CITY OF EXETER HASH HOUSE HARRIERS

Sunday 5th February - Four Firs, Woodbury Common - Tampa

2012-02-13T14:33:00.003Z

Our gallant hare in the shape of Tampa took a fair maiden to help him lay,

to lay the trail I should correctly say.

Rumour has it he gave this maid lots of tips

plus of course a few dirty tricks.

She in turn was very impressed so I've been told

by the wonderful trail that began to unfold.

This maid was given all the signs by her tutor

signs on the trail that is,

long/short splits threw her a bit

But Tampa our hare made every thing fit.

Fit into place these the blobs of flour did do

even though our maiden didn't always have a clue.

The route over which this maiden did go was tiring she did say

I seem to have been on Woodbury most of the day.

With cunning plans Tampa did reveal,

reveal that a successful hash its more of a sprint, or was it a dash.

Well done to tutor Tampa, standing tall,

whilst our fair maiden Freeze-Frame survived to tell us all.

A poem cobbled together by What the Dickens Productions

WELL DONE BOTH HARES

Directions to this weekends hash - 12th February at Bridge Farm

2012-02-07T09:45:00.000Z

http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?x=293970&y=97400&z=120&sv=293970%2c97400&st=4&ar=y&mapp=map.srf&searchp=ids.srf&dn=853&ax=293970&ay=97400&lm=0

A big well done to Spocky and Radiohead

2012-02-07T09:38:00.001Z

Spocky took part in The Four Trigs on Sunday 5th February and completed the 17 mile cross country route in 3hrs 17mins, also a PB for him, well done.

On Saturday 4th February, Radiohead took part in the Moonlight Challenge (yes, at night....wierdo!) which was 32.75 miles on various terrain which he completed in 5hrs 7mins and came in 2nd place! Well done.

Sunday 29th January 2012 - Harcombe CP off Haldon Hill - Woodpecker

2012-02-07T09:15:00.000Z

It was one of those horrid mornings when all looked so grey; so cold; so uninviting to leave the warm sanctum of home, specifically bed, to go hashing. However, the warming thought of Woodpecker’s first trail of 2012, and that he was our newly awarded Hare of the Year 2011 would make the effort all so worthwhile. That’s what PP said anyway. I was still asleep!

First thoughts were correct though as it was so grey; so cold and so uninviting. The biting wind and chill up on Haldon Hill were extremely evident on leaving the car. 20 or so hardened Hashers of the ‘Woodpecker Appreciation Society’ braved the elements. Tampa, Brains and Coffin arrived late, which led to a family domestic later on as to whose fault it was when as acting Sheriff I issued fines their way.

There was a fascinating discussion between Freeze Frame’s and Julian’s son Henry and Spocky all about cars; ‘CARS’ the movie. The fact Spocky knew as much about the movie as young Henry was rather worrying, yet also unsurprising. Without much hanging around the trail was briefed, 3 and On, Fish hooks for ‘N’ (everyone) and that the Sweetie Stop was approx 70% of the way around, so no need to panic if we felt the trail had gone on too long. The only ‘Long / Shorts’ were the ones Woodpecker was wearing!!

On On and off we went, through the woods, bogs and shiggy. Skippy and Dobbie, like son, like father, led the pack, but soon copped the fish hooks which brought them back into the fold once more. Woodpecker was always pleased to see PP when she was ‘fish hooked’ as he always got a big hug, rather than the usual ‘high 5’. At times the trail proved elusive, but that was more our fault for not looking / checking, rather than our ‘Hare of the Year’ not laying another ‘Hare of the Year’ worthy trail. The cold must have affected out eyesight – it was there alright.

So, at the estimated 70% trail completed stage lo and behold we were at the Sweetie Stop. Being there first, Skippy found the sweets, and it wasn’t long before the whole pack had arrived. I say whole pack; those walking had yet to show. PP went for a PP, and Spocky needed one as well. I pointed out to him where PP was using the ‘Ladies’ tree’, but where Spocky wanted to go he nearly found PP anyway. Was she using the ‘Gents tree’? Someone was using the ‘wrong tree’.

Sweets duly consumed, Woodpecker was rather anxious as to where the walkers were. Spocky decided to hold 10 seconds silence in memory of those ‘lost’ walkers, and to hold some sweets back for them. Skippy then decided to reveal that the sweet bags were already open when he found them. Woodpecker was saved from the brink of further anxiety, as it meant the walkers had been there and gone. Panic over, on we went for the final 30% of the great trail and On Home.

Being that Twin Peaks was away, third week in a row – got Stat-Nav-itus possibly??? something Sheriffs seem to get at C of E H3, I stepped in as acting Sheriff.

Fines went to Skippy for the Sweet Stop incident, Dobbie for use of nerd names – calling someone ‘Tim’; EJ, for responding to the nerd name ‘Tim’, Tampa for being late, Coffin for trying to blame Brains for their being late, Spocky and PP for using the wrong ‘public trees’. Pink Handbag was awarded to Skippy in an attempt to slow him down somewhat.

There were 3 namings – Freeze Frame’s family. Son Henry became ‘Booster’ (reference to CARS the movie and the attachments one car has), Son James became ‘Trail Blazer’ (he brought an O/S Map so as not to get lost; or to lead the way maybe?), and Hubby Julian became ‘Blanc’er’ (pronounced ‘Blonker’ – reference to his forth coming attempt to climb Mount Blanc, apparently without very much training – as told by him to Spocky. What a Blanc’er!!! – for telling Spocky that is!!)

A very enjoyable trail, and by my technology, around 4 miles through a very pleasant area of Haldon. Thank you Woodpecker. The best trail you’ve laid this year. On On FF.

Sunday 5th Feb 2012 hash directions and other matters

2012-02-02T22:19:00.000Z

The directions for Sundays 5th Feb hash are http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=303181&Y=86375&A=Y&Z=120&ax=303181&ay=86375

Good luck to all those doing the Four Trigs on Sunday,a self navigated race around Trig points around the Sid Valley involving 16.2miles of running/walking and 2999 ft of ascent also anybody running the Fulfords 5 in Exmouth and finally Radiohead who is doing the moonlight challenge in Kent.

Sunday 22nd January 2012 Castle Car Park Woodbury Common -Spocky Bitz

2012-02-02T21:51:00.002Z

I don't understand it, more hares are arriving earlier to lay their hashes.Spockybitz was out in the environs by 08.00 hrs, what does it all mean ? He appeared in the car park with only minutes to spare and covered in sweat, claiming he had just done seven miles, that old chestnut ! No pity was shown from the rather large pack, some 45+ at a guess. Our hare then explained that he had laid both a hashers and a walkers trail, what a considerate hare he is (or trying to regain his hare of the year title i think) Anyway we were sent on a merry way dodging through/between trees for the first ten minutes, best described as a general meander, then we climbed on and around the moat area of the castle remains before reaching open land. Before us lay what can best be described as bog, good honest bog the sort that is sure to leave you with very wet feet, need I say any more. This natural environment certainly spead out the pack some doing better, much better than others. As luck would have it there was a long short at the far end of this seemingly never ending bog which was greeted with relief by the likes of Groucho and Tail-Lamp who took the short route. Soon after we reached the sweet stop set in a nice wooded area where every hasher seemed to have a nose bag, it was feeding time ! Once off we were treated to a spell of flat terrain with the pack going along at various speeds passing trees on both sides of the route, very nice ! During this stage of the hash one scottish hasher, Haggis implied that she had passed the Last of the Summer Wine O's in the shape of Woodpecker,Groucho,Geronimo and Tail-Lamp, combined age of 280 years plus. Next came a climb and the sight of the car park, but no our hare was out for added value and proceeded to take us away from our goal and on-on and on-on, by now several of us were being subjected to flat body battery fatigue but I can report we all made it back to base.FF gave out fines,drinks were drunk and then we all went home for a lie down well Groucho did anyway.

15th January - Warren CP, Woodbury Common - Tampa

2012-01-19T20:19:00.000Z

Myself (Twice Nightly) and Larks arrived at the Warren car park early to find it almost completely full of non-hashers / ‘ordinary people’. There were horses and bikes and dogs and walkers and people in old-fashioned costumes for no obvious reason and it was all quite surreal. Luckily after a few minutes the familiar form of Groucho appeared, thus reassuring us that we were in fact in the right place, unlike Stix and co. who cocked it up completely and went to Four Firs instead.

The wind was positively arctic and chilled us to the bone as we waited for the troops to assemble. Finally Groucho called the circle together. Tampa, as the hare, gave the pre-hash talk: flour, on the right, 3 long-short splits, yadda yadda yadda. Then ‘check it out!’ and for once quite a few people did, as running proved a useful way of warming up. Despite all these hashers dispersing in all directions no one could find the bloody trail. We scampered back in forth until we saw our hare standing smugly off in the distance next to a path no one had got to. ‘On on!’ was cried and on on we went.

As it was a Tampa trail we were expecting lots of fish hooks and check backs to keep the pack together in a mildly irksome way, and we weren’t disappointed. The trail twisted and turned over tussocks and into the woods where we were blissfully sheltered from the wind. The first regroup was followed by a long-short split, which for the intrepid few longs (all four of us – plenty of lazy hashers in the pack!) turned out to be a haha. Any annoyance was quickly tempered by the swift arrival of the sweetie stop. Initially I was a bit miffed as there weren’t any sweets for veggies but then like magic some malted milk biscuits appeared. And they weren’t just any old malted milk biscuits but sandwich ones with a creamy centre. Yum.

The trail then continued with two further long short splits, again with most hashers plumping for the easy option. Some in fact couldn’t even be bothered with the shorts – just before the ‘On Home’ I encountered a trio of Bitzs who had short-cut massively but had the audacity to accuse me of having been off trail! Then it wasn’t far at all back to the car park for some refreshments. It was far too chilly to be drinking cold beer but we stubbornly drank it regardless because we are hashers and this is what we do.

Fines were dished out by stand-in Sheriff FF. They started off modest in number but rapidly escalated as the naughty few dug themselves in deeper and deeper. The primary sinner was Slipshod, who had not only missed several fish hooks but had roped otherwise angelic hashers such as myself into doing likewise. Combined with arguing and stubbornness this meant he was up to 50p by the end of the circle. Also worthy of note was a harriet (dobbed in by the Spockmeister) for doing something I can’t entirely remember but involved something like brushing burrs off her legs? The guilty party turned out to be Dr Jekyll, but she was initially oblivious as she thought FF was talking about someone else called Harriet who had just happened to behave in exactly the same way she had. Dear me. Overall it was a cracking trail and a good time was had by all – many thanks go to Tampa!

8th January 2012 Uphams Plantation EJ

2012-01-14T22:25:00.002Z

This was billed as the Great Woodbury Tour Part Two with tour-meister EJ, but there was no tour, instead it was more of a wander. Fashion was the order of the day with Woodpecker in a shell suit circa 1980 and Tail Lamp was dressed as Michelin Man. Over thirty fine hashers turned up for this EJ trail, much having been said since the last one (it is believed some people are still doing it!). EJ informed the circle that he had been laying the route since 08.00 hrs, which caused some concern amongst several members of the pack. However EJ then went on to mention that in the vast space that is Woodbury Common he had laid long/shorts a plenty as well as a walkers trail, suddenly, EJ was flavour of the month. We were soon off galloping in all directions with Radiohead and Cousteau setting a frightening pace (they should know this is not a sprint more a marathon) the first long/short coming after about 100m, Tail-Lamp still feeling rather delicate, the choice was the short route, taking with him five layers of upper body clothing(on doctors advice he later claimed).However Geronimo, being in possession of a map and an elite orienteerer, still managed to find himself on the long, a little bit of competition for Cousteau! Horny Woman along with Ex-bitz and Tuned-in took to walking yet arrived back in the car park last, what's going on ! Fruity-bitz was heard discussing wall paper and painting with no attention being given to the search for the route. Odd-bitz did one long then stayed on the shorts, not whisky or gin, claiming rumour has it that his body batteries were flat.The longs were sent on an epic route of about 3 miles up hills and down dales. The shorts understandably arrived at the sweet stop first where Tampa quickly ripped open the packets to find as many black sweets as possible to fit into his hand. We did have a view of Four Firs but we didn't venture near it, we also saw Woodbury Castle again from a distance ,what a tease our hare was. We finally reformed the circle about an hour later, where drinks we had and fines given out with Twin Peaks being as mean as ever, in fact she collected over two pounds from hashers who still don't know right from wrong, one of the worst being Geronimo who dared to take a map with him and Tail-Lamp or should he be known as Onion Man due to the number of layers he had on not to mention his Dorothy Perkins tights.

The fact still remains EJ is a cult figure in the hash laying fraternity

1st January 2012 - Blobhoblin Manor, Alphington - Blobhoblin/Groucho

2012-01-14T22:04:00.003Z

This New Years run produced many hashers in various states of health, the most common being 'oh my head' and ' I'm tired'. Blobhoblin was there to greet the gathering throng along with the hare Groucho, both of whom were also looking a shade frayed around the edges. Woodpecker not wanting to turn over a New Year Leaf still arrived late, no change there then, eventually the rabble formed a circle which was feat in itself, not a bad turn out though with about thirty making up the pack. We all set off at a rather pedestrian pace, some finding the on on at the first check a challenge, they got there in the end thanks to Twin Peaks. We ampled by the side of a drainage ditch for about ten minutes before reaching car show room land where several hashers decided to look at cars instead of trails, Oddbitz was suspected as being the ringleader and was thus fined. If that wasn't enough Woodpecker then decided to go and look at motorbikes, he too was fined, by now some of us thought they were on a shopping expedition. Finally the pack were nearly all together as we now headed for the Exeter Canal via a railway crossing and the first long/short, the long's going over the canal passing Double Locks before rejoining the shorts at the sweet stop. So there was another long/short the long's going near to Lidl was the hare tempting fate, but no, as it happens as Lidl was closed. Once more the pack reformed, not a reformed pack I should add and we made our way back to Blobbington Manor. Back at Blobbington Manor mince pies and mulled wine were served by the lady of the house, Twin Peaks gave out fines, no mercy even at the start of the new year, she certainly takes her role as sheriff very seriously, fellow hashers you have been warned. Thanks go to Mr and Mrs Blobby for inviting us into his manor and a Happy New Year to you lot.

Boxing Day Hash - Joneys Cross - Tampa

2012-01-14T21:57:00.000Z

Tampa and his now famous Boxing Day Hash along with some fifty hashers, made an appearance, some from distant lands like Essex, now home of Chesty. Also present was Radiohead, a Devon man so I hear. Blobhoblin decided to bring every living member of his extended family. I am pleased to report they all survived this Tampa hash experience. There was however no Tail-Lamp who it is reported is still too delicate to hash, perhaps he is still recovering from the last Tampa trail/trial.

The hash venue was of course Joney's Cross, able to cater for the large number of cars that just seemed to keep arriving. Spockybitz was last, very unusual, some members of the pack were becoming a little edgy and several large sighs of relief were heard as he emerged from his car as he had the beer!

Once given the normal instructions we were off, well some of us were whilst others carried on talking, no checking it out for them then ! We meandered around like a giant snake for about the first ten minutes after which a series of small worms would best decribe a aerial view of our merry hashers.There were plenty of check backs, which did allow our hare to maintain his normal degree of cunning, he doesn't change that Tampa. Geronimo managed to fall over several times, once in the mud chest first, lovely dive, I believe he scored 9.5, Tom Daley look out.

About six hashers were fined for using nerd names on the hash, Miss Twin Peaks our new sheriff inviting others to drop few hashers into it, she was well pleased with the response.

Anyway well done Tampa, a HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL and on-on to Blobhoblin Manor, 9 Westcombe Alpington

Sunday 18th December - Christmas Hash and awards - Twisted Oak, Ide

2012-01-14T21:40:00.000Z

A New Year A New Start

2011-12-28T16:24:00.002Z

The Hash On Jan 1st is From Blobington Manor

HOW TO FIND BLOBS HOUSE-JUST HEAD FOR ALPHINGTON CHURCH, TURN LEFT IF HEADING FROM EXETER WESTCOMBE IS SECOND ROAD ON RIGHT OR USE THE MAP BELOW!

http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=291938&Y=89797&A=Y&Z=110

Blobhoblin has kindly agreed to have the on down at his house afterwards.All welcome!!!

RE: The Christmas Hash Do at The Twisted Oak, Ide

2011-12-15T18:20:00.002Z

Hi all, (Again)

It was the usual Hashers that picked out the obvious mistake I made!!!

Carvery was £8.95 and now for members it is only a FIVER!! saving a massive 4 ish pounds (not £3 Tampa!)

and 2 courses was £10.95 and I said for members was EIGHT pounds saving £3ish pounds (not £2 Tampa!! go back to school ) BUT I meant! wait for it!!

Only SEVEN of your finest pounds!! (saving £4ish pounds!) Stick that I your pipe and smoke it Mr douting mufasa's!!

All the T&C's on the previous email still apply.

onon The Spockster

Directions to this weekends hash at Squabmoor Reservoir

2011-12-08T19:28:00.002Z

http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=303803&Y=84397&A=Y&Z=115

Sunday 4 December. Groucho at Obelisk Car Park

2011-12-05T12:59:00.000Z

A bit chilly this morning as we gathered in the well known doggers car park. That's dog walkers of course and not anything else that you might have been thinking about. Groucho called us to order and a virgin hasher by the name of Ella was introduced by her proud grandmother Horny Woman. A picture in pink she looked as well! The trail was laid in flour, on the right as usual and look out for the planted golf ball along the trail. There would be a prize for its' safe recover.
The on was soon called towards the obelisk itself, but no, a crafty check back sent us off piste and into the woods. Scrambling over and under and through tiny gaps (the hare's assistant Miss Peaks is a hobbit you know, and can fit through much smaller spaces than your average hasher). We soon found ourselves out on a proper trail again and there was Tuned In, Radio GaGa, Horny Woman and Ella striding towards us - can't be that way then! Down Groucho's train tunnel admiring the various funghi along the way.
The Sweetie stop was reached and despite standing right on top of the goodies, Isoscoles was unable to locate the sweets so was ably helped by Quick Rucka. Most of the sweets consumed, still no sign of the walkers so Miss Peaks bravely took the leftover nourishment and strided off in the general direction she thought the walkers would be in. Never to be seen again. Well, not by me anyway as they still hadn't arrived back to the car park before most of us gave up and went home!
A nice scrambly hash in lovely woodland. Thanks Groucho. A few fines were meted out by Oddbitz in his capacity of deputy sherrif, but the rest will have to wait until the MIA Twin Peaks is found and re-united with her Sherrif's badge. The Pink handbag was passed from Slipshod to Paperwork, for his being a bit slow today (mainly due to the Devon A-B the previous day). Coffin was awarded the prize for finding the golf ball, bobbing along in a puddle.
On-On to Oddbitz extravaganza next week at Squabmoor reservoir.

27th November Pine Ridge CP Woodbury common FF and PP

2011-12-02T13:08:00.004Z

So full was the car park today that many hashers parked in the road, not the middle of the road you understand.Yet within the car park our hares were no where to be seen, neither was their car.Spockybitz put on his anxious face, whilst little Itsy played un the puddles,with minutes to go until the bewitching hour our hares FF and PP appeared on the scenebut in their car. Had they been off road ! Spockybitz completed the hash register with a smile on his face, the circle formed, well behaved they were too, no Stat-Nav so Twin Peaks was made deputy sheriff with Oddbitz sheriff, the main man.He was so eager he pulled out his pencil and paper just to make us lesser mortals beware of the consequences of any unlawful acts. Then we were off, at a snails pace as the pack meandered between the trees, whilst high above the sun shrone brighty, a great day for meandering between trees. Suddenly someone spotted a dark shape in the wood, it came closer, several hashers stopped in their tracks, what can it be, I can't make it out were just two of the words uttered by several anxious hashers. The shape was by now getting closer and made a noise, "Ben Ben !" it yelled, ....our frightening dark shape was indeed Tampa who then approached the pack and said, "Am I late !" Out came the sheriiff's equipment, plus pencil and paper.

The usual same faces appeared to find all of the fish hooks as we all continued on our way going deeper into the wood, they were like border collies coming back to check that the sheep were all in tow, which they were of course. We were treated to three long short splits which kept the pack together if you get my drift. The pack were heard to make no complaints, which was good news, in fact they were rather a happy bunch. The sweets were on, yes at the sweet stop, anyone witnessing the scene of hashers devouring the goodies before them must have thought that they had been deprived of sweets in their childhood.Not a single sweet was left. From the sweet stop we started on the long trek back to the car park via two more long short splits which were welcomed by the short members of the pack one nameless short hasher says let the longs get on with it, whatever 'it' is. Oddbitz continued to use his equipment, resulting in several fines for the Christmas Do fund, keep up the good work sheriff.Finally our thanks must to the hares for their trail or was it trial and to Ex-bitz for laying on the food for the AGM at Spocky Towers

Next weeks hash Sunday 4 December is from the Obelisk CP near Mamhead

Sunday 4th December Obelisk CP Directions

2011-12-01T22:32:00.000Z

http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=292101&Y=80790&A=Y&Z=115

Children in Need and AGM

2011-12-01T22:22:00.004Z

The 20th November hash from Pynes Hill Exeter raised a grand total of £55 for Children in Need so well done to everyone.

The following Points were decided at the AGM

1. The committee..... GM-Groucho
                                 Hash Cash-Spocky Bitz
                                 Beer Meister-Spocky Bitz
                                 Hare Raiser- Tampa
                                 Hash Score Meister- Blobhoblin
                                 Sheriff -Twin Peaks(its going to be an expensive year)
                                 Deputy Sheriffs-Odd Bitz and FF

2. Subs have been frozen at £20 for singles and £30 for families(time to ditch Radiohead!)

3.There will be an Autumn Gathering 2012 Venue and date to be announced

4.Groucho needs all cups/trophies back for the awards on 18th Dec at the Twisted Oak

5.XBitz suggested a 2012 Spring/Summer dinner/dance possibly a black tie job using some of the excess hash funds.

6.Everyone at the AGM wanted to see the blog continue and weekly reports reintroduced.

7.It was agreed that Stat Nav buy a round of drinks at the Christmas Hash

Catching Up

2011-11-13T15:45:00.003Z

Where has the year gone? It is time to think about the Christmas Hash. Having grown too big for The Imperial, the Christmas Hash on the 18th Dec will be laid by Groucho (expect a debacle) from the Twisted Oak in Ide and much merriment (annual prize giving) will follow afterwards in the pubs conservatory, holding 43 people comfortably. Groucho has asked the hash theme to be red and green.

Shortly before this,on the 27th November, PP and FF will lay a hash from Pine Ridge Car Park Woodbury Common and afterwards the AGM will follow at Spockys house. It would be great if anyone has any thoughts or ideas for improving The City of Exeter H3 that they could either attend or let Spocky/Groucho know. Particularly any ideas for The Autumn Gathering.

Finally congratluations to X-bitz and Tuned In who are expecting babies early next year. It is not known when Mudflaps baby is due but its looks like pretty soon!

