A few words regarding the bus arrangements for the Xmas lunch. Firstly the bus is full. Everyone attending the lunch will have received a confirmation of their payment and whether or not they had requested a seat on the bus. Please check that email to ensure you are confirmed on the bus. If you have lost the email, or are in any doubt, please email keith@yarnbrook.com for confirmation.

Secondly, if your arrangements have changed and you are no longer wanting to use the bus and have not made this known to the committee, please email keith@yarnbrook.com, as someone else might be interested in your place.

Thirdly, a reminder of times:

• Outward journey - Boarding at Churton Park Village from 11.15am; bus departs 11.25am.
• Return journey - boarding at The Pines 3.30pm; bus departs 3.40pm.
• Travel time is around 40 minutes each way.

The away walk for 2025 is to Methven for four nights, arriving Wednesday November 5th and departing Sunday November 9th.  Mid-Canterbury is a part of the country that CPCW has not visited previously. There are great walking opportunities near Methven: in the Canterbury foothills, a number of small bush reserves, at Lake Coleridge and in the Rakaia Gorge. We have reserved all 25 rooms in the lodge at the Southern Cross Lodge which also has a dining room where we can meet. The rooms are ensuite and the rate is $135 per day which includes a continental breakfast. The rooms can either be configured as double or twin.

When we have been to the South Island in past years, many people have chosen to take their own vehicle. For those not wishing to do this, flying to Christchurch and hiring a vehicle might be an economical option. Methven is 96km from the airport and Google says this is a 1hr 18min drive.

For trampers, Arthurs Pass National Park is nearby. I am suggesting Mingha - Deception.  This is a one night/two day tramp, but staying for two nights at Goat Pass Hut would give the opportunity to walk/scramble up to Lake Mavis on the day in between. It is an ambitious tramp so we might decide on something less adventurous, depending on who is interested, as there are lots of other choices in Arthurs Pass. 

A deposit of $50 per person is due by 31st December 2024. Please pay to the CPCW account (02-0524-0233091-00) with your name and ‘Methven’ in the reference field. At the same time can you please send me an email to let me know you have paid - David.Pegram.nz@gmail.com

I am happy to answer any questions - either in person or by email (David.Pegram.nz@gmail.com)

Desite a dubious start to the morning's weather, Wednesday proved suitable for the walks in and around Seton Nossiter reserve.  Here are photos of the CPCW walkers provided by Paul Alpe:

The FFs gathered mid-walk for a photo taken by Clint Davis and half of the PPs were captured at the "after-match function" at Simmer by Mike Drain.

There were six walkers on Thursday evening who enjoyed their walk in Trelissick Park.  Photos of the group have been provided by Gillian Mills and Jennie Thompson:

Friday's walkers headed into the hills above Lowry Bay, down into Wainuiomata and then back up and over the hills - 13.3km with a total ascent of 560m.  I am sure they deserved any refreshments awaiting the finish of this walk!!  Photo courtesy of Clint Davis: