Hash Trash

1500th run on Sunday, 30 October 2022 & Camra Hash

Mon, 21 Feb 2022 13:18:14 GMT

We celebrated our 1500th run on Sunday, 30 October 2022. We combined the celebrations with the annual Hash Camra event which meant we shared the day with friends from a large number of different home hashes. The weather was awful, with trees blown down by the high winds. But the wind dropped and the sun came out as we gathered for the Welcome Words.

After taking part in 1 of 3 trails the hashers were welcomed back to the beautifully decorated hall with snacks, real ale, cider and soft drinks before enjoying a hot meal and cake. We were very lucky as the villages around us had no power! The down downs and drinking lasted well into the afternoon and everyone had a great time. On On to the next 500 runs.

Run 1505 - The Black Horse Woodcote (Remembrance Sunday)

Sun, 14 Nov 2021 21:07:00 GMT

Hash 1505 Sunday at 1100, 14 November was a joint hash with our BH3 friends. The Black Lion, 6 Greenmore, Woodcote, RG8 0RB.

We started with a minute's silence for Remembrance Sunday. 10km Autumnal loop through the Woods then wearily back to the Black Horse Woodcote. The Black Horse is an incredibly no frills traditional pub. BH3 did their usual amusing down-downs including one for hasher who took TWO biscuits. There was also a naming ceremony for 'Pimp' see below!

Run 1478 - AGM Minutes

Sun, 23 May 2021 17:20:02 GMT

Didcot Hash House Harriers

Annual General Meeting – 18 May 2021

Minutes

Attendees: Lemony Snicket, Hotlips, Big Stiffy, Noddy, Professional Peach, Patsy, Edina, Hash Hoodie, Billy Whizz, Gatecrasher, Technicolour Horn, Dipstick, Uranus, Global Warmer, Wimpey, Zorro, Piscine Down, Pressganger, Henry V, Accrual Joke, Gnome Alone and Cheap Date

Apologies: Rubber Sole’s Buddy, No Ball, Afternoon Delight

1 - Election of Officers

GM – Gnome Alone explained that, when he stood down as GM a few years ago he proposed that the post only be held for 2 years. This was accepted and the rule followed. However, he proposed that, during this uncertain time of Covid, Lemony should continue in post as she has been handling the admin and has a system in place that is working. This was seconded by Big Stiffy and accepted by the meeting. The meeting was asked if anyone else wanted to take over but there were no volunteers. Lemony is willing to continue in post for another year.

RA – This post was vacant. The GM asked for volunteers and, after a long period of silence, Hash Hoodie offered to take the role, although he is not a particularly regular attendee.

Hare Raiser(s) – Hotlips and Big Stiffy agreed to continue and no-one else volunteered for the role.

Hash Cash – Rubber Sole’s Buddy agreed to continue and no-one else volunteered for the role.

Haberdashery – This role is vacant. See Item 5 for more information. If anyone would like to take on this role please speak to the GM.

Scribe – This post was vacant. The GM asked for volunteers and Zorro offered to take the role. He has been posting his run on Facebook every week for some time which has been much appreciated.

Chipmeister – This role was vacant. The GM asked for volunteers. Accrual Joke spoke saying that he had taken it on himself to conduct a survey of the price of chips in pubs and these were at least £3 a portion. He also said that DH3 had been collecting £1 for chips for many years and it was time to increase this to £2. This motion was agreed. Accrual Joke was reticent to take on the role of Chipmeister but, with no-one volunteering and this being probably the most important role in the hash, Henry V said he would take the role. That was good enough for the meeting.

Webmeister – This post was vacant. CS Gas has moved away and has contacted Zorro (who has had limited access to update the DH3 website) to hand over full control. A volunteer was asked for. No-one was forthcoming so Zorro agreed to will take this on but would be happy to pass it over if anyone else would take it over.

2 – Formation of the Committee

The GM said there hasn’t really been a committee before 2 years ago and, at that time, all hashers holding an office were invited to join the committee. However, this has been a little unwieldy. So the GM proposed the committee be made up of:

GM – main hash organiser

RA – deputy for GM

Hare Raiser(s) – any committee decision will need people to participate and the hare raiser is the one to find these

Hash Cash – any committee decision will probably need some funding

General Members – volunteers who are happy to voice an opinion and help in decision making

This structure was agreed.

3 – Election of General Committee Members

There were 3 volunteers – Global Warmer, Noddy and No Ball. It was agreed that all 3 should join the committee.

