It was dark, it was raining and it was very muddy but Gnome insisted we still run his trail.  Where was his Christmas spirit?  It was a good run round Upton but it was dark so I have no idea where we went except that it was so muddy we had to walk most of the trial.  Mismatch had worn her road shoes so was not best pleased to get them so filthy and was slip-sliding away.  Arty Farty only had her posh Dr Martin’s so she and Hoodie had to turn back – which caused a little confusion.

We then went to Gnome’s house where Penny Pitstop and Penny from Berkshire had prepared a lovely spread of nibbles and alcoholic beverages.  Then on to the pub where we sang carols, thanks to Jethro for spending hours at the work’s photocopier producing the booklets.  Some interesting lyrics in places but a great sing along.  Shame we cleared out the other bar.  But I think the many rounds of drinks purchased more than made up for any business driven away. 

Maybe the highlight of the evening was ‘the young people’ giving us a rendition of Fairytale of New York.  Well done Wee Joker, Arty Farty, Billy Whizz and Hoodie.

Hare:  Gnome Alone
Hounds: I haven’t got a clue as I forgot to take my notebook!
Date: 16 December 2014
Distance: 3 miles