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.

December 2018 Christmas Ramble

Ramble No. 349.


Those present:- S.B. Laf, Curly, Matt, Paco, Froggy, The Bish and Bronco.


We went on the train to Lewes,stopping in The John Harvey Tavern for a quick half of Christmas Ale.
Then by bus up the A26 to The Halfway House where we had a slow pint.

Then we walked through fields

 in the pleasant sunny weather to The Laughing Fish at Isfield and had Christmas lunch

 - very good.

After we returned by bus to Lewes and finished off in The Gardeners before going home rat-arsed.

Quite a good Christmas ramble and nice to see Bronco.

Happy New Year.

Lafayette

2018 Christmas Ramble Joining Instructions

Dear All,

The ever popular NERDS Xmas Ramble is due to take place on MONDAY 17th. This time we dine at The Laughing Fish in Isfield

and we reach it by a circuitous route involving no less than TWO pit stops and a train and bus ride.

Seaford NERDS should forgather at Seaford Central station ( participants arriving from Aguas Calientes

and Cusco

may have to change a couple of times……) to take the 10.53 to Lewes - note the later time. This should get to Lewes at 11.11, giving us the chance of a quick half-pint at the Lansdown Arms.

We then proceed to Lewes Bus Station to hopefully liase with Malcolm.

We take the 11.51 No. 29 bus to The Halfway House at Rosehill

for a refreshing pint. Then we do the short trot across a couple of fields to our lunchtime destination.

Malcolm, suggest you take the No. 28 at either 11.12 or 11.30 and we will meet you at the Bus Station.

As usual for Xmas. we pay for our own grub at the end of the meal. Also, please pay for your own booze as you go.

Xmas good will to all NERDS.

Harry

January 2019 Ramble advice

Dear NERDS, (and those currently basking in Peru),

The January ramble will be on Friday January 4th (which coincidentally happens to

be my birthday.) Details are not yet available and may seriously hinge on the

Brexit outcome

or the NASA mission to Mars,

or even on whether I will still have

any Jamesons

left in my house by that date. Anyway it's Jan 4th so keep that date

free and I'll see you all on the 17th for the Christmas Bash.



Lafayette.

2018 December Ramble Suggestion

Hi all,

As some of you may know, our annual festive fun is to be held on 17.12.2018 at The Laughing Fish in Isfield. As last month we take the bus from Lewes. This time we first alight from the bus at The Halfway House for a snifter then take a very short walk across the fields to The Laughing Fish.

If my life partner, mother of my children and IT guru has pressed the right buttons you should find an attachment to this email containing the Menu. Please study this and if possible let me have your food choices on the Seaford Ramble on 21/11. I will be paying your deposits when I make the booking in the next couple of days and adjust the final bill accordingly.

Fingers crossed
Harry

November 2018 Ramble

Ramble 348


Wednesday 21st November 2018

Those attending:- Sandyballs, Lafayette, Matt, Curly, Paco and Froggy.


We are coping with the rainy season here in East Sussex and putting our whole hearted trust in Saint Theresa

to gently guide us out of the Valley of the Shadow of Death (Europe).

The NERDS went on a "ramble " the other day to Seaford. That is, we might have gone on a ramble but Harry couldn't meet us at first as there was a dead dog on the railway line from Lewes. Anyway he eventually rolled up an hour late. I had phoned Paco who had thought we were meeting the next day (!!) and we finally all got together in The Steampump - a cafe/pub next to Seaford station.

By this time we were all comfortably ensconced and had drunk both coffee and Jamesons so didn't want to walk anywhere. So we all went to The Plough 

where we were met by The Bish and had a jolly good meal and lots more Jamesons

The plough was very pleasant and had all its festive decorations up - even though it's still November. Most of the pubs round here have only just got over the massive commercialisation of halloween.

I blame the Yanks.

So, another non-ramble but at least we're all getting ready for the super excess of the Christmas Season.

2018 November Ramble joining instructions

Hi All. We meet this month on Wednesday 21st. Just for a change Seafordites will not need to get a train to Lewes. Because the ramble will take place in Seaford!