4 – Finance Report (1.1.20-31.12.20)

The GM read the Finance Report prepared by Hash Cash who could not attend. In summary:

Income: £157.58 (Hash Tick)

Expenditure: £156.78*

Balance for the year: £0.08

Balance in the bank: £1,333.73

*Expenditure included Hash insurance, Covid safe equipment, drinks for hares, names on tops, mince pies at New Year, donations to Australian Firefighters.

The full report is available if anyone would like to read it.

5 – Faberdashery/Haberdashery

Patsy and Edina took on hash haberdashery in 2019. Patsy explained their actions – creating a design without a clear brief, choosing a supplier and items to have available, surveying hashers on a few occasions to see if they would buy the clothing and advertising the items on the website for individuals to order for themselves. However, something has not worked as very few items of clothing have been bought. She asked why and the main comments from the attendees were that the design didn’t sufficiently represent walkers, was somewhat generic so was not obvious it represented DH3, delivery charges were expensive and the lethargy of hashers to ‘get round’ to ordering for themselves. Patsy and Edina said they had known the changes were somewhat radical but had given it a try. However, their approach had not worked so they were standing down to let someone else have a go.

The discussion broadened to suggest going back to an image of the Didcot towers or a train, whether we should concentrate on a shirt for our 1500^th run, subsidising the cost, having samples to help with sizing (as once a shirt has a name printed on it, it can’t be returned) and bulk ordering.

No-one offered to take over haberdashery but the committee will take this up and decide a way forward.

6 – Structure of Future Hashes

The GM asked how we wanted to structure runs in future now that we are allowed in pubs. Patsy rightly highlighted the shortcomings of the venue for the AGM and a few hashers agreed that they felt uncomfortable. So it was agreed that we would continue to start at 6.45pm and would only meet in a pub garden. If any hashers want to sit inside a pub they may do so but would not be part of the hash at that point. We shall review the situation regularly.

7 – Social Events

Longest Day Hash – Monday, 21^st June. Scrumptious and Noddy will provide bacon butties (or a vegetarian alternative), Spot and Lemony will be the hares. The exact venue will not be published until nearer the time in case Covid restrictions are not lifted further and we are limited to 30.

English Wine and Food Festival – Saturday 10^th and Sunday 11^th July. Permission to camp on site is expected. We would arrive on the Friday evening, maybe have a walk or bike ride on Saturday morning, enjoy the festival, plan something for Sunday morning and then go home. People can join for all or any of the events but anyone camping would have to arrive on the Friday evening.

BBQ – Wimpey offered to host the BBQ again on a date to be arranged.

Run 1500 – this is likely to fall in October unless we have another break in hashing. Should we do something special? If so what? Gnome Alone reminded the meeting that October is Hash CAMRA time. If we could host the CAMRA we could combine the events. Lemony will investigate.

Suggestions –

1 – Dipstick suggested hiring boats or canoes from AV Boats’ new location at Abingdon Bridge.

2 – Uranus asked if the Hash would be willing to volunteer to marshall a Parkrun once the event starts again. This was agreed as it is a good way of advertising the hash and is good fun.

8 – Renaming

A hasher can be re-named at the AGM. Professional Peach was upstanding. Her name is never used and the explanation for it a little complicated. So neither PP nor other hashers are keen on it. However, it is always dangerous to comment on your name! PP is running longer and longer distances these days so names associated with the Duracel bunny were considered. But she is also an excellent cake maker and cook. So she was re-named Fanny Craddock, or Fanny for short!

9 – Any Other Business

Nothing else was raised and people were ready to go home – particularly those who hadn’t brought enough dry clothing!

Lemony Snicket

21.5.21

Run 1456 – The Queens Head, Crowmarsh

Mon, 09 Mar 2020 20:47:00 GMT

A beautiful morning but where were the hashers? Stiffy cut a lonely figure in the car park, Hotlips had popped up to the nearby pub to make sure no-one was waiting there and Gatecrasher was sitting in his car. So Wimpey and family were not alone. Then Piscine Down and Zorro (and Tic) joined them too.

