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| |
|
Date |
Trail |
Hares |
Venue |
| 16 Jan 08 |
256 |
Derek Gray & Les Salmon |
Norris Bridge
(GR: 833536) |
| 30 Jan 08 |
257 |
Tony Soane |
Lightwater Country Park
(GR: 833536) |
| 13 Feb 08 |
258 |
Pip Barnes |
RLC Museum Car Park
(GR: 906577) |
| 27 Feb 08 |
259 |
Graham Smith |
Fleet Pond Lower Car Park
(GR: 826554) |
| 12 Mar 08 |
260 |
Chris Farmer |
Farnham Golf Course Car Park
(GR: 837476) |
| 26 Mar 08 |
261 |
Flash Gordon |
RLC HQ Officers Mess
(GR: 912588) |
| 09 Apr 08 |
262 |
Tony Case |
Norris Bridge
(GR: 833536) |
| 23 Apr 08 |
263 |
Neil Warren |
Foresters Pub
(GR: 825528) |
| 07 May 08 |
264 |
Richard McAllister |
Outridden Copse
(GR: 832510) |
| 21 May 08 |
265 |
Ian 'Hippo' Angell |
Tunnel Hill
(GR: 918558) |
| 04 Jun 08 |
266 |
Richard McAllister |
Rushmoor Arena
(GR: 850518) |
| 18 Jun 08 |
267 |
Brian Langford |
Upper Hale
(GR: 829492) |
| 02 Jul 08 |
268 |
Flash Gordon
Terry Newland |
5 Dettingen Road
+ BBQ After trail (Bring a can)
(GR: 913578) |
| 16 Jul 08 |
269 |
Cath Bradshaw |
Potters Lakeside
(GR: 894549) |
| 30 Jul 08 |
270 |
Sarah & Steve Nagel |
Cranmore Lane (Rowhill Nature
Reserve) (GR: 849500) |
| 13 Aug 08 |
271 |
Chris Farmer |
Farnham Park Golf Course/Cricket
Club (GR:
838475) |
| 27 Aug 08 |
272 |
Tony Soane |
Lightwater Country Park
(GR: 902618) |
| 10 Sep 08 |
273 |
Alan Jewell |
Woodlands Walk off Fernhill
Rd Hawley Common
(GR: 850581) |
|
24 Sep 08 |
274 |
Richard
McAllister |
Tunnel Hill
(GR: 918558) |
|
08 Oct 08 |
275 |
Vance Allen &
Rik Rawcliffe |
Potters
Restaurant
(GR: 894549) |
|
22 Oct 08 |
276 |
Tony Case &
Ian Lowers |
Frimley Lodge
Country Park
(GR:887563) |
|
05 Nov 08 |
277 |
Ian Gordon & Paul Gallagher |
Upper Hale
(GR: 829492) |
|
19 Nov 08 |
278 |
Derek Gray & Les Salmon |
Surprise Hill
(GR:896515) |
|
03 Dec08 |
279 |
Cath Bradshaw |
Old Guildford
Road
(GR: 900561) |
|
17 Dec 08 |
280 |
Richard McAllister |
Outridden Copse
(GR: 832510) |
|
31 Dec 08 |
281 |
Paul & Alex Duncan |
RLC HQ Officers Mess
(GR: 912588) |
|
14 Jan 09 |
282 |
Neil Warren and Paul Armstrong |
Car Park Behind
Tweseldown Pub
(GR: 822518) |
|
28 Jan 09 |
283 |
Flash Gordon |
Car Park and
Picnic Site of Suffield Lane
Puttenham
(Post Code
GU3 1BE)
(GR:
919462) |
|
11 Feb 09 |
284 |
Alan Jewell |
Caesar’s
Camp Car Park
Bourley Road
(GR:
844509) |
|
25 Feb 09 |
285 |
Paul
Gallagher |
Potters
Restaurant
(GR:
894549) |
|
11 Mar 09 |
286 |
Tony Case |
Starve Acre
(Off roundabout on A30) (GR:
842592) |
|
25 Mar 09 |
287 |
Derek Gray,
Les Salmon & Ron Peasley |
Wellington
Monument Car Park
(GR:
853511) |
|
8 Apr 09 |
288 |
Richard
McAllister |
Tunnel Hill
(GR:
918558) |
|
22 Apr 09 |
289 |
Tony Soane |
RLC Museum Car Park
(GR:
906577) |
|
6 May 09 |
290 |
Ian Lowers |
Pirbright
Road
(GR:
923562) |
|
20 May 09 |
291 |
Vance Allen |
RLC HQ
Officers Mess
(GR:
910584) |
|
03 Jun 09 |
292 |
Tony Soane |
Upper Hale
(GR: 829492) |
|
17 Jun 09 |
293 |
Claire Brewer |
Hawley Common
Lake (GR:
840579) |
|
01 Jul 09 |
294 |
Tony Case |
Bramshill
Plantation (GR:
760613) |
|
15 Jul 09 |
295 |
Richard
McAllister |
Rushmoor
Arena
(GR: 850518) |
|
29 Jul 09 |
296 |
Cath
Bradshaw |
Lightwater
Country Park
(GR:
902618) |
|
12 Aug 09 |
297 |
Paul and Robyn Duncan |
Sports
Ground along from RLC HQ Officers Mess
(GR:
909581) |
|
26 Aug 09
|
298 |
Petal and Silver
Fox |
Quetta Park
(GR:
817512) |
|
09 Sep 09 |
299 |
Flash Gordon |
Car Park and
Picnic Site of Suffield Lane
Puttenham
(Post Code GU3 1BE)
(GR:
919462) |
NOTES ON DH3 RUN 299 ON WEDNESDAY 9th
SEPTEMBER 2009
FROM PUTTENHAM (GR:
919462)
Hare:
‘Flash’ Gordon (Cruise Control).
Hounds:
Sarah Nagel (Petal), Derek Gray
(Prime8), Les Salmon (over Ready), Tony Soane (Sony Tone), Alan Jewell
(Easy Rider), Brian Langford (Cyclone), Chris Farmer (Bidet), Tony Case
(Fruit & Nut), Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue), Kim Dyos (Little
Prick), James Roberts (No Entry), Kath Bradshaw (Twin Peaks) and Sue
Figgis (Centre of Attraction).
It should have been bright and sunny but was
instead dull and damp – almost proper rain but not quite. After a
short, pithy brief we were off to complaints from some Hounds that the
Hare normally gave an indication of direction to get the pack going.
So, being forever helpful, Cruise Control told one of the directions in
which it was not. Inevitably, the pack got spread out and after a while
one (unknown) Hound was lucky enough to find the on and F&N’s horn
confirmed it. So we were off. Downhill for a while and then a while
more. Along well worn paths through high bracken to another car park
where we found the first regroup and it was here that CofA deigned to
join us (late, as ever). Now the Hare had us spreading out all over the
place in confusion. A number of tracks had been marked but all seemed
to end in a falsie. Then the horn was heard again and we were off once
more. The pace was quite fast because No Entry was at the front and
brought his North Hants habits with him. The rest struggled on and it
was soon apparent that the trail was turning back on itself. Sony Tone
called out a warning to the short cutting MR that saved him from getting
considerably shigged up – a pity thought some; it could have been such a
giggle. However, the next regroup gathered all together, eventually.
On starting off again there was some delay and confusion as the search
for the real trail went on. In due course the true intent of the Hare
was discovered and the trail went off over a minor road and continued
through the woods once more. Around a lake or two, past a couple of
houses, around another lake on a long straight to another regroup. Now
it was time for No Entry to resume his front running and that took him
up a falsie with MR close on his tail. It was F&N’s horn that once more
called us on and we found ourselves going back in on the outward trail
(how about that for economy of flour and effort!). Timing was exact in
that we were back on the hour but we had to pay for all the downhill
stretches by struggling back up to the car park where down downs were
awarded. First to the Hare for a very good trail but he had to help
himself to the beer because the RA is getting forgetful in his dotage
for he didn’t make the offer before starting to sing. Then Petal and
Centre of Attraction collected theirs for being remarkable lassies,
Little Prick and No Entry for returning after a break in attendance,
while Cyclone got one for being a Master Trainer and showing his newly
gained doglet how to Hash. The On Inn was the Harvester where some very
reasonably priced ale was consumed.
Don’t forget that the next meet is the
300th
with a trail laid by Easy Rider and starting at the Wellington Statue.
Hope to see you there…
ON ON |
NOTES ON DH3 RUN 298 ON WEDNESDAY 26th AUGUST 2009
FROM QUETTA PARK (GR 817512)
Hares:
Sarah Nagel (Petal) and Steve Nagel (Silvier Fox).
Hounds:
Derek Gray (Prime8),
Les Salmon (over Ready), Tony Soane (Sony
Tone), Paul Armstrong (Back Up), Geoff Cooke (Free Ryde), Alan Jewell
(Easy Rider), Brian Langford (Cyclone), Chris Farmer (Bidet), Neil
Warren (Armoured Farmer), Tony Case (Fruit & Nut), Richard McAllister
(Mountain Rescue), Andy Hocking (Sugar Plum Fairy), Kim Dyos (Little
Prick), John Elder (Seis Matters), Alan Fiddler (Outrider), ‘Flash’
Gordon (Cruise Control), Tom Gordon (Hot to Trot), Ron Peasley (Hi Hat),
and Mark Simmons (Any One Will Do).
This report is
going to be short for reasons that will become apparent. The start was
late for no obvious reason, and slow because it was uphill and there
seemed to be a reluctance to take the lead too far ahead. From the car
park we went up the slope towards the quarters where there was a lengthy
pause. For a while the pack wandered around and eventually found the
trail leading, as anticipated, into the woods. Sadly, after a further
delay, Mountain Rescue found himself at the front but following what
turned out to be a false trail. Seis Matters had found another way
round and we met for a moment but went off in many different
directions. After what seemed an age, the call was heard. But now your
scribe found himself in thick undergrowth and by the time he’d sorted
himself out, the pack was well beyond hearing. So, one his own he had a
choice and totally screwed up by going the wrong way. He was on his
own… The loneliness of the long-lost scribe began…
Meanwhile, the
pack obviously made good progress and failed to note the absence of
you-know-who at the first regroup. At the second he was missed but
Bidet announced it was not a problem as the miscreant was probably just
eating blackberries (he was but as he was on his own he didn’t think it
would matter and the pack wasn’t going to wait anyway). Some time later,
using a natural, inbuilt and highly honed lethargic idleness and taking
a short cut, the pack came into view and was advised not to proceed up
the hill down which the lost one was descending – there was no trail
there. Much searching later, it was our newcomer, Any One Will Do, who
picked up the homeward trail and we all arrived home together – how
nice.
Down Downs to
the ‘Greatest’ Hares for laying an excellent trail despite the weather,
to Sugar Plum Fairy for, despite being the North Hants RA, still needing
more experience in his duties and to Tom Gordon who was renamed Hot to
Trot because of his enthusiasm and speed on trail. Any One Will Do got
his because he was new to Hashing, and Little Prick and the Field
Marshal (Bidet) got theirs for being great pretenders. Being a trail
finder got Easy Rider his and Armoured Farmer collected one for
(something about ) being ‘One-eyed Riley’. The On Inn was once again
The Tumbledown where conviviality was the order of the evening.
On On On ‘til
next time… |
NOTES ON DH3 RUN 297 ON WEDNESDAY 12th AUGUST 2009
FROM THE RLC DEEPCUT SPORTS GROUNDS (GR; 919582)
Hares:
Lt Col Paul Duncan (Old Grouser), Robyn Duncan (A-Tipple)
Hounds:
Derek Gray (Prime8), Sue Figgis
(Centre of Attraction), Sarah Nagel
(Petal), Les Salmon (over Ready), Tony Soane (Sony Tone), Paul Armstrong
(Back Up), Geoff Cooke (Free Ryde), Claire Brewer (One Way Only), Cath
Bradshaw (Twin Peaks), Sharon Harvey (Olympic Feet), Alan Jewell (Easy
Rider), Brian Langford (Cyclone), Chris Farmer (Bidet), Neil Warren
(Armoured Farmer), Tony Case (Fruit & Nut)
Apologies: Lt Col Clem
Maginnis (Hard Hat Harry), Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue)
With the Grand
Master and A-Tipple haring and having organised pleasant weather a good
pack was fielded, ‘tho’ a few stars were absent – Park and Ride where
are you?
Old Grouser
briefed us, and we were off checking in all directions; Bidet thinking
he knew the favoured area of the Hares swung left, but the ‘on’-call
came from Fruit & Nut straight over the sports grounds, to centre and to
left and lost! – until a call from ahead right from Free Ryde who had
covered the entire sports fields to find the trail into the light woods;
One Way Only and Petal Keenly leading us ‘on’ only to hit a check-back
that took us ‘round the woods-edge again for a good jaunt to the road of
the ‘eastern’ quarters.
We headed back
towards the woodland again, Bidet to the fore, probably anticipating
entry into the ‘paint-ball’ area. A check again by the woods and Prime8
knowing the region called us up the foresters back and bearing on-left
into a trail through pleasant woodland, leaping the odd roots and logs
that Armoured Farmer enjoyed (a bit like the old mine fields?). A
couple of checks kept the pack together and Back Up, Sony Tone and Free
Ryde busy going for the options, while Bidet took Fruit & Nut to task
over failure to ‘Kick-Out’ the checks – just as Centre of Attraction
caught up with us, as ever having given us a 5 minute ‘start’!
Co Hare,
A-Tipple, gave a nod to Olympic Feet who led us out on-track to the edge
of the ‘Paint-Ball’ area, we swung back though the old ‘Mini-Range –
open area, and being well orientated Easy Rider and Cyclone opened up
into dense undergrowth and then lead us up a very (!) challenging hill –
up, up, up and up, Twin Peaks was in her element!
What goes up
must come down, and we then descended to the check where Every Ready
called us ‘on’, we headed west on more enjoyable tracks; A-Tipple
suggested some might take her doggy ‘on’ a short-cut for ‘home’, however
all carried on regardless hitting a boundary track and a check where
they cut hard-left for the ‘On-In’ through Old Grousers, previously
mentioned, favoured area.
The Hash Circle
formed-up declaring the Hare’s trail remarkable and fun! – they being
dually awarded ‘Down-Downs’. ‘Down-Downs’ were also awarded to Petal
and One Way Only for racing, why not; Prime8 and Centre of Attraction
for outrunning the pack; Bidet and Cyclone for innovation. And the pack
went ‘on’ to our old haunt in ‘The Pine Ridge’ (And excellent chips:
Grade ‘8’).
On On ‘til next
time |
NOTES ON DH3 RUN 296 ON WEDNESDAY 29th JULY 2009
FROM LIGHTWATER COUNTRY PARK (GR: 902618)
Hares:
Kath Bradshaw (Twin Peaks) and Tony Soane (Sony Tone).
Hounds:
Richard McAllister (Mountain
Rescue), Chris Farmer (Bidet), Sarah Nagel (Petal), Steve Nagel (Silvier
Fox), Derrick Gray (Prime8), Alan Jewell (Easy Rider), Rick Rawcliffe
(Giant Haystack),
Alex Rawcliffe (No name yet) and Yvonne Davies (Tite Thing).
Thankfully, the
weather forecasters got it wrong and we were spared the anticipated
downpour. Fewer Hounds than for a long time but it was not the
quantity…the quality was there ready to enjoy a good trail. And good it
was. Four regroups we were told, a couple of main roads and that was
about all the briefing contained. Into the woods plunged our habitual
front runner as Silvier led us to the left (north for the navigators)
and down, down, down. Silvier didn’t realise the change of direction
until too late by which time Mountain Rescue saw him returning up the
last bit of the hill. The upward trend now took over because we could
not get much lower (and that’s saying something). It was not long
before Silvier was at the front again, only to go off in the wrong
direction and that left MR where he didn’t really want to be. The trail
was interesting; it undulated a little at this stage and meandered
through the trees. Tite Thing was displaying her previous Hashing
know-how and Alex keeping up with her well (she was to pay for this
later). Bidet was castigated for ignoring MR’s efforts at the front
and claiming that Silvier had led the whole way so far. Now we passed
through close countryside that most of us did not recognise and that
made for greater interest. MR, at the front again (bold print
for Bidet’s sake) led the pack astray by declaring a bar across the path
– in fact it was not a bar but a puddle reflecting the light to make it
look like a bar – a point not missed by Prime8 who gleefully pointed out
the error. Over the motorway bridge we went for a regroup and
short-lived respite. Prime8 and Giant Haystack were quietly told of a
short cut but the rest chased off after Silvier once more. Just when we
thought there was no more uphill, we started to gain still more altitude
until we reached the viewing point. No time for appreciating the
sights, we were off along the crest of the ridge. Easy Rider pounded
along chasing the front runners and trying to persuade Alex to slow down
a bit – all to no avail. At the next regroup Sony Tone indicated that
the unchecked path may be worth checking and it was. That brought the
front runners back to heel for a while. It was the sight of Petal
galloping off through the woods that got the errant MR back on track (he
diverted for a moment but found a trail apparently going downhill so,
very foolishly, went down to the bottom (and this despite Sony’s hint
that the remainder of the trail was on the level). So, after just an
hour, everyone got back in good heart to find an exhausted Alex who did
recover after a drink or two and a bowlful of cheesy chips. The Pine
Ridge Golf Club provided its usual valued hospitality, but without Bidet
who had no trousers and was not allowed inside in shorts The great joy
was that, with the RA away, there was no wasting time in verbal
ramblings and we were at the beer in next to no time without a down down
in sight or hearing.
On On ‘til next time |
NOTES ON DH3 RUN 295 ON WEDNESDAY 15th JULY 2009
FROM RUSHMORE ARENA (GR:
850518)
Hare:
Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue)
Hounds:
Tony Case (Fruit’n’Nut),
Tony Soane (Sony Tone), Chris Farmer (Bidet), Sarah Nagel (Petal), Ron
Peasley (Hi Hat), Vance Allen (Silver Jumper), Paul Armstrong (Back Up),
Paul Duncan (Old Grouser), John Elder (Seis Matters), Alan Fiddler
(Outrider), Derrick Gray (Prime8), Sharon Harvey (Olympic Feat), Clem
Maginniss (Hard Hat Harry), Ian Warren (Fly By) and Neil Warren
(Armoured Farmer).
The Hare’s
brief was brief and included a warning for front runners to ‘observe
carefully’ – words of wisdom they ignored and immediately shot off on
the wrong track. The next batch picked up their error but then made one
of their own. It was Petal and Primate8 who picked up the trail that
had sneakily moved back left. With the pack now on course the front
runners were now under control for at least 200 yards when the trail
quite clearly went right, but they didn’t. Only Prime8 (who had been
quickly overtaken) and Hi Hat (who was dawdling as usual) took the
correct route only to join the rest of the pack who were doing very
little about checking for the trail. Castigated by Bidet, they did not
stir. Fly By was off in the right direction but overshot; Bidet was off
in the wrong direction and found the ‘falsie’ – but at least he tried.
Now Seis and Fly By found the trail and were off like the proverbial but
both failed to spot the change of direction. Petal picked it up and
crossed the ‘nallah’ with Fruit’n’Nut in hot pursuit. Once out of the
trees and into the open, there was a burnt out car wreck to inspect and
that definitely took precedence over checking for the trail. Fruit’n’Nut
(F&N) was off the wrong way as was Back Up who thought he was on and
called back Seis who so nearly picked up the real trail. More wrong
checks before Seis once more checked out and found he was on. Through
the trees with Olympic Feat showing the way, out into the open and back
into more trees and finally into the open once more for a regroup. We
waited for F&N. And waited. We called several times. And waited.
Eventually we set off on the trail again and soon there were hounds all
over the place – apart from F&N who was still missing, presumed lost. A
Hare Hint got people moving in almost the right direction but it was
Prime8 who got there first. A kicked out blob caused momentary panic
but Fly By was not fooled for long. Back into the trees we went and
along a path by familiar territory. Up and over the road towards
Caesar’s Camp to the next regroup. By now we were missing F&N (still)
and Bidet who had started to pull a calf muscle and made straight for
home. Seis and Fly By still took the lead with Silver Jumper and Sony
Tone joining them. Outrider was running with surprising speed over the
hilly bit and soon we found ourselves at the only bit of shig en route.
Some swine had removed the ‘bridge’ so there was some mud that attached
itself to the unsuspecting and foolish. Primate8, having done the
gentlemanly thing by helping Petal over, promptly slipped and sat down
in the mud. By now the pack was well strung out with Sony Tone and Fly
By taking the low road instead of keeping straight on into the woods
once more. Through more sun-speckled trees to a point going uphill
away from home. Now, that was what caused some consternation. At the
top there was a small, open plain and perhaps the most difficult to find
way out. Olympic found it and called all on. Down through some pretty
rough ground went we with some leaving the marked trail and trying to
find their own way out. The third and last regroup was ignored by
Olympic and Outrider as they found their way back over the road. Nearly
home, we came across the non-running Old Grouser and Dennis who had
just witnessed a yellow shirt running across a road junction – was it
the errant F&N? For the last bit, the trail went through some more very
close country and wended its way back to the car park. Yes, the yellow
shirt had been occupied by F&N! Down Downs went to: the Hare, to
returnees Seis Matters and Olympic Feat, to ‘guiders’ Bidet and Armoured
Farmer, to Petal for turning up at the right time to prevent a pack of
unlucky 13, while the two GMs, Hard Hat Harry and Old Grouser got theirs
for taking ‘intelligent lines’…???
On On |
NOTES ON DH3 RUN 293 ON WEDNESDAY 17th JUNE 2009
FROM HAWLEY LAKE CP (GR:
840579)
Hares: Claire Brewer (One
Way Only) and Tony Soane (Sony Tone) in support.
Hounds: Brian Langford
(Cyclone), Vance Allen (Silver Jumper), Richard McAllister (Mountain
Rescue), Alan Jewell (Easy Rider), Clem Maginniss (Hard Hat Harry),
Chris Farmer (Bidet), Kim Dyos(Little Prick), Terry Newland (Rainbow
Man), Kath Bradshaw (Twin Peaks), Ian Lowers (City Slicker), Sue Figgis
(Centre of Attraction),‘Wally’ and, eventually, Tony Case (Fruit’n’Nut).
Some of us assembled. We waited. More
came. We waited. The clouds gave forth some of their rain. We waited.
Centre of Attraction arrived with five minutes to spare. We still
waited – and for what? The RA to arrive. And arrive he did not so off
we went without him. ‘Wally’, a newcomer to Deepcut Hash and from some
‘foreign’ Hash, was off, living up to his name and full of enthusiasm as
he towed his little pooch into the distance. The rest waited to see if
he was on. In the distance a long way up the road we could see this
figure gesticulating with a strange arm movements – this quickly copied
by little Prick and became known as ‘Wally’s ballet’. He disappeared
into the jungle to the right only to reappear quite quickly. Then it
was forward up the road from which he soon returned. Then he was off to
the left while the rest gathered to watch his energetic performance.
Meanwhile, Centre of Attraction went off right and soon found the trail.
It was Bidet who called on the pack. Beside the lake we went for a
while with Wally now back in the lead but not realising that Little
Prick had picked up the trail further on. At the first regroup she was
accused of being an SCB (as though there was anything wrong with that –
and she followed the trail without crossing a bar). It was here that
the late Cyclone caught up with us and it was announced that the
slow-moving normal FRB Silver Jumper was, in fact, really suffering from
injury (stretched ligaments after playing rounders). Not a lot of
sympathy. Off again through the woods in a gentle uphill trot. Wally
had gone off and was seen in the distance gesticulating once more, arms
flailing through the air like a lunatic (hence the name?). Now Bidet
indicated that had ‘heard’ the trail went to the trig point. As Mountain
Rescue was well on his way there anyway, he ignored Wally and went up to
the top of hill to the sound of rifle and automatic fire, where there
was flour leading right up to the point and regroup. “Come on you lazy
long-legged lolloping layabouts,” (or something like that) alliterated
Bidet. On they came, but still no sign of the RA. Now here’s a strange
thing. Easy Rider took over the lead and kept it up for quite a while.
Right up to the wired compound he led us. Having been warned to avoid
the area, we did just that but still with Easy Rider in the lead as more
rifle fire was heard. Then there was a bit of a pause and we could see
the car park not so far away. BUT, and there’s often a ‘but’, the trail
took us in exactly the opposite direction. However, at he final check
after various displays imitating Wally’s ballet (or rather adding to the
repertoire) the pack was soon on its way In. Five minutes after the
arrival of the last of the pack, Fruit’n’Nut turned up explaining that
(he hadn’t been lost but…) he managed to lock himself out of his car.
Now the good point of this was that he had not a clue as to what had
gone on during the run so was not allowed to have any down downs. The
Crown and Cushion offered a far better alternative and it was there that
we enjoyed their beer and hospitality and quite a lot of jollity, too.
So, thank you One Way for a good trail and ‘til next time, ON ON… |
NOTES ON DH3 RUN 291 ON WEDNESDAY 20th MAY 2009
FROM OFFICERS MESS CAR PARK
Hares: Vance Allen (Silver
Jumper)
Hounds: Ian Lowers (City
Slicker), Tony Case (Fruit’n’Nut), Tony Soane (Sony Tone), Richard
McAllister (Mountain Rescue), Alan Jewell (Easy Rider), Ron Peasley (Hi
Hat), Clem Maginniss (Hard Hat Harry), Sarah Nagel (Petal), Steven Nagel
(Silvier Fox), Chris Farmer (Bidet), Karen Allen (Designer), Clare
Brewer (One Way Only), John Elder (Seis Matters), Alex Lamb (Soggy
Gusset), Zoë McAllister (Kanchi) and Ian Warren (Fly By).
“It’s just about 500metres in that
direction.” That, accompanied by a detailed account of how many checks,
how many regroups, how many back backs, how many hills up, how many
hills down was the Hare’s brief. So, over in that direction we went;
and went, and went…it seemed interminable. With Silvier to his usual
position at the front, closely followed by Fly By and Soggy Gusset
(accompanied by Gaji Maji), the rest of us followed at a slower, more
sedate rate. Being well strung out across the field at the back of the
Mess, it gave time for the back markers to get warmed up ready for the
‘two up and two down’ hills. There was, of course, more in the way of
gradients but the Hare was really talking about ‘Heartbreak Hill’ and
its neighbour. The trail now turned back towards the road but it was
Sony Tone who now found the trail leading up the incline to the
Barracks’ sports field. A regroup and a back back kept the pack together
as we went around the sports ground and through the trees (that is
between the trees, not actually through them). It must have been about
here when the two mad checkers converged at high speed to join us on the
true trail, Fly By almost in control but Soggy calling out “Coming
through!” as he hurtled down the hill out of control with Gaji at full
tilt narrowly missing Petal and the gentle joggers below. And on to
Heartbreak – with an enormous arrow encouraging ascent and Sony leading
the way. Well, we made it and the expression on Hi Hat’s face spoke
volumes about his opinion of that bit of the course. At the top was
another, this time much needed, regroup. From the top we descended (for
there was no further rise at this point). Down to the road we continued
and off towards the camp only to turn and descend still further to the
canal over which we crossed. Back along the towpath to the next canal
bridge over which we crossed back to a hill up which we went – slowly at
the back. By this stage Designer and One Way Only were chattering as
though to save the world. Fruit’n’Nut was wondering when he could blow
his horn, Kanchi was wandering along enjoying the warmth and fresh air,
Bidet tapping out his stride with his walking sticks and even Hard Hat
was slower this time. The trail followed up through the woods as we
passed by exercising soldiers enjoying the sunshine and on to a long,
long straightish run home. There was a consensus and it was that the
trail was actually quite good…and that is praise indeed. Down downs
went to the Hare for his good trail, to the Hilly Ones in the form of
Seis Matters and City Slicker who followed all the hills up and down and
to the ‘Posh Spice Girls’, Designer and One Way Only. Silvier and
Mountain Rescue got theirs for being ‘dedicated’ and Easy Rider for
setting the example. The On Inn was the Pineridge Golf Club where the
first chips were graded 7 but the second lot were a high 8.
|
NOTES ON DH3 RUN 290 ON WEDNESDAY 6th MAY 2009
FROM PIRBRIGHT ROAD CAR PARK (GR: 923562)
Hares:
Ian Lowers (City Slicker) and Tony Case (Fruit’n’Nut)
Hounds:
Tony Soane (Sony Tone), Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue), Alan
Jewell (Easy Rider), Sue Figgis (Centre of Attraction), Derrick Gray
(Prime8), Ron Peasley (Hi Hat), Clem Maginniss (Hard Hat Harry), Vance
Allen (Silver Jumper), Kath Bradshaw (Twin Peaks), Sarah Nagel (Petal),
Steven Nagel (Silvier Fox), Les Salmon (Ever Ready), Geoff Cook (Free
Ryde), Chris Farmer (Bidet), Paul Gallagher (spring Lamb), Kim Dyos
(Little Prick) and Neil Warren (Armoured Farmer).
Bragging about the
glorious Hash Weather, Fruit’n’Nut claimed it was he who fixed it – we
know differently. City Slicker was a bit vague with his direction of
start but his co-hare put us right and Silvier was off like the
proverbial for a couple of hundred yards and then Free Ryde shot off
into the wide open with Sky Hi on the correct path. Silvier won in the
end and soon led us all from the most revolting, smelly, obnoxious mire
into which Twin Peaks deposited herself for no real good reason. Once
the pong had subsided the front runners were well away continuing around
‘the loop’ with a late arriving Hard Hat cutting across to catch up.
Into the woods from the open ground went we, to the first regroup.
Mountain Rescue was off piste but managed to save Sony Tone from
checking along the wrong way but then they both had to catch up before
joining, well, nearly joining, the main pack at another regroup over the
main road on the normal Tunnel Hill car park. Now the pack was at a
point of indecision and it was a while before Sky Hi realised that we
really were going down under the rail bridge. Bidet reckoned that MR
would know where to go but he was wrong and Sony Tone picked up the
lead. Passing through territory well known to some, others were not
quite sure but it was Silvier and Sky Hi who led the pack over the cycle
bridges and seesaws only to find they weren’t the first at the next
regroup. Now we crossed the road and ran down to another rail bridge
for another regroup where there was considerable discussion on the
various options open. As ever, only one was right (and it was right),
and right to the main road, under the rail bridge (not the same rail
bridge as before, but the next one along) with Free Ryde taking up the
challenge of front running. Instead of turning left and going straight
back to the car park, it was right and over the road back into the woods
(this is included so that Silvier, Bidet and Prime8 will learn where the
true trail went). Through the tree and a final left back up to the car
park and we were home. Short, but very sweet and most enjoyable. Then
came the down downs; first for the principal hare, then for Free Ryde on
his return after a lengthy break, followed by our ‘holiday makers’
Silvier and Bidet. Armoured Farmer got his for wearing a hat in the
circle and Hard Hat Harry for drinking healthily all the way round. Our
health freak, Easy Rider got his for going to the gym before the run -
again. It was only afterwards that witnesses proffered the fact that
Hard Hat was seen doing press-ups after the run (obviously he didn’t run
hard enough). Then it was to the White Hart in Pirbright for libation
and jolly jesting (and at one stage even some serious discussion).
Try not to weaken…On On |
NOTES ON DH3 RUN 289 ON WEDNESDAY 22nd APRIL
2009
FROM RLC MUSEUM CAR PARK (GR: 906577)
Hare:
Tony Soane (Sony Tone),
Hounds:
Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue), Tony Case (Fruit’n’Nut), Alan
Jewell (Easy Rider), Sue Figgis (Centre of Attraction), Derrick Gray
(Prime8), Ron Peasley (Hi Hat), Clem Maginniss (Hard Hat Harry), Vance
Allen (Silver Jumper), Kath Bradshaw (Twin Peaks), Ian Angel (Hippo),
Sarah Nagel (Petal), Steven Nagel (Silvier Fox), Terry Newland (Rainbow
Man), Les Salmon (Ever Ready), Clare Brewer (One Way Only), Mette
Sorensen (Leg Over) and Karen Allen (Designer)
Absolutely ideal
weather for Hashing and an excellent trail through the jungles of
Deepcut. Over the road it started (and finished) with the front-runners
leading the pack astray right from the start. Brought back to the real
trail the lead was taken by Hard Hat, or Sky Hi or Silvier with
occasional mistaken ventures by TVRFRB*. There were to be five
regroups, we were told and numerous loops to afford ready short cuts for
the idle or injured. The only declared ‘injured’ was Rainbow Man making
a recovery from a knee operation, then another in the form of Hippo who
is fast heading for a similar operation. The well-laid trail was easy
to follow if you had your wits about you (and there were a few of those
about) or had the eyes of an eagle. As so often happens, half way round
and we came across Centre of Attraction waiting patiently for us to
catch up after one of those loops fooled us all (Except CofA who claimed
to have followed the trail from the previous regroup). The trail
undulated well and changed direction, thus splitting the pack. Now,
once again, TVRFRB, while diligently checking out a lost trail found
himself near the top of the rise when it became apparent that the pack,
most of them, had found the trail back down in the dip. Being
ever-reluctant to lose this hard gained altitude, he became detached
from the pack so knows not what occurred with the main body. Sky Hi was
within sight and calling the pack on and that was the last seen of
anyone until very close to home. But all eventually arrived back safe
and reasonably sound for the down downs. The Hare was first followed by
our new harriette, Karen Allen who was promptly named “Designer” (not
sure quite why but the RA dribbled on and lost us all). The return of
Rainbow Man after his operation was welcomed as being fitter than ever,
while Hippo got his for blowing his trumpet as we sang to the
‘racketeer’, and easy Rider and Silvier for fanatical fitness. Thirst
was quenched in the Pinehurst Golf Club with first class chips provided
by the Hare.
On On |
NOTES ON DH3 RUN 286 ON WEDNESDAY 11th MARCH
2009
FROM STARVE ACRE (GR: 842592)
Hares: Tony Case (Fruit’n’Nut)
Hounds: Tony Soane (Sony
Tone), Alan Jewell (Easy Rider), Sue Figgis (Centre of Attraction),
Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue), Chris Farmer (Bidet), Derrick Gray
(Prime8), Brian Langford (Cyclone), Sarah Nagel (Petal), Les Salmon
(Ever Ready), Judith Bridges (‘Er Indoors), Mette Sorensen (Leg Over),
Paul Duncan (Old Grouser), Ron Peasley (Hi Hat), Clem Maginniss (Hard
Hat Harry), Steve Nagel (Silvier Fox), Brian Simpson (Commercial Whale),
Sharon Harvey (Olympic Feat) and Geoff Cooke (Free Ryde).
A good turnout (eventually) for a good
run. Commercial Whale arrived just in time and Fruit’n’Nut gave his
usual brief and we set off with Silvier well to the fore. By the time
he, Silvier, found himself on the wrong track, two things had happened;
Bidet had found the right way and sent others off to follow it while,
from the wrong direction, Centre of Attraction appeared. Not late this
time, indeed so early was she that there were virtually no other cars
and she set off to find us wherever we were. Well, we were turning up
for a 3 pm start, not a 2 pm start - so, for once, she was early, very
early. We had been told it was a varied trail and varied it was. Not
too much in the way of hills but far too much watery shig. We quickly
came to the first regroup (actually we weren’t that quick but the
regroup was shortly after we started). Now we had to explain more of
the Hash Format to our two newcomers while Silvier set off to find the
trail. The newcomers quickly caught on and the three of them created
the van (a quaint term indicating the front runners) throughout the rest
of the meet. Out of nowhere came Hard Hat who had managed to catch up
after arriving late – too many conferences, he said. Another quick
regroup had Easy Rider wondering if there were really eight regroups.
There weren’t - only six although two were only a few yards apart so it
counts as only five. Now Cyclone uncharacteristically became
front-runner and had us all running uphill, again. For a while we all
seemed a bit lost but soon the dulcet tones of Sony led us down the
slope to a bridging training area for a regroup and a welcome pause.
Into woodland we ran (not that we’d been out of trees for long) to a
check that once again split the pack. A shortcutting MR came across the
trail that sent Free Ryde (no relation to Free Tibet) one way and MR the
other. MR was overtaken by Silvier (who by now was complaining of a
strained calf muscle) just in time for him to take the blame for leading
the pack to a Back Back. Now Olympic Feat boasted that she had seen the
flour leading in the correct direction but was ignored by MR; that’s
life… Over some very damp undergrowth, C of A’s little dog was not
happy crossing an extensive area of low heather and when C of A asked if
a lift was desired, a good number of Hashers wanted to take her up on
the offer! So we progressed and just over the hour we were all heading
for home and the Down Downs that went to: the Hare who drank to himself,
to ‘Er Indoors and Leg Over who had enjoyed the hills because they were
not as steep as those on the Sunday North Hants Hash, to the two virgins
Olympic Feat and Free Ryde, and for trying so hard to Easy Rider and
Centre of Attraction. Finally Old Grouser picked up one for being a
‘Hectic Pacer’ and running too fast (for his own good?). The On Inn was
the New Inn, sadly devoid of any proper beers, but jolly all the same.
On On |
NOTES ON DH3 RUN 284 ON WEDNESDAY 11th
FEBRUARY 2009
FROM CAESAR’S CAMP CAR PARK (GR: 844509)
Hare:
Alan Jewell (Easy Rider).
Hounds:
Vance Allen (Silver Jumper), Tony Case (Fruit’n’Nut), John Elder (Seis
Matters), Sue Figgis (Centre of Attraction), Tony Soane (Sony Tone),
Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue), Kath Bradshaw (Twin Peaks), Chris
Farmer (Bidet), Derrick Gray (Prime8), Brian Langford (Cyclone), Sarah
Nagel (Petal), and Les Salmon (Ever Ready).
Car parking was not the
easiest but there was just about room for those who wanted to run rather
than take a dog for a walk. Bidet, complete with ski sticks, set off
apace encouraging Seis to overtake and lead us off on the wrong track.
Quickly brought back on course by the hare, we continued to have
difficulty in spotting the flour spots amongst the remnants of the
recent snowfall. Maybe off-white in such conditions is not such a good
idea for a trail indicator. However, we progressed and swung off through
the trees heading in a southerly direction. The hare helpfully pointed
out that the flour was dry whereas the snow was wet so we were expected
to follow his trail with greater ease. Now we were led into an
undulating area by Sony Tone with close support from F&N. They went the
wrong way so it was up to Bidet once more to let his dulcet tones
encourage the rest of us to follow – for a short while. Now Seis was
getting serious and taking the lead over towards some serious
undulations. Silver Jumper and Seis started alternating the lead while
Prime8 did what he could to keep up. As we broke out of the closer
well-forested area we were somewhat relieved to find that the sun was
actually quite warm while we waited at a regroup. Along some wide2paths
before another regroup and Bidet issuing loud orders in military fashion
to back markers to catch up quickly. He was concerned to be told that
150 armed soldiers exercising in the area were responding to his
instructions! (Later, having decided enough was enough, he headed for
home but found himself in the midst of an infantry platoon attack. H e
survived). The trail now took us downhill only to find we had to go up
again – surprise, surprise. At the top there was confusion and the
trail was completely lost. The hare had changed his mind and re-laid
this part. MR and CofA were now on trail and going down again and on to
a narrow path that was found to be highly waterlogged. Those carefully
kept dry feet very quickly became exceedingly wet. Once we were
through this part, the field greatly spread out while MR found the trail
with Ever Ready close on his heels. Meanwhile, Seis had taken the wrong
check but soon caught up by SCB-ing. The run in was very pleasant and
gently downhill all the way home. All in all a most enjoyable trail.
In getting his down down the hare was congratulated on his selection of
‘super shig’. Sony Tone and Silver Jumper were awarded theirs for being
trailblazers, although the former really got his for chatting up some
birds. Centre of Attraction (late as usual) reached ‘Olympic Heights’
and Bidet for turning up when it was not particularly fair weather.
Ever Ready got his for being the Best Shiggy Finder when he landed up to
his knees. The On Inn near Tesco provided limited beer but at least it
was wet.
On On ... |
NOTES ON DH3 RUN 282 ON WEDNESDAY 14th
JANUARY 2009
FROM THE TWESELDOWN (GR: 822518)
Hares:
Neil Warren (Armoured Farmer) and Paul Armstrong (Back Up).
Hounds:
Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue), Sarah Nagel (Petal), Alan Jewell
(Easy Rider), Tony Case (Fruit’n’Nut), Mike Billups (Haagen Dash), Brian
Langford (Cyclone), John Elder (Seis Matters), Judith Bridges (‘Er
Indoors), Sue Figgis (Centre of Attraction), Les Salmon (Ever Ready),
Tony Soane (Sony Tone), Kath Bradshaw (Twin Peaks), Mette Cobley (Leg
Over), Peter Cunningham (Cunninglingus), Derrick Gray (Prime8), Clem
Maginnis (Hard Hat Harry), Ron Peasley (Hi Hat), Andy Rogers (Sky Hi),
Alan Fiddler (Outrider) and Damien Pealin (NNY), and finally as a
non-runner Chris Farmer (Bidet).
The fog had cleared by
the time we wanted to start and we were only five minutes late with our
departure. This was still not enough leeway for our latecomers, Centre
of Attraction, Cunninglingus and Damien Pealin (appearing for the first
time with us and still nameless). However, they caught us up after
crossing the north eastern part of the football field over to the horse
training compound. At this stage the going became stressful as it was
gently uphill for quite some way and most were feeling the strain as we
warmed up. At the first check there was considerable delay until Haagen
Dash found the trail leading into the woods. On joining a main path
there was a momentary delay and then, surprise, surprise, it was another
of our Hash newcomers, Outrider, who took the lead. He pounded off down
the hill and to everyone’s surprise pounded up the other side. It didn’t
last and soon Fruit’n’Nut’s horn was heard luring the pack to join him
as he made for the open ground back along the Tweseldown Road. Fate
then jumped in and MR, cutting back to join the main group, found flour
leading back towards the hills and woods. The first regroup gave a
chance for the latecomers to catch up and soon Outrider was leading us
off for the second time. Now moving along main routes the going was fastish and mainly uphill. Seis Matters and Haagen Dash led the way
over to the ponds with the former being lucky with his guess as to which
way we should turn. Up and over the next rise it was now F&N who
recognised another familiar path disappearing into the bush. Up and over
the hill we found ourselves going down through some very dark woods –
spooky. At the bottom Hard Hat paused for a photo call thereby delaying
a number of Hashers (but they weren’t in any great hurry) and we soon
found ourselves with a long, hard uphill grind. The upward trend
continued with a certain inevitability and it was at this point that Cunninglingus caught us up. He and MR felt confident that they were far
enough ahead to be able to take it easy but the three habitual front-
runners (the other two being joined now by Sky Hi) were not far enough
behind for a significant gap. At the trig point the anticipated regroup
wasn’t and Cunninglingus ‘knew’ the way down – he was right. From here
on the way home was essentially downhill all the way and somewhat of a
relief to most. Now comes an interesting point: Outrider had
disappeared; no one had seen him for quite a while and having been a
front runner on his first Hash we can but hope he has learnt a lesson –
don’t push your luck at the front for too long! Eventually he made it
back to the circle to pick up his down down and his Hash Handle. The
Hares too got their down down for a good trail, with Centre of
Attraction, Cunninglingus and Bidet getting theirs for being late, with
Hard Hat Harry being awarded his for knowing that he was going to be
unable to Hash for the next two meets. Beers at the Tweseldown were
well received and a convivial meeting enjoyed. Until the next time…
On On |
NOTES ON DH3 RUN 281 ON WEDNESDAY
31st DECEMBER 2008
FROM RLC OFFICERS MESS (GR: 912588)
Hares:
Paul Duncan (Old Grouser) and Robyn Duncan (A Tipple).
Hounds:
Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue), Sarah Nagel (Petal), Steve Nagel (Silvier
Fox), Alan Jewell (Easy Rider), Tony Case (Fruit’n’Nut), Ian Angell
(Hippo), Mike Billups (Haagen Dash), Brian Langford (Cyclone), Rik
Rawcliffe (Giant Haystack), John Elder (Seis Matters), Judith Bridges (‘Er
Indoors), Luke Bridges (Smash!), Tom Bridges (Little Big Horn), Steve
Bridges (Hobble), Paul Cobbley (Horn), Sally Duncan (Ali Kat), Kim Dyos
(Little Prick), James Roberts (No Entry), Sue Figgis (Centre of
Attraction), Ian Lowers (City Slicker), Zoë McAllister (Wheeze), Les
Salmon (Ever Ready), Tony Soane (Sony Tone), Steve Booker (Dickhead),
Andy Ralph (Jolly Green Giant), Libby Ralph (Old Thumper), Bruce Gosden
(NNY), Chris Gosden (NNY), Alison Cowie (NNY), Richard Castell (NNY),
Andy Basham (NNY), Rachel Parker (NNY), Amelia Parker (NNY), Lucy Giles
(Full Frontal), Denise Catlin, (Flying Doctor), Adrian Lambeth
(Nettles), Steve Wheeler (Yorkie), Criss Noice
(A Limp On) and Peter Cunningham (Cunninglingus).
So, we found counting
the numbers present too difficult at the start but it was a huge turnout
by Deepcut standards. By the time we finished, there were 39 hounds
(excluding dogs) and two hares. And, yes, it was quite cool with frost
still lying over much of the course. However, the pack set off in a
northerly direction, through the trees, in reasonable order and not too
late. The front-runners found themselves wending their way back and
forth around winding, twisting, turning loops. It kept everyone
guessing and allowed the back runners to keep up but cutting across the
loops. At the first the trail looked as though it was turning back
towards the Maultway, but by now Silvier was in his usual place at the
front and found himself leading the pack up a wide track parallel to the
main road. The trail went on and on and on until a check back that
looked as though the trail was about to cross the road after all. But,
no, by now Silvier had found the trail going back parallel to the way
out so once again the tail enders were able to catch the leaders. Then
there was quite a long straightish bit of track running before the first
regroup and Ali Kat working her camera as Hash Flash. Spirits were
still high and the newcomers getting the idea of what it was all about –
it was not a lot warmer. Any confusion was quickly sorted and
Fruit’n’Nut could be heard blowing his hooter far up another major
track, a track which some thought would soon give way to veering off
into the jungle. Well, it did, eventually, but the long run got
temperatures up to a more comfortable level. After more devious trails
through the trees, up and down the many hilly parts in the area, with
the sophisticated sounds from Horn’s fine bugle and the pathetic
imitations from the hooters of Hippo and Fruit’n’Nut we were encouraged
to proceed to the next regroup beside a sizeable hilltop open area. Not
for long did we pause and we were soon off on more undulations. The
front-runners now missed the trail and were in danger of losing the
plot. Judicious hailing from the Hare brought the pack back and up a
steep rise once again. The short cutters declined the incline and soon
found themselves lost looking for the trail where they anticipated it
would go. They didn’t get it quite right but managed to keep up –
eventually. Now the trail took a down turn and for quite some way we
continued down a long, long slope to the bottom. There were those who
were daft enough to go back up again, but most managed to stay at the
lower altitude to follow the trail to the third (and last) regroup, just
on the other side of the wide open space that we had visited already.
However, this time we were welcomed by Ali Kat who was equipped with
tumblers, thermos flasks and mince pies and we stood around for a few
moments enjoying delicious mulled wine and hot pies. It didn’t last and
we set off for home through a patch of intense cold frost around the
married quarters and back to the Mess as it was getting dark. It had
been a thoroughly good and devious trail with everyone safely back for
the Circle. Here the Hares got their due reward and others were called
to task. Andy Basham and Alison Cowie were both virgins (“It’s been a
while since I was called that!” – to quote Alison), No Entry and Old
Thumper who were thought to have been able to do better, and finally to
Mountain Rescue for avoiding many of the ‘mountains’, and to another
virgin (for being such) who was duly named Full Frontal (something to do
with her having been at the sharp end with Airborne Forces). We were
later (much later) kicked out of the Pine Ridge Golf Club bar because
they wanted to prepare for their major upcoming New Year party… On On
and…
A very
Happy New Year
to all our readers |
NOTES ON DH3 RUN 277 ON WEDNESDAY 5th
NOVEMBER 2008
FROM UPPER HALE (GR: 829492)
Hares: Ian Gordon (Cruise Control) and Tony Soane (Sony
Tone).
