Run No. 87, 20th August 2008:
WHERE: George, Abbot’s Leigh.
HARE: Bovver.
RUN REPORT:
We should have been worried when Bovver announced that she had set the trail on her own and would be following the trail with the walkers while the runners were to be left to their own devices. Inevitably, in no time flat, the runners were split up and lost in the dark, in the rain and ankle deep in shiggy. Zoe strongly suggested that the trail lay “up that way” so a number of us headed “up that way” only to find Upferrit coming towards us – lost, of course. With no good ideas coming forth, Cinders suggested we just head straight down the hill where – low and behold! – a vision of loveliness in the form of Bovver herself appeared before us, complete with Buster, the Hash Hound. No-one was quite sure how that came about but it was on on to eventually arrive at the Beer Stop beside Abbot’s Pool. Leaving the BS the FRBs set off only to find themselves heading down the trail they should have come up. A quick rethink and the correct trail was found marked by the word “PUB” and an arrow even the thickest of us couldn’t misinterpret.
CIRCLE:
The valiant effort by Bovver was recognised in the time honoured manner after which Zoe was called forward along with those she had led astray - which seemed to number one – Bag Lady, the others lying low. Miss Zoe must be up for a naming after that bit of misleading – Miss Leader, perhaps? Cinders called up all the runners who had got lost on the trail – so all the runners took one step forward. That didn’t leave many but the final group took their down downs and we took our soggy feet into the pub (except Head Down, of course, who had already changed into a fetching pair of shiny red sloppies).
ON ON ON:
It turns out that the nice landlord of the George is an ex-Hasher [still is, with Mendip - Ed.] so big plates of sausages and hot, tasty chips were served almost as soon as we walked through the door. It was a struggle to get through them all but it would have been rude to leave food behind so the team pulled together and demolished the lot. Thank you Mr Landlord.
Run No. 86, 13th August 2008:
WHERE: The Black Horse, Clapton-in-Gordano.
HARES: Coppertone, Bag Lady and Poached (+ 13 hashers plus Hash Hounds Buster and Poppy).
RUN REPORT: After the traditional BOGS warm up with Father Abraham, the pack set off over a flat, wet trail around the back of the pub and across the moor until they reached a lake. Continuing to wind around the moors, encountering checks and false trails along the way, the pack reached the church on the Clapton-Clevedon lane and a regroup. The trail then headed off towards Clapton village where there was a turn back but everyone eventually arrived at the tunnel under the M5 where they found the Beer Stop. Duly refreshed, it was On On up the hill towards Glenny Wood (the Scout campsite) and up the bridle path to the Cadbury Camp area. A 2 km loop led the whole pack back to the tunnel again ready for the Circle. Total distance was 8 kms.
CIRCLE: Bag Lady had sacrificed the run tonight in order to dash up to Poached’s place where a whole load of Ginster’s Cornish Pasties were heating up nicely in the oven. These were produced before the Down Downs as the assembled masses stood under the tunnel just a few yards from the pub drinking Coppertone’s Home Brew masquerading as Diet Coke. After the Hares Down Down, Virgins Pauline with hound Poppy, Duracell (whose history includes Bristol H3 and Kennet and Avon H3) and Kasia were all called front and centre. Welcome all. Hope you enjoyed BOGS North Somerset offering of shiggy and rain. Inchworm celebrated his first BOGS birthday and was also declared this week’s SCB. Royalty and DT were the left behinds, both having found themselves – uh – left behind.
ON ON ON: Out of the tunnel and down the pub for liquid refreshment. No food from the pub as they wanted £3.50pp for sandwiches which we had been advised were not especially good – hence the pasties. However, this 14th pub has a good atmosphere and was a pleasant place to end the evening.
Run Number 85, 6th August 2008.
WHERE: The George, Backwell.
HARES: Walky Talky & Kerb Crawler.
ATTENDEES: 14 hashers and Buster, the Hash Hound.