We set off out of the back of the carpark and ran up the road until we crossed the main road where we started up (what seemed like) a very long hill. One of Hotlips’ regular trails with Benson Striders so she was fine with it, unlike most of the rest of us. We didn’t fall for checking the routes into the field at the checks, but it was lovely to have an excuse to catch our breath. As we reached the summit Crown Jewels caught us up. He had run from Cholsey and been a little later leaving than planned. But, thanks to our excellent hares, followed the trail easily. We bore off to the right down the hill, along a narrow road until we crossed the Ridgeway. How many cars travel down this route and have to be avoided? Far more than you would imagine. It felt like the M4! The walkers set off to the right while the runners did a pointless loop to the left round a rather large field. Back at the junction with the Ridgeway we met Gatecrasher who had stopped for a rest and a look at the view. We set off again along the Ridgeway for more of a gentle run than a trail as we didn’t check the possible routes off the path. But the trial was 1 and on so we didn’t feel too guilty. We caught up with the walkers just before crossing the road again and headed through the beautiful gateposts opposite past some interesting new-builds, turn right at St Johns church and, after another pointless loop round the nature reserve, made our way back into Crowmarsh, through some garages and back through the back gate to the pub carpark. Just as we got there the rain came down and people were seen running for the pub with dry clothes hidden under their coats. Thank goodness we didn’t check out all those false trails. We would have been soaked.

On On

Hares: Hotlips and Big Stiffy

Hashers: Zorro, Piscine Down, Wimpey, Lemony Snicket, Gatecrasher, Crown Jewels and Hash Hoodie

Date: 8 March 2020

Distance: 10km

Run 1455 - The Blueberry, Blewbury

Mon, 02 Mar 2020 19:19:48 GMT

The hares struggled through snow and high winds, making it up to the top of the hill and surviving to tell the tale. But they, very sensibly, gave up and went home for a cuppa. So Accrual Joke set off to lay the rest of the trail while Henry V met the hashers at the pub. We were a select few but enough runners and walkers to make both the run and the walk work very well. The trail was not predictable. We knew we were heading up hill but each time we tried to turn left the trail carried straight on! Finally, at the very edge of the village, we were allowed to head upwards. It was tough going against the wind. Lemony tucked in behind Zorro and slipstreamed him – until he decided to take Tic off the lead and stopped! Most inconsiderate. We reached Churn Farm and rested at the check. Everyone decided the only way was to continue up the hill. Comet and Lemony hung back but then got caught up in the moment and set off too, only to be called back by Henry V as the trail went right towards the farm. This part of the trail was breezy, but then the trail turned left and straight into the wind – not that was breezy!! At this point the walkers were up with the runners. A sign of very good trail laying.

Eventually we cut back diagonally across the farmland as far as a cross roads in the footpaths. Here the walkers turned right, back towards Blewbury, and the runners turned left to Hollow Way. Here we turned down hill until we crossed the road and went into Upton. A few little wiggles took us past Upton Manor (beautiful) and a very sad looking orchard on the other side of the trail. Maybe we could have a hash project to clear it and get the fruit growing again?A long leg across the fields to Blewbury brought the runners into the village in small groups. Crown Jewels, Comet and Lemony followed the arrow to the right, Gnome Alone tried to call them back to go straight on but they were having none of it. Wimpey and Zorro followed Gnome and realised they were off trail. Wimpey turned right to meet the main road but Zorro was insistent that he had to follow the trail so turned back to the previous mark. What dedication.

Everyone made it back to the pub, even Henry V’s hat got there eventually – she makes a habit of dropping it on the trail – where the hares very kindly provided some sharing pizzas for us all. We sat in a very comfy corner of the bar and were very tempted to make an afternoon of it!

Thanks very much hares, not a huge group of hashers but everyone really enjoyed it.

Hares: Henry V and Accrual Joke

Hashers: Zorro, Piscine Down, Wimpey, Lemony Snicket, Gatecrasher, Crown Jewels, Cheap Date, Gnome Alone, Penny Pitstop and Comet

Date: 1 March 2020

Distance: 9km

On On

Run 1454 – The Black Horse, Checkendon

Mon, 24 Feb 2020 16:43:17 GMT

Cheap Date was listed as co-hare on the website but had gone to mind her grandchildren and support her daughter who was running a half marathon. So Gnome Alone lived up to his name, arriving at the pub at 7.30am to lay the trail before we all arrived. He had managed to go rund the whole trail without getting his feet wet – he had worn wellies, of course – so there was no hope for the rest of us.

There were 7 runners so we decided to go with 6 on a check and completely ignore No 7 – not true, of course, no-one is ever left behind when Didcot Hash are on the trail. Cabouse had decided to join us even though BH3 were in nearby Sonning Common. Then he admitted it was the call of the pub that made him choose us. We still like to pretend it was our company really.

The mud wasn’t too bad for the first half of the trail when we ran up and down hills in the woods. But after about half way round the mud got thicker and thicker. The wind was quite exhilarating and then the rain started! Gnome offered a short cut – well it was 1235 by this time. Only Zorro voted for the full trail. But in the end we only cut off a very short length so honours were satisfied.

