves from at 10.47. We arrive at our destination at 10.58 which gives enough time for a pint at The Berwick Inn (which opens at 7AM!) I don’t think we need to book a table for a quick drink - given the hour and the rural location.

See you there!

Harry

 

Hello NERDS,

2021 has arrived and we are still mired in the new year problems with Covid-19 covering all the country.  Here in France we have had snow:-

I gather that the UK has also had some snow but not so much in the Sussex area.  Today all the snow has gone and the sun is shining and the birds twittering on the bird table vacuuming up all the sunflower seeds!

Froggy has arisen from his hibernation and has begun emailing with a vengeance and appears to be back on the “sauce”.  However, he does not appear to have the universal panacea against all ills, including the present pandemic, ‘Calvados’.  Here in France we have ample supplies although the vaccination against Covid-19 will not begin soon and us oldies will only get the “jab” sometime in March!  (Macron strikes again).

We are all looking forward to the next ZOOM meeting on Wednesday 20^th January.

Froggy's suggestion for 2020 October ramble

Hi Harry

I seem to remember that, years ago The Shining Light recommended an Eastbourne pub crawl. But it was all on pavements and we can't do that sort of thing during lockdown. I am not familiar with the "far" side of the town so my one and only suggestion is to do the old chestnut favourite of walking down off the Downs to either the Pilot or the Ship (we'll have to agree on one of them for booking purposes). We would need to get off the bus at the Eastbourne Downs Golf Club/South Downs Way bus stop. We have all done this walk so there would be no surprises. After lunch we could follow the usual promenade walk and could always try and pop into the Buccaneer en route back to the bus stop/train station? I know Matt enjoys this one! One for further discussion in the zoom. Seaford ETA at 10 might be a little early, unless we take refreshment in the Old Boot, which actually opens at 10. I'll make a note of the bus times so that there's no time wasting at the library bus stop.

Cheers!

Froggy

October 2020 Arrangement suggestion

 

Hi all,


This month we meet on Wednesday 21st. I am contemplating a shortish ramble around the Eastbourne area. We haven’t been there collectively for some years and it is largely terra incognita for your Routemaster, so I would appreciate some help and ideas from those of the Seaford community.

Shall we meet at Seaford Railway station at about 10.00 ? Then a number 12 bus ride. Let me know if you have any thoughts. By the way the scheduled Zoom meeting is the day before so we may as well stick to that. I will send out the usual log-in details nearer the time - it is the same as before of course.

Glad we are not back in lockdown!

Harry

September 2020 joining instructions

This month the renascent NERDS walk on Wednesday 23rd. As previously stated, the event will be centred in Lewes, so Seaford types should take the 10.25 train and I will meet you outside Lewes station .Don’t forget your face mask! We will take a gentle stroll to The Blacksmiths Arms in Offham. We have been there before but the pub under the new management now does Jamaican food. You can look at the menu online and have a moan to yourselves about the prices. However, there should be a 25% discount on the day we visit. I have booked a table for 12.15.


We shall have time in Lewes for a coffee before the walk as most pubs (including our lunchtime destination and The Brewers) do not now open until 12 noon. I would NOT suggest a drink at The Volunteer!

No Zoom NERDS session on Sunday 20th as we are away for the weekend.

See you next week.

Harry

Covid-19 April Fools' Day

Dear NERDS,

What fascinating times we find ourselves enjoying in the twilight of our years. 

Given the slightly better weather and the drying out of the land we should be anticipating striding out in a mud-free landscape, listening to the sound of birdsong and the buzzing of bees…….Our destination would be an agreeable rural hostelry, perhaps with a thatched roof and roses around the door. Inside a smiling, buxom barmaid would be dispensing foaming pints at astonishingly low prices. Well, we can only dream.

Ultimately, when we get to the other side of all this I hope the NERDS can reconvene and rise Phoenix-like from the ashes and start rambling (and drinking) again.

Stay safe, all the usual clichés and keep in touch.

Harry

St Patrick's Day Ramble - Cancelled

Sorry, but our "ramble" for today is cancelled .

Have a drink at home instead.