RUN REPORT: In the interests of inclusivity, I asked the assembled hashers to give me their versions of the Run Report. This is what they said:
"We went through residential areas then through a bit of mud, through a cow field with bulls and calves with earrings, through a field with nice horsies, saw a deer, a dead rat, a cat, picked up 4 local lads with a laser gun who then tagged along for a few hundred yards - and Buster was panting all the way like some overheated stalker."
CIRCLE: Welcome back to Returnees Phil (second time with us even though she had to pay this time), Royalty and Buster. Hash Stats informed us that Royalty started hashing one year ago today as did Walky Talky who managed to notch up 50, yes 50, runs in that time. The Birthday Song was sung, "you look like a Hasher and smell like one too...". DT must be the SCB this week as he was first back to the pub and Head Down showed us all up by wearing her glittery slip-on shoes to the Circle and was duly honoured for what DT described as "sartorial excellence", whatever that is. They must do things differently on the Hash down in darkest Devon.
ON ON ON: Pleasant surroundings, tasty fillings in the sandwiches.
Run Number 84, 30th July 2008:
WHERE: The Plough, Congresbury.
HARE: DT.
RUN REPORT: A fine evening despite the dubious weather forecast saw a record pack of
22 hashers set off from the Plough in the wrong direction. A false trail
marker soon returned them to the start and this time they found the
right trail. A trail through the back streets of Congresbury kept the
walkers in touch with the runners up to the first regroup as we emerged
into the open country. The next section was a nice run without many
checks through meadows (horses, cows, sheep) and beside the the river so
a second regroup was needed to bring the pack together again. The
runners then chased off on a half-mile false trail giving the walkers a
chance to get ahead up Iwood Lane towards the wooded hill looming in the
distance. A third regroup near the top of the hill presaged a change
from flour to sawdust through the wildlife sanctuary of Kings Wood and
on down to the beer stop.
After welcome refreshment the pack set off again across fields, only for
the runners to be repelled by a noisy calf and some impressively-horned
cows. The walkers caught up and shooed away the beasts and so everyone
arrived back safely.
Note: we would have been 24 but Bag Lady was poorly and Poached got
knocked off her bike and sustained a broken arm and concussion.
CIRCLE: After the usual DD for the hare we had virgins Philippa (Phil) Madge,
plus Robert, Anne and Lukas Determann - visitors from Ettlingen in the
Black Forest.
Returnees included Jack Jones from Uphill and Batman from Clevedon
(Greyhound H3). Special DD for Rewind who managed to get the wrong side of an electric
fence and amused the rest of the pack as he tried to extricate himself.
Names for Jack Jones: Nimby (because he declines to run in Weston in
case any of his mates recognise him) and Shelley Bougnague: SockEm for a
pair of shocking pink socks. Also a rename for Dancing Shoes: Changed to Bovver because
even the GM got Dancing Shoes wrong.
ON ON ON: The Plough looked after us. A corner bar to ourselves with four big
bowls of chips and sausages helped the conversation along nicely.
Run Number 80, 11th June 2008:
WHERE:The Old Barn, Wraxall.
HARE: Rewind.
Run Number 77, 11th June 2008:
WHERE: The Old Inn, Clevedon.
HARES: DT and Rewind.
ATTENDEES: The hares plus Big Stick, Royalty & Buster, Carmel, Inchworm
& Valerie, Cinders, Kerb Crawler, Walky Talky and WT's brother Martyn
Rosser, Tim Bond, Up Yours.
RUN REPORT:
Incidents - Early in the run Buster nearly became a headless dog! A pair
of friendly shire horses met us as we climbed the stile into their field
and one of them suddenly decided that Buster's head would look better
kicked back over the style. It was only being low-slung that saved him -
the hoof broke the catch on his collar.
Route - The hares took the pack from the Old Inn along the road towards
Portishead, then off right on a footpath between Holly Lane and Norton's
Wood Lane - through nettles and past the previously-mentioned shire
horses. After a regroup on Norton's Wood Lane the pack climbed up an old
cart road into Court Woods, through the quarry and on up to the top of
the ridge following mountain bike trails. A zig-zag route back through
the woods managed to confuse most of the pack but everyone made it to
the beer stop overlooking the quarry once again. From there a familiar
trail led out of the woods into all Saints Lane and on in.