The pub was packed to the doors as always and it was lovely to see Pressganger, who had come well out of her way, waiting to say ‘hello’ before setting off back to Chepstow.

A lovely run and so much more fun than staying at home!

Hares: Gnome Alone

Hashers: Patsy, Edina, Zorro, Wimpey, Lemony Snicket, Piscine Down, Pyro and Whisper, B’Cider, Hotlips, Big Stiffy, Cabouse and Pressganger was in the pub when we got back there

Date: 23 February 2020

Distance: 9-10km

On On

Run 1451 - The Bell, Aldworth

Mon, 24 Feb 2020 16:40:49 GMT

A good crowd met at the pub. Another one of our favourites after all. Bu tone of the hares was missing. And she had the only map. What were the walkers going to do? Piscine Down was checking there was flour left on the last part of the trail and would hopefully cross our path very shortly.

We all kept together crossing a number of rather muddy fields, before we spied Piscine Down approaching. She was rather flushed, having hurried to meet up with her walkers. So at this point we could split up.

We all met back at the pub and sat in the garden, which was nearly full! The only food is soup or ploughmans. So why is it so popular? The beer I was told.

Just before Hash Words Lemony was told that today was Kerri’s 3^rd hash and she was, therefore, in need of a name. Although there was probably a lot to learn about her there was not much time so Lemony latched on to the only thing she had been told – that Kerri is hot stuff. So she is now known as Tabasco – hot and spicy!!

Hares: Zorro and Piscine Down

Hashers: Wimpey, Lemony Snicket, Hotlips, Big Stiffy, Cabouse, Lonely, Gnome Alone, Cheap Date, Northern Sole, Rubber Sole’s Buddy, Crown Jewels, Accrual Joke, Henry V, Baby Slapper, Kerri

Date: 2 February 2020

Distance: 8km

On On

Run 1446 - New Year's Day Run

Wed, 01 Jan 2020 10:25:00 GMT

The sun shone as a small group gathered in the car park. The trail led over the bridges and across the field to The Fish, down All Saints Lane and wiggled through plenty of mud until it came out at the village hall and continued to the main road. Here we turned right and headed back towards the village before detouring down Mill Road, along the fields and down Ginge Brook, turning back into the village and following round back to The Fish. Here people chose between going to the car park or straight to the house where Wimpey had laid on mulled wine, mince pies and stollen. Here poor Whippet had to put her foot up and use an ice pack as she had twisted her ankle at the last style.

Eddie the Eagle met us in All Saints Lane and kept us company until the main road, when she turned left and headed for home. AWOL and Fluffy Dice appeared at the house 20 minutes after everyone else. They had arrived late, followed the flour but got confused in the village on the way back as the On Inn directed them through a false marking. The smaller numbers than usual meant mince pies will be provided at the next hash – or 2!

On On

Hares: Lemony Snicket and Hash Hoodie (who laid it but did not run it!)

Hashers: Lilo and Tin Opener from BH3, Patsy, Gatecrasher, Whippet Good, Spongebob, Balaclava, Rubber Sole’s Buddy, Cock Tail, Catherine (sorry, can’t remember your hash name), Geoff, Eddie the Eagle, Away With The Fairies and Fluffy Dice

Date: 1 January 2020

Distance: 3.5 miles

Run 1444: The Sheperd's Hut, Ewelme

Mon, 23 Dec 2019 11:57:00 GMT

Sunshine, mud glorious mud, Bertie standing paw-deep in puddles, some big-assed puddles they were too, and a gorgeous morning for a hash.

A different route, an energetic Hot-Lips who the rest of us couldn't keep up with (and Dee), and some not very water-proof flour meant we had fun tracking our way.

This week we were joined by

Away with the Fairies

Fluffy Dice

Dee (sorry i don't know your Hash name)

Professional Peach and family!

Captain Pugwash

B-Cider

Rubber Sole

Rubber Sole's Mate

Northern Sole

Wimpey

Lemony

Big Stiffy

Hotlips

Gatecasher

Just Jackie

Ab-Fab - Patsy and Edina

Accrual

And Bertie the dog

Don't forget the Boxing Day walk from Home Sweet Home in Roke, 1030am!

That just leaves me to wish you a happy, peaceful, relaxing and very hashy Christmas. Ho ho ho, on on.

Run 1443: The Extraordinary Hare

Mon, 16 Dec 2019 10:16:00 GMT

A sunny bright Sunday dawned, after a torrent of rain washed away Fluffy Dice's Northern artistry strewn about East and West Hendred. His inaugural Hash as Hare saw a muddy stile-ridden boggy hash and a small but perfectly formed huddle of hashers.