I am thinking vaguely of strolling along to Splash Point (if that is what it is called) and then back along the seafront to The Buckle. Perhaps lunch at The White Hart? Those with local knowledge might be able to suggest an alternative lunch venue - as long as is not that bloody awful faux Italian place opposite Morrisons!

Froggy may well be indisposed on that day. But perhaps he could join us at some hostelry later on. This is one of the reasons I am setting the walk in the fair town of Seaford.

Anyway, my train gets to Seaford Central at 10.47. Suggest we meet at the station about then.

Cheers

Harry

October 2018 Ramble

Ramble 347

Wednesday 24th October 2018

Those attending:- Lafayette, Sandyballs, Froggy, Paco, Matt and The Bish.

So, to the Laughing Fish via train and bus – everyone except Paco.

Plans to ramble on to The Anchor passed by the wayside and everyone stayed at The Laughing Fish for lunch! Paco turned up driven by Imogen, together with the hound.

It was so nice outside sitting in the sun at The Fish that we decided to stay for lunch. Paco turned up driven by Imogen and Bandido and joined us. Imogen promptly found she'd lost her phone/ purse etc and disrupted the proceedings by making us search everywhere. She eventually drove back to Paco's with dog and sans Paco, and found her stuff in Paco's house. Bloody women, eh?

Harry insisted on a walk so we went from Isfield to a pub called the Halfway House about 20 mins away on the main road to er, can't remember. There we had some more drink, decided it was a good place to start a walk from to go to Isfield for Christmas lunch, ie not too far, then everyone went home by bus and train.

October 2018 joining instructions

This month we perambulate on Wednesday 24th. This month, just for a change, we revisit an old favourite walk…..This time, I can guarantee, no hills to climb!

Instead a train to Lewes (just for a change) and a bus to Isfield then hopefully an early pint at The Laughing Fish

and a gentle riverside stroll to The Anchor at Barcombe

for lunch. Not very far at all!

So, the 10.25 train from Seaford ( note the slightly later time) and I will meet you outside Lewes station.

Cheers

Harry

October 2018 Instructions

Apparently Matt and Froggy can’t make the 17th (they do everything together these days) but they can make the 24th. So let’s make it the 24th?


Details, as ever, to follow…….


Harry

September Ramble

Ramble Number 346


Wednesday 19th September 2018


Those present:- Sandyballs, Lafayette, Paco, The Bish, Matt, Curly and Froggy.


The Newhaven/Seaford contingent met at Lewes Station and traversed the town to

Chez Sandyballs. Refreshments were occasioned with Cote du Rhone flowing copiously.

The ramble began in a very breezy period and everyone trekked to the electric windmill at Glynde.  

 Then down into Ringmer to The Anchor where we met Bronco and the Bish. 

Bronco had staggered there from his house about 200yards down the road and the Bish had been feeling poorly so had got the bus from Lewes and cut out the nasty, grueling windy walk. 

Joining Instructions Part Two

Dear All,

Joining instructions a bit earlier this month as I am ‘en vacances’ from Monday. We walk on Wednesday 19th and, as I said before, we will be meeting up with Malcolm at The Anchor in Ringmer.

So, if Seaford participants could take the 09.53 (note the slightly earlier

departure time ) and I will meet you at Lewes station. We walk through the town and up the hill to pass my split-level ranch-style residence ( sadly now without an omnidirectional aerial) to take the familiar route up to the golf course and on to Ringmer. A bit of climbing but there will be plenty of opportunity to stop and admire the view…..

Malcolm-should be at the pub between 12.30and 1PM?

Harry (formerly known as Sandyballs)

September 2018 Ramble Joining Instructions

Hi all,

This month we walk on Wednesday 19th. I have been in touch with Bronco and he is keen to join us for lunch. Therefore we are going to ramble to Ringmer from Lewes Railway station on a route yet to be finalised. In Ringmer we will have lunch at The Anchor ( Bronco’s local)

and then take the 28 bus back to Lewes.