Happy St Patrick's Day (Oh, the irony!)

Lafayette.

New Joining Instructions 15.3.2020

Dearest NERDS,


In view of certain fears by certain members, the ramble this Tuesday will be modified.

It would probably not be a good idea to go into Brighton and mingle with the dirty, filthy hoi poloi that infest this den of iniquity.

We shall therefore meet as usual chez moi for a St Patrick's drink and visit Rottingdean for drinks and a meal at The Plough.

We shall be travelling on public transport so those who are scared of infection may wish to book their own taxi or sedan chair.

See you all on Tuesday. Keep washing those hands! 

Lafayette.

Joining Instructions for St. Patrick's Day Ramble March 2020

Dear NERDS,



We shall celebrate St Patrick, patron saint of Jamesons, on Tuesday 17th March.

The plan is to meet up chez Lafayette between 10 and 10 30 where we shall have a drink and hatch our plans.

These will probably include taking the bus to Rottingdean and going to The Plough for lunch.

After this a trip to the fleshpots of Brighton cannot be ruled out.

So dig out your old green jumpers and don't forget your buspasses

See you all on the 17th.

Lafayette.

March 2020 day Arrangements

St Paddy's Day (on a Tuesday the 17th) has been chosen for the March ramble and we'll at least be able to welcome Dio, who absolutely loves doing this!

Twill be sad not to see Michael there but I'm sure he'll be toasted and remembered more than once.

2020 February's "ramble"

We had a very strange ramble today with me being the only one to leave Seaford. Charlie joined me at Newhaven and Harry at Lewes. No sign of Matt, Tubby, Bish, Paco or Malcolm at Lewes with Harry. So, even though this was Tony's gig he notified Harry that he couldn't come as he had a cold and was going off somewhere tomorrow - huh! Matt chose to drive to the pub as he had a cough (didn't hear it once) and Tubby had his usual better offer. Don't know about Malcolm but Paco also turned up in his car at the pub having arrived for the next train and re-reading Harry's joining instructions! We 3 arrived at the Rainbow at 11:05. No alcohol until 12:00 and the coffees were lukewarm! Pleasant chilling was interrupted by migratory wildebeest old trouts and we had to get to the booked table sharpish to get out carvery roasts in sensibly good time! Good value roasties and we all enjoyed a good lunch. Matt was going to Sainsburys and took Harry & Charlie so I chose to go with Paco and check out North Way to see if anything was happening with Mike's gaff - zilch, nada, nothing! Apart from actual rain-called-off rambles, this one has to go down in history as the shortest ramble I've ever been on (sung to that well known Philby tune). Found myself at home well before 15:00!!!

February 2020 Ramble joining instructions

Our next meet is on Wednesday 12th. Once again we can look forward to a short ramble this time, which may be music to (some of ) your ears.

This time we can thank Tony for our choice of lunch destination. 

He spotted that The Rainbow Carvery just outside Cooksbridge does a roast dinner on a Wednesday for only £8.95p. Apparently the food is good as well, as Tony has tried the carvery there on a Sunday.

I will book a table for 6 persons as I ever know how many NERDS are actually going to turn up.

Anyway, the train to go for is the 10.25 from Seaford. I (and hopefully Malcolm) will meet you on Platform 2. There are trains going back to Lewes at convenient times.

See you on the day.

Harry

Further February Ramble date suggestion

Hi all,

How about Wednesday 12th? Any objections?

Harry

February 2020 Ramble suggestions

Happy New Year to all Nerds...........


.........and now what about the February ramble? I'm having such a bizzy life (ho bloody ho) that dates need to be agreed before my diary fills up (no bloody no). It was somewhat left at "mid Feb" and I was hoping that maybe we could ramble and remember MC on his birthday on 15th Feb but alas that falls on a Saturday. Over to you Nerd Founder Members................and let's hope there can be a walk of sorts, one that can accommodate gripey knees and other such ailments? I myself am having a hell of a job just getting my left leg into undies!!! I'm told it is hip. But I don't see anything cool about it!!!