Fluffy Dice - Hare

Away with the Fairies - Hare

Wimpey

Hoodie

Wippet

Sponge Bob

Patsty

Edina

Hot Lips

Big Stiffy

Rubber Sole

Professional Peach

B-Cider

Lemony - came for mince pies and a catch up!

We warmed ourselves post-Hash on mince pies, mulled wine, many blankets courtesy of the pub, and some outdoor heaters! Civilised or what.

We got to see the ab-fab Patsy model the new Haberdashery - which ladies and gents is rather marvellous! And for those of you itching to get your hands on this new clobber, the advice is they are true to size, and don't forget if you get your hash name put on, hash-cash will reimburse you.

Test out yer tonsils in readiness for carols on Tuesday at Gnome Alone and Cheap Date's home and come dressed in your festive best!

On on

Run 1441 - Seven Stars, Marsh Baldon

Sun, 01 Dec 2019 22:07:00 GMT

Rain fell as the select group met in the car park. It was nice to see Hash Hoodie again, hopefully it won’t be years until his next outing with the hash – maybe we can persuade him to help hare next week? There were a few false starts as hashers disappeared into the pub to use the loo, then Scrumptious handed over to Dodgy Sausage, our virgin hare, to introduce the run.

The trial led off down the road towards Nuneham Courtenay before turning on to the footpath by the church. We had been warned about slippery styles and bridges so, after the first couple of hashers climbed the first style, the rest of us went through the gate! The electric fence confused Hotlips until Scrumptious advised Dodgy to disconnect it, then we were on again.

The sun came out as we turned left and headed back towards the edge of the village. A lovely trail at the edge of the trees before heading right, off into the countryside. A turn towards Toot Baldon was rewarded by the view of 3 hares racing across the field in front of us. They ran and ran, an amazing sight that was, luckily, not spotted by Whippet’s two four-legged friends. Otherwise we would have watched her being dragged across the field and down a rabbit hole! A long run across the field and then round the edge to a check … and a hole in the hedge! Yes, through we went, on an official footpath I hasten to add, and a very long leg into the village by The Mole pub. A regroup gave us time to catch our breath. We turned left and then right to run past the Manor House (beautiful) and down the hill. Luckily we didn’t continue onwards to the sub-station in the distance but turned left to the old roman road and left to New Farm before turning left again and ending up back at The Mole!

The track between the trees down to the church brought back memories of previous runs. A wonderful view over the churchyard and the fields and trees beyond met us before we headed down the hill and across the field to the edge of Marsh Baldon before heading down the lane and crossing the green back to the pub. The walkers were waiting for us, sitting round the real fire, and we all enjoyed chips (they were better value than remembered) and mince pies provided by the hares!

On On

Hares: Scrumptious and Dodgy Sausage

Hashers: Accrual Joke, Henry V, Zorro, Piscine Down, Hash Hoodie, Hotlips, Big Stiffy, Balaclava, Whippet Good, Gatecrasher, Wimpey and Lemony Snicket

Date: 1 December 2019

Distance: 5 miles

Run 1440 - The Maltster's Arms Rutherfield Greys

Sun, 24 Nov 2019 18:37:36 GMT

What amazing autumn colours! Although I was looking at my feet most of the time while running, the scenery was amazing. It was even better on the drive to and from the pub. I don’t think I have seen such beautiful leaves. If only we had had some sunshine!

The trail wound its way down the country lanes until we got to a dividing of the ways. The walkers (Stiffy, Piscine Down and Accrual) set off left, Pyro and Wimpey joined them as they decided 7k was enough for them. Hotlips, Crown Jewels, Lemony and Zorro set off right down the hill to add on a 2k loop. The last group did best as they had the hare with them, although they found themselves in a field with rather enthusiastic cows. To make sure they avoided them, Hotlips and Lemony headed for the fence – through the deepest mud we have hashed in for some time – but the cows were only inquisitive. From there they followed the valley back along to the village coming out by the church.

The other two groups got lost despite Pyro knowing the area well, she and Wimpey missed a trail immediately they set off on their own. The walkers managed better until conversation meant they too missed a turning. The irony being that Piscine Down went along the correct route for a minute of personal time and saw the flour but wondered why Zorro had laid flour there rather than realising it was the correct way!

But everyone had a great run and the detours meant that all arrived back at the pub within a few minutes. Perfect.

On On

Hare: Zorro

Hounds: Wimpey, Piscine Down, Crown Jewels, Pyro, Lemony Snicket, Hotlips and Big Stiffy and Accrual Joke

Date: 24/11/19

Distance: Various!