Hounds: Tony Case (Fruit‘n’Nut), Vance Allen (Silver Jumper),
Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue), Sarah Nagel (Petal), Derrick Gray
(Prime8), Ron Peasley (Hi Hat), Ian Angel (Hippo), Judith Bridges (‘Er
Indoors), Metta Cobley (Leg Over), Brian Langford (Cyclone), Kath
Bradshaw (Twin Peaks), Chris Farmer (Bidet), Sue Figgis (Centre of
Attraction), Les Salmon (Ever Ready) and John Elder (Seis Matters).
The weather was pretty awful; hugely overcast and fine, penetrating
drizzle. However, that did not put off the splendid pack. The hares
were in communicative form – “It starts with one blob…” followed by a
very short warning about a steep downhill bit that was surfaced with wet
clay. Well, we were quickly off because Cruise Control was almost
standing on the first blob. But, now came the start that led to your
scribe getting separated from the main pack and will result in these
skimpy notes. By the time the trail was found, scribe was off in
totally the wrong direction. Making up for lost time he caught up at
the first check only to find himself checking out another wrong trail
(now you know why he hates being at the front). By the time the trail
was found, he was reluctant to lose his altitude gain but followed every
move of the pack. He followed them up the steep hill to the top of the
mighty ridge, all the way down again only to find that the way was up
the same ridge for a second time. He followed them as they descended
once more. Wonderful thing is eyesight. He could see the distant Seis
Matters in the lead having taken over from Silver Jumper; he could make
out Bidet encouraging a following and Fruit ‘n’Nut sounding off on his
horn. As they all came down the hill once more, there was some
confusion until the trail was spotted once more. In danger now of
interfering with a military exercise, the trail led back away from the
potential clash. Now moving over the old firing range, the pack was
encouraged to go up the hill only to find that the trail descended once
more. There were those who went down and those who remained at the
newly gained altitude. The latter were the winners for indeed the trail
came back up and went right to the top of the considerable rise. Now
your lonely scribe found himself unaccompanied once more so he is not
sure who did what or where and when. All made it back to the car park
before the light completely faded. Down downs were awarded to the hares
for their trail laid in shig throughout: to the intelligentsia for their
use of the ground (Seis Counts, Mountain Rescue, Centre of Attraction
and ‘Er Indoors), to those who nearly lost it Ever Ready (his glasses)
and Primate (something to do with a biting dog) and finally to the one
who returned to this country to catch up with Real Ale, Cyclone. The On
Inn was the Six Bells in Farnham where they do not serve chips until
6.00 pm unless prior arrangements have been made. Apart from that it
was a good gathering…
On, on and on |
NOTES ON DH3 RUN 276 ON WEDNESDAY 22nd OCTOBER 2008
FROM FRIMLEY LODGE COUNTRY PARK (GR: 887563)
Hares: Ian Lowers (City Slicker) and Tony Case (Fruit‘n’Nut)
Hounds: Vance Allen (Silver Jumper), Rik Rawcliffe (Giant
Haystack), Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue), Alan Jewell (Easy
Rider), Sarah Nagel (Petal), Derrick Gray (Prime8), Neil Warren
(Armoured Farmer), Ian Warren (Fly By), Paul Duncan (Old Grouser), Ron Peasley (Hi Hat), Tony Soane (Sony Tone), Ian Angel (Hippo), Judith
Bridges (‘Er Indoors), Metta Cobley (Leg Over), Paul Gallagher (Spring
Lamb), Brian Langford (Cyclone) and Clem Maginness (Hard Hat Harry).
It was just a great day for Hashing. From a weather point of view,
anyway. And the company was good with a good turnout. So we started as
usual with the Hares’ brief; sadly City Slicker had ‘forgotten’ where
they had gone, so Fruit‘n’Nut (with convincing confidence) sent us on
our way – in totally the wrong direction. City Slicker quickly
remembered that the start was 180 degrees in the opposite direction (for
indeed that is just what 180 degrees would indicate) so in military
terms we all ‘about turned’. Into the park proper we went with Fly By
and Silver Jumper to the fore. The trail went deeper into the park to
the first check that caused some consternation. The first to call ‘On
On’ was Sony Tone for, indeed, he had discovered three distinct and very
well laid blobs of flour. HOWEVER, the next flour he found was a
distinct false trail marker. Sooo, another ‘about turn’ got us all back
on the right track and we soon found ourselves floundering on the canal
bank. The swans were not pleased to see the canine hashers and some
vicious hissing soon put them in their place. Meanwhile the real hounds
were now off along the canal path. Fly By and Hard Hat led the way back
into the park only for them to find the trail actually led back on to
the canal path. By now Silver Jumper had reached the road, ignored the
regroup and disappeared off over the canal bridge and along the road.
The main pack reassembled and soon set of in slow pursuit. Back into
the trees to the other side of the canal where we paused for the
front-runners to do their duty. A kindly hare hint to the fair feminine
trio overheard by foul buck took us off through the local jungle where
we struggled up a steep hill. Puffing and blowing was now the order of
the day as a hilltop check caused a considerable delay with hounds in
all directions, all down. That, of course, meant that several had to
climb back up. Hard Hat was now at the fore giving lusty encouragement
to the rest only to find another regroup. A momentary delay and we were
off once more to wide open space where several paths met. Having
witnessed last time Fruit‘n’Nut struggle up an exceeding steep slope to
no avail, there were those who were greatly suspicious and felt that
this was time for his revenge. And how right those suspicions were. It
was not only Dennis (Old Grouser’s dog) who went up on all fours. As
the crow flew it was but a hundred yards from the regroup but as Hashers
flew it felt like a hundred miles to the next regroup at the top. Once
all assembled, Hounds dispersed in all directions but the right one, so
another female friendly hint, once more overheard, took the pack off.
Now, He Who Hates to be Front-runner found himself where he didn’t
really want to be until Fly By was encouraged to fly by. And so it
finished with Prime8 on the wrong side of the canal and the
recovering-from-wounds Hippo wandering on to the trail just before the
end. A basically good and enjoyable trail in glorious weather. Down
downs went to the Hares, to the returning Hard Hat (who was once our GM)
and to Old Grouser (our current GM) as we sang to the Hash Higher Arky
(or should that be Hire Arkie?), to Fly By on receiving his tag and his
dad ‘The Old and the New’, and finally to those in need, Hippo
(recovering from his broken ankle) and Cyclone (recovering from the
Spanish sunshine). We then repaired to the Rose and Thistle in Frimley
Green where they were selling some fine ales and hosting a really fine
bunch of questionable runners.
On On On |
NOTES ON DH3 RUN 275 ON WEDNESDAY 8th OCTOBER 2008
FROM POTTER’S RESTAURANT (GR: 894549)
Hares: Vance Allen
(Silver Jumper) and Rik Rawcliffe (Giant Haystack)
Hounds: Richard
McAllister (Mountain Rescue), Alan Jewell (Easy Rider), Sarah Nagel
(Petal), Steve Nagel (Silvier Fox), Tony Case (Fruit‘n’Nut), Derrick
Gray (Prime8), Andy Rogers (Sky Hi) Neil Warren (Armoured Farmer), Ian
Warren (No Name Yet), Paul Armstrong (Back Up), Alex Duncan (Flying Storker), Sally Duncan (Ali Kat), Chris Farmer (Bidet), Ron Peasley (Hi
Hat), Les Salmon (Ever Ready) and Tony Soane (Sony Tone).
So now we know, it’s
official – there are a good number of wimps in the Deepcut Hash (almost
as many as in the North Hants Hash). Last time we met, there were but
ten of us in the rain and last Sunday when the NH4 met in the persistent
precipitation there were only nine. But today in the sunshine there
were eighteen. However, there was no sign of the hares when we wanted
to start so we started without them. As ever, it was Silvier who went
straight to the front, overtaking a walking Mountain Rescue on the way
and closely followed by the yet not-named Ian Warren. Soon they were
off up the hill while the overtaken wandered off on his own but in a
similar direction. The main pack followed Silvier and that was probably
sensible as he was the one ‘on’. Soon the ‘overtaken’ was alone at the
top of the hill while the rest went off on a lower track. Eventually,
they met again but not before the high up back back was discovered. At
the bottom of the hill we all met up at a regroup. By now the hares had
caught up on their bicycles and we realised how they had laid the trail
(not much of an advantage as they found out – running up hill is easier
than cycling uphill). Anyway, once we were all together, Silvier was
off and up the hill towards the Old Guildford Road, Sony Tone was off in
another direction, Bidet idly waiting for someone to find the trail,
Armoured Farmer checking out another possibility and Fruit’n’Nut
striding off up a very steep hill at the top of which was the back back
to which mention was earlier made. Primate remained static and admired
the energy expenditure. The hares were delighted to witness Silvier
closely followed by Ian and Sky Hi disappearing up the hill in the wrong
direction. By now, Mountain Rescue had noticed a hare up a different
path and on overtaking him saw some flour and was informed that was the
second blob. Sony Tone continued along the wrong path until wisdom
brought him back to where the rest were now following. It must have been
about now that the RA overheard a very private conversation between
mother and daughter that led to their down downs. The trail became a
bit more puzzling but was eventually found by Silvier and his gang of
front-runners that now included Sky Hi. The rear-running Hi Hat was
the cause that led to the new Hash cry of ‘On On Ron’ that probably fell
on deaf ears. Ali Kat was taking short cuts while the rest found
themselves running parallel to the Old Guildford Road for a while; for
quite a while. The trail led off in the ‘wrong’ direction back uphill,
again, to a significant path. Then we turned back in the direction of
home to come across a sign that read ‘1000 m’ with an arrow pointing
straight down the main track. Bidet claimed it to be but 976m only but
the redeeming feature of this part of the run was that it was downhill
all the way. At the bottom by the gate, Silvier stopped and that
allowed Bidet to be the first one home, closely followed by an
extraordinary mix of back runners who somehow found themselves very near
the front after 55 minutes of movement. Down downs were awarded to the
‘irreplaceable’ hares for a good run, to Bidet for being first and to
Silvier for stopping and looking as though he was coming in last, to the
wise and beautiful Ali Kat and Flying Storker, to Mountain Rescue for
carrying an injury, Hi Hat (for wearing a new Deepcut Hash shirt and
Nameless (for being a virgin runner although he had helped to lay Trail
No 180!), the three being described as the ‘Proud and Wonderful’ (who
knows what was meant by that), and finally to Petal out of her new
shoes. Potters offered ale and bonhomie while their chips scored 6.5 on
the chip scale. All in all, a very satisfactory gathering…
On On… |
NOTES ON DH3 RUN 274 ON WEDNESDAY 24th
SEPTEMBER 2008
FROM TUNNEL HILL (GR: 918558)
Hare: Richard McAllister
(Mountain Rescue)
Hounds: Alan Jewell (Easy
Rider), Sarah Nagel (Petal), Steve Nagel (Silvier Fox), Tony Case (Fruit‘n’Nut),
Judith Bridges (‘Er Indoors), Metta Cobley (Leg Over), Derrick Gray
(Prime8), Andy Rogers (Sky Hi) and Neil Warren (Armoured Farmer).
Once again, the wimps were highlighted;
“I’m not running if it’s raining” or “I’m going to the Gym if it’s wet”
simply aren’t excuses good enough. And as for “I’ve got to go to the
dentist…” Anyway, there were nine brave souls who turned up to support
the drenched hare who had spent several hours in the rain to lay a trail
that set off across the road and immediately into trees. By now the sky
had brightened and the rain had ceased. As ever, Silvier was to the
fore but not for long before he was stumped by the false trail. There
was considerable turmoil while Hounds fussed around until Sky Hi gave
that welcoming call and the pack was really off on its way along the
path almost parallel to the Pirbright road. Down through the trees
which was very pleasant running; soft under foot and open forest leading
to a small stream. This caused a certain concern. Fruit‘n’Nut tried to
jump it but got a very muddy foot for his efforts. There was a drier
way over that was used by those in less of a hurry. Up the bank into a
well known open area. Now Sky Hi was off in the wrong direction, and
Silvier picked up the trail that now led back into the trees, down a
path to the same stream, but this time we ran alongside. The FRBs
returned towards the rest of the pack having found a back back. At this
point they had missed an enormous tree with branches forming a very
handy handrail that took them dryly across the stream. Having been
warned about just how slippery the trunk was, watching Petal bum shuffle
was an absolute picture to experience. ‘Er Indoors attempted the jump
and ended up with an exceedingly muddy foot; at least it was the same
foot that suffered a similar fate at the first water jump. By now,
Silvier was leading the pack again back to the road but it was
Fruit’n’Nut who actually found the trail at the top of the rise on the
far side where the trail led to the railway bridge and the first
regroup. After some dithering, Easy Rider found the trail going up the
hill and over the top and down the other side. Much hunting around
before Silvier picked up the scent and led us off up the hill. Now
Armoured Farmer expressed his upset because he had almost made it to the
trail when he turned back. Eventually the trail was found again and the
pack surged forward along a main track and up to the top of a hill.
Here there was more confusion with the main FRBs ferreting around to no
avail but Easy Rider was encouraged to follow his first thoughts and
soon found that his instinct was worth following. There was no
overtaking at this part so it was Easy Rider who led down through close
country and up alongside the road and back into the trees up familiar
tracks and across the Old Guildford Road. More concern as the FRBs
could not find the trail – not their fault this time, the rain had all
but washed away the first and most important marker. Silvier now called
everyone on but then went on a false trail. On his return, he ignored
the Hare’s advice no to go up that hill… Meanwhile Fruit‘n’Nut had
picked up the scent and not only led us all for perhaps the longest
stretch of running, but actually found the trail again after the check.
Now we were going uphill through close trees. At the second regroup at
the top, Fruit’n’Nut went off right while the rest of the pack kept
straight on as the Hare intended. That was the last we saw of
Fruit‘n’Nut for some time. Silvier now ranged far and wide looking for
the trail and happened upon it by accident. Once more downhill through
some very close country, up the other side and back over the Old
Guildford Road. By now tiredness was setting in so the friendly Hare
advised the back runners and shepherded them home along the ridges
parallel to the railway line. Silvier had lost himself somewhere in the
hills but managed to keep contact and actually finished before most.
Meanwhile, Fruit‘n’Nut was really lost (five times, he said after) but
eventually got home and insisted on down downs for those still
remaining: the Hare, of course, and Easy Rider, Silvier and Petal, all
for being ‘miscreants’. We repaired to Potters for beer and a chip
(very good chips, soft centres, crispy outside, hot and tasty – Graded
8). It was here that Fruit‘n’Nut regaled us about the art of sheep
rolling!!
With that, On On |
NOTES ON DH3 RUN 273 ON WEDNESDAY 10th
SEPTEMBER 2008
FROM WOODLANDS WALK (GR: 850581)
Hare: Alan Jewell (Easy Rider)
Hounds: Tony Soane (Sony Tone),
Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue), Sarah Nagel (Petal), Vance Allen
(Silver Jumper), Steve Nagel (Silvier Fox), Tony Case (Fruit’n’Nut), Les
Salmon (Ever Ready), Kath Bradshaw (Twin Peaks), Judith Bridges (‘Er
Indoors), Metta Cobley (Leg Over) and Ron Peasley (Hi Hat).