Froggy XXX

The New Year, Lafayette Birthday Ramble

The January 2020 Ramble


Starting at Lewes Station the NERDS:- Froggy, Paco, Matt, Malcolm, Harry, Tony, Dio and Lafayette were joined by the Darksiders:- Ed, Sheila, Jane, Marion and Debbie.

A trip went up Southover street and immediately had a pit stop at The Kings Head. Harry and I had sussed this revamped place out previously just to make sure it was still selling beer. It was. Then along the road to Kingston for lunch at The Juggs.

Lunch wasn't bad. Malcolm turned up late so we ate his starter; then he turned up - ha, ha! I spent a fortune on prosecco for the girlies (and everyone else) but it was nice stuff and I'm not an expert. Then the NERDS all seemed to slide off leaving me to take all the Darksiders to The Depot by the station where we all drank gin. So not a bad ramble - but a bit expensive.

EU membership?

Hello Everyone,
As of today, 6.12.2019 we appear to be out of the EU already, according to the French anyway!!

Regards
BT

December 2019 Christmas Ramble Alternative Arrangements

Hi All,

Froggy has helpfully pointed out a slight flaw in my arrangements. The pub doesn’t actually open until 12 noon - I thought it was 11 AM. This means that with the train arriving at Norman’s Bay station at 11.04 we would be faced with wandering the wilderness without a pint and subject to the vagaries of the English winter climate.

Therefore, again Frog suggested that we stay on the train to Cooden Beach and from there walk the 1.3 miles to the pub, having first sampled a pint at The Cooden Beach Hotel. Seems a good compromise suggestion.

I talked to the staff at The Star Inn and have an agreement to put the meal back to 12.30. However, they point out that there have a large party of 40 also booked for 12.30. Therefore if we can get there nearer to 12.15 than 12.30 it should be better for us.

The usual NERDS flexibility is again called for!

Thanks again Froggy!

Harry

Christmas Ramble 2019 Joining Instructions

Dear All,

For this year’s seasonal bash we will be lunching at The Star Inn at Norman’s Bay on Wednesday 11th December. Train travel is not exactly straightforward but, stay with me, the actual walk is of a reassuringly short duration.

It means that the Seaford lot have to take the 09.53 train to Lewes. Arriving there we have a few minutes before taking the 10.26 to Hamden Park (possibly time for a quick coffee or whatever at The Runaway Café ). At Hamden Park we then take the 10.43 to Normans Bay, arriving there at 11.04. we have a table booked at the pub for 12.15 - so plenty of time for refreshment and relaxation beforehand.


Our return trains are either 14.27 or 15.42.

See you all on the day.

Malcolm -shall we meet at The Runaway Café at about 10 ?

Harry

November 2019 Joining Instructions

Calling all NERDS,

Apologies for the late submission of these joining instructions! This month we walk on THURSDAY 7th . This will be a local ramble - if you live in the Seaford - Newhaven conurbation. So we meet at The Steamworks on Seaford Central station at about 10.45hrs. We plan to stroll along to Denton and lunch at The Flying (not the Laughing) Fish. If the weather is really unpleasant there are other modes of transport available!

See you all on the day
Harry

October 2019 Joining Arrangements

This month’s mini-ramble takes place on Wednesday 16th. At Charlie’s request we are going to reprise the ‘walk’ we did last year to The Laughing Fish in Isfield. If you remember we took an omnibus ride to The Halfway House on the A26 for a pit stop, thence across a couple of fields to The Fish for lunch. A place in which we have previously dined well. Then a different bus back to Lewes.

So, the Seaford lot should take the 10.25 to Lewes (for a change) where I will meet you at the station. We then have plenty of time for a coffee, or whatever, in town before taking the bus. Fingers crossed for fair weather.

Brian - is it true that you will be making the Christmas Ramble on December 11th? Hope you can make it.

Malcolm -how are you?

Cheers

Harry

September 2019 Ramble Information

Hi All,

This month we stroll on TUESDAY 10th. We thought we would revisit one of our favourite haunts - The Star Inn at Normans Bay. The food is plentiful and good value and the location attractive. What more could a NERD want?