Run 1439 - The Blewberry Inn Blewbury

Sun, 24 Nov 2019 18:10:00 GMT

This was a joint hash with Berkshire so there was an enormous crowd flooding the village of Blewbury. An American hasher called Hooters, now living in said village, came along to see how it is done in the UK. She enjoyed the run so we hope we see her again.

The trail was reccied and planned by Epic Fail but he didn’t have time to lay it, including the falses which are important on a joint hash. So Stiffy, Hotlips and Lemony joined forces to dump umpteen bags of flour across the countryside.

Epic took the circle outside the pub and explained that he was still suffering after indulging in too much alcohol the night before – he proved this by drinking a glass of water in the pub later!

The trail weaved through the village before setting off up to the Ridgeway. The long run up was broken by a check and some numbers. Comments like “It can’t go that way, it’s back down hill” were greatly appreciated, as it did go back down hill, only to turn at the next junction and go back up again. Up and up we went, with a group photo near the summit. “It must go back down from here” drew another smile from the hares, as we continued up and over the top before turning back for the long, long downhill “On Inn”.

Berkshire were brilliant, obeying our regroups, six on a check and number runbacks. So the pack were kept together well. This in turn gave the opportunity to chat with different people.

Berkshire do beer down downs. I had to leave early but understand that Hotlips got one. I think we need to pay Motocross (Berkshire RA) back next time we see him as the deal was he only gave a down down to Epic!

On On

Hares: Epic Fail, Big Stiffy, Hotlips and Lemony Snicket

Hounds: Gatecrasher, Hooters, Dodgy Sausage, Scrumptious, Patsy, Edina, Saffie, Wimpey, Comet, Uranus, Afternoon Delight, Zorro, Piscine Down, Professional Peach, Eddie the Eagle and Pete

Date: 17/11/19

Distance: 5.5 miles

Run 1438 - The Red Lion - Brightwell 'On back Lemony'

Tue, 12 Nov 2019 12:11:02 GMT

A glorious crisp sunshine-fuelled Sunday Hash, saw a small but perfectly formed group of four-legged friends joined by their humans!

We stood soaking up the sunshine before heading off for a fabulously muddy, clumps-spectacular.

Hares Stiffy and Hot-lips treated us to some cracking hash views, and a lot of 'on-back Lemony' moments epitomised the Hash.

We were joined in no particular order by

Tic (Lunatic) - humans - Zorro & Piscine Down

Sophie, Scout and Skippy - humans - Wippet & Sponge-Bob

Whisper - human 0 Pyro

Lemony

Wimpey

Eddie the Eagle

Professional Peach

Gate Crasher

Fluffy Dice

Away with the Fairies

Big Stiffy

Hot Lips

On on!

Run 1437 - The Fox Boars Hill

Mon, 04 Nov 2019 23:11:52 GMT

There was a short delay at the start as Cheesy Balls had to return home to get her trainers. Essential kit on such a muddy day. The hare gave us interesting facts relating to 1437 before we set off.

There had been so much rain the day before and overnight that much of the flour had disappeared. And I think Whippet was in need of her coffee as she was very kind and pointed us in the right direction or called us back quite quickly on a check that we were back at the pub for 1240.

The route took in virgin paths for all the runners, included 21 styles and a visit to Yarn Mound. It was a lovely run and, although it would have been good to see more hashers, is was great to run with a small group, enjoying the views, the countryside and the woods. Aren’t we lucky to live in such a beautiful area!

On On

Hares: Balaclava, Cock Tail and Whippet

Hashers: Cheesy Balls, Hotlips, Big Stiffy, Zorro, Piscine Down, Edina, Gatecrasher, Spongebob and Lemony Snicket

Distance: 8km

Date: 3 November 2019

Run 1436 - CAMRA

Mon, 04 Nov 2019 23:09:00 GMT

What a beautiful sunny day greeted us at the Town Hall in Cricklade. Wimpey and Lemony arrived on bikes, much to the amazement of some who thought they had ridden from Abingdon! In fact they were camping 6.3 miles away.There were 3 trails, long, medium and a walk. The excessive rain over the previous days meant that the streams had burst their banks, the fields were flooded and the Thames had risen 2 metres! The walkers were driest as the route was re-planned to keep them above the water. It was an out and back walk, for which the hares were criticised in the circle, but our walkers enjoyed it as they could stride out without risk of getting lost.