Perhaps the saddest part of this
performance was the clapping afterwards for the Hare’s standard of
trail; it was good, but there was no need to let him know just how much
it was appreciated. There were errors. For instance the number of
regroups, the excessiveness of which was appreciated by some of the
slugs in the pack. And the one hill was indeed used time and again to
get us all undulating. However, much of it was over land not seen
before by many and so trying to pre-empt the Hare’s trail was not so
easy. The start was simple and Silvier and Silver Jumper were soon off
into the training area leaving Fruit’n’Nut to go off on the wrong
track. In no time at all we were at the first regroup and it was Silver
Jumper who found the restart. Much of the running was through close
tracks within the rhododendron thickets. Another regroup and Silvier
was off calling everyone else back into line. And so it continued
through some very pleasant running to the Lake’s edge where we were
stopped for another regroup. There was considerable reluctance to take
to the water but Silvier set off and was fortunate enough to find the
trail leading, not through, but along the edge of the water for a
while. Into the trees and tall bracken it was quite difficult to see
just where Silvier was going but we managed to hear him most of the
time. More stops, more checks and even Fruit’n’Nut found himself at the
front at one stage. Then there was the back-packed Sony Tone taking his
turn at the front. Not to be outdone, it was Ever Ready who once found
himself to the fore after a regroup when we all though he was going into
the tree for a bit of relief but it turned out that he was just
investigating when he found the trail – he never did get his pee. Then
came quite a long search that gave the main pack a bit of a rest but the
front-runners were doing their bit exhausting themselves and giving the
middle runners a chance of keeping up – apart from Hi Hat who remained
firmly at the back of the pack for most of the way, pacing himself with
care. What was interesting is that no one did anything daft or really
worth reporting. So plain was the pack’s behaviour that the RA had
difficulty in thinking up reasons for down downs. So, we ended up
with: the Hare, two returnees in the form of ’Er Indoors and Leg Over,
the explorers Silver Jumper who was accused of taking on all the checks
and Petal who assaulted every bramble bush with reach, and to a faithful
returnee to old hunting grounds, in the form of Ever Ready. We
progressed to the New Inn for the traditional ales and good humour and
found that, yes, they did sell chips that attracted a score of 7* (they
would have be a higher grade if they had been hotter but the star is
given for the speed with which they were produced, which was quite
phenomenal).
It was decided that in future, the Hare
(who buys the flour for the trail) would not have to pay the £1 run fee.
We hope to see a greater pack next time
and also hope that there is no more bowling on an ‘Ash Wednesday’!
On On to one and all.
|
NOTES ON DH3 RUN 272 ON WEDNESDAY 27th
AUGUST 2008
FROM LIGHWATER COUNTRY PARK (GR: 902618)
Hare: Tony Soane (Sony
Tone),
Hounds: Richard McAllister
(Mountain Rescue), Sarah Nagel (Petal), Vance Allen (Silver Jumper),
Paul Gallagher (Spring Lamb), Steve Nagel (Silvier Fox), Tony Case (Fruit’n’Nut),
Derrick Gray (Prime8), Rick Rawcliffe (Giant Haystack) and Les Salmon
(Ever Ready).
So while your scribe was away no one
thought of writing up some notes – or, if they did, did nothing about
it. For record purposes the names of those attending the two meets are
reflected in this short report. And talking of ‘short’ our hare assured
us his trail was short. Once more the generic hare has lied to the
hounds and we embarked on what he, the hare, admitted was much more
hilly than his childhood memories. He also advised that the blackberries
en route were very good (now that was not a lie). So we set off into the
park only to turn sharp left down the hill towards the main road. This
manoeuvre left the fast running Silvier an opportunity to catch up with
rest of the pack. By now Spring Lamb and Silver Jumper were to the fore
with Giant Haystack not far behind. An excited F&N was blowing his horn
in encouragement as we flowed down with the hill. After what seemed
like quite a long time we found ourselves struggling uphill with no sign
of a check. The uphill was indeed steep and left all but the fittest
feeling somewhat puffed. And so we continued; Silvier, Spring Lamb and
Silver Jumper became the front-runners with Giant Haystack, Ever Ready,
Petal and MR somewhere in the middle, Prime8 sucking on his asthma
thingy whatsit and at the back, way, way back was F&N blowing on his
horn in self-encouragement but unsuccessfully trying to confuse the
hounds all to the front of him. And so it continued until about half
way when we actually had the first of a number of checks. At one point
we were all held up because the trail had been rubbed out. This was the
first real opportunity to sample the blackberries (and very good they
were). The Hare (once he had caught up) soon put us right and we were
off into the depths of the local jungle once more. Then we got lost
again and well spread out with MR checking what turned out to white
stones and not flour. Another little trick Nature played was producing
a sort of moss, very pale in colour so that it looked just like
bird-pecked flour. Anyway, quite by accident MR came across a regroup,
so regroup we did. Now the short cutters were offered an alternative
‘easier’ route while the main body ploughed on behind the now
front-runner blowing his horn in group encouragement. It didn’t last.
He was soon at the back again. The vanguard led us on and soon we were
at the bridge over the motorway. The courageous Silver Jumper, closely
followed by Silvier, checked over the bridge only to find that, yes, it
was the real way home. From here on the trail was simple with plentiful
supplies of splendid blackberries on the way. The main pack was
followed later, much later, by the short cutters who had apparently also
been distracted by the berries. The circle formed and the hare was
awarded his down down for laying a very pleasant run. Giant Haystack
made the error of wearing new shoes from which he drank his down down
and Spring Lamb picked up his for being such a keen front-runner. The
Nagels got one each for some spurious reason while Prime8 and Mountain
Rescue were nominated to drink for the Blackberry Eaters. The pack
retired to the Pine Ridge Golf Course for a draught and chip.
On, On.
RUN 271 13 AUGUST 2008,
FARNHAM PARK GOLF COURSE (GR 838475)
Hares: Chris Farmer and Martin Potter (Goofy) Hounds:
Paul Armstrong (Back Up), Tony Case (Fruit’n’Nut), Alex Duncan (Flying
Storker), Paul Duncan (Old Grouser), Sally Duncan (Ali Kat), Sue Figgis
(Centre of Attraction) and daughter, Alan Jewell (Easy Rider), Ron
Peasley (Hi Hat), Tony Soane (Sony Tone) and Neil Warren (Armoured
Farmer)
RUN 270 30 JULY 2008,
CRANMORE LANE (ROWHILL NATURE RESERVE) (GR849500)
Hares: Sarah Nagel (Petal) and Steve Nagel (Silvier Fox)
Hounds: Allen Vance (Silver Jumper), Paul Armstrong (Back Up),
Tony Case (Fruit’n’Nut), Paul Duncan (Old Grouser), Kim Dyos (Little
Prick), Chris Farmer (Bidet), Alex Fryatt (Toby), Derrick Gray (Prime8),
Alan Jewell (Easy Rider), Rick Rawcliffe (Giant Haystack), Les Salmon
(Ever Ready), Tony Soane (Sony Tone) and Neil Warren (Armoured Farmer).
|
NOTES ON DH3 RUN 269 ON WEDNESDAY 16th JULY 2008
FROM POTTERS RESTAURANT (GR: 894549)
Hares: Kath Bradshaw
(Twin Peaks) and Tony Soane (Sony Tone),
Hounds: Richard
McAllister (Mountain Rescue), Sarah Nagel (Petal), Vance Allen (Silver
Jumper), Paul Gallagher (Spring Lamb), Ian Angell (Hippo), Paul Duncan
(Old Grouser), Chris Farmer (Bidet), Sue Figgis (Centre of Attraction),
Steve Nagel (Silvier Fox), Rachel Parkinson (Park ‘n’ Ride), Ron Peasley
(Hi Hat), Andy Rogers (Sky Hi) and Neil Warren (Armoured Farmer)
Fine weather and a
good turnout indicated a great potential. From the start it was into
the woods with Silvier to the fore. The rest followed on in their own
time with Bidet on his sticks (and this before he’d had a drink); he
said to support his knees but we knew it was to help him keep upright.
At the first check it was finally Silver Jumper who happened upon the
trail and off he went only to be stymied. Silvier was suspicious
of the more obvious trail going up the steep hill so he took the (wrong)
path leading to the canal. Sony Tone expressed his delight at
seeing Silver Jumper and Sky Hi returning down the steep hill from a
false trail, while the On On was called from in the jungle vaguely back
the way we had come but off just enough to take us off and away into the
wilderness. We soon heard Hippo’s horn and through the trees (rather
around the trees) we went. The only bit of excitement was
witnessed by few: Hi Hat got his feet tangled by a twig in the
undergrowth and he collapsed face first (fortunately not at high speed,
because that’s not the way he goes) and his only concern was not his
delicate features but his spectacles, which fortunately remained intact.
Then we found ourselves at the top of the rise. While hunting
around, suddenly Centre of Attraction appeared having arrived only 15
minutes late and having ‘cheated’ and made straight for the commotion
created by the pack – that’s why we keep calling. At the top it
was a long straight run along the track parallel to the Old Guildford
Road with Dennis dragging a
wearying Old Grouser and Spring Lamb trying to keep up with his hound.
Park ‘n’ Ride was up front and now it was inevitably down hill. Silvier
had disappeared long since and we anticipated his excuse that we were
unable to hear his calls because of the aircraft noise from Airshow. Now
we were making for home. The trail led back towards the married quarters
area. By now it was all the front-runners and one ‘SCB’ who were at the
front (Silvier had already finished). MR was way ahead at the front of
the pack but had missed the twist in the trail (not that he was
interested, he was too near home) and it was Silver Jumper, Spring Lamb,
Armoured Farmer and Sky Hi who led the main pack back round the true
trail. All home in 45 minutes or thereabouts having had an enjoyable
run and (oh joy) no circle, no down downs because you-know-who was away
marching in Nijmegen. So, we all rapidly pushed off to Potters where we
enjoyed an ale or two and CHIPS – the first time for ages and very good
chips they were, attracting a considered score of no less than 8.5 for
their crispness, consistency, flavour, texture lack of excess fat, and
general appearance. You see, this chip grading is taken very seriously
by DH3…
On On |
NOTES ON DH3 RUN 268 ON WEDNESDAY 2nd JULY 2008
FROM 5 DETTINGEN ROAD (GR: 913578)
Hares: Flash
Gordon (Cruise Control) and Terry Newland (Rainbow Man)
Hounds: Tony Soane (Sony Tone),
Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue), Tony Case (Fruit’n’Nut), Sarah
Nagel (Petal), Vance Allen (Silver Jumper), Alan Jewell (Easy Rider),
Kath Bradshaw (Twin Peaks), Paul Gallagher (Spring Lamb) and Rick
Rawcliffe (Giant Haystack)
A disappointing turnout for what turned out to
be a good run, full of dastardly diversions and tricky turns. A swift
brief warned that there were a couple of regroups a few back backs. We
left No 5 and set off across the grass common with Sony and Jumper up
front. As we paused for a check on the far side we could see the
forlorn figure of Petal making a beeline across to join us (it was not
an easy start to find if you did not know the area so her lateness was
forgiven. The trail was picked up going past the Officers Mess and then
lost again. Jumper and MR found the trail and were now convinced we were
about to cross the main road. But, no; Fruit’n’Nut’s horn indicated
that we were actually going off into the bush once more before crossing
over the road. No, again; the trail turned back and we found ourselves
making for the range boundary fence. Now Jumper took up the lead once
more with MR still daft enough to follow. Down to the bottom went we,
with Jumper confidently leading the pack to a back back. By this time
the front-runners had needlessly risen to the crest of the next rise.
So, back we went to the range fence only to find we had to run over The
Sisters. Up and down, up and down we went to a welcome regroup. By now
we appreciated that we had run quite a long way to get nowhere. There
was a long pause while Twin Peaks checked out a false trail and Jumper
came back with F’n’N. Sony decided that the hares hadn’t gone along an
old path, and Easy Rider waited with Haystack for someone to find the
trail. Cruise Control had to give a hint and we set off for quite a
long straightish run before breaking off into the trees once more. Soon
we were halted by a lack of flour and MR was the ‘lucky one’ to find it
was he who had stumbled on to the true trail. Up and down through the
trees we went again until the inevitable check but it was MR whose luck
stayed with him and the pack followed. By now the hard working Spring
Lamb got to front spot and stayed there. Turning back towards the
quarters hopes were raised when the ‘ON INN’ sign was seen on the
ground. Nearly there, we thought. Then the assault course came into
view and we knew we still had some way to go. It was a long run in but
Cruise Control had got the BBQ going by the time the first runners we
home. Then in came the pseudo Irishman (F’n’N) with “That was good.
Exactly an hour or thereabouts…” but then he was right on two counts –
it was good and it was thereabouts. In the garden of No 5 the pack
formed an unusual seated circle as the clouds lifted and the sun came
out. Down downs went to the hares, to Easy Rider and Mountain Rescue
for claiming to be athletes, Twin Peaks (who was unusually still at the
party) for being a welcome stopper, to Ankle Snatcher Sony Tone, and
finally to Giant Haystack on behalf of his exhausted dog, the
four-legged champion.
By the way, there were more than a few back
backs – there were at least two every half mile, probably more.
No chips, but the BBQ was awarded 10.75 points
out of 10. Our thanks to the Gordons for their kind hospitality by
laying on the food.
On On… |
NOTES ON DH3 RUN 267 ON WEDNESDAY 18th JUNE 2008
FROM UPPER HALE (GR: 829492)
Hares:
Brian Langford (Cyclone) and assisted by Tony Soane (Sony Tone)
Hounds:
Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue), Ian Angell (Hippo), Neil Warren
(Armoured Farmer), Tony Case (Fruit’n’Nut), Sarah Nagel (Petal), Steve
Nagel (Silvier Hare), Sue Figgis (Centre of Attraction), Vance Allen
(Silver Jumper), Derek Gray (Prime8), Alan Jewell (Easy Rider), David
Holgate (Necrophiliac), Alex Fryatt (Toby), Les Salmon (Ever Ready), Ron
Peasley (Hi Hat) and Terry Newland (Rainbow Man).
Sunday’s first joint Hash (Run 266A) with NH4 went very well with
some eight of our runners turning up for the event.
On now to our latest, with just two minutes to go, the two hares,
tired and well floured, arrived at the start with much relief at getting
back before the pack was due to set off. The rain held off as Cyclone
warned that the trail may not be short and may be difficult, and that
put everyone at ease. The start was fairly traditional as we followed
Silvier (who else) in a general westerly direction until he was stopped
by a check. He, Silver Jumper and Ever Ready now set off on the more
obvious tracks while Mountain Rescue found an overgrown stile on an
overgrown track that looked quite interesting. So it was off down said
track and the start of what seemed to be a fairly constant downhill
trail through the trees and deeper into the training area. It was
rather pleasant running, although surprisingly warm. It was not long
before Silvier was up front again while the rest of the pack followed up
what was a slope of some significant steepness. The regroup was at the
trig point, the highest point in the area. Our newcomers, Necro and
Toby, were right up there at the front but even they appreciated the
short break. Prime8 by now had thought better of going to the top and
he had been sent on a more friendly route. Once we restarted, it was,
again, Silvier who called us all on for the start of the long descent; a
drop that seemed to go on for ever, filling fearful minds with thoughts
of the equally long haul back up at some stage. Another regroup allowed
Prime8 to catch up kept the pack together while our habitual front
runner took off once more down towards the lakes. Skirting part of the
water, it was off towards the Bourley Road and we were still not turning
for home. The trail now led around to the lakes again to another pause
while Fruit’n’Nut, Hippo and Prime8 were allowed to rejoin the more
fleet of foot. Criticism that the hares had forgotten that they were
laying a trail for the Deepcut Hash was well accepted by tiring hounds
while discussion and conjecture as to the way ahead was mainly rubbish.
You know who got us going again and from then on it was mainly uphill
the rest of the way, except for the flat run in for home. It seemed a
long one, but watches confirmed that it was the usual hour (perhaps we
were running faster?). Down downs went to the hares, of course, and to
our newcomers while Alex was named To Be or not To Be (hereon known as
Toby). There was then some inexplicable, meandering waffle about
Mountain Rescue and Ever Ready who received their down downs for “did
and didn’t” or something and finally one went to Hi Hat who turned up in
his top hat – can you top that? On then to the Six Bells in Farnham
where the ale was good, the company better but the chips non-existent.
Overall, a great event enhanced only by the late and very short
appearance of Centre of Attraction who arrived even later than we
started and managed to follow the trail all the way to the pub.
On On |
NOTES ON DH3 RUN 266 ON WEDNESDAY 4th JUNE 2008
FROM RUSHMOOR ARENA (GR: 850518)
Hare:
Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue),
Hounds:
Ian Angell (Hippo), Neil Warren (Armoured Farmer), Tony Case (Fruit’n’Nut),
Sarah Nagel (Petal), Steve Nagel (Silvier Hare), Sue Figgis (Centre of
Attraction), Rachel Parkinson (Park’n’Ride), Clare Silman (One Way
Only), Vance Allen (Silver Jumper), Kath Bradshaw (Twin Peaks), Kim Dyos
(Little Prick), Derek Gray (Prime8), Alan Jewell (Easy Rider), Andy
Rogers (Sky Hi) and Tony Soane (Sony Tone)
We could not
have had better weather – the sun shone and much of the trail was under
the cover of trees and Centre of Attraction was only two minutes late.
The going was damp and in many places inundated and swampy. But the
Hounds loved it really. Having been warned that we should all be back
by teatime, possibly late teatime, the pack set off north from the car
park and down through some sun-speckled woodland to the first check that
held the pack for quite a long period. The main tracks produced nothing
and it was eventually Park’n’Ride who realised she was nearly standing
on the flour. So it was off up a level to the driver training area and
across to the far wood line. Further delays with Hippo ‘feeling it in
his water’ that the trail was half right through the trees, so off he
set. Before he had gone far, Silvier was yelling that he was on and off
he went. The trail now followed a motorcycle path through the trees
right up to the first inundation that was quite deep. Here, Hippo
sloshed his way through while Twin Peaks tried to find a dry crossing
and nearly made it, and Petal and One Way Only had the sense to follow
the hare. Once through the problem area and into the open, the pack
went mad. Silvier was to the fore on the wrong track, with Sony Tone and
Silver Jumper similarly disorientated. The rest waited for someone else
to find the trail, which did eventually happen. Silvier, once more in
the lead descended into a goodly dip followed by the rest of the pack.
Once at the bottom it was back up the other side to a regroup where we
met that well-known short cutter, Prime8. With the pack wide spread it
was Hippo, still following the feeling in his water who led the pack off
but just too far for comfort as the trail turned sharply to cross over
two parallel tracks and into the trees again. Park’n’Ride was once more
a front-runner (by mistake, she said) while Silvier had to cut back from
the back back. The next major delay was trying to find the trail on the
far side of Long Valley. The voice of a mystery short-cutter announced
the trail had been discovered and the led uphill to a one blob check
where Sky Hi discovered the easy falsie while it took the expertise of
Silvier to find the more difficult downhill one. Petal then found the
hidden flour and it was off again through some young but close country.
Then there was doubt before Silvier discovered a long, sweeping trail
leading back to a main path, down the hill and across two more paths
before a long check that had the pack puzzled. Sony Tone eventually,
after the pack admitted defeat, picked up the trail that led to a pair
of back backs before Silvier took off through some very tight country,
twisting and turning, crossing another path before cutting through a
‘tunnel’ in the undergrowth. Out in the open once again and the pack was
invited to follow a trail laid with white mine tape because underfoot
was too rough to take flour. Through the gorse, scrub, tufts and sludge
meandered the strung out pack. The first to arrive at the top were able
to enjoy the breeze and sight of the struggling pack. Difficulty was
experienced finding the next ‘on’ but then the pack found itself at the
second regroup and Petal led the way down to a familiar junction. An
overenthusiastic Sky Hi demonstrated how not to jump over a puddle and
drenched not only himself but many within striking distance. Then Twin
Peaks fell off a makeshift bridge into the water before she managed to
find the way through some more close undergrowth. By now, there were
those who were concerned about finishing in time to meet other
commitments so we made direct for the finish. Tired? There were those
who so thought, but then just imagine how tired the hare was…! Down
downs were awarded to the hare for a trail that was described by one as
‘good crap’, to happy blower, Hippo for his horn work, to shiggy skipper
One Way Only, To Petal and Little Prick for knowing how to avoid water
and to Prime8, the great adventurer for finding his own way round. The
On Inn was the Swan on the Farnborough road where we sat on the patio in
the sun and enjoyed the view of aircraft landing on the airfield.
On On |
NOTES ON DH3 RUN 265 ON WEDNESDAY 21st MAY
2008
FROM TUNNEL HILL (GR: 918558)
Hare:
Ian Angell (Hippo)
Hounds: Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue), Neil
Warren (Armoured Farmer), Paul Armstrong (Back Up), Tony Case (Fruit’n’Nut),
Chris Farmer (Bidet), Sarah Nagel (Petal), Steve Nagel (Silvier Hare),
Ron Peasley (Hi Hat) and Sue Higgis (Centre of Attraction).
Glorious weather
again but a much smaller pack to enjoy it. After warnings from the Hare
that the roads were dangerous, the first thing we did was to cross the
road and plunge down into the trees. Silvier was the first to take a
wrong check and Fruit’n’Nut the second. Bidet found it and set off then
Centre of Attraction (late again) arrived on the scene and Silvier,
cutting across the undergrowth, came across the trail again. We wended
our way through the tree and on to the main path only to find Silvier
returning from a back back and so Mountain Rescue found himself at the
front and fast approaching the main road once more. Over the road and
Silvier was off (on the wrong path) with Bidet and MR performing similar
acts of useless functions. Meanwhile, the rest of the pack (less
Armoured Farmer who had gone off on a tangent all of his own) found
themselves making for Curzon Bridge where we all turned left into the
Tunnel Bridge area proper. Now Silvier was off along the canal while
Top Hat checked the other side of the canal. Both wrong and Fruit’n’Nut
took the lead, calling all on. Up through the trees went we, all the
way to the top. It levelled out a bit and had front-runners all over
the place trying to find flour. After a while the ‘On’ was called and
all but Back Up and MR followed the trail down again, and a long way
down it was. Then, up they came again to join the top ridge runners who
both were chuffed at their ability to save energy. Through more leafy,
hilly countryside until Centre of Attraction was castigated for rapidly
descending the hill, arms outstretched, but failing to ‘Wheeee’ all the
way down. The first regroup was at the canal lock keeper’s cottage.
After a pleasant sunny pause it was along the canal for a few yards
before turning off up the hill once more and a turn back towards the
railway line. At the bridge we turned again getting deeper into the
trees and then back across the road where we were entertained by a piper
practising where no one could hear him! Then on to a familiar plateau.
Despite claiming not to recognise the area, Bidet now picked up the
flour (not literally) and we descended once more. Up and down, down and
up we must have climbed every hill at least once. Now the pack split
with Bidet and MR not wanting to lose height and guessing the trail
would eventually rise to join the Old Guildford Road; they kept straightish on and found the trail which they then followed faithfully
all the way home. The remainder, led by Silvier, soon came home. Down
downs were awarded to the ‘dippy’ hare (who got a refill because he was
thirsty) for taking us up and down the dips, to Centre of Attraction and
Mountain Rescue for adjust their footwear on the ay round, to Bidet for
knowing all, and to Silvier and Hi Hat for being so changeable. We then
retired to the White Hart at Pirbright for resuscitation. All in all, an
excellent experience.
On On |
NOTES ON DH3 RUN 264 ON WEDNESDAY 7th MAY
2008
FROM OUTRIDDEN COPSE (GR: 832510)
Hare:
Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue)
Hounds:
Neil Warren (Armoured Farmer), Paul Armstrong
(Back Up), Tony Case (Fruit’n’Nut), Chris Farmer (Bidet), Tony Soane
(Sony Tone), Alan Jewell (Easy Rider), Sarah Nagel (Petal), Ian Angell
(Hippo), Ron Peasley (Hi Hat), Brian Langford (Cyclone), Kim Dyos
(Little Prick), Terry Newland (Rainbow Man), Cath Bradshaw (Twin Peaks),
Derek Gray (Prime8), Rachel Parkinson (Park‘n’Ride), Les Salmon (Ever
Ready), Clare Silman (One Way Only), Rick Rawcliffe (Giant Haystack) and
Martin Woods (Top Secret).
Glorious weather –
we thought it may get too hot but the pack was so lethargic that
sweating was hardly an option. However, the start was delayed because we
were suspicious of a car with three men who appeared to waiting for us
to depart. Not wanting to have our cars rifled, Bidet (our
ex-policeman) was left to look after the situation. So, the rest of us
set off going north from the car park with Park‘n’Ride well to the fore;
but, not for long for the trail slipped sideways through the remnants of
local shig and that left the front runners way behind while Sony Tone
now took the lead. At the ‘T’ junction came the first real indication
of pack lethargy. Sony was still out front and, unknown to him on the
right trail. Eventually Ever Ready wandered off in the wrong direction
only to be called back to join the rest of the pack who were all now
short cutting to join our leader. More lethargy on display, but now
Sony was on the wrong side of the track to see the start of the trail.
Bidet had by now ‘seen off’ the watchers and rejoined the pack,
complaining that he was now too old to be able to give the pack a five
minute start, but he was still able to lead the pack towards the middle
of a large puddle. Most quickly found the dry route but were then
completely flummoxed by the hare’s devious trail. A hint led to Fruit
‘n’ Nut finding the correct way into the trees over some rotting
undergrowth and into some close country. In file we proceeded through
the trees and up to the top of the rise where we had the first re-group
and enjoyed a pause in glorious sunshine. Once re-grouped, Fruit ‘n’ Nut
led a small party in the wrong direction while Park‘n’Ride got it right,
again.
The first
significant downhill brought a ‘Wheeee’ out of Little Prick. Down we
went, across a main track, down again to a conjunction of paths and it
was Bidet who led the pack into another shiggy bit only to find a back
back. So this gave Park‘n’Ride the opportunity once more to get the
pack going the right way through some pleasant woodland and on to the
Bourley Road. On the other side and up the slope was the second
re-group. Now there was some confusion for as the pack searched, Fruit
‘n’ Nut looked as though he had found the trail but called for a false
trail. It seems the flour had been re-arranged but the hare was there
to put it right. By now, Prime8 and Hi Hat seemed to be vying for the
rear runner award while Bidet and Park ‘n’ Ride were showing off at the
front. Hippo now came into his own and found the trail after a back
back had been declared. Up through the trees we went, for quite a
while. Armoured Farmer eventually picked up the trail and we just kept
going up. Then it was, inevitably, down again. At the bottom, some of
the pack surveyed the small track going up through the trees –“It can’t
be up there!” declared some. But it was.
For a while there
was a lot of puffing but then it was a pleasant jog along a level path
with Sony about to lead all astray. Again, Hippo was there to call back
the errant front-runners and hidden blobs of flour were once more
displayed after the removal of deceptive devices. The trail was now
clear for a while but the next check caused some delay until Little
Prick and Petal were persuaded to try going straight up the hill through
thick undergrowth. To their surprise, the path opened up and there was
the flour trail once more. Up and over the hill, and down to the
lakes. Ever Ready was on again and soon the pack was crossing over the
divide between two lakes. Armoured Farmer blamed Park‘n’Ride for
leading him astray by going too far up the next rise without any flour.
However, they both managed to find their way back to the main trail,
while it was Ever Ready who now misled the significant remnants of the
pack all the way to the top of the hill and way off into unknown…
Meanwhile, the short cutters and lost souls had found their way home and
some time later the exhausted remnants returned.
So, after the
regular down down for the Hare, our two virgins (Giant Haystack and Top
Secret) received theirs, as did Park‘n’Ride and Armoured Farmer for
disillusionment, and Prime8 and Ever Ready who had to try harder. The Tweseldown cared for our post run refreshment and gave us the venue for
entertainment. And jolly it was, too…
ON,ON |
NOTES ON DH3 RUN 263 ON WEDNESDAY 23rd APRIL 2008
FROM FORESTERS PUB (GR: 825528)
Hare:
Neil Warren (Armoured Farmer) and Paul Armstrong (Back Up)
Hounds:
Tony Case (Fruit’n’Nut), Chris Farmer (Bidet),
Tony Soane (Sony Tone), Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue), Alan
Jewell (Easy Rider), Sarah Nagel (Petal), Steve Nagel (Silvier Fox), Ian
Angell (Hippo), Ron Peasley (Hi Hat), Brian Langford (Cyclone), Paul
Gallagher (Spring Lamb) Vance Allen (Silver Jumper), Kim Dyos (Little
Prick) and Terry Newland (Rainbow Man).
The weather couldn’t have been better. We set
off, only a little late, in a northerly direction having been warned of
a couple of road crossings and three regroups. Spring Lamb, our Hash
virgin, was briefed on what to do on the way and he soon cottoned on, as
did his dog. However, the dog never did suss crossing a cattle grid and
got stuck every time. The trail tended to be a little muddy, but
nothing too serious. There was an element of idleness, noted by Sony
Tone, who at one stage asked if we were actually supposed to be
running. So, reluctant runners jogged off and soon caught idling Fruit’n’Nut escorting Cyclone – both claimed they were waiting for the
rest to catch up. Meanwhile, Silvier and Silver Jumper were way ahead.
The trail followed various tracks through the woods with most just
enjoying the start of spring and a very pleasant St George’s Day. Soon,
after a long loop, we were back at the road that we had to cross to get
over into the Tweseldown area. Once more, Silvier was out in front but
it was Bidet who used his lungs pour encourage les autres. Into
the area we progressed and just as we were mounting a rise, Bidet found
himself explaining to some youngsters that we were following a flour
trail and not on a coke sniffing expedition. At the top of the rise
some flowering narcissi were spotted, leading to a query about how on
earth they got there. ‘Marking the spot of a fallen Hasher’ was one
response that led to Rainbow man’s retort “Hashes to hashes, dust to
dust…” Soon, Little Prick marked her return after a lengthy absence by
wheeing down the other side of the hill and others took up wheeing, as
well. By now those still on the top of the hill could see that the far
distant Silvier was on the correct trail so we all set off to follow
him. After a while, he lost the lead because he had too many checks to
investigate. However, he was not far from the next regroup and he was
quickly joined by one and all. Mountain Rescue was now allowed to find
the trail going downhill and was allowed to go off in the wrong
direction. The trail turned on itself and went back up the hill, only to
go down again to the spot from where MR had just returned. Back across
the road and it was Bidet to the fore until Silvier caught him. And
Spring Lamb rescued his dog for one last time. A very pleasant run
enjoyed by all. Down Downs went to the Hares for their grand efforts,
to Silver Jumper and Silvier Fox for being shining leaders, to Spring
Lamb on losing his virginity, to ‘the lumpy ones’ Petal and Little
Prick, to Hippo and Bidet for being authoritarians (the latter managed
to drink through his mouth and eject much of the beer out through his
nasal orifices creating explosive mirth from the pack) and to Cyclone
for returning from so long overseas and Mountain Rescue for completing
the London Marathon. It was then on to the Tweseldown for a pleasant
and very well deserved spot of refreshment.
Be warned that Deepcut is thinking of the
occasional Sunday run during the summer and in a non-running week. Keep
an eye out for progress on the proposition on our website.
On On. |
NOTES
ON DH3 RUN 262 ON WEDNESDAY 9th APRIL 2008
FROM NORRIS BRIDGE (GR: 833536)
Hare:
Tony Case (Fruit’n’Nut)
Hounds:
Chris Farmer (Bidet), Tony Soane (Sony Tone),
Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue), Alan Jewell (Easy Rider), Sarah
Nagel (Petal), Derrick Gray (Pime8), Ian Angell (Hippo), Neil Warren (Armoured
Farmer), Rachel Parkinson (Park’n’Ride), Ron Peasley (Hi Hat), Andy
Rogers (Sky Hi), Paul Armstrong (Back Up), Neil Digby (Mary), Sally
Duncan (Ali Kat), Martin Potter (Goofie) and Brian Langford (Cyclone).
It all started well; good weather, hounds
right place, right time-ish, hare’s brief was brief (standard signs,
three regroups and a finish suited to the marathon runner) and we were
off over the main road westwards through heavy traffic. Goofie searched
in the wrong direction, Park ‘n’ Ride started well but lost confidence
and Mary shot off with misguided confidence up the wrong path. Over the
rise and down the other side, Mountain Rescue stumbled across the trail
leading off through the trees but Mary soon overtook to lead us astray.
Brought back to heel, the pack followed the flour once again only to
find Hippo standing on the first regroup (and he denied having taken the
direct route over the hill and swore that he had cut back to join the
pack only to come across the trail leading to his regroup). So we
regrouped. It was Hippo again who made the right decision and the rest
followed down the main path towards the Foresters. A check caused Sony
Tone to deflect to the right but his checking was in vain. The trail now
led down to the car park below the Foresters and crossed the road.
Sadly, there were few who witnessed the squeals of Park ‘n’ Ride as she
gave warning of the deep shig she was in. Into the racecourse through
the gate (actually, Ali Kat avoided the shig at the gate by climbing
over the gate, an example copied with great inelegance by those who
followed). Off through the racecourse and, of course, up the only real
hill in the area. At this point it seemed only your scribe realised
that going up that hill only meant going down the other side and how
much easier it was just to run around the bottom. Then there was
confusion; Mary and Sky Hi were convinced they knew what they were
doing… Anyway, to cut an unnecessarily long story short, all parties
ended up within view of each other, each calling a regroup and only 400
yards apart. The majority won and we regrouped. Setting off it was
very soon that we were back-tracked to where Hippo had been insisting
that we should just go to the other regroup. So, we did. And Hippo was
right. So now we were on the fourth of the three regroups and the hare
had to admit that there may be five, or six or maybe seven… The trail
now took us to regroup five. Pleasant enough surroundings with Sky Hi
leading us on when we heard a new Hash Call from Park ‘n’ Ride – “Oh. On
‘ere then” as she was surprised by the appearance of flour at her feet.
The trail now led us towards the Pondtail bridge where Mary, eager as
ever, took us down under the bridge to the canal path. From here, it
was a long straight ‘marathon’ run for home. Down downs were awarded to
the Hare as ever, to Park ‘n’ Ride for appearing at two consecutive
Hashes, to Cyclone for coming back from the dead (Bidet’s phrase) and
making his first appearance for many a month, to Ali Kat for
representing the GM and to Prime8 for misguiding. Mary got his for
being too bloody keen and Hi Hat for turning up with his top hat. Just
when we thought it was all over Mountain Rescue got one for representing
Deepcut in the upcoming London Marathon. The On Inn was at the
Tweseldown where we were too early for chips. On, on ‘til next time…
|
.
NOTES ON DH3 RUN 261 ON WEDNESDAY 26 MARCH 2008
FROM OFFICERS MESS CAR PARK (GR: 912588)
Hare:
Flash Gordon (Cruise Control).
Hounds:
Chris Farmer (Bidet), Tony Soane (Sony Tone),
Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue), Alan Jewell (Easy Rider), Sue
Figgis (Centre of Attraction), Sarah Nagel (Petal), Steve Nagel (Sylvier),
Tony Case (Fruit’n’Nut), Alex Duncan (Flying Storker), Paul Duncan (Old
Grouser), Derrick Gray (Prime8), Ian Angell (Hippo), Neil Warren (Armoured
Farmer), Rachel Parkinson (Park’n’Ride), Ron Peasley (Hi Hat), Andy
Rogers (Sky Hi), Steve Wheeler (Yorkie), Paul Armstrong (Back Up) and
Abby Peacock (Grand Dame).
Oh! What a boring start is was for some.
Well, most in fact. It was a run around an empty field - a very big
empty field. But then things changed and Silvier led us off through the
‘new’ housing development and across the main road into the trees.
Grand Dame’s lead (for Silvier had now gone astray) was short lived by a
back back and He Who Hates the Front found himself just where he hated
to be. But, not for long as Silvier once more found himself where he
likes to be and the rest followed. It was now that we found out just
how hilly the area really is. Up and down we continued with Silvier
leading most of the time but the occasional change with Sky Hi and even
Mountain Rescue who managed to short cut his way to the fore, closely
followed by Yorkie who was making a welcome return. A regroup
eventually got the pack back together and it was here that Old Grouser’s
dog, Dennis, was rebuked for chasing after a squirrel instead of the
Hare. Once Fruit’n’Nut with Prime8 managed to catch up, checkers were
out every which way but it was Mountain Rescue, again where he hated to
be who found the true trail without even taking a short cut. It was not
long before Silvier once again overtook. More great undulations and the
trail went up and up. Silvier was there with Mountain Rescue not far
behind and then there was no flour. Not a drop. Absolutely zilch.
While checking around at the top the main pack had obviously found the
trail, Silvier had descended with them, Sky Hi and Park’n’Ride had gone
down to join them leaving your scribe alone, out of earshot and
reluctant to lose hard-gained height. It got quite lonely and was a
long way down to the bottom. But that is where the regroup was judging
from the sound of Hippo’s horn. Sooo…all the way down to a waiting,
unsympathetic, jeering pack went lonesome only to find that the trail
was only 20 yards from where he had been at the top of the hill. Up we
all went. Then down a bit and along. From the ridge top (well, nearly
the top) it was possible to see Grand Dame at the fore and well on trail
with Flying Storker not far behind. The former was taken by surprise
when the SCBs burst out of the undergrowth in front of her but soon we
were all stopped by another regroup. Our peace was disrupted by a
flying, downhill cyclist who had difficulty braking his iron steed on
slippery ground as he approached a ford back by the golf course.
Park’n’Ride was encouraged to check out further than she really wanted
to go but was called back by Silvier who now had a good start on the
continuing trail. Flash now earned his name as he had controlled the
pack throughout the run and now decided we’d had enough. So he modified
the trail and took us straight home – a good move as we had been out for
well over the hour and there was a thirst in most throats. Down downs
went to the Hare in recognition of his grand success, to Old Grouser and
Mountain Rescue for being the long distance runners, Abby who picked up
her tag (Grand Dame) and to Park’n’Ride and Bidet for being lost and
found (as Field Marshal, Bidet kept losing count of the Hashers). The
On Inn was the Pine Ridge Golf Club where once again we had excellent
ale a good price and lashings of chips (rated at 8.6) and very good
company.
On On On and On again ‘til next time |
NOTES
ON DH3 RUN 260 ON WEDNESDAY 12 MARCH 2008 FROM FARNHAM GOLF COURSE CAR PARK (GR: 837476)
Hares:
Chris Farmer (Bidet) and Martin Potter (Goofy).
Hounds:
Tony Soane (Sony Tone), Les Salmon (Ever
Ready), Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue), Alan Jewell (Easy Rider),
Sue Figgis (Centre of Attraction), Sarah Nagel (Petal), Steve Nagel (Sylvier),
Kim Dyos (Little Prick), Tony Case (Fruit’n’Nut), Alex Duncan (Flying
Storker), Sally Duncan (Ali Cat), Paul Duncan (Old Grouser), Vance
Allen (Silver Jumper), Derrick Gray (Prime8) and Clare Silman (Shiggy
Skipper).
A bright, mainly sunny afternoon that was glorious when the wind was not
blowing; but in the main, it was blowing which put a distinctly cool
edge to the conditions. And, talking of conditions, the trail was one
of considerable great slipperiness and much shig in many parts. There
was some misguided enthusiasm taking the pack in the wrong direction at
the start but the hares soon got control. Flying Storker found herself
in the unenviable front position (about which she complained) but it was
not long before Mountain Rescue found the flour going off and then found
himself at the first back back. Silver Jumper peered down into the
castle moat where there was much white to be seen, but apparently waste
plastic and paper. So back to the original trail before he found that
the flour did indeed wend its way along the moat amongst the trash. A
grotty patch, this was, with much rubbish and dead wood. Soon it
cleared and we were off round the castle and down Castle Street towards
the middle of Farnham. Now it was Silvier who picked up the trail,
which promptly led us back into Farnham Park to the first regroup where,
believe it or not, we regrouped and enjoyed the sunshine. Silvier was
off checking out the trail but not quite on track and once more Silver
Jumper picked up the trail only to find Silvier had cut across to take
the lead once more. It was uphill for a while and into some trees,
through some shig and on to confusion atop a hill. Easy Rider bravely
checked downhill and was lucky to be right. Over a stile and into close
country for a bit before getting into the open again. By now Mountain
Rescue had found the second back back while the rest were now led on by
Centre of Attraction. However, Silvier was taking a cross-country route
and came across the trail further on. Now things started to get quite
interesting as we entered ‘the valley’. This was some quite close
country into a cutting through which flowed a stream; a stream that was
to be crossed several times. Silvier, with Mountain Rescue now
following the sound of his cries, followed the trail and soon found more
open country leading uphill to a bench at the top where they waited. And
called. And waited, calling frequently. Not a sound in reply. For a
full 15 minutes they waited until the short cutters appeared and it was
another 5 minutes before the main body came into sight. There was
Centre of Attraction covered in mud, a dirty Bidet who was soiled by
helping squealing women across the stream. Bidet thought he was being
gallant but it was Ever Ready who pointed out that there was a very fine
line between assisting distressed maidens and groping. By now we’d been
out for nearly an hour and the hares were making noises about cutting
out a couple of loops to get us home more quickly. Goofy was witness to
the easy destruction of a beautiful back back that he had personally
designed and carefully laid. He didn’t cry. It was then a fairly
straightforward undulating run back to the edge of the golf course and
back to the cars. Down downs went to the Hares for an excellent trail,
to Shiggy Skipper and Centre of Attraction for their performance in mud,
to the three Duncans for all sorts including playing on the swings in
the park (Alex), and to Silvier who was in the wrong place at the wrong
time. The On Inn was the Six Bells in Farnham where we were very well
tended in a separate side room and spoilt rotten by many plates of
specially prepared chips (Chip Rating 8.3) |
NOTES
ON DH3 RUN 259 ON WEDNESDAY 27 FEBRUARY 2008 FROM FLEET POND LOWER CAR PARK (GR: 826554)
Hare:
Graham Smith (Ubique)
Hounds:
Tony Soane (Sony Tone), Les Salmon (Ever
Ready), Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue), Alan Jewell (Easy Rider),
Sue Figgis (Centre of Attraction), Sarah Nagel (Petal), Ron Peasley (Hi
Hat), Ian Angell (Hippo) and Kim Dyos (Little Prick).
So few of us for such a delightful setting
with great climatic conditions. We arrived at the car park to find a
police presence and a number of pot-smoking youths being interviewed.
The copper was acquainted with Ever Ready who we believed had been
recognised from his photographs. I digress…the nine of us set off from
the front of the police car and went through some pretty rough, unkempt
brambles and the like only to find we were already lost, just 50 yards
from the cars. Sadly for him, Mountain Rescue found himself on trail
and therefore at the front, a position he does not appreciate. Fortune
was with him for it was not long before Sony Tone overtook and ran
blindly off along the road. It was a while before anyone really
appreciated that there was a certain lack of flour in the area. The
hare was spotted lurking some distant way back so the more astute hounds
cut cross-country to the approximate area of said hare’s location only
to find that Centre of Attraction had also turned up and was beside the
hare – the pack was now ten strong! He who hates leading found himself
at the front again, with Centre of Attraction branching off to check at
a split in the path. She was right and the other fellow a bit psst off
again. And so it seemed to go on. Sony Tone, who should have been
called ‘Never Right’ or ‘Always Wrong’ trying to lead us astray and Ever
Ready or Hippo blowing his trumpet leading the way until we turned a
corner only to find Centre of Attraction there before us – again.
Second guessing the trail was not productive for most of us as the Hare
criss-crossed and turned to create confusion. Easy Rider was noted as
getting it right on a number of occasions. At a regroup, we were
confronted by an aged couple being led by a Great Dane that seemed
intent on eating Centre of Attraction’s little dog. Petal it was who
appreciated that the men left the women to try to control the Great
Dane, an observation which attracted little sympathy from the majority
(the men). Having been warned that the trail was ‘a bit urban’ we were
not surprised to find ourselves amongst the houses but it was not to be
for too long. Hippo led us in the right direction, bringing the
majority back from whence they had strayed following you-know-who. By
now, MR and you-know-who had given up trying to lead so followed along,
not realising they had fallen quite so far behind; for at the next major
junction there was neither sight nor sound of the pack. Their cries
were unheeded. It was a lucky guess that brought them back to the rest
and the trail now went through some pleasant wooded areas in the general
direction of home. A couple of stops in the sunshine and the car park
was all but there before us. In the absence of the RA the pack retired
to the Heron on the Pond for their refreshment – a very pleasant setting
on the lake side but with a zero rating for the chips which they would
not sell to us without a meal. One steak and nine portions of chips was
not acceptable…Then the sun dropped below the trees and with it, the
temperature. It was time to go home. |
NOTES
ON DH3 RUN 258 ON WEDNESDAY 13 FEBRUARY 2008 FROM RLC MUSEUM (GR: 906577)
Hare:
Pip Barnes (Reveille)
Hounds:
Tony Soane (Sony Tone), Derrick Gray (Prime8),
Les Salmon (Ever Ready), Tony Case (Fruit’n’Nut), Richard McAllister
(Mountain Rescue), Alan Jewell (Easy Rider), Neil Warren (Armoured
Farmer), Kevin Bennett (Lap Dog), Chris Farmer (Bidet), Andy Rogers (Sky
Hi), Rachel Parkinson (Park’n’Ride), Kath Bradshaw (Twin Peaks), Sue
Figgis (Centre of Attraction), Sarah Nagel (Petal), Steve Nagel (Silvier
Fox), Ron Peasley (Hi Hat), Martin Potter (Goofie), Graham Smith (Ubique),
Taff Lyndon (Hot Pacer).
The weather couldn’t have been better. The
hare was quite good, too. His trail was good and he made excellent use
of the area. Pity is was his first lay, and his last with us. So we
all set off across the road from the car park into the ‘more
interesting’ part of the area. Silvier was way up front and for a
change we could occasionally hear his cries and he remained, by and
large, on the true trail. The hinterland was surprisingly hilly. We
were told it was to be through woods and that it would be interesting.
The front group was mainly he already named, Goofie and the woolly-hatted
Sky Hi with Park’n’Ride making the occasional attempt at keeping up.
Then there were the layabouts and SCBs who formed the main body. Bidet
passed comment about going uphill and probably having to go down the
other side, perhaps not conscious of the fact that when going up,
reaching the top, there is only one direction in which to go. So, he
was right and we all went down again. It was apparent that the pace was
getting too fast for the majority so the message was shouted to the
front that we needed a regroup. The message was ignored as the
front-runners ran on. And on. Then came the first formal regroup and
this time they did stop. By now Ever Ready was wheezing well and Prime8
had disappeared. Hi Hat was busy taking short cuts and Ubique was
paying the penalty for months of idleness in the USA. Lap Dog’s dogs
were now tiring and not doing such a good job of towing master up the
more difficult bits but he did disappear on occasion to investigate
potential trails. The trail certainly turned out to be very hilly and
there were some long stretches of real running. Prime8 didn’t know much
about this, of course, as he was too busy checking out the short cuts
(but he got his come-uppance when he realised he didn’t know where he
was). His remains were later found wandering through the trees long
after the down-downs and the more sensible had retired to the bar having
not missed him. So while Prime8 wandered, the rest of us had formed the
circle and the RA started by greeting the North Hants Hashers,
forgetting that it was a Wednesday and we are the Deepcut Hash.
Down-downs went to the ‘Splendid’ Hare for his efforts, to Ron Peasley
who was named Hi Hat for wearing a Welsh cap and then referred to as Top
Hat, and to Taff Lyndon who was a virgin and named Hot Pace having
picked up criticism for racing. Petal picked up a Hashy Birthday for
another 21st while the potential Olympians in the forms of
Silvier, the front-runner, Park’n’Ride for returning after a four month
pause, and Centre of Attraction who arrived late but stumbled into the
pack after wandering around a bit. Finally, Ski Hi got one for wearing
his woolly hat all the way round. The On Inn was the golf club once
again, for beer, chips and chips with… Then there was the sight of
Bidet celebrating his receipt of dues from Armoured Farmer… |
NOTES
ON DH3 RUN 257 ON WEDNESDAY 30 JANUARY 2008 FROM LIGHTWATER COUNTRY PARK (GR: 902618)
Hare:
Tony Soane (Sony Tone)
Hounds:
Derrick Gray (Prime8), Les Salmon (Ever
Ready), Tony Case (Fruit’n’Nut), Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue),
Alan Jewell (Easy Rider), Kim Dyos (Little Prick), Paul Duncan (Old
Grouser), Pip Barnes (Reveille), Neil Warren (Armoured Farmer), Vance
Allen (Silver Jumper), Kath Bennett (Wood Lark), Kevin Bennett (Lap
Dog), Maria Cinnamon (Milk Shake), Chris Farmer (Bidet), Jannine
Holloway (Skimming-On), Laura Marsh (Quick Pick), Andy Rogers (Sky Hi).
The sky was blue and the sun was shining.