Details, timings, etc to follow.

Regards to all

SB

2018 August Ramble

Ramble 345

Wednesday 8.8.2018

Those attending:- Froggy (as Routemaster!), Lafayette, Sandyballs, The Bish, Curly and Paco.



The Best Laid Plans of Mice and Men



The general idea was to travel from Lewes Station to The Plough Inn at Upper Dicker

via The Berwick Inn at Berwick Station.

At the Berwick Inn refreshments were taken and they proved to be somewhat expensive. (£4.60 for a pint of cider!!)

Cider Fairy

Nevertheless, Froggy herded up the NERDS and with map and instructions at hand everyone set out with the routmaster in charge.

After traipsing around the reservoir we searched for The Weald Way and got lost among the fields and fairy paths.

Escaping from the fairies

everyone headed for a church spire in the distance hoping it was near any village which would hopefully have a pub. We arrived more by luck than any judgement at Arlington churchyard not too far from The Yew Tree pub.

There we were assured of a welcome, great food and drinks.

The return home via The Berwick Inn proved splintered as most of the NERDS walked directly to the Inn but Froggy and Curly rambled around seemingly a little lost among the fairies until they eventually arrived at The Berwick Inn a half hour after everyone else.

After that the train journey to Lewes and all points southerly proved uneventful.





per procurationem

Lafayette

Joining Instructions reply

Yippee! we're going to The Plough again.

What sort of styles are we going to encounter? I'm stylish enough as it is. ( Maybe not as stylish as Matt, though)

Lafayette

                                                              a style fairy

Joining Instructions for August 2018 Ramble

I am your route-master for this one.

Seaford/Newhaven contingent to take the 10:25/10:32 train to Lewes. Please buy a return ticket to Berwick (£3.30 with railcard).

There will only be 6 minutes between arriving at Lewes at 10:41 and departing for Berwick at 10:47. Harry, could you please meet us on platform 3? No time for the Runaway, sorry, but we should be able to quaff a pint or two at the Berwick Inn.

The plan is to walk to the Plough at Upper Dicker along some of the Wealdway and return to Berwick Station along some of the

Vanguard Way. It won't be as long as I had planned as there will be no detour to Pete's Yew Tree.

Imogene, I hope that you and Bandit can make it, but be warned there are a few styles

on the way back! (Ed. Froggy; please note that this is a STILE!!)

See y'all next Wednesday.

Froggy

August 2018 Ramble date change!

Hi all,

Matt cannot make the 8th - the usual cruise problems! Can everyone make the 15th? Please let me know if you cannot.

Cheers
SB

After weighing up the pros and cons and consulting with senior members of the NERDS ad hoc steering committee - it has been decided to stay with our original date of Wednesday August 8th. Sorry Matt….
Another thing, this might be a chance for Froggy to be guest Routemaster and have a go at his much discussed mega ramble centred around Berwick. Over to you, Froggy!
Sandy

August 2018

This month we will meet on Wednesday 8th. All details to follow!!


Sandyballs

July 2018

Those attending:- From the NERDS= Routemaster, Lafayette, Froggy, The Captain and The Bish.

From the Darkside = Marion, Jane, Ed, Debbie, Dave, Roger, Jake and Mel.


Gentlemen,

The absence of Lafayette will have grave consequences but he is determined to no longer write for the NERDS!! (We will miss his fairy references – especially the Absinth ones.)

However, from the ether it has come to notice that another ramble occurred in July together with the “Darkside” and that it was a great wandering success between Newhaven Station

and the Peacehaven public house The Smugglers Rest.

 The two hour ramble, accompanied by the “hot fairies” 

on the hottest day of the year so far, finalized with a protracted good meal and with little dispute concerning who pays what! Few photographs were taken and at the end of the repast the NERDS did what they do best and took a bus home to Newhaven where they adjourned to The Ark.

 The conversation combined the various ailments of the NERDS and complaining of the summer heat interspersed with pints of Harvey’s ale!!