The middle trail was c5 miles long and was circular, never too far from a view of the church. The hares had great fun watching the runners plough through water in the wrong direction on many occasions. It started off well, with the runners wading along a flooded footpath only to find it was false. Even the hares were surprised at this early immersion as they had laid the false from the other end of the path and knew nothing about the water (or so they said). After a lot more paddling and wading we crossed a stream, where the water was definitely crutch height, before crossing the road back to the Town Hall and running another long loop to the On Inn.

The long trail was c9 miles (advertised as 6-7!). The first 3k was along a stream which was very tiring. The trail basically went out and back and was mostly submerged so the runners were very tired when they got back. Hotlips threw her trainers away rather than dry them out!

There were 7 bitters and 1 cider to try, along with wine and soft drinks. These were accompanied firstly by nibbles and then by an amazing hog roast. After this there was an amazing array of cakes to choose from – we had ours with a lovely cup of tea! There was also whiskey tasting which Cock Tail won. He had already left so Lemony had to collect his prize – and drink it as it was already poured into a glass, well it would have been rude not to. She was awarded a down down for being GM and joined Whimpey in a down down for having cycled 1 mile on an electric bike – it was definitely 6.3 miles but no-one would believe her. After all that alcohol it was a good thing she was cycling back rather than driving.

A great day was had by all, it was particularly good to see Hutch and Rubber Sole back for the day, and Hursley H3 have volunteered to host 202

On On

Didcot Hashers: Hotlips, Big Stiffy, Zorro, Edina, Piscine Down, Gatecrasher, Dipstick, Lemony Snicket, Comet, Uranus, Patsy, Gnome Alone, Wimpey, Away With The Fairies, Fluffy Dice, Whippet, Sponge Bob, Cock Tail, Hutch and Rubber Sole

Date: 27/10/19

Run 1435 - The Royal Oak, Wantage

Mon, 14 Oct 2019 17:53:01 GMT

Hare – Zorro

Hashers – Comet, Gnome Alone, B’Cider, Rubber Sole’s Buddy, Northern Sole, Whippet, Dave, Cock Tail, Balaclava, Wimpey and Lemony Snicket

Date: 13 October 2019

Distance: 6km, 8km or 12km

We were a couple of runners down because of the Oxford Half Marathon but those that turned up at the Wantage car park were all there to support Zorro (a last minute replacement hare) in the pouring rain. What superheroes! Dave was even wearing his shorts outside his leggings.

We did a few wiggles round the town, going along beside the stream and under a rather low bridge, before heading out along the main road towards Grove and joining the rather muddy path past The Boss and Julie Andrews’ pad. They had a poor excuse for not being at the hash – they were away! Who would choose Ramsgate over a hash? And that from a girl who comes from Kent.

We headed out across the fields and along the old canal. There was lots of jumping in puddles and splashing each other until Whippet planted 2 muddy hand prints on Wimpey’s bum and he called a truce! Then came the decision point. Who wanted to run 8k and who wanted to add on another 4k? Gnome Alone was up for doing the long trail so Lemony and Comet felt they should keep him company. How mad they were!! It wasn’t a hash from here on, but a run.

The walkers had a shorter route and decided to go for the Hash on the Hoof method and use local knowledge to follow a lovely path around the town.

We finally all met at the pub – after Whippet defaced Behind the Bins’ doorstep which is just round the corner from the pub.

Not much to report from the pub – apart from the excellent beer, of course – except a naming. We were all superheroes for turning up but which one did Dave represent most? With all the rain we could have done with some help. Maybe one with heat to dry up the rain? That would have made running too hot. Or one to blow the rain away? That would have made it too hard to run. The best would be one to soak up all the rain, so he was named after the most respected of them all – Spongebob!

On On

Run 1434: The Bell at Aldworth

Mon, 07 Oct 2019 09:37:22 GMT

When the weather, the views, the company all converge... what do you have? A fabulous Hash.

A really nice trail, lots of downs and ups, a muddy Cheese Balls having taken a nose-dive - mobile phones are shocking distractions. We found ourselves charging down a hill at warp speed getting a little too carried away and going off-course, Wimpey to the rescue!

The warmth from the sun as we sat in the garden admiring the whopping cheese ploughmans being served, Zorro with a burst of energy couldn't sit still and was spotted running around the tables...no idea why BUT the grin on Zorro's face was all that mattered.

Thanks to Accrual and Henry V for a great Hash

Hashletes were:

Lemony
Hot lips
Annus Interruptus
Rubber Sole
Rubber Sole's mate
Stiffy
Cheese balls
Wimpy
Dodgy sausage
Scrumptious
Balaclava
Wippet
David on his second hash!
Captain Pugwash
Away with The Fairies

Jonathan (hubby of Balaclava) was named by Lemony who had some fun settling on a name, leaving it to the Hash Scribe to agree the spelling...Cock-tail...as he shall hence-forth be known. Can he mix it? Yes he can.