November Hashes Directions

2011-11-10T22:39:00.002Z

Nov 13th Four Firs CP Woobury Common
http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?x=303184&y=86495&z=120&sv=303184,86495&st=4&ar=y&mapp=map.srf&searchp=ids.srf&dn=555&ax=303184&ay=86495&lm=0

Nov 20th Pynes Hill Exeter
http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?x=295105&y=90903&z=110&sv=pynes+hill&st=6&tl=Map+of+Pynes+Hill,+Exeter,+EX2&searchp=ids.srf&mapp=map.srf

Nov 27th Pines Ridge Car Park Woodbury Common
http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=302284&Y=84705&A=Y&Z=120

Autumn Gathering 2011 Pinkery Outdoor Education Centre Exmoor

2011-11-10T22:25:00.003Z

What fun was had!Good to see hashers from far and wide.Many thanks to Spocky Bitz on a mammoth effort.A few photos of the weekend can be seen on
https://skydrive.live.com/?cid=8b7e130e75965918&id=8B7E130E75965918%21150&sff=1#cid=8B7E130E75965918&id=8B7E130E75965918%21150

Photos supplied by Bell Toll who not only won the orientering but had time to take pics at the same time!
PS It has been noted that sausage sales in the Exeter and East Devon area have slumped since Boots in Puss wore his fancy dress outfit!!

The Autumn Gathering Is Almost Here

2011-10-09T12:38:00.000+01:00

Autumn Gathering 2011
Pinkery Outdoor Education Centre,
Simonsbath, Minehead, Somerset TA24 7LL

Friday 21st to Sunday 23rd of October
Where does the time fly?
Yes it's October already!

This means that the Autumn Gathering will soon be upon us! (yay)

BUFFET ~ As you know we would like you to bring some food for the buffet on Friday night and Saturday night (Mexican theme on Saturday night) don't forget your fancy dress!!.
Trying to organise who will bring what for each night sounds to much like hard work!!
We do have the use of the kitchen (ovens, microwave, fridge etc..) so we can heat things up and keep things cool. I'm sure we won't waste away (just).
BEDDING~ You will need to bring a sleeping bag and pillow or anything along those lines (all they supply is the mattress).

SUNDAY PUB LUNCH~ As you know this year the pub lunch will be free!!!
choices are

1. Freshly prepared cod in a beer batter served with chipped potatoes and mushy peas
2. Homemade chill con carne served with rice and tortilla chips
3. Vegetable moussaka served with a seasonal salad and garlic bread
4. Home baked honey roast ham served with a fried egg and chipped potatoes*

*The Ham, Egg and Chips should be suitable for gluten free, if not please advise, we could for example offer a salad or similar.

They need to know what we are having at least a week before (obviously they need to catch the fish and grow the veg!!)So can you please let me know what you would like asap,
Well I think that's it.

If you have any Q's or need more info then just let me know.

See you there! ONON Spocky Bitz.

4th September - East Hill Strips - Jekyll + Hyde

2011-09-22T20:49:00.000+01:00

Well what an experience todays hash turned out to be, great trail and great BBQ these hares certainly pulled out all the stops. With the bewitching hour of 1100hrs approaching, the pack were ready for the off, all that was missing was the second hare, FF remarking that he had not seen "hyde nor hare" of him, which made many chuckle in the pack. Jekyll remained calm and started to explain the trail, the usual stuff, when from nowwhere appeared Bell-Toll in his car, late of course. He then told us this story about why he was late, blaming his car which apparently got stuck in some mud/ditch whilst avoiding another vehicle, he claimed he was rescued by a kind local who got both the car and Bell-Toll out of the offending mud.
At last we were off at a blistering pace, well, we were going downhill some of the pack achieving gallop mode. Tail-Lamp complained that his body could only just keep up with speed of his legs, somehow he managed to stop at the bottom of this never ending descent, avoiding a possible pile-up as a queue of hashers were waiting to get over a stile. Once over the stile came pay back time with a long stretch of climbing, several hashers adopting the head down approach which seemed to last for a week. Bonus time finally arrived, more down-hill, closely followed by the usual long/short split, the longs continuing down-hill, the rest of us enjoying a lovely flat route The joy on the shorts faces had to be seen!
After yet another hill was climbed the pack were glad to see a sweet stop, plus chance to recharge our body batteries, we were treated to jelly babies, fruit gums and marshmallows. We set off once more and within half an hour came the view that was greeted with joy, the car park !
We all noticed that there was still no Mr Hyde the reason being he had gone home to light the BBQ having checked out some of the trail marks, as it had rained since the trail had been laid. The pack all made it back to the hare's house where we all enjoyed the food and drink on offer, whilst sun bathing in the garden.Well done Jeykll and Hyde

Summer is over Christmas is coming

2011-09-11T21:27:00.000+01:00

As we say goodbye to the summer, thoughts of Christmas appear. Groucho has booked The Twisted Oak, Ide for our Christmas Hash Awards ceremony as we have now outgrown The Imperial. It'll be Sunday 18th December with room for 40+ people. Christmas fancy dress as always is a must.

Grizzly Entries

2011-09-11T21:24:00.001+01:00

Entries open on Friday 23rd September and will sell out fast. Cost is £28 but this is the 25th anniversary of this classic race and promises to be well worth it. Some say the race is very tough. It covers 20 miles of East Devon undulating terrain. Further details can be found at www.axevalleyrunners.org.uk

7th August - Bitz Towers, Exmouth - Spocky Bitz

2011-08-20T20:05:00.000+01:00

Well, Spocky laid todays trail starting from his pad. Twelve hashers appeared, sorry thirteen, Stat-Nav was late armed with the usual excuses. None of us were fooled. To begin with the trail had a very urban feel, house viewing being the order of the day until after about 20 minutes we saw the sight to gladden any hashers heart, open country. We were relieved to enjoy this oasis of calm with only the sound of hashers swearing as they encountered a series of fish-hooks, it lifted the hearts of the back markers.
Strange things happen on hashes and today saw one of our hashers not hashing but walking several dogs, when questioned by the pack she offered no excuse, Oddbitz thought a fine was in order the pack nodded their approval. See you next week Ring Piece.
After the sweet stop we enjoyed a run, jog or walk along the cycle path towards Exmouth. Eventually we arrived back at the hare's residence where a B-B-Q was laid on care of the Bitz, thanks you two and to those who didn't turn up you missed out.

How to get to The Red Lion, Shrobrooke on Sunday 21st August

2011-08-16T14:08:00.000+01:00

From Exeter take the A377 Crediton road, just after Cowley but before Half Moon take a right to Langford continue on for about 3 miles to crossroads.Go straight over crossroads pass Shute and Efford after another 2 miles there is a crossroads, turn left stay on this road until you reach the Red Lion on your right. Those with technology the post code is EX17 1AT.
Good luck on you mission hope to see there.

10th July - Venmore Farm - Woodpecker + Tampa

2011-07-12T13:56:00.000+01:00

Sunday 10th July Venmore Farm, Woodbury – Woodpecker & Tampa

As the time approached 11am it was noted that Woodpecker was there early….ah wait a minute…he was the hare! Actually, he was not the only hare! After announcing to the circle there was some confusion, that confusingly we never quite got to the bottom of, the by now confused hashers realised Tampa was assisting Woodpecker. Or was that….Woodpecker was assisting Tampa?!? Confused.com ….we most certainly were!

Anyway, as the hares had a combined age of over 130 years we were all quite sure we would be following a very ‘wisely’ laid trail. On On around the corner they pointed and off the group ran, through the first gate and up the hill to a check. Not for the last time the confused hashers were seen spreading out in all directions……which direction should we be going? 2 mins into the hash and Cousteau was observed facing a hedge in the bottom corner of the field. First fine of the day would be handed out for ‘spending a penny’! Eventually, the group noticed that the hares were still at the bottom of the field and the walkers were making their way towards a gate. This cunning pair had sent us up the hill for nothing! On On.

Back on track and the hashers were following Cousteau and Boots in Puss through the adjacent fields. On On through a gate and turning right up another hill to a check. This cunning pair wouldn’t pull the same trick again…….er yes they would! The hashers were spread out everywhere and then at one stage Twin Peaks started sprinting off and like sheep the group followed……unfortunately there was no flour on the ground and the hashers turned around and headed back across the field! Apart from one…..Stat Nav in his wisdom had carried on up across the top of the hill and momentarily went out of sight of everyone else. He checked through the gate into the road and found no marks, so decided to return to the group. At the same time the group had found the trail and followed it down and into the stream at the bottom of the field. Poor Stat-Nav was rather bewildered upon returning to the field as from the top of field he could not tell there was a stream and everyone had disappeared out of sight……30 seconds earlier he had been running around Woodbury with 30 people, now they had all vanished! He retraced he steps and ran back down the hill and into the previous field…no sign of anyone there. Then a few minutes later he saw Isosceles stood on the opposite field taking photos and headed off in the general direction.

It now became apparent that everyone was making they’re way through the stream and Stat-Nav was about to follow the familiar voices of X-Bitz and Woodpecker. “I’m getting very wet Woodpecker!” exclaimed X-Bitz……”it’s going to get a lot deeper in a minute!” replied the old crooner! Stat-Nav thought it was safer to take a 10p fine for keeping his feet dry than interrupt anything.

After an impromptu re-group it was On On and not far until the sweet stop where the walkers were already waiting. The stop provided Spocky with an opportunity to educate Itzy-Bitz on the wildlife that could be found in the fields of Woodbury. “Look at that Butterfly” said Spocky…..”that Butterfly looks remarkably like a Ladybird” stated one of the group. Poor Spocky….I think Itzy should be doing the educating in future!

At the sweet stop Woodpecker declared he was cutting it short (his participation in the trail that is!) and heading off to another engagement, but before he left he kindly pointed to a gate in the corner of the field and told us that was where we were going. Not sure he quite gets this hare role.

On On! The hash was off again and a few more twists and back-checks followed. At one stage the grass in the field was so long we almost lost Twin Peaks. Both Hares were later fined……for not losing Twin Peaks!

Before long we were back where we started, fines were dished-out by the sheriff, and Coffin handed out the pink hand-bag to Boots (for not knowing where the farm was, turning up late but more importantly for the fact the farm is 1 mile away from where he works!). The ‘old dudes’ had pulled off a great trail……pressure on Boots and Puss now to deliver as good a trail next week!