“…for a brief on an interesting trail.” Words of invitation from the RA
to the Hare at the start. “A boring run…” the response from the Hare,
and that was the first of his fibs. The next was that it would take
only 55 minutes to run the course. So, having been pointed in the right
direction, Fruit’n’Nut led the pack into the park, running parallel to
the main road. Some short-lived confusion and we were out running
beside the main road, over the motorway and left back into woodland. By
now Silver Jumper was in the lead and from here on the front-runner
switched between Silver Jumper and Bidet until Sky Hi took over. The
going was good with not too much shig and paths easy to run along. The
uphill bit went on for a while until the inevitable descent, which
brought Little Prick ‘wheeing’ downwards and at speed with little
control. On a bit further to a second regroup and already Reveille and
Silver Jumper were looking down the hillside for signs of the trail.
Their observation was rewarded and soon we were off down ther slope only
to have to go up, repeatedly up and up again. Then it all levelled out
and there was a pleasant run along the ridge to an observation point and
the third regroup where we all received advice from Old Grouser. It was
Quick Pick who encouraged us all to move on when the advice was
announced – “If you are ever attacked at a circus by the clowns, always
go for the juggler!” Well, that was enough to move anyone on. Once
more Sky Hi was at the front leading us down the hill, but then it was a
very vocal Bidet who took up the front slot. At the footbridge over the
M3 there was another regroup so we bunched and decided that the way
forward was probably back through the tunnel and not over the bridge.
While waiting, Mountain Rescue volunteered to check out the bridge just
in case it was a double-bluff and Bidet gave support in the hopes that
he could pass any information back above the constant roar of the
traffic. Over the bridge, there was a problem; lots of lumps of white
wool which had assumed the size, style and look flour blobs – so MR had
to continue to check for a hundred yards to make sure there was no flour
hiding amongst the rubbish. On returning, he was somewhat taken aback
to find the whole pack had followed over the bridge. No wonder the Hare
was grinning like the proverbial Cheshire Cat! The run to the tunnel
was straightforward and at the last regroup there was a certain
chuntering about 55 minutes… Then we were all back, in a circle with
down downs awarded to: the caring Hare, Quick Pick and Ever Ready who
were invited to drink from their new running shoes, to Old Grouser who
actually turned up this week instead of his better half, and to Armoured
Farmer who now had turned up twice in a row. Wood Lark and Lap Dog got
them for being intelligent runners while Sky Hi got his for being a
puddle jumper. At the Pine Ridge Golf Club there was much jollity, good
company, a joke or two and lots of excellent chips…
On On! |
NOTES
ON DH3 RUN 256 ON WEDNESDAY 16 JANUARY 2008 FROM NORRIS BRIDGE (GR: 833536)
Hares:
Derrick Gray (Prime8), Les Salmon (Ever Ready)
Hounds:
Sarah Nagel (Petal),
Tony Case (Fruit’n’Nut), Tony Soane (Sony Tone), Richard McAllister
(Mountain Rescue), Alan Jewell (Easy Rider), Kim Dyos (Little Prick),
Sally Duncan (Ali Kat), Pip Barnes (Reveille), Terry Newland (Rainbow
Man) and Neil Warren (Armoured Farmer).
Numbers were down
this week but then in days of yore 12 would have been a good
attendance. Lots of shiggy was the first warning and after all the
recent rain we could believe that. A certain amount of cow poop was the
second warning. That was the first fib – we didn’t see any and there
was no unpleasant aroma on our return. Should take about an hour was the
second lie and then we were off, not very quickly because there was some
confusion. However, soon the trail was picked up and we were well on
our way. After paralleling the canal for a bit, we swung left into a
well-forested area which had obviously not been covered by footfall for
quite some time. A deep covering of very soggy leaves made progress
soft and unsure. Then there were the sultry tones of Fruit’n’Nut
advising us to watch the steaks. Barbeque? Cookout? Picnic? But no,
what he should have called was ‘Watch the stakes’. There was just no
accounting for the calls by some. Then we followed the airfield
perimeter for a while until plunging down to the passageway under the
road and out into the wilds of Pyestock. Now here’s the sad bit. Your
scribe went off on a check that had no apparent end. By the time he’d
checked several pathways, turned about and checked several more, he was
well out of earshot of the pack. To make matters worse, he found the
trail but the pack were not kicking out the circle at the false trails
so each time there was a check he had to check each path (unless he
struck lucky, which he didn’t). So, what happened to the pack will
remain unrecorded for a while until he eventually caught up and found
out why they had not been kicking out the circles – they hadn’t found
them and were running blind! Anyway, once rejoined, the pack as a whole
was now off by Fleet Pond enjoying themselves running through the trees.
It was now very apparent that there was no way we were going to be back
within the hour so the hares decided to cut out a bit of the trail –
just as well as the proposed original trail went through deep shig. As
it was we just went through shallow shig having crossed over a raging
torrent in the main drainage ditch beside the path. We soon found
ourselves alongside the canal once more and it was a straightforward run
home. Down Downs were awarded to the Hares as ever, to Ali Kat for
following the short alleys between trails, to Mountain Rescue for
getting so far behind the pack and producing a load of bullshig, and to
Little Prick and Reveille for being so adventurous on the trail. The On
Inn was the Tweseldown where we all enjoyed good company and not a bad
jug or two of ale. Sony Tone was saddened by being within 20 minutes of
chip production time but had to leave without a nibble.
For all absentees:
DO TRY AND MAKE IT TO LIGHWATER NEXT TIME!!
ON ON! |
NOTES
ON DH3 RUN 255 ON WEDNESDAY 02 JANUARY 2008 FROM STARVE ACRE (GR: 845595)
Hares:
Sarah Nagel (Petal) and Steve Nagel (Silvier Fox).
Hounds:
Tony Case (Fruit’n’Nut),
Kath Bradshaw (Twin Peaks), Tony Soane (Sony Tone), Richard McAllister
(Mountain Rescue), Alan Jewell (Easy Rider), Paul Duncan (Old Grouser),
Alex Duncan (Flying Storker), Robyn Duncan (A Tipple), Chris Noice (NNY),
Kim Dyos (Little Prick), James Roberts (No Entry), Libby Ralph (Old
Thumper),‘Flash’ Gordon (NNY), Karen Gordon (Mrs Flash), Lizzie Gordon (NNY),
Thomas Gordon (NNY), Mike Robertson (NNY), Nigel Smellie (NNY), Richard
Castell (NNY), Andy Nixon (NNY), Simon Nixon (NNY)
The first seven to
arrive, including the Hares, were all North Hants Hashers. Not known
for their promptness the question arose: ‘Oh. Is it going to be an NH4
run?’ But, no, there were more cars in the system that disgorged a huge
quantity of Hounds from Deepcut, most of them new to some of us. But
what a grand group they were. And how they enjoyed the run. And how
lost they all got right at the start. It started badly for No Entry
when he found. Little Prick hadn’t included his shoes with her kit so he
had to go back home to get them. Eventually the pack worked out where
to go and things started to look up. Out of the trees, into a clearing
and further confusion with Hounds going far and wide while a certain
newcomer in a ‘very senior appointment’ extolled the virtues of those
little circles of flour of flour. Those within earshot tended to agree,
not because he is in a ‘very senior appointment’, but because they, too,
were breathless – already and we’d hardly started. There were so many
Hounds around going in so many directions that it was difficult to keep
track of who was doing what. The younger ones were doing sterling work
at the checks. A Limp On (Olympian, in case you didn’t get it) was all
over the place with A Tipple and Flying Storker also keenly dashing
around with some success. But it was Old thumper who first found the
way. Shortly thereafter, at the first regroup, a well-shod No Entry came
flying down the hill to join us. Then Mrs Flash claimed to be enjoying
herself as were her little sparks (actually, not so little – just
offspring). We were off again and just as things seemed to be working
well, Little Prick played her party piece by “Wheeeing” down the hill.
Almost simultaneously, A Tipple also “Wheeed” past the pack. At a
significant upward rise, Flash took off and pounded up the slope. ‘Flash
ye b’stad’(or somesuch) passed through my mind as he strode by. ‘Flash
in the Pan’ was the next thought as he ran out of puff half way up; or
perhaps not even half way up. The newcomers had certainly caught on but
then it turned out that some of them had Hashed before. It was a bit
too cold to stand about at the checks and there were enough of us to
make sure that the checks didn’t hold us up for too long. Contentment,
then. There was some discussion about who would be first home and be
the ‘winner’. At this point it should be pointed out that all Hashers
are winners and the first one at the On Inn has probably cheated (except
that you can’t really cheat in Hashing). Anyway, after 55 minutes we
were all back where we started. Not too tired, not too cold, in good
spirits and awaiting the Down Downs that went to: the ‘very best’
Hares, to Nigel Smellie and Mike Robertshaw as Established Hashers, to
Old Thumper and Sony Tone (substituted for Twin Peaks who’d done a
runner) as Those Responsible, to newcomers named in the circle A Tipple,
Flying Storker and A Limp On and finally to No Entry (RA from NH4) as
‘The Other Guy’. The party at the Crown and Cushion got off to a slow
start because the beer barrels emptied at just the wrong time. The
short wait was worth it as great jollity spread throughout the assembled
pack. It all finished some time later with a hilarious episode of
trying to persuade Fruit’n’Nut to modernise (can you imagine a
modernised Fruit’n’Nut!) and get back on to the www and even get a
mobile. But then some of us enjoying wasting time…
HAPPY
NEW YEAR TO ALL READERS (And apologies for any inaccuracies in the above, particularly if it
wasn’t Mike who got the Down Down – it simply just does not matter a jot
– someone got it) |
NOTES
ON DH3 RUN 254 ON WEDNESDAY 19 DECEMBER 2007 FROM OLD DEAN COMMON (GR: 875623)
Hares:
Ian Lowers (City Slicker) and Tony Case (Fruit’n’Nut).
Hounds:
Cath Bradshaw (Twin
Peaks), Tony Soane (Sony Tone), Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue),
Alan Jewell (Easy Rider), Sarah Nagel (Petal), Derek Gray (Primate),
Chris Farmer (Bidet), Les Salmon (Ever Ready), Paul Duncan (Old
Grouser), Sally Duncan(NNY), Vance Allen (Silver Jumper), Ian Angel
(Hippo), Pip Barnes (Reveille) Kevin Bennett, (Lap Dog), Maria Cinnamon
(Milk Shake), Kim Dyos (Little Prick), ‘Flash’ Gordon (NNY), Clare
Silman (One Way Only), Laura Marsh (Quick Pick), Cora Rose (NNY),
Richard Rawcliffe(NNY) and Mark Woodward (NNY).
Lots of virgins and
newcomers, and some who hadn’t appeared for ages all meant that
Fruit’n’Nut felt obliged to prattle on with his briefing – so prattle on
he did, and on; and on, until Bidet and Mountain Rescue (who was
ridiculously dressed) set off on their own only to find the On Inn right
beside the start. Was this to be the shortest of Hashes? Sadly, not
and the cry of on sent us all (well, nearly all) off on the wrong
trail. By now Fruit’n’Nut was trying to re-gather the unruly mob while
City Slicker pretended it was nothing to do with him. The chaos edged
into the trees and over a couple of flowing drainage ditches before the
first regroup back on the path from which we had just departed. From
here, ‘Flash’ almost lived up to his name as he shot of up the slope,
while Hippo called us on from below (but we knew he was on the shortcut
so didn’t join him). Then more nonsense as the pack swirled around the
wilderness looking for the trail – the obvious way had a back-back which
we eventually ignored and rose to the top of the hill where considerable
verbal abuse from Bidet (who had accompanied one of the hares) was
received. Easy Rider took up the trail that just led us back down the
hill but in a slightly different direction. Not for long did we run
before the next back-back that surprise, surprise went back up the hill
in yet another slightly different direction. All the time we were
making our way towards the line of pylons (some of us knew they went all
the way to Dungeness (ha, ha – joke known to some from previous visit.
See Notes on Run 233 if you are interested)). Another regroup before
Hippo’s horn was heard and we started back for the higher ground. But,
before we got there we discovered a message in flour wishing us all a
MERRY XMAS and it was here that there was a pause for Glüwein and Mince
Pies. Bidet was quick to observe that, once again, the pies had no
brandy butter with them and the pies were cold (not as cold as we
were!). From here, the short-cutters just went straight up the hill to
home, while the rest went a longer way round to the same location. Short
but sweet and thanks to the two Tonys for the refreshments. Down-downs
went to the two hares for their trouble in laying a sporadically
confusing trail, to Laura and Clare who picked up their names and to
Hippo and Bidet for setting standards we can’t uphold. By now it was
darkening and cooling and much to our surprise and joy the RA declared
the rest would be done at the bar. We retreated to the Pineridge Golf
Club bar where most of the pack reassembled to enjoy a large gathering,
some jolly tales, and good ale. The chef appeared from the kitchen just
to make sure that the order was genuine before producing ten large bowls
of chips. These were really not bad and opinions varied between grades
7 and 8. We’ll settle at 7½
A
HAPPY CHRISTMAS
TO ALL READERS
 |
NOTES
ON DH3 RUN 253 ON WEDNESDAY 5 DECEMBER 2007 FROM WELLINGTON MONUMENT (GR: 853511)
Hare:
Cath Bradshaw (Twin Peaks) and Tony Soane (Sony Tone).
Hounds:
Richard McAllister
(Mountain Rescue), Alan Jewell (Easy Rider), Sarah Nagel (Petal), Steve
Nagel (Silvier Fox), Derek Gray (Primate), Chris Farmer (Bidet), Les
Salmon (Ever Ready), Graham Smith (Ubique), Paul Duncan (Old Grouser)
and Tony Case (Fruit’n’Nut).
Once again, the
weather turned in favour of the pack and the rain stopped just in time.
“It’s not a long one and I don’t know this area,” was about all the
briefing co-hare gave before we moved off across the playing field
hoping to find the trail. It was there but when we hit the first road,
it wasn’t. Checkers did their thing while loafers did theirs. Bidet,
in the wrong direction, was shouting encouraging shouts but it was
Ubique who was on the right track but didn’t quite go far enough.
Mountain Rescue heard a comment from the co-hare and went just a bit
further, only to be overtaken by Silvier who dashed down from the
non-existent upper trail. Then it seemed that the hares had purposely
felled several trees and dug a couple of ditches to create great
obstacles. At the first of the ditches, Bidet and Fruit’n’Nut were
encouraged to assist Petal (who claimed to be ‘doing her lady thing’)
across the deep and raging torrent (perhaps shallow trickle would be a
better description) while Silvier pressed on to find the next bit of
trail. He was beaten to it by Easy Rider who took us down to the next
junction and start of the real jungle. Silvier’s enthusiasm had let him
down again and the proper trail led down through the trees to the first
and only regroup by the tunnel into Rushmore Stadium. “What’s this?”
was the query at the driver training area as though we had never been
there before. Some of us had learnt that there were two hounds who
should never be followed from a check; Silvier and Ubique. However,
they do have their uses because when they are both front-runners and you
come to a triple junction, it is easy to know which way to go. It was
not long before Silvier reclaimed the lead and we found ourselves going
homewards. The trail now had a loop that immediately allowed the
tail-enders to shortcut to join Silvier, who by now had had enough at
the front and wanted Bidet to take over. From here it was a fairly
straightforward run home to the down downs. The co-hare got his for
assisting in the laying of an entirely satisfactory and delightfully
short trail. Petal was next for she had portrayed a lady in distress
while Mountain Rescue joined her as the ‘gentleman’ who assisted (all he
actually did was to enlist the services of two others, but at least his
immediate thirst was quenched). The Grand Master was named; he was
believed to be a devotee of a certain whisky, and as he was also
believed to have passed adverse comments about our running on occasions,
it seemed that ‘Old Grouser’ was apt. Prime8 and Ubique were next; the
former having been seen behind a totally inadequate tree ‘taking
shelter’ and the latter being always on the wrong track, they were
awarded for being Free & Easy. The Travel Inn was our home for the next
90 minutes while beer and wine was consumed with chips – the first batch
was awarded 7.5 out of 10 while the second achieved 8 points (perhaps
the fat was hotter).
We now look forward
to the last of the Deepcut Hashes this year and hope to see many at the
Christmas Hash where we are all expected to turn up in suitable
‘Seasonal Attire’ and enjoy a mince pie and mulled wine on the way.
Hope to see you all at Barossa amongst the married quarters at the back
of Staff College (as it is still known by many).
On On! |
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