CIRCLE:
Down-downs for the hares and hash virgin Martyn, after which Tim
Bond was ceremoniously renamed %quot;Lime Cordial", presumably on account of his jacket colour and because he‘s a friendly sort of fellow.
ON ON ON:
Two generous platters of sarnies plus a bowl of chips were
provided by the Old Inn and I'm ashamed to say we failed to finish them.
We were short-handed though as the Portishead contingent had to leave early.
Run Number 76, 4th June 2008:
"The 2008 Nailsea Apple Hash"
WHERE: The Moorend Spout, Nailsea.
HARES: Rewind (13 Hashers & Hash Hound, Lucky).
We lost one member at the early stages last day. The shape was like an hourglass and they over-enthusiastically managed to broach the go and return paths and find the Cider Stop (CS) within minutes of starting in spite of several safety precautions. Otherwise it seemed to go well, the draught cider proved a hit and the cows, horses, ducks and chicken were friendly. After the CS we had a live hare for the runners taking a slightly extended route resulting in both groups reaching the Moorend Spout fairly equally. Rumours that it was an old route run backwards are totally without substance.
CIRCLE: June was asking for trouble running around the trail wearing 2 flashing pink p*n*ses on her head to celebrate her b’day so she came for a down-down along with Rex for bringing her. This also led to a discussion about June’s Hash Handle and 2 suggestions came forward for RAs consideration – watch this space. Unfortunately she kept her pink headgear on for the down down so had to do another one along with returnee, James – welcome back, James. Rewind and Cinderella ran down a private road as did Coppertone who tried to talk his way out of it but no-one believed a word of his story. Beady-eyed Big Stick had noticed that Bag Lady was wearing odd trainers; she claimed she had a similar pair at home but then Walky Talky noticed that Big Stick had new shoes on! While Bag Lady supped her beer, Big Stick drank his from his now non-virgin shoes. Finally, Helen was called to account for drinking her beer before the circle began – she is young but she will learn.
ON ON ON:
The pub treated us well and even included after-eight mints. Each couple got a bowl of chips to share which works out fairer than a free for all. Finally June treated us to some yummy Birthday Cake and Rex treated us to a bit of magic.
Run Number 75, 28th May 2008:
WHERE: The White Hart, Weston-in-Gordano.
HARES: Coppertone, Bag Lady, Carmel.
The expression is that hardship sorts the men from the boys, but on this wet and windy night there were actually more females than males gathered to brave the elements. Eleven hashers in all (plus one hash hound) set off through the lane opposite the pub and headed for the woods and fields beyond. The trail took in parts of Weston Big Wood along with the surrounding areas and finished in the lay-by in Valley Road for a beer stop.
CIRCLE: After the Hares, Mariem and Cinderella were brought front and centre for not wearing raincoats despite the rain. There’s a hash saying: "if you’ve half a mind to hash, you’re already over-qualified" and these two fitted that description perfectly. For mobile phone abuse (using during BS) Bag Lady came forward accompanied by Coppertone (for wearing a hat while taking his down-down as hare) and Rewind (today’s SCB). Coppertone tried to plead good character for Rewind as he’d run most of the falsies but the hashers were having none of it. Then there was a quick down-down for the rest and a rush into the pub to get out of the rain.
ON ON ON: Tucked tidily away into the recess at the end of the public bar there were some excellent sandwiches to scoff. DT honoured us with a guest appearance later on.
Run Number 74, 21st May 2008:
WHERE: Ship Inn, Uphill Way, Uphill, Weston-super-Mare.
HARES: Carol & Chloe.
Twelve hashers set off on a lovely summer’s evening to explore this, as-yet-undiscovered-by-BOGs hashing territory. And what a treat it turned out to be. If you weren’t here, you really missed out. The trail took us to spectacular viewpoints, through meadows of wild orchids, up hills, down dales, through a church, up a monument, along footpaths and across Uphill beach. Frankly, it’s going to be a hard act to follow for next week’s hares; I pity them. This is about as good as it gets.