19th June - Feniton Village CP - Chip Shop + Up Yours

2011-07-12T13:55:00.000+01:00

Blog for CofE H3 Sunday 19th June – Feniton Village Car Park – Hare Up Yours unassisted by Chip Shop (Slip Shod)
Quite a few gathered on this pleasant morning for Up Yours trail. She didn’t realise she was hare days before but Slip Shod had to convince her. Anyway, happy new year Up Yours, first time I’ve seen you I think (more later).
There were some announcements at the beginning. Autumn Gathering now gathering pace. Other things I can’t remember – that’s the problem with leaving the blog for many days after the event. This, by the way, is being penned on the Gin Palace.
Myself and Twin Peaks took on the role of deputy and assistant Sheriff in the absence again of our real love sick Sheriff – the one and only Stat Nav. For those who have only been hashing for, oh, a couple of months, you may not have met him yet (he’s really building up the absentee fines by the way).
A bit of a problem with the parking then as they had a christening at the church, although I didn’t see any down downs. Not surprising as I found out later that the naming was for someone who was only a few months old! So we had to park all over the place. Bad planning I say. Gather we did to hear the usual destructions from the hares and off we went. Everybody except one hasher accepted Cathusalem’s wisdom that it would definitely not b e ‘that way’ but of course it was.
It wasn’t long before we came to a faint arrow and a new arrow pointing in opposite directions – all hell was then let loose as the two hares had a domestic about what was the right way. I think Slip Shod just wanted to test our bottle by sending us through the herd of cattle.
Some pleasant countryside followed plus some road, a sweety stop with a nice selection and eventually back to the car park. A couple of clever longs made some work for their lunch and altogether a nice trail. At the circle, Twin Peaks went to town on all and sunder dishing out fines like an expert. What a memory that girl has got.
Following dispersal, our GM (genetically modified) Groucho, Tail Lamp, Fruity, Twin Peaks and myself accepted a generous offer of coffee and bickies back at the Hares’ hideout. Thank you, that was yummy and very welcome.
OnonOddbitz

22nd May - Joneys Cross - Woodpecker

2011-06-09T16:11:00.002+01:00

Well upon arriving in the car park with my travelling companion, Miss Twin Peaks, we noticed Mr Woodpecker sitting on the boot of the pecker-mobile looking like a character from Toad of Toad Hall slurping his morning cup of coffee. He greeted us and had that look of a satisfied hare, a job well done, I am of course refering to his trail. He revealed nothing, well a fully clothed hare won't, would he !
Somehow this hash produced a pack of 36 + hashers all, well nearly all, biting at the bit. We set off at the usual blistering pace for about 200m only to encounter the first of many Woodpecker specials, I refer to the dreaded back-check. The actual trail was not found for at least what seemed like five minutes, then it was on-on skipping over Heather, she didn't mind passing gorse, one female hasher remarking she had been pricked many times. Stop complaining ! After another five minutes of continual speed we entered a forest, whereupon Woodpecker, the hare, was at his most cunning. First there were the ditches, endless ditches, it was liked watching a series of long jump competitions, the ditches coming in all shapes and sizes, bit like the pack. Several hashers encountered problems jumping these ditches, several of whom got their feet wet. Groucho fell at the feet of Sore-Point who gave him a mere glance then trampled on her way leaving on spread-eagled Groucho to take care of himself. Birthday boy Paperwork complained of a having a headache, but he did have a party the night before, no sympathy was shown by the pack as this headache was self inflicted.
The same hashers voices could be heard shouting the usual hash words deep in the forest amongst them Boots-in-Puss, FF and Stat-Nav as we all ploughed on our way, but they did encounter the dreaded fish-hooks which was refreshing for those back markers seeing those FRB returning to rejoin the pack. After several long/short splits we arrived at the sweet stop where a very alert hasher spotted that Blobhoblin was with us fresh from his leg injury that had kept this "young lion " out of action for several months. Also whilst eating our sweets we, the pack, made way for a normal person plus dog to go past, only to hear the normal person remark "this what you do on Sundays is it?" The normal person was of course talking about/to Isoceles. Well I never, Isoceles remarked as we headed on our way once more, I didn't realise Devon was so small. We were out for just over an hour and the view of the car park was very welcome and even more welcome was the beer.Great hash Mr Woodpecker

May 8th - Obelisk CP, Haldon - Groucho

2011-05-08T16:38:00.004+01:00

As the hashers arrived, by bike and car, we were all amazed as Woodpecker drove in the car park ON TIME! Apparently she was followed by Dr Jekyll who had no idea where she was going. Groucho gave us our instructions with a few excuses as to why it was two and on and that one of the long, short splits needed to be expained when we got to it???!!! This could be interesting!
On On and soon we had the first long, short split. The short cutting through the undergrowth and arriving out on a nice long flat track where we all met at the regroup. It was at this point the one of the first fines of the day was noted, namely X Bitz wearing her t-shirt inside out! But why? you may ask, well, because it has SPOCKY BITZ on said t-shirt.......impersonating another hasher, tut tut!
Again we split into long, shorts with the shorts having not seen any flour for a while, eventually coming across another check, was Groucho economising with his flour? At the check, with Puss, Tampa and X Bitz checking, it was soon called by X Bitx only to be called on back by Groucho, he'd forgotten to mention the trail was laid only on the right and this was in fact where the longs would be appearing from.
Once the trail was called we soon appeared at the Obelisk viewpoint where you could see almost the whole of the Exe estuary, glad it wasn't a foggy day!
Our descent began as we set off again with the pack quickly becoming very confused. With Imelda checking one way and Dr Jekyll checking the other, neither finding any flour????? As usual Groucho had sent us 'off road' and straight down the hill through the undergrowth. As we all safely reached the track at the bottom of the hill, this was where the fish hooks began in earnest! With the frb's bearing the brunt of mmost of them, Boots, Imelda and the like, lots more faces got them too, Menage a Trois, Tuned In even Tampa couldn't escape some of them even with his 'shoelace tying' technique!
We soon arrived at the sweetie stop where we found the sweets hidden in a bush. Much munching ensued and then as if by magic a Mad Max appeared! Apparently he ended up in the wrong car park, so after following the trail, with a few shortcuts, he caught us up. He didn't have long to rest before we set off again, the longs in the direction from which he appeared, the shorts on a less steep path. Once again the fish hooks kept us together before a nice stretch of running past the On Home. The sheriff of the day, Boots, along with his able side kick, Spocky Bitz, handed out a few fines while we drank beer and ate nuts.
On on to Spockys trail from Stowford Cross next week, which he was reminded of by Boots just that very morning!

May 1st - Uphams Plantation - Radiohead

2011-05-08T16:17:00.002+01:00

Over 30 hashers gathered for the trail laying return of Radiohead. We welcomed visitors including Cousteau, Dirtband and No Name of OVH3. While Radiohead was giving hash instructions in the circle poor little Radio Gaga headed for his voice, only to find on grabbing a pair of legs, that when she looked up in wasn't actually daddy.....or was it? Well, it wasn't Radiohead at least!
The hare assured everyone that the trail was only about 4 miles and relatively flat, some were not convinced, PP and FF having completed the Salcombe Coastal Marathon the day before had their fingers crossed that this was true.
Off they set with Cousteau finding the first back check.......then the second. The hashers were beginning to wonder if they'd ever find a check without a cross in it. They did, however, so off they set through a wooded copse, accross the model airfield and on on into uphams plantation where Cousteau and Dobbie were caught out by a fish hook. Thereon followed a crafty long, short split where the hashers were treated to two steep uphill climbs (where did this fit in the 'relatively flat' description Radiohead?) and another back check. On through uphams and it would appear Radiohead was actually telling the truth as some of the front runners weren't the usual FRB's, there was X-Bitz showing them how it's done.
The group passed through bluebell woods and mountain bike trails before appearing at the sweetie stop where Horny Woman, Tuned In and Radio Gaga were waiting, sweets in hand. The sweets had to be consumed at speed as Woodpecker was fast approaching! From here the longs had a good run in while the shorts also had a nice run but nowhere near as long.
Twin Peaks was the Sheriff for the day with her able sidekick, FF. Twin Peaks did her usual trick of fining just about everyone! We were also treated to chocolate cake as it was Itsy Bitz' 3rd birthday. We sang Happy Birthday which I'm not sure she fully appreciated?! Happy Birthday Itsy.

Paperwork is 50!!!

2011-05-02T13:43:00.002+01:00

Paperwork turns 50 this year so come along and celebrate with him.

•When is it?

Saturday 21st May 2011 – 3pm.

•What is it?

A Hash run, then BBQ and party afterwards.

•Where is it?

5 Rackfield, Westford, Wellington, TA21 0EA

•What shall I bring?

There will be a beer barrel, so bring alternative booze if you don’t like real ale.

There will be salads and sausages and burgers etc, but please feel free to bring other stuff if you want to cook something else.

Please let us know if you are coming, so we can guess how many sausages etc we need!

01823 660617

17th April - Tom Rookes Bottom, Ashclyst - FF+PP

2011-05-02T13:21:00.002+01:00

How nice to meet at a new venue on such a sunny day surrounded by trees and the sound of birds singing. Twin Peaks humming added that extra something to the scene.
Talking of birds, no Stat-Nav again whats going on ! The pack was smaller today due to other things going on so our hares informed us, borne out by no Bitzs Clan at which point Groucho pointed out there would be no refreshments at the end of the hash. Our hares had thought ahead got some provisions in, well done hares. We formed a circle to receive our info about trail when the pack noticed two hashers had vanished, vanished into the forest. Twin Peaks emerged first followed by Dr Jeckyll heaven knows what they had been up to.
We eventually set off explaining the rules of hashing to Tail Lamp who had been away for ages, nice to see him back. After a few minutes we, the pack, became lost even PP one of the hare was cofused claiming that she didn't lay this bit, what an excuse. Later that same day we found the trail with Twin Peaks setting the pace once more assisted for a short distance by Baglady.
The hash pack were now moving like a well oiled machine until they came to hills, ditches, mud and of course brambles. We soldiered on to the sweet stop where our sugar levels were topped up ready for the big push back to the car park area. We all enjoyed this hash visiting new sights and geographical features, hills, as well as view points although some of us kept our heads down especially going up hills. Well done to the hares.

10th April - Uphams Plantation - EJ

2011-05-02T13:11:00.003+01:00

When being one of the first to arrive in the car park at todays venue at about 10.40hrs I was greeted by our hare EJ esq who informed me that he had just finished setting the trail having been out in the wilderness since 08.00 hrs. Where has he been thoughts entered my head, will we get back before dark was also another. Soon the pack started appearing some entering the car park via a deep pothole Sorepoint and Paperwork amongst those entertaining the rest of us as they inspected their car for damage. One blamed the driver the other blaming the navigator. As luck would have it there was no damage done to the car not so for the skills of these two hashers they were of course fined on the basis of showing to much drama, or attention seeking.
Spockybitz and clan found their way without any problems, he then got out of his car and promised us all ice creams that were within the depths of his cool box. Would they have melted by the time we got back I wondered on the basis of what the hare had told me, I of course said nothing.
We finally set off, all 29 of us heading for the great unknown, well the hare knew, well we thought he knew for within 15 minutes having reached a check none of the pack could find the trail, not even the hare. There was a moment of head scratching then EJ remembered and we were off again at break-neck speed well about six of the pack were although they soon encountered a dreaded fish-hook, in fact the same group kept finding all of the fish-hooks, they reminded me of border collies with this to and fro motion. The pack was spread out by the time we, the shorts, reached a hash-halt, safe in the knowledge that the longs were still out there, somewhere. We then crossed over a road and headed on our way once more FF and Stat-Nav assisted by Spocky taking the lead a bit like a scouting party, whilst the rest of us ambled on our way with Horny Woman and Ring Piece bringing up the rear. Next port of call was Wheathill Plantation for a sweet stop, not long til were back from here Tampa was heard to say. Wrong Tampa our hare had other cunning plans.
Next came a visit to Frying Pans car park here to the relief of some was a hash halt. Once on the move again came another long short split with the distant view of Four Firs thrown in for good measure.Finally I can report we all arrived back in the car park at our starting point although some took a rather shorter route which was not part of the trail ,Stat-Nav, Horny Woman, Ring Piece and Tomtom.
Thanks to EJ for laying the trail and to Spocky for providing the ice creams which I can report had not melted.