Normally we take the train to Cooden Beach, walk along the coast to the pub and then return from Normans Bay station. However, due to the passage of time and the general lack of fitness from some members (particularly all, perhaps, of the Founder Members) I suggest a departure from this. It makes sense to simply alight from the train at Normans bay and walk from there. A sign of the times perhaps.

My reading of The Star online menu suggests that all the mains are £10 and if you eat in the restaurant the starters and desserts are free? Seems too good to be true doesn’t it ? Anyway it would seem a good idea to book a table so I will certainly do that. It would be useful if those attending would confirm to me that they will be there.

Also, when there we can investigate the possibility of booking a table for the NERDS Xmas meal at the same venue. Again the price would seem to be a bargain.

I will be back with you shortly with train times, etc.

Harry

Advance Notice of January 2020 Ramble

Dear NERDS,
I know it's a bit early for a January ramble but time is rushing headlong on and it will soon be 2020.

I plan to do a joint ramble with those very professional walkers, The Darkside, on Friday 3rd January 2020. Please make sure you have the date in your old/new diaries and have recovered from Christmas by then.

Because most of the NERDS are suffering from a variety of age related injuries the ramble will probably be from Lewes to Kingston with lunch at The Juggs - so we all know the way and no-one can get lost.

See you all soon.

Lafayette.

August 2019 Ramble joining instructions

Hi all,


This month we ‘walk’ on THURSDAY 8th. If we still had write-ups this one would probably be called: ‘ The Meet Up with Bronco, Have a Pleasant Lunch and Not Walk Very Far Ramble’ . Yes we are taking the bus to Ringmer and having lunch with Malcolm at The Anchor.

The decision to not walk very far reflects the general state of physical decrepitude of many NERDS, including (perhaps temporarily) your Routemaster. Despite this, I expect we will all have a fun time.

If members of the Seaford community take the 10.25 train to Lewes I will meet you at the station at 10.41. Malcolm will meet you in the pub at about 12 noon?

Once we are gathered together with foaming pints in front of us we will raise a glass to the memory of Mike Clarke aka Curly.

Cheers

Harry

July 2019 Ramble

Paco, Froggy, Mike, The Captain and Lafayette

There was a NERDS meeting last week chez Mike Clarke. He hosted us well with lots of prosecco and food and stuff and then the plan was to walk to Alfriston. Ha, ha; Harry and I both had bad knees and Matthew is now very old so they both went to Alfriston by car. I went in Imogen's car with Paco (also old ) and Imogen's dog, Bandido. Some of the NERDS actually walked - Mike, Froggy, Bish, and Tubb. We all ate in The George at Alfriston - a nice woodeny furnitured pub but expensive for just pub grub. Paco, Imogen, Badido and I had a little walk round Alfriston while waiting for the others to arrive. It's quite interesting to see all the cottages behind the narrow main road.

So much for rambling - not wise in this heat.

Very sadly Mike died on 24.7.2019 just a few days after this ramble.  He will be remembered by all with affection.

Further information

Hi all.

Next walk is on the 18th, which I believe is on a Thursday. We have been kindly invited to partake of stirrup cups at Mike Clarke's place prior to the walk to Alfriston. Mike suggests we get to his about 10am?

See y'all then. I may well be a velo ( Matt look it up!)

Harry

July 2019's Joining Advice

This month we walk on THURSDAY 18th. We have been generously invited by Mike Clarke to partake of pre- ramble refreshments at his house. From there we make our way, perhaps a little unsteadily, to Alfriston for lunch. I may well have to do the actual walk by bike if my knee problems persist.

To change the subject, there has been some interest in an expedition to watch a T20 cricket match at Hove this summer. The Sussex versus Surrey game on Friday July 26th has been identified. It should be an enjoyable local needle match and starts about 7pm. The tickets are £23 each although there may be a service charge on top. If you are DEFINITELY interested in going then let me know and I will arrange tickets.

Cheers

Harry

June 2019 Joining Arrangements

Hi all NERDS


This month we perambulate on Wednesday 5th. This time we revisit an old walk which we had a go at about a year or so ago. Although the actual route …..was problematic.