CIRCLE: Penny had brought along her significant other, Chris, who came forward for a welcoming down down in his short-lived role as Hash Virgin. That infamous SCB, Coppertone, was at it again and came front and centre to admit his crime (which he claimed was his role in life). And then it was time for Hash Handles to be awarded: a great honour because, once named, a hasher will hold that name “henceforth and forever more”. And so it came to pass that DT with the power invested in him named Chloe “Upfurit” and Carol “Upyours” (They laid the hash at Uphill – geddit?). Chloe choose the spelling of her name and decided upon Upfurit as it more closely matched its west country origins.
ON ON ON: Inside the pub we settled down for a drink and sarnies in a place away from the TV where the finals of the Champions League Trophy was being played out in Moscow between Manchester Utd and Chelsea. Man U won.
Run Number 73, 14th May 2008:
WHERE: The Old Farmhouse, Nailsea
HARES: Walky Talky & Kerb Crawler
A picturesque rural setting which included a Viewing Check over the swans on Backwell Lake and later a Regroup Check in a woodland lane. How good is that? The trail allowed the indecisive to swap between the Runners trail and the Walkers trail and took many of us to places we’d not found before.
CIRCLE:
Lots of Down Downs! After the Hares were rightly honoured for an excellent hash, it was time to bring forth The Virgin. This was Helen from East Town, Lympsham (before you ask, somewhere on the Bridgwater side of Weston-super-Mare) brought to us tonight by Penny and Carole. She was welcomed with the traditional hash song and took her Down Down like a true hasher. Just Tim has been hanging around now for 15 runs and must be lining up nicely for a naming ceremony. However, on this occasion a Down Down is all he got. So many SCBs! Coppertone, Big Stick, Twirly, Royalty, Inchworm – all declared guilty. Carmel was caught trespassing on the trail, going straight past a big sign marked “PRIVATE” - obviously keen. For running on the walkers trail we had Twirly, Coppertone, Big Stick & Inchworm again, along with Bag Lady. Which left very few for the “everyone else” category but I noticed Spot On, Mo, Penny & Carole. If there’s anyone I’ve missed out, please do something really stupid this week to get noticed and I’ll make sure it’s recorded for posterity.
ON ON ON:
Nice sandwiches and crisps and Hopping Hare by the pint.
Run Number 72, 7th May 2008:
WHERE: DT’s place, Clevedon.
HARE: DT.
21 Hashers & 2 Hash Hounds set off from DT’s place for a tour of Clevedon on this lovely sunny evening. The trail overshot the park then turned back through it. A winding route took us through upper Clevedon and continued down to the sea front where there were loads of people enjoying the scenery and the good weather. Ignoring their strange looks, we followed the trail across the grass and onto the sea wall eventually picking up Poet’s Walk where we regrouped at 4 short planks stuck in the ground (this could have been a work of art or a comment on our intelligence). Coppertone and Royalty, ably assisted by Buster, set off around the headland only to find a T12* and that no-one else was following them because the rest of the Pack was short-cutting, following Chloe & Jim. On On through lower Clevedon and to a high point for a Beer Stop when our fears were confirmed: Swallow and Twirly had gone AWOL. Deciding that they were both locals and could probably find their way back, we headed for home led by Rewind who found all the checks and the trails after them. * T12: the point on the trail where you turn back and count 12 blobs of flour to find the correct way to go (could be T3 or whatever).
CIRCLE:
After the Hare took his Down Down , it was time to welcome our Hash Virgins, Mariam from Tunisia, brought by Kerb Crawler and Lois from Portishead brought by Jim. For the wilful wearing of a hat in the circle, Mariam took another Down Down. Ignorance of the law is no excuse but at least now she knows.
Other Hash crimes included Chloe for being today’s SCB* & Jim for being an accomplice; Twirly, Swallow and Hash Hound Buster for Sex on the Hash then Swallow (again) plus Kerb Crawler for having survived a year of Hashing.