3rd April - White Cross CP - Slip Shod

2011-04-04T16:03:00.002+01:00

The pack today numbered twenty-five who waited eagerlyfor the arrival of our hare, one Mr Slipshod, yeet to the surprise of all he appeared on the scene in his car. He informed us that the trail was finished at 10.00 am so he went home to see his beloved, remember it was Mothers Day. and to have a cup of tea. Anyway minutes before he,Slipshod had arrived another hasher in the shape of Doctor Jekyll left the car park,by car to find a more natural environment todo natural things and I don't mean to powder her nose.She was of course fined by our acting sorry I mean deputy sheriff Odd-bitz. FF was also a little concerned implying that he felt slightly undressed without the pink Tshirt to match his pink handbag. Eats Shoots and Leaves came to this hashers need making his feel more complete as well as less cold. Finally the circle was formed but Ben the Dog just carried on doing his own thing hismaster Tampa the shouted sit but there was no reponse, so Tampa shouted even louder, this resulted in the whole circle sitting down.This action left a sign of bewilderment on both Ben end Tampa's face, after which one of them started grinning from ear to ear, an action slightly more difficult for dogs.
Our hare informed us that the trail was one and on with an added bonus of four long/short splits not to forget the eagerly awaited goodie stop. The start, well we must have a start was straight on to a long/short with the longs headed downhill silly hashers led by Twin Peaks,FF,PP and Baglady.Meanwhile the shorts enjoyed the delights of a flat route, meandering between trees and bluebell plants only about ten days or so from blooming. However our peace was soon broken on the short route as we heard the calls of on-on coming from behind us, those longs had caught us up with bownless energy passing us as if we were standing still which some of us were. Doctor Jekyll seemed to be rather athletic today perhaps its all down to these natural breaks of hers, I must make further enquires.
There then came a series of checks, time for some members of the pack to get their bodies working properly, certainly worked for Odd-bitzs who at the start was walking was now running to such an extent he even found some back arrows/fish hooks.Our was rather cruel today forcing the pack to scale what seemed to be the highest hill in Devon, everyone was down to a crawl especially Groucho who had some how managed to form a 'u' type shape with his nose nearly touching his feet.Doctor Jekyll however got hold of Groucho and dragged him up the hill, Groucho loving this experience.At the top of the hill from hell was the sweet stop, what a relief with a good selection of goodies to be polished off , which they were of course whilst taking in the view of Sidmouth in the distance.Then we were off once more the wonderful view of Sidmouth but a distant memory, soon there was another long/short the shorts rumour has it that some of the hashers on this route enjoyed a conversation between two hashers namely the subject of bra's but it went deeper than just bras in general, developing to types then continuing on to size of said bras, these two obviously know their bras especiaaly as they were wearing them they were indeed fountains of knowledge one this particular, I would suggest that they enter on to the Mastermind Programme perhaps as a pair ! Who are these experts you may be asking well I suggest you speak two either Ex-bitz or Puss-in-Bootless.
Back at base beer was drunk peanuts were eaten and fines were collected by the sherriff who was showing no mercy, come back Stat-Nav !

27th March - Squabmoor Reservoir - Spocky Bitz

2011-04-02T15:24:00.001+01:00

20th March - 500th run - Stoke Woods Upper CP - Groucho + Twin Peaks

2011-04-02T14:06:00.005+01:00

Well the hash has managed to reach its 500th run thanks to the support it has received over the years, with our numbers now averaging over 23 per hash. For this the 500th over 40 hashers appeared to form the hash circle, this certainly moved on from the seven hashers who came to the very first hash, four of whom were my family members and friends, from the very same venue.
The trail was laid by my good self, Groucho, with of course the assistance of the one and only Miss Twin Peaks who it is rumoured knows the woods like the back of her hand. We started the hash with a long short split for a change however Geronimo decided to guide the longs in the right direction to rejoin the shorts, I think he felt sorry for them going over rough terrain, bless his cotton socks. The hares had a cunning plan that involved yet another long short split only this time Geronimo left them to it. The same familiar faces lead from the front when the longs reached the next hash halt, PP, Stat-Nav, Radiohead and of course Spocky-Bitz. Next was yet another long short split the longs heading down a very very steep bank, many choosing to slide except for Howling Wilf who adopted a different technique with added swear words, even more swear words were heard from the longs upon reaching a fish hook and faced the challenge of having to climb back up the dreaded bank whilst the shorts watched the action from the public gallery, the top of the bank. Eventually the pack were altogether once more the only obstacles in front were the water hazards,gorse, brambles and fish hooks. At the sweet stop the goodies were soon put away with Tampa leading the charge for any forage, some of which was sponsored by Bell Toll, giving us his left-overs from the previous nights barn dance. Having been fed the merry band of hashers continued on their not so merry way with a good deal of uphill in front of them with more brambles thrown in for good measure. After long climb the trail levelled out and gone was the moaning and heavy breathing a new injection of pace seemed to take over for about two minutes before returning to the more normal speed known as slow and unsteady until we all finally arrived back in the car park. Once the pack was gathered together Stat-Nav and Odd-bitzs handed out the fines of which there were many, in fact too many to mention, the monies going to Red Nose Day, thanks to the pack we reached a grand total of £103.20, what can I say but great ! As well as the fines we had two namings. Mudflap was accompanied this weekend by his good lady, Susie, who was named The Flap Controller. Also Stat Navs partner in crime, Chloe, was named Tom Tom.
Finally can I thank Spocky and X-bitz for organising a great barn on Saturday 19 March every one I spoke to was full of praise so well done.

6th March - Tipton St John - Dr Jekyll

2011-03-13T15:30:00.003Z

Lovely sunny morning greeted the pack today at Tipton St John where our hare was eagerly awaiting. Today the pack was nearly 30 strong which was a good turn out, One hasher from Totnes, Squashed Balls, appeared for the second week on the trot. Also there was no Slipshod, is he still in Ashclyst Forest, and no Stat-Nav and as sheriff he was failing in his duties or absent without leave. It was mentioned that his hands are slowly slipping off the Woodpecker Trophy, for record number of appearances. Odd-bitz stepped in and did the honours with his usual splash of humour.

Cousteau set off at his usual pace, fast, only to be seen some time much later, even the greyhound in the pack could not match the boy for speed and as a result elected to stay with his master, the one and only Dr Jekyll. We encountered a certain amount of road at the beginning with uphill bits thrown in for good measure, which soon had the pack well and truly spread out like a thin layer of marmalade on toast. As luck would have it there were of course several fish hooks which came as a great relief to some of us back-markers, but we did notice the same familiar faces returning to see us over and over again, they reminded me of border collies, where does their energy come from! Our hare also put in several long/shorts which gave some of the rear gunners some hope being able to catch up.
The sweet stop was, as always, that chance for the pack to natter to which they are of course all professionals. Once off again the landscape turned to the hashers advantage, it was downhill and in the distance on occasions that Narnia of places could be seen namely Tipton St John. However we took the scenic route travelling in a meandering type motion before finding our way back to the village later that same year. In fact the shorts arrived back before the longs which is encouraging, the longs returning with tales of wading in the river whilst us shorts had the good fortune of crossing the river via a bridge.
Well done Dr Jekyll for a great trail and so its on-on to next weeks trail at Joney's Cross with that hare that you all asked for, Tampa. For those who don't know Joney's Cross is just off the A3052 Exeter-Sidmouth Road between the Halfway House Pub and Newton Poppleford.

27th February - Silverton Village Hall CP - Groucho + Tail Lamp

2011-03-09T15:23:00.003Z

Well having appeared here for last weeks hash Slipshod did not repeat for this, todays hash, perhaps he went to Ashclyst Forest instead. Anyway some hashers did make it one hasher in the shape of Squashed Balls even coming from near Totnes to be with us. Groucho set the trail/trial assisted by a local villager in the personage of Tail-Lamp who informed Groucho on several occasions that he did know this area of the trail ! Due to a local shortage of flour the trail was one and on, what can I say ! We set off meandering around the village streets to the amusement of some of the locals who asked what we were doing and why were we doing it ! A full 15 minutes passed by before we left the tarmac surfaces and headed on to mud glorious muddy terraine but it only lasted for 5 minutes then it was back to country lanes. Several hashers seemed to enjoy viewing the village building, perhaps they might move to the village. We all stopped at one house in particular, Tail-Lamp's residence where upon he produced packets of sweets from behind some flower-pots which were soon polished off. Then it was on-on for a short distance before leaving the road surface behind us only to be greeted by the sight of a rather steep hill. During the ascent of this un-forgiving hill several hashers encounted fish hooks/back arrows much tto the delight of the slower members of the pack. One such member was Horny Woman who required the assistance of Groucho, as no doctor was available, to administer some medical treatment in the form of his inhaler. Horny showed her gratitude in her normal way ! Tail-Lamp however stayed by her side giving her some words of encouragement as he pushed her from behind up to the summit.We all glanced at the view although some were noted to be studying the ground rather than the distant landscape far below. Off once more down hill for a change with the Twin Peaks of this world zooming off likethings possessed, this didn't last long as the returned to greet, sorry meet the back markers having stumbled upon yet another back arrow, its so sad, they reminded me of border collies checking that we were all ok. Once back at the car park,our starting point we all tucked into crisps etc washed down with beer etc did the usual fines before splitting and going home to reflect on our morning in Silverton

20th February - Ashclyst Forest - Sorepoint + Paperwork Joint hash with Taunton

2011-03-09T15:08:00.003Z

13th February - Four Firs CP - Tampa

2011-02-19T10:45:00.001Z

6th February - Peak Hill CP - Woodpecker
A fair number turned out for this windy (no - not a relic of the Christmas Brussels Sprouts) hash hosted by the inimitable Woodpecker. Indeed we were pleased to see three virgin hashers appear: Chris, Harriet and Erin as well as a full-house from the Up Yours clan (and a very big car parking space was found for them too so luckily no massive car pile ups this time round).
Groucho duly welcomed the gathered crowd before handing us over to Woodpecker for the day's instructions. We were to be treated to both a normal hash and a walkers hash. He did use other expletives to describe anything beginning with a "W" but deference to the virgin hashers prevents me from repeating such utterances! Anyhow the trail was in flour on the right, 3 and on, and first 5 for the fishhooks (as hashers couldn't be counted on to count any higher) but no long-shorts.
Just as we were sent on our way did we realise that there was no sheriff! Where could he be? Well in Stat Nav's absence Twin Peaks duly accepted the honour - a harsh lady indeed!
Across the road we went following the trail and were duly knocked back by the gale force winds coming in from the sea. We zigged zagged our way towards some shelter or trees and gorse where confusion reigned as hashers looked in vain for the trail - was it down the cliff? or maybe into the bush? Neither in fact as the trail was called on on alongside the coastal path. There followed a downward plunge into a little valley before climbing the hill again into the trees.
It was at this point that Stat Nav decided that he would, after all, make an appearance for the day and reclaimed his sheriffing duties for the morning. He was huffing and puffing a fair bit so we shall just have to wonder as to the reasons for his tardiness.
Some rather cunning backchecks were put in place to make us march up and down the hill although this was promptly ignored by Up Yours who, at the back of the course, could see a nice easy (and flat) way along the trail. Through the undergrowth we went before finding our way eventually to the regroup.
Well it seemed like an age at this regroup and no sign of the hare. This was not the first time Woodpecker had seemed to take an age to find the gathered crowd - he had form from the Boxing Day hash where he went off on his own for a while. We thought that today at least he should be able to find his own trail but several minutes passed before the hare came into view. Where he had been shall remain a mystery only he will know!
The trail was called on through a farm not long after having to heave our four-legged friends across a fixed and rickety gate. Past the farmer we went (he was the right one this time) and cross the field and up a rather long climb to the sweety stop. A fine selected of proper bagged sweets was passed round and enjoyed by all.
This is the point at which the group split asunder with walkers going one way and the proper hashers going the other. The writer unfortunately joined the walkers so missed all the frolicking and gallivanting of the proper hashers, the only noteworthy event being Puss in Boots startling a couple of white tailed deer from the undergrowth and sending them scurrying past the trail.
Onto the trail proper we joined the group and on home we arrived.
The usual fines for misdemeanours was handed round, the Sheriff having the honour to fine himself first for his lateness. There was then a naming ceremony for Dan whose name is now "Jerry Springer" in honour of his bunny hops down the paths.
Well that's all for this week - on-on to the next hash at Four Firs, Tampa as hare!