We also had all three of Wippet's gorgeous four-legged friends including Sophie on her first hash.

Oxford are hashing regularly on a Wednesday evening, do check out their website for the locations.

Some of us will be taking part in the Oxford half-marathon next weekend, and a big thank you to Zorro for stepping in to lay the trail next Sunday. Location likely to be The Royal Oak, Wantage.

On On!

Run 1429 - The Rose and Crown Chilton

Tue, 03 Sep 2019 17:11:19 GMT

Hares - Comet and Uranus

Hashers - Swallow, Cheesy Balls, Wimpey, Lemony Snicket, Sarah, Whippet Good, Accrual Joke, Northern Sole, Eddie the Eagle, Gnome Alone, Zorro, Big Stiffy, Hotlips, Dipstick, Rubber Sole's Buddy, Call Girl, Chris, Chicken Head, Saru, Dangleberry, Patsy, Edina

Date - 27 August 2019

Distance - I forgot to ask!

A great crowd gathered at the pub with some longterm absentees returning. Call Girl arrived with her fiance, Chris, Chicken Head and Saru made a flying visit after 3 years away and Zorro returned from his long summer break in France. Lovely to see them all.

The trail did a loop round the village before setting off up towards the Ridgeway for a Hash View and fish hook before discovering a coolbox tucked in behind a haystack! A very welcome beer stop on a rather warm night. Then we weaved round the lanes and foodpaths, fooling everyone at times, before cutting back in by the pub. I forgot to pick up a map and don't do tech so that is as good as I can get! The hares had arranged a wonderful spread of food with the landlord who always 'does us proud' so folk tucked into that during hash words.

The main item on the agenda was Hash CAMRA. This is a brilliant event which gathers together 120 hashers from many different hashes for a selection of runs, food and drink. Although it is a CAMRA run you do not have to drink beer or any alcohol at all. The registration is open and there is a link on Facebook - or speak to Gnome Alone who is the DH3 contact and an old hand! We can look at sharing lifts, depending on who is going.

There was only one Down Down on show - well, it was in Zorro's car boot actually, he had forgotten to wear it - the green hat. There were a few contenders:

Swallow for changing her clothes to disguise herself on the trail

Chris for saying he couldn't come on Sundays

Dipstick for not enunciating properly - we thought he was going on about being laid, not being late!!

Anyway, it went to Dipstick who then realised that Zorro hadn't worn it on the trail and awarded it straight back to him (but he had left). Then Uranus commented on Gnome Along deserting the runners trail for the walkers trail because he got fed up with checking the wrong way. So Gnome ended up taking it home.

Please bring back any Down Down items you have, even if you do not want to wear them, as we are running very short of them.

On On

Run 1427 - The Plough, Long Wittenham

Wed, 14 Aug 2019 11:20:26 GMT

Hare – Annus Interruptus

Hashers – Mandi, Gatecrasher, Wimpey, Ines, Clyde, Sophie, Royal Flush, Swallow, Cabouse, Dangleberry, Comet, Uranus, Accrual Joke, B’Cider, Henry V, Rubber Sole, Crown Jewels, Julie Andrews, Cheesy Balls, Bruce, DJ Doggy Dog, Lemony Snicket

Date – 13 August 2019

Distance – 5.5 miles

Good to see a new face (Ines) some new faces returned and some old faces we haven’t seen for a little while making up a large group of runners on a beautiful evening.

The trail was lovely, passing round Paradise Wood on the way out (good haring as everyone expected it to go through the wood) and catching a good view of the 3 cooling towers which will not be a feature of any more hashes as they are coming down on Sunday! We continued through woods where there was definitely some shortcutting and scrumping and on through the Earth Trust before reaching the clumps. The walkers branched off here while the runners staggered up Round Hill – speaking for myself there, some of the others looked pretty professional according to the group from Harwell Harriers who were there too. We went round and up and down the hill in various directions at various checks. Julie Andrews checked down hill – amateur mistake – but took the hare’s daughter with him so he was called back pretty quickly – very professional hashing skulduggery. We continued through the woods, coming out in Little Wittenham where we followed the road (who shut that footpath?) before cutting into Paradise Wood for a final run through the trees before re-joining the track to go back into the village.

A great trail with masses of flour.

The red pants went to Julie Andrews for leading a young lady astray.

On On