ON ON ON:
Now here came a pleasant surprise: as darkness fell, we all went indoors for warming chilli followed by apple crumble and fruit salad – how good is that? With wine and beer to lubricate the parts the chilli couldn’t reach, this was a very pleasant way to end the evening. Many thanks to those who prepared all the food and to DT and Swallow for the use of their house and garden.
Run Number 63, 5th March 2008:
From The Commodore, Sand Bay, the hares Lock In and Deep Throat sent us up through the woods in Worlbury then over to the housing estate for some street work. Back into the woods for numerous false trails and a picture by the wood carving. On to Lock In's beer stop and a swift
jog back to the car park for a down down. Altogether about 6km, and climbing! Welcome back to an old friend and a new virgin Hasher.
After we filled up in the pub (we were the only ones there), hash dog Buster was asked to leave, drunk in charge of the ship's wheel! Chips and a roll were on offer - not the most appetizing but still everything is welcome. - Twirly.
Run Number 62, 27th February 2008:
Excellent Hash from The Old Farmhouse, Nailsea, organised by Heather and Walkie Talkie. Very intricate route (about 8km) which was enjoyed by all. Superb spread of sandwiches, dips, etc. Best ever yet and will be hard to beat - worth a return just for that! - Twirly.
Run Number 61, 20th February 2008:
The run from The Oak in Copse Road, Clevedon, (Hare: Deep Throat) was attended by 13 members and two dogs, all participants kept together winding their way through the back streets, church yards, and pub carparks to eventually work up to Strawberry Hill. Beer stop in the Hare's friends' drive and then on up to the trig point/cricket pitch for a view over Clevedon and the Mendips. On down (sic-Ed.) through the Zig Zag back to the pub. Several fines ensued and hot cider punch (probably the last this season) were consumed as fines. On in for good plate of rolls and the usual rendition from Cinderella for his folk night. Everyone had a good time. - Twirly.
Run Number 60, 13th February 2008:
WHERE: The Crown Inn, Skinners Lane, Churchill.
HARE: Rewind.
Run Number 59, 6th February 2008:
WHERE: The Royal Oak, Portishead.
WHO: 12 Hashers, 2 Hash Hounds.
HARES: June Seville, Spot On, Wendy and Carmel.
RUN REPORT: Turing right out of the pub and up the hill towards Clevedon, past the
school to our first dilemma of the night, a false trail but no check
points had been reached. Our hare virgins had forgotten the check
point (apparently it was there but being written in pale blue chalk it
was easy to miss in the dark). All hashers split to explore all local
roads and finally discovered the route continuing down hill towards the
coastal path, where we slotted in right on schedule behind the walkers.
The runners had a loop round the lighthouse before meeting up again
with the walkers on the pitch and putt course and the whole group spread
out to try to locate what proved to be the elusive white molehills which
we were assured marked the trail.
We picked up the trail again at the Windmill and in due course found
ourselves by the lake grounds, walkers and runners splitting taking the
low and high roads. A regroup was missed at the back of the swimming
pool by some and walkers split again with runners climbing up through
the woods to finally meet up beside the Royal Pub. All proceeded along
the quay until another split at the lock gate sending the runners across
the lock gate through the building sites and loop back to meet up with
the walkers at the leisure centre car park for a well-earned beer stop.
Suitably refreshed, the runners headed out towards the High Street and
up along the back roads to Avon Way. A loop round the back of the
houses to climb the steep hill and steps brought us back onto Avon Way
for a short section and finally up the old cobbled street to join West
Hill and thankfully the sight of the pub enticingly at the summit.
CIRCLE: We welcomed a virgin hasher, Kitty Chen and commented on her first
magnificent run. Twirly, Royalty and Carmel were given fines for being
too perfect and sticking to the route.
ON ON ON: Real ale on tap and two platters of tasty sandwiches were quickly
consumed by the group whilst watching the end of the England vs
Switzerland friendly football match. Rex proceeded to entertain
onlookers with his card tricks and disappearing handkerchief.