6th February - Peak Hill CP, Sidmouth - Woodpecker

2011-02-13T21:22:00.001Z

30th January - Core Hill Copse, East Hill Strips - Chip Shop + Up Yours

2011-02-05T15:47:00.001Z

Well the merry band of hashers gathered to brave another cold and windy day. After some initial suicidal tendencies of Wellie the dog providing fun and games for passing petrols the group circled up in a somewhat dazed fashion to begin the day's briefings. Just as Groucho was launching into his sermon for the day did Dr. Jekyll turn up nearly mowing the band down as she came in. No sooner that than Woodpecker decided to make a somewhat spectacular entrance with wheel-spins and slipping and sliding around the car park - driving skills indeed!

We were without our appointed sheriff for the day so Twin Peaks ready came to the fore and volunteered her services. Concern was also expressed over the food and drinks (well beer) given Spocky wasn't there either. However Larks Vomit said he had 6 bottles of beer in his car (why?) and the thought occurred to us whether there was going be another spiritual event of turning 6 bottles into 6000 - it wasn't to be sadly as Dr. Jekyll appeared with the crates of food and drink.

Two virgin hashers were welcomed to the motley bunch, everyone on their best behaviour not to put them off too soon! Onto the hares' instructions - duly welcoming Up Yours in her virginal capacity as such. Trail in flour, 3 and on, backchecks to the last three, fishhooks for the first 3 and 3 long-shorts.

Down to the woods we went following some sneaky trails and backchecks this way and that. On arriving at the main path confusion began to set in as the hashers searched in vain for the trail - was it in the woods, was it down or up the path. One of the hares suggested one route but no trail! Oh dear oh dear! Some in-fighting broke out between the hares but all was resolved without any blood being drawn (not that blood wasn't drawn later!). Well all was not lost and we continued along the trail back into the woods for the first long-short. Thence the trail led on through a path with a rather vertiginous fall to one side but nice views through the trees and onto the first regroup.

By this stage the day's exertions were beginning to take their toll on a few hashers, not least a couple of the younger players. So Up Yours took them by the hand and, Hans and Gretel like took them down a short cut. Would we ever see them again we wondered? Dr. Jekyll and Sorepoint demonstrated their powers of observation by going down a false trail and missing the cross so they ended up on a rather long check. So as on-on was called we galloped down the trail the sun beginning to warm our chilled bodies.

What goes down must come back up again at some point and this was no exception. Down the hill only to reverse and come back up it again. Those brave enough to do the next long-short were treated to another down and up affair and then treated to yet another down towards the river where the sweety stop awaited.

There was some relief expressed at this point as the Hansel and Gretel story did not manifest itself with Up Yours appearing with the children - sweets always seem a good incentive!

The need for sun was overwhelming for some and the regroup was moved along a 100 yards or so just to get supplies of Vitamin D topped up a little; well we can't imagine it would have been to get a tan at this time of year! Sweets abounded with chocolate bars and liquorice allsorts etc for everyone to have their fill. No sooner had the sugar rush abated than two visions of splendour came into view: Tuned In and Horny Woman had caught us up! Well what more excuse did the hashers need than to tuck right back into the sweets again and catch up with the news the new arrivals brought from the outside world.

We couldn't stand around for too long as not even the sun could keep the chill wind at bay so on we went back up the hill again. It was at this point that the hashers were beginning to wonder whether they had entered a war zone as gunshots could be overheard very close by indeed! Were we welcome, were we trespassing or would they think we were bright pink clay pigeons? Well into the trees we ducked for cover and glad to be away from those loud bangers.

On home we galloped ready to tuck into the food and drink provided by Dr. Jekyll. Fines were aplenty this week with no misdemeanour left - Twin Peaks is clearly no to be messed!

On on to the next hash 6 February 2011 - Mutters Moor car park, Woodpecker as hare. Woodpecker also invited the group to join him at the Bowd Inn (outside Sidmouth) for lunch. That pub was chosen as the road from Otterton will be closed so hashers will need to detour round Sidmouth to get to/from the trail.

23rd January - Warren CP, Woodbury Common - Tampa

2011-02-05T15:45:00.001Z

A cold morning greeted the pack as they slowly emerged from the warmth of their vehicles awaitng to arrival of our hare Tampa accompanied by his trusty dog Ben. Once the circle was formed we were informed of a hash virgin who was amongst us, Twin Peaks son-in-law introduced himself as Dan, that name won't last for too long. Tampa then explained the various bits to do with his trail, Oddbitz was asked to be Deputy Sheriff and what a splendid job we weree sure he would do.
Within minutes of setting off came the first of several long/shorts the first one splitting the pack in half. Baglady set the pace for the shorts so much so she was seen running back not because dropping something but because of a fish-hook., what shame ! However not to be out done Tail-Lamp also encountered this fish-hook, his first fish-hook since 2005 rumour has it, how come he managed to avoid them for so long ! Our virgin hasher Dan was led astray by mother in law Twin Peaks poor lad had to do a series of fish-hooks, has he now been put off hashing for life ! Once at the sweet stop the pack were involved in a "search and rescue" situation trying to find the sweets, I'm pleased to report that they were eventually found and devoured by the pack in record time. Two hashers in the shape of Tail-Lamp and Woodpecker decided to go on an un-authorised checking expedition whilst the pack were munching their sweets before being told to check it out by the hare, they were of course both fined. Once off the pack viewed new Warren terrain, Tampa's favourite place, most of us are convinced he would live there if he could. Anyway back to the plot, our first real venture into some new woodland appeared before us and very nice it was too, the longs venturing deeper into the wood for a short time whilst the shorts plodded on towards the general direction of car park from where we started an hour earlier skirting the edge of the same wood. The final leg of the hash involved a steep climb were our cunning hare had laid a series of fish-hooks, how cruel can hare be, see Tampa for details.
Once at the finish we all had the usual refreshments from the Spocky-mobile before fines were given via Oddbitz our deputy, Tail-Lamp was given the pink hand bag and matching pink "t" shirt for several sins on the hash by the previous handbag carrier Dr Jeykll. Woodpecker made an appeal for someone to help him lay his trail at Mutters Moor, can anyone help ?
Groucho asked anyone is prepared to sign the online "SAVE OUR FORESTS" petition as many currently owned by the Forestry Commission may be sold to private individuals or groups.
Next week the hash will start from Core Copse East Hill Strips Hare Slipshod

16th January - Newton Poppleford CP - FF + PP

2011-01-23T14:49:00.002Z

What a grey day today remarked Tail Lamp as we all waited for the bewitching hour of 11.00 hrs and as we gazed up to the heavens he was right, with Larks Vomit adding its not raining though.
Soon the hares FF and PP appeared in their hare-mobile, we, like all good packs, circled up and listened to our hares giving loads of information, one hasher, Blobhoblin, appeared to think there was going to be a written test following on from the info so he tried to hide at the back of the most orderly pack.
We set off with a pack of 19 putting on a good show as we headed down the high street to the first check whereupon the show ended and mayhem took over until at last the trail was found.
The route led us down a narrow footpath were X-bitz suddenly found the need to give us and Itsybitz a range of farmyard animal noises which, so I am informed, were very good, but she was still fined for being "all animal". What on earth was going on in the sherrifs head! Horny Woman was also pushing out the boat when she asked Groucho at one hash halt, how he was this morning where upon he started to cough, Horny stroked his chest, the cough disappeared and his chest suddenly started to expand, what powers Horny Woman has, some hashers were heard to remark.
We plodded on our merry way once more leaving the environs of Newton Poppleford behind us heading instead for what seemed to be the Devon Alps. Spockybitz had a burst of energy and left the rest of us standing, well walking/climbing to the next check where we encountered Spocky running towards us, he looked some what relieved and we all knew why, he was of course fined. Next came a long short split, those of us taking the short route choosing to walk except for one hasher, Tail Lamp, who elected to run. Oddbitz suggested that he was showing the rest of us "shorties" up and should be made to go back and join the longs, he too was of course fined.
The sweet stop was also greeted by rain, who may some comment about the weather at the beginning ? Once consumed with sweets on merry band of damp hashers moving along at various speeds in a forward direction I'm pleased to report.
Once the distant sight of Newton Poppleford could be seen the pace quicken except for one hasher, Doctor Jekyll who had a brief encounter with mud choosing to fall into it, what a sight, but there was only muttering and laughter at this fallen woman with little sympathy being shown. We manage to all find our way back to the CP where the usual refreshments where available fines given out plus the stories associated with and of course we all expressed our thanks to PP and FF for a great trail

9th January - Upton Pyne CP - Groucho + Blobhoblin

2011-01-11T15:00:00.000Z

Despite a clear and sunny day this was not to be one of Blobhoblin's starring appearances - was it sunstroke perhaps or just a vey heavy "night before"? His day did not start well: Groucho called Blobhoblin at 8.30 in the morning to check that he would be able to help with the hash to which Blobby replied: "Don't worry I'll be there at 8.30!". Heart afflutter Blobhoblin raced to meet Groucho at the car park only just remembering the sweets in hand. Added heart anxieties were then caused as Slipshod entered the car park nearly mowing Blobby down as he went for a vacant parking space. [There are some hashers who try and park their car in spaces that are already occupied. This is generally best avoided as the costs of car repair are not insignificant!]

Well as a mottley selection of 23 hashers circled up, bedazzled by a strange shining thing in the deep blue sky, we received our instructions for the coming trail: in flour (with a strange reddy/pink hue), one and on (clearly caused by Blobhoblin's absence - we can tell you know!) one long-short and first three on the fish-hooks to Blobhoblin. In the Sherrif's absence the previous Sherrif, Odd Bitz, agreed to step in and do the honours.

On to the first check we all enthusiastically raced eager to find the way of the cunning hare. Whether it was feminine intuition, spying or a recollection from previous hashes (no! surely not!) but Twin Peaks seemed to find the way from a backcheck some time before the backcheck was even reached by the leading hashers. Well follow that girl we did and lo and behold we found the trail as if by magic! On the road we galloped....well to call it a gallop is a bit of an exaggeration as there was much slippage and bits wobbling everywhere as the ice on the roads caused hash chaos, terror and fright.

Thence onto what we were told was a long-short split - was there any sign of such a split? Did it matter that 3/4 of the hashers had already proceeded on towards the long route? Our Mr Groucho did not seem too worried and allowed the injured and the lame to walk with him on the short route. The rest of the group however had no choice! On we had to dally with the ice whilst only occasionally getting to see fine houses and countryside around that part of the world. Mr Blobhoblin was enjoying the sights very much indeed, so much so he was nearly leading the field. This wouldn't normally have been a problem except that, as he was fourth behind the leader of the pack, the leaders did not have very far to come back when they came across a fish-hook! Once we had been able to recongregate at the re-group Woodpecker gave Blobhoblin a friendly word in his ear advising on generally accepted protocols for the hare ie not to lead!

Mr Blobhoblin was still in a dazed trance as we seemed to wait some time for the injured and the lame: Where were they? Were they coming at all? Where do we go from here? Is the answer 42? All we got from Mr Blobhoblin was "Well don't look at me - I didn't set the trail!". With such a feeble excuse the pack took it upon itself to continue on its merry way sniffing out the way towards the next regroup where apparently, we had it on good authority, the injured and the lame would be waiting. Were they there? Were they heck! Groucho had waited so long he took pity on them and sent them on ahead! Well on we trekked hunting the trails and shouting on on as we came across the reddy/pinky flour, past the little piggies (very sweet - I'm sure they wouldn't miss one for the barn dance!) before arriving,at last, at the band of the injured and the lame by now fast asleep they had been waiting so long (although it did seem to give the Sherrif a chance to take note and write up a long list of miscreants).