Basically we take a bus from Churchill Square to Woodingdean, jump off the bus and go straight into The Downs Hotel for lunch. Last time the food was OK, good value pub grub. After lunch we set off across the Downs with the ultimate destination of Rottingdean and from there a bus home.

Some of you may remember what happened last time. Instead of ending up in Rottingdean we ended up in …….Kingston near Lewes! As it is customary now to blame every failure on Brexit I am claiming this excuse!

Anyway, that won’t happen this time. I have done exhaustive research and nothing can possibly go wrong! So let us meet at Starbucks in Churchill Square at 10.30-ish and see what transpires….

Harry

May 2019 Ramble Joining Instructions

This month’s walk will take place on Wednesday 15th, Just for a change, we are going to visit an old favourite pub- The Abergavenny Arms in Rodmell. However, a slightly different route. We are taking The Egrets Way from Lewes, which follows the Ouse .

So, the familiar 9.53 train from Seaford/ Newhaven and I will meet you outside Lewes station. That should get us to the pub at about opening time - 12 noon. Tony has a hospital appointment on the day but will hope to join us at the pub.

Going back is slightly less straightforward for the Newhaven/ Seaford types. I will be taking the very occasional 123 bus back to Lewes at 2.45 hrs. You lot can join me and take the (free) bus back to Lewes railway station then the train home. Unfortunately, the 123 bus service going south only runs at 1.16 or 3.42 - not ideal. Alternatively, you can take the train back from Southease at either 14.06 or 15.06 - obviously allowing plenty of time for the walk to the station.

Hope that is all clear and look forward to seeing all of you on the 15th.


Harry

April's Joining Instructions

Well the NERDS are still going strong, it seems, but I have been out of the nucleus for a time. Harry’s first instructions for the April 2019 ramble are as follows:-

Hi All,

We will go with Charlie’s arrangement for departing on the 9.53 from Seaford next Tuesday the 16th. However, getting the connecting train to Plumpton will get us to our destination too early. Walking to The Half Moon from the station will mean that we will be faced with closed doors as the pub doesn’t open until 12 noon.

Therefore we can kill a little time in Lewes ( I would suggest the Brewers) and then take the 11.21, arriving at 11.29.

Hope this is OK
Harry

However the response from Lafayette is below!

God, not The Brewers again - I'm always in there. Still, it does open at 10 o'clock.

Lafayette.



I look forward to any information on the resulting promenade.

MARCH RAMBLE 2019 ideas

Fellow Nerds


Those of us not going to Gibraltar can now have a chance to take part in an alternative optional bus pass lunch in Shoreham.


The preferred date for this outing is Wednesday 13th March.


The idea would be to meet up in Starbucks @ 10:30 and then take the 700 coastal bus westwards.


Frog One X


St Paddy's Day extravaganza is still on the cards in Brighton on March 17th, though it would be on a Sunday.

FEBRUARY 2019

It appears that the February Ramble was cancelled in preference to a pub crawl!

February 2019 Ramble ideas

Wet stuff predicted for Wednesday. Looks bloody awful. I suggest we put the Plumpton ramble in the bank for use at a later date. Shall we just meet at Seaford for a few beers and some lunch?


This is the new, softer, less hard-core NERDS. In reflection of the older, perhaps frailer demographic.

Shall we meet at the boozer on Seaford Central station ( Steamworks?) at about 11AM Wednesday?

Cheers

Harry.

Harry,
It sure is going to be rainy. I vote we do a Seaford "ramble" and put plumpton on hold.
Laf.

January 2019 Ramble

Ramble Number 350



Those present:- Lafayette (Birthday Boy); Paco; Curly; Froggy; Matt; Dio and Sandyballs.



The 4th Began with a gathering at the Purple Palace

where everyone attended

with the exception of Sandyballs who was otherwise engaged! Calvados flowed

, chocolate biscuits were munched and birthday cards were opened by Lafayette. Nostalgia came to the forefront as photographs of a NERDS gathering at Jane’s were ogled over.

Eventually everyone set off to The Hope

where Sandyballs was met and all the NERDS tucked into a huge meal.

Later everyone staggered back to Lafayette’s abode where more Calvados was drunk until everyone staggered to their respective homes.