Run Number 58, 30rd January 2008:
WHERE: The King's Arms, Easton in Gordano.
WHO: 12 Hashers, 2 Hash Hounds.
HARE: Cinderella and Heather.
RUN REPORT: Cinderella was late as he had experienced an emergency whilst laying the
final section of the route. Heather fell and suffered cuts to her top
lip and had broken her front teeth. She was rushed to the Cottage
Hospital in Clevedon for immediate treatment, then on to Frenchay
Casualty. Cinderella returned to continue the Hash (there's dedication
for you!).
We headed out towards Portbury, across the motorway. There was a false
trail into the car depot and a return back under the motorway into
Pill. Several false trails and circular routes ensued to finally lead
us to a regroup and viewpoint down the Avon from the sailing club at the
Pill. Back on route following the Sustrans cycle track towards the new
housing estate in Pill, back onto the main road and beer stop at the
Pill Fire Station. On on through the housing estate and across rough
fields to our final destination.
A superbly devious trail which had even Deep Throat confused.
CIRCLE: Due to the unfortunate incident with Heather, the circle took place
inside the pub.
ON ON ON: A returned Hasher, Tim Bond was welcomed back. A plate of chips and
plenty of sandwiches were forthcoming and everyone tucked in heartily.
The sandwiches were quite delicious and good local clear cider coupled
with real ales completed a fine night.
Run Number 57, 23rd January 2008:
WHERE: The Market Inn Yatton.
WHO: 18 Hashers, 2 Hash Hounds, Visiting Hasher (Lockout) from Weston
Women's Running Network and Sport 4 Life.
HARE: Deep Throat.
RUN REPORT:
A group photo was taken for Sport 4 Life publicity purposes with all
members giving a smile before the start. The 15 Hashers split and
soon the runners were following many false trails. We wound our way
through the back roads of Yatton towards Claverham and finally started
climbing up Cadbury hill at the back of Cadbury Hotel and country club.
Out on to the main road towards the pub, false trail sent us all back
through the church yard and on to the old Strawberry rail line. Back
along the track and on in.
CIRCLE: A few fines were handed out, Down down and on on inside.
ON ON ON: Inside the pub we were welcomed by the landlord and lady and were
presented with two huge platters of mixed sandwiches. it was a struggle
to devour all of them. Beer selection was good and pleasant conversation
was had by all.
Run Number 56, 16th January 2008:
Hashers advertise the North Somerset campaign to encourage people to get out and
exercise. It might just have the opposite effect!
WHERE: The Angel Inn, Long Ashton.
WHO: 13 Hashers & 2 Hash Hounds ( 3 Virgins )
HARES: Big Stick & Deep Throat
RUN REPORT: The shout went out from Deep Throat: "There's a break in the cloud - let's go before it starts to rain again!" Everyone arrived at the Pub on time, where was the Hare? 5 mins past, at last the familiar red Smart car appeared with Deep Throat at the wheel, the ceremony for warming up began and introductions for the new Hashers. A westerly route across the sheep fields started us off towards Ashton Court and several false trails and loops kept the group well packed to lead us across the Cumberland Basin cycle routes and across the Avon on the old railway bridge, the Avon was in full flow on its ebb, not a night for romantic views up to the suspension bridge. On On called to follow the tow path route in to town, a T5 pulled the runners back in to cross the river again on to Coronation rd and back towards the City ground, more loops/false trails around the park kept the walkers and runners on an even pace, one regroup, time to get cold and view the stars through the lights from the City ground, it must have been a reserve match, none of the roads were full up with parked cars. On On, up and down various steps and underpasses giving false hopes of an early return to the pub! We were heading in to town again, a sharp right turn through the local out-of-town shopping emporium led us to a timely beer stop by the railway line. Fully replenished with another tasty beverage from Big Stick. On On across the railway and down towards South Liberty Lane; another false trail, back we went, where next? Follow the route across the fields to the park and ride. Until now the ground had been either grass, tarmac or paving; the thought of getting back to the car without having to change footwear seemed a remote possibility. The Hare had it all in his stride, no more Mr. Nice Guy the mud and water got deeper the further we went, if your feet weren't wet before they certainly would be now. Another false trail heading back to the pub sent us up the Long Ashton by pass across some very deep muddy fields, classic Hashing; climbed the stile (was there one?) On In gave the sign we were not far from home but the best of the mud had been saved for last. I do believe a herd of Wilder Beast had churned up the path we followed to get back, there was no escape, you had to get in it to get on, last push through the mud in to the back of the church and the pub.
CIRCLE: Deep Throat had the Virgins fully enrolled with Down Downs, as is the custom, with the Hares. No fines for wearing hats given out although it was cold. Inch Worm achieved a 15 hash award, two runs for not falling over, we may have to re name him! The Hash hounds took the circle for no apparent reason! Leaving a timely number to finish off and retire to the pub.
ON ON ON: The pub had produced two platefuls of sandwich's and a tray of chips. They didn't last long between 13 hungry hashers, the pose for a photo and the evening was complete. Another very successful hash complete.
Run Number 55, 9th January, 2008:
WHERE: The Prince of Waterloo Winford.
WHO: 13 Hashers, 2 Hash Hounds.
HARE: Deep Throat.
RUN REPORT: The 13 Hashers split and soon the runners were following many false trails. We wound our way through the back alleys of Winford to finally start climbing out onto the water-logged fields. Even the lanes had been turned into rivers; calls for aqualung, flippers and ducks were heard. Various cross-country routes ensued to finally arrived at the Beer Stop. Hot toddies waiting for the walkers to appear, what had delayed them? Finally, after guiding in with the aid of Carmel's new high-powered red Petzl head torch, an easy jet flight from warmer climates. Lucky had got a different scent than the hare had laid and considered it was fair game. In the dark June was very calm until she caught him. I cannot repeat what was said, enough to say Lucky had used up all of his brownie points and would be led home. The runners shot off to finish in style. Inch Worm called out T 10! What!!! T10! That's a record, Deep Throat had excelled himself. Back we went, caught the walkers and meandered across more rice fields to finally see the welcoming lights from Winford. On In and up the hill to the top car park for the circle.
CIRCLE: Few fines were handed out, Swallow received a long service to Somerset Hashing, and Inch Worm had finally failed to live up to his name, despite the Jiggy. Down down and on on inside.
ON ON ON: Inside the pub we found a secluded niche and proceeded to devour the tomato and basil soup with crusty brown and white bread (not so much pepper next time, but welcoming nonetheless). Cinderella and Walkie Talkie left to get back for "the Band" at the Oak and it was left for Deep Throat to encourage new hares to come forward, Wendy and Mo were coerced but with assistance we will get more variations for future Hashes.
Run number 54, 2nd January, 2008:
Ten brave souls and Lucky, the dog, (unfortunately Buster was unable to attend, some say he was missed!) met in The Star at Tickenham. The warm-up was needed and a quick jog up the hill to avoid the rush hour traffic split the group quickly as there was to be no re-groups. Walkers meandered across the fields and up on to Cadbury Camp lane. Swallow and Big Stick agreed that a detour for early preparation of the Hot Toddies was necessary so they splintered off along the lane and back down to the church stop. Meanwhile the remaining walkers carried on down Wood Lane to Clapton in Gordano. The runners had looped around Old Lane across to Naish Farm and through Parsonage wood, the Black Horse at Clapton was calling out! Rewind produced a damp ten pound note and stood us all for a swift half. On On through Nicholas Wood and climbing again up to the foot path crossing the M5. On through West Park wood and down the hill across to folly farm and the Beer stop at Tickenham court. The car windows were all steamed up when we arrived but a lavish feast was awaiting.
On on across the moors and back to the Star for the final Down down. Official distance set at 6K but Deep Throat's GPS calculated it at 14k; somewhere in between, methinks!
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