That marked the sweety stop - a good selection of liquorice allsorts and coconut chocolates before the hare called us to check out. Woodpecker was heard to say that he would eat his hat if it wasn't that way - of course it wasn't but he didn't have a hat to eat! Into the village of Langford we strolled and then on up past the hill on home a splendidly sunny hash with great Blobhoblin moments!

That marked the end of the days hash apart from the Sherriff dishing out the fines here there and everywhere. Spocky reminded us all that tickets for the barn dance are now officially for sale so get them quick while stocks last - there are only limited places.

On on to the next hash 16 January 2011 at Newton Poppleford village car park - PP and FF doing the honours (although PP did have to ask where the next week's hash was - and was duly fined!). On on........

2nd January 2011 - Bridge Farm, Stoke Canon - Groucho + Twin Peaks

2011-01-06T11:34:00.002Z

16 braves, including 3 lamed wastrels bemoaning winter colds and sneezes, appeared through the cold and the drizzle for this New Year's hash hosted by Groucho and the inimitable Ms Twin Peaks (quite a pair those two!). After circling up in a shivering and shuddering mass we were reminded of the new scoring system and received our instructions: laid in flour, 3 and on, 2 long-shorts and the first three whenever we were to come across a fish-hook.
Groucho pointed us to a nearby check but perhaps it was his old age that meant he had forgotten he had put the next check right by the entrance to the farm as we drove in - on, on that way then! Clearly not content with letting the drizzle chill us to the core, the hares decided we needed frosting even further and pushed us on through the river: first knee deep and then rather sneakily laid a false trail through a waist-high stretch of river - we do wonder whether Boots In Puss will ever be the same again!
On on towards the railway line we congregated for a regroup. Clearly we have another trainspotter as Spocky was seen to looking at and admiring the passing trains - his excuse was he was checking out but clearly Groucho's influence is showing through. On towards and through the shiggy and row upon row of assorted root vegetables we marched to much annoyance of Roo who seemed to take great pleasure in rounding up the mud-strewn hashers and streaking from one end of the group to the other. At the end of the shiggy field Spocky, Twin Peaks and Coffin demonstrated their train knowledge even further by discussing the various train lines, routes and junctions to London town: who'd have thought there was such knowledge in our hashing circle?
Thence onto the sweetie stop where the new scoring system is providing ample incentive to improve the quality of sustenance mid-way through our Sunday jaunts: chocolate buttons, jelly babies, fruit pastilles and the like - a fine spread indeed. After we were all amply filled with sugar we progressed our way back through the Exe (only ankle deep this time thank heavens) back towards the farm. Up the hill marched the longs only to have to march back down again to meets the shorts (neither up nor down) and cross the field. Maybe it was the sugar rush to the head, the herd instinct never to be alone or perhaps just a general inability to count but both Puss in Bootless and Coffin were seen doing the fish-hook after Spocky and Boots in Puss had already gone to the back of the class. A fine indeed for the two of them.
Back on home the farmer kindly supplied stiff hose and water to wash us all down swiftly followed by Spocky supplied beer, mince pies, crisps and hot chocolate. On the circle the sheriff, relying on his snitch spies as he was one of the lame wastrels, duly reprimanded the chief miscreants.
Groucho then gave us an update on the state of play with the Forestry Commission: he and Buzby will be meeting up with the Commission to see whether something can be worked out for all the hashes in the South-West. Thus the hash due to be held at Haldon next week has been changed to Upton Pyne village.
Spocky confirmed he had booked the hall and band for the 500th anniversary shin-dig on Saturday 19 March 2011 - dates for diaries everyone.
Tampa is looking for a hare on 6 February 2011 and after - any volunteers?
On on to 9 January 2011 at Upton Pyne Village car park with Groucho again performing the honours.

26th December - Joneys Cross - Spocky Bitz

2011-01-02T10:39:00.003Z

Well what a jolly (cold) lot we were braving temperatures of -10C (well it was -10 in Exeter) despite Spocky's protestations that it was really warm out there - but he had just laid the trail, so it was of no consolation to us standing around freezing our Odd Bitz off. Body temperatures suffered still further as a number of attempts at a hash flash delayed proceedings still further - first Freewheeler, then Odd Bitz and then Isosceles all wanted a picture of the vision of white loveliness (it certainly couldn't have been of the hashers).

The hare duly did his business and briefed us on the days order of play - one and on, fishhooks, long shorts with todays special treat being a trail laid in blue paint (an idea he had stolen from FF and PP). Anyway seemed to work a treat with only one lost hasher on the way (but more on that later).

On on was called down towards the woods and onto the first backcheck of the day. Must confess it wasn't too hard to find the trail...footprint evidence is a real giveaway in the snow! On we came to the first regroup - a spectacular viewpoint which the hare informed us was very pretty earlier on in the day when the sun was just rising - just a shame it was now overcast! Off the merry band hastened away and onto the first long-short split, the longs going round in a circle before catching up with the shorts. This circular motion was clearly too much for Woodpecker as he lost the trail and was only found several minutes later coming from completely the opposite direction.

The resulting regroup was time for sweeties and as if by magic there appeared a fine festive box of chocolate delights - all of them with rather cold hard centres. This time of relative idleness was clearly too much for some of the hashers as Radiohead thought it might be a good idea to start lobbing a few snowballs into the gathered crowd. A good snowball fight ensued - anything to keep that blood flowing!

The next section of the hash was clearly made for those of fine and stern stuff as the dry snow gave was to slippery, thawing, muddy ice the fishhooks giving those ahead a chance to experience the delights a second time. That gave way to the third regroup and the chance for another sweety intake although this time the hashers had clearly got the festive spirit well and truely into them with the snowballs flying very quickly indeed. The cold had clearly got to a couple of the hashers: Freewheeler, perhaps feeling left out of proceedings, going to the centre and shouting "I haven't had any yet!" closely followed by Up Yours: "Don't get me in the face - it really hurts!". The band of fine and upstanding hashers took pity on these two poor wastrels and duly obliged by focusing all their snow throwing talent at the duo and making sure they were well-covered in the white stuff. It really doesn't get any better than that does it?

Marshall Farts thought he would make someones day by shaking a tree so that the snow fell on the passing hashers. Only problem was that he hadn't figured that by shaking the tree the snow would fall on him instead! Poor Marshall (but well-deserved and 10 out of 10 for mischief making).

On on back towards home the hashers progressed, the snow by this time making it hard going. Twin Peaks, always up for a quote of the day was heard to mention: "Ooooh - I really needed that this morning!" with Slipshod responding: "Yes it was hard one wasn't it!". Fines for the both of them I think.

Other fines for the day included:

- Dr Jekyll for shortcutting (and foolishly admitting it right in front of the Sheriff);
- Marshall Farts for his heroic tree-shaking;
- Freewheeler and Up Yours for their desire to be covered in the white stuff;

Warmth followed with beer, mulled wine and mince pies courtesy of Spocky Bitz - thank you!

On on to the next hash: 2 January 2011 at Bridge Farm, Stoke Cannon, with our GM Groucho presiding. You get to Bridge Farm from the A396 out of Exeter and just before you cross the Exe coming into Stoke Cannon, turn right and then immediately left into the farm. Groucho tells me they have organic meat for sale there which the famrer will be more than happy to sell!

19th December - Imperial, Exeter - Groucho + Twin PeaksThe Christmas Hash

2010-12-23T15:06:00.003Z

A band of 30+ hashers arrived at The Imperial for the Christmas hash in a varied assortment of festive-ware braving the snow, ice and general mayhem on the roads. For some bizarre reason we circled up at the entrance to the pub - whether this was to be near the smells of wafting food and beer or to cause general bemusement to those who just wanted a pint remains a mystery! Anyhow we were given our instructions by the day's illustrious hares, Groucho and Twin Peaks, and told to follow the trail laid out in a beautiful shade of pink flour (or was that mauve or red or orange or ...)
On on out the pub, across the zebra crossing and round we went slipping and sliding as only truly graceful hashers can go. After Emerald falsely leading us astray into some woods (what have we said about that before children?) we found the trail once more leading us up a treacherously slippery slope. Clearly we were not the only ones who had some difficulty here - what looked like a rather mis-shapen large pink blob of flour was evidence of Groucho's calamitous fall as he laid the trail....well that's his story at least....my money's on the flour being spread following a flirtatious fling with Twin Peaks!
On to the long-short split where the merry band of hashers split up, some following the trail, others just making it up as they went along only to be given short shrift from the hare and told to follow the trail like everyone else. After the regroup we found the trail leading on through the university only to arrive at a joyous sweet stop a few moments later where we were treated to a truly scrumptious assortment.
Through the university we continued where another long-short split the hashers up once more - those longs going up the hill only to be treated to some well-placed fish-hooks....those hares do know how to make us work!
Rejoining close to the train station (he does like his trains does our Groucho!) the pack navigated its way on back home driven by a burning desire to reach the warm glow of food and drink.
There then followed the end-of-year prize-giving:

- Woodpecker award: Stat Nav
- Henpecker award: X-Bitz
- Junior hasher award: Itsy Bitz
- Bone of Contention: Fruity Bitz
- Best hash 2010: Spocky Bitz
- Sheriff's award: Up Yours

Of course we mustn't miss out Itsy Bitz's display of unreserved joy at winning the Junior hasher award...that girl has all the making of a truly great fashion model (where does she get that from?).
Spocky, Groucho and Tampa were also given a few bottles of beer (with thanks from Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde) for their endeavours in laying the greatest number of hashes over the year.

On on to the next hash - Boxing Day at Joney's Cross!

5th December - Haldon Belvedere - Wide Receiver

2010-12-19T16:25:00.003Z

The morning was frosty and icy as we gathered in the car park, some of us having already encountered black ice on the road there. Still, a number of hardy hashers turned up....ooooh, about 18 I think?
We were informed of many fish hooks to come and a sweetie stop, by the hare as well as giving us clear instruction to be careful as they were some very icy parts. Off we set heading towards Lawrence Castle itself only to have a quick regroup with hash flash at the very beautiful hash halt. Off we set again only to shortly after, have the first casualty of the day. Howling Wilf took a very hard tumble onto his backside, was he not listening to our hares warning earlier?
With a couple of short cuts for the walkers the trail headed off into the frost laden forest, with Itsy Bitz urging X Bitz to polish up her ice skating skills on the puddles. We then came to the next treacherous bit of the trail as we headed down hill on some very slippery slopes. With Wide Receiver keeping at the back to ensure we all got down there safely, it made some hard work for those FRB's doing the fish hooks. It was here PP was seen to make her excuses to get out of doing a fish hook, only to then be caught by the next one 100yds further down the track. Surely a misdemeanor worth fining?
As the trail headed in and out of the forest, the walkers stuck to the path meeting up together again at the sweetie stop. Well, Wide Receiver has been listening very carefully to the news that hashes are soon to be scored for the quality of sweets too and provided a great array of Haribo, allsorts, jelly babies and more!
Off we headed past the main car park back onto trail where the pack seemed to get split up. The trail threatened to head downhill so a few fairweather hashers, mentioning no names, (Tampa + Bush-Babie), decided to take themselves on a shortcut back to the car. Those of us hardy hashers, headed off down the hill winding our way back up past the 'Go Ape' centre. Lots more fish hooks followed as we made our way back to the car park where Spocky Bitz had very kindly laid on mulled wine and hot chocolate and I believe it was Twin Peaks who bought some mince pies.

28th November - AGM

2010-12-03T16:48:00.002Z

Several hashers attended the AGM at the Aylesbeare Inn after the hash, the following were agreed:

GM: Groucho
TREASURER: Spockybitz
BEER/GOODIES-MEISTER: Spockybitz
HARE-RAISER: Tampa
HARE SCORE MEISTER: Blobhoblin
SHERIFF: Stat-Nav
DEPUTY SHERIFF: Oddbitz
BLOG MEISTER: Tuned In
BLOG REPORTER: Slipshod plus others

There will be an Autumn Gathering 2011, venue to be confirmed.

There will also be a celebration upon reaching our 500th run in late March 2011.

Agreement to use Forestry Commission Land and pay fees to them when the need arises.

To have at least one mobile available on each hash in case of emergencies.

Sheriff fines monies to be used for the Christmas Do.

28th November - Joneys Cross - FF + PP

2010-12-03T15:57:00.002Z

FF and PP did the damage as trail layers today and what a trail it was, frost, water and mud, indeed a rich cocktail. The surprise was the number of die hard hashers that turned up, in total, my personal mole TwinPeaks, who is good at maths, claims she counted 41 hashers!
There was a mini fashion parade of winter clothing on view, coats, hats, scarves and of course gloves. The hares informed the pack that "it was one and on", after which statement several hashers were heard to mutter, got up late did they, the one and on is often the indicator of late getting up syndrome.
Next the hares, bless their cotton socks, sent is over the road and away from the car park into the Artic Tundra that stretched before us. First there was the ice, several hashers enjoying a short skate, I refer to hashers like Top Cat and Scarf Face to name but a few. Next came a series of water features, in this case featuring hashers like X-bitz, Blobhoblin, Fruitybitz and Groucho who chose various methods to cross these said features fearful of the frozen water below. I can report they made it with feet still dry.Soon came the mud, who would have expected mud within this frozen wildermess, even worse was the fact that a journey in the mud was unavoidable no matter how the pack tried to hop, jump or skip. Meandering movements were indeed noticed as the pack, down to a crawl, ambled on their merry way heading to the carrot, the sweet stop.
We all enjoyed a selection of sweets supplied by our hares, well done you two, whilst chattering in the middle of a forest about a range of topics. Soon we were on our way once more. The pack gradually picked up the pace, slightly faster than that of a snail with Oddbitz bring up the rear, knee problems was his excuse. We had a pleasing run for some distance before we reached what I called the Ditch of Death, a ditch that was not only steep, but laced with mud, plenty of mud, with an added bonus, cold water flowing by at the foot of the ditch. No one would would reveal how they got on, but I did notice several sheepish hashers on the far side of this ditch of death. Having crossed the ditch the next problem was finding the trail, as there was a great deal of frost around, eventually the flour laid trail was discovered. Once back at the car park Spockybitz, bless his cotton socks, produced hot drinks, both tea and coffee to go with the beer A very nice touch but I suspect that X-bitz also had something to do with it. Thanks also go to FF and PP for laying a great trail.

21st November - Joint hash with Taunton H3, Bowd Inn, Woodpecker

2010-11-28T09:48:00.001Z

Mr Woodpecker, todays hare certainly produced a hash to remember, combining with Taunton H3 to swell our numbers to over fifty+.Our hare informed us that today the hash will be a" normal hash" withno long/short splits no fish hooks and only two hash halts. Having explained the usual markings he sent the whole pack over the main A3052 road to our first check next to a farm track, most of the pack headed up the farm track only to be told by the farmer that we couldn't go via his land. In fact we, most of the pack, were indeed on -on the correct trail. After a couple of minutes our hare appeared by which time PP had looked fondly at the farmer and her fell for his charms, we were on our way, but not before Handsome had suggested that all the women line up behind PP. Woodpecker had spoken to a farmer via the telephone the only problem was it was in fact the wrong farmer.Once on our we all faced a climb up the Devon Alps, the was probably getting thinner as we climbed judging by the heavy breathing, several hashers grabbing hold of trees on which to get a little support. As we reached the summit some twenty minutes later we saw Coffin who had in fact been waiting at the wrong venue, she was awarded the pink handbag upon our return to the Bowd Inn. Once we had reached a hash halt the back markers in the pack took some deep intakes of oxygen before the hare instructed us to check it out. Several minutes passed by before we were finally on our way once more this time enjoying a view of Sidmouth from on high as well as taking the benefit of flat ground, although there was a degree of water and of course mud. The hash pace had now increased with Slipshod and Radiohead leading the charge, meanwhile Groucho, Stat-Nav, Gaga, Oddbitz to namebut a few were by now bringing up the rear, this was the theme until the sweet stop was reached. Once at the sweet stop the goodies were soon consumed where a great deal of hash chat occured before the hare called us to order in his sergent major manner. From his lips can those words "check it out " and so we all did, well half of us did. We continued though the forest until we came to a rather steep descend with a very slippy surface on mud and moss for good measure. As the pack made their way down the call of a badgers set was made, judging by its size Mr Badger must be a rather wealthy fellow, the hole was enormous and what a view this badger had. Once down the hill the run was a lot easier and within fifteen minutes or so the sight of the finish could be spotted. In the car park several down downs were taken by members of the pac who had strayed from the straight and sometimes very narrow. A collection was made for Children in Need, which raised £77.00 ,thanks to all those who contributed, a cheque be sent off via Spockbitz
Also thanks Woodpecker and Son for a good trail, plenty of flour used and markings were very clear.
Four reminders this week, first next week's hash is from Joneys Cross CP just off A3052 near Newton Poppleford with FF and PP doing the honours. Secondly the AGM will be held at the Aylesbeare Inn after the hash next week, any shields/trophy winners need to return them asp and lastly any more hash T shirts/sweat need to be ordered by Sunday 28 November

14th November - Pine Ridge CP - Spocky Bitz

2010-11-20T12:40:00.000Z

Will is this a first, a hare laying a trail on a bike, then following the pack on a bike,well Spockybitz achieved this honour for todays hash. He supplied loads of slippy banks, large pudddles, generally wet sums it up.Twenty-five galliant hashers still turned up even though the r ain was raining and the wind was windy, they must be mad ! The start of the hash was more like a hop,slip and jump course due to the state of the terrain it was a case how long until your trainers are full of water. The hare had put in two long/short splits the first of which was rather challenging so Twin Peaks informed me who took a good five minutes to recover, how quiet she was, most unusual, however once she got her second wind things returned to normal.Stat-Nav also had the signs of this "challenging "long, he looked like he had suffered a period of time in a turish bath, he was covered in sweat.Radiohead was fit for purpose today carrying Radio Gaga on his back although he did occasionally burst into a trot with Gaga bouncing up and down inside her water proof carrier. The sweets were eaten quickly today by part hunger part cold and wet surrroundings. Half way round the trail Groucho revealed that he had forgotten to bring/carry the pink hand bag, he was of course fined, and in told that he must carry the said handd bag next week. Very soon after the sweet stop, a dog, who will remain unnamed it is rumoured , took out Tuned-In and another hasher with both ending up on the ground having landed in dramatic style, with a cushion of soft mud to break their fall. As the pack continued on their on their muddy way in the distance could be hear the sound of a Gaga making un-Gaga like noises, but she was not on the trail, she was taking Radiohead and Tuned-In or was it the other way round ! Up the road and back to the car park,and into the car, a wise decision. Once we hadd all arrived back in the car park the decision to cancel the AGM was made due Itsy-Bitz had ch ickpox and that Groucho's son T mouse was home for the weekend before he goes off to Australia. Thanks for laying the trail Spocky, I Groucho can't remember whether I thanked you in the circle.The AGM will now take place on Sunday 28 November after the hash, venuee for AGM revealed on Sunday 21 November after hash at the Bowd Inn near Sidmouth on A3052 road(joint hash with Taunton H3)

7th November - Haldon Belvedere - Stat Nav

2010-11-09T14:40:00.001Z

Cars start filling up the rather small car park and new hashers arriving check to see who they can block in, and which cars belong to "normal people" and therefore need to be able to get out. We are, infact, honoured that the hare was there at all, as he had been planning to set from the wrong car park (the one that costs £2 for the privilege of a bit of tarmac) until a chance remark to Tuned-In had him scuttling around to change the route to fit in with the correct, advertised car park. New rules set by the Rangers mean that we are supposed to pay a levy if there is an organised group of more than 15 using the forest, so instructions were given to split up, look inconspicuous and claim we were ramblers, if questioned at all en-route. Also a Long Short split was cunningly planned for just before the aforementioned car park so we wouldn't all go through together, and no calling please! This was to prove problematic later, but more of that later.
Off we went into the woods up the long forest track. Spocky easily taking the lead as he had the benefit of wheels today, following the hash on his bike, with Itzy Bitz directing from the rear. Some excuse about blisters after a tiny little stroll on Dartmoor last weekend, or something like that! A small detour up a little gunnel covered with slippery cut branches, only to come straight back down to the main track again. Cannily the knitting circle managed to avoid this and remained on the track throughout. On a bit further to the first Long Short split. Dobby mistook the direction of the arrow and was disappearing off in the wrong direction until called back. The intrepid longs then went down through the scrub until we came out on a lovely biking track. Two kind bikers let us go first (not sure that was a good idea - surely wheels are faster than legs?) and off we went - getting a little strung out by here, the faster longs disappearing in the distance and the slower ones plodding along. I made it to the dodgy car park area with no-one in sight either in front or behind. I couldn't call as that would draw attention to myself, and there wasn't an awful lot of flour around for obvious reasons. I eventually chanced upon the right track and caught up with Stat Nav who was gallantly bringing up the rear. PP and FF are still to come, but where were they. Stat Nav decides to go back to find them. This might prove a little slow, however, as Stat Nav was walking carrying Radio Ga Ga in her sleek transportation device.
On a bit further and a check seemed to be catching the front runners out. A lot of loitering was going on, Up Yours claiming that she thought it was a hash halt as the dog had been sitting in the middle of the check! Fruity finally found the on down a tiny watery track and around the fence line - the first bit of shiggy on this hash. At least this gave time for PP and FF to catch up, they also had been going round and round the car park trying to look inconspicuous!
Then, hooray! It was the sweetie stop. To get to this sweetie stop, there was a small ditch to cross. This proved interesting on the bike, didn't it Spocky! Who promptly fell off and deposited Itzy Bitz in the mud! Perhaps two wheels aren't better than two legs afterall? Another long short split after the re-group - only 4 souls attempted this, Dobby and Paperwork again way out in front up the hill, with myself (Sorepoint) plodding along behind, then being overtaken extremely quickly by Wide Receiver who had got a burst of energy by passing off Free-Rider to FF for a while. I eventually re-joined the trail with Stat Nav waiting for me, ably doing his sheepdog impersonation and rounding up all the stragglers. On to the viewpoint then on back to the car park. Unfortunately this is where Stat Nav realised that his sheepdogging had failed, as he'd lost Millie and was despatched by Tuned In to go and find her. Isosolese produced bags and bags of windfall apples to share, which made Up Yours very happy indeed and meant she could stay married for another year! Turns out that she had a pre-nuptial agreement with Slip Shod which simply stated she had to make him apple pie for the rest of his life, and in return he would stay married to her! We have yet to find out what he has to do in return??
The squircle was called and fines were duly given out. Can't remember them all, but they included Bag Lady for bad map reading and being unable to find the car park, Spocky for using nerd names for his daughter on the hash (I HOPE he didn't!) and Paperwork for insulting normal people. It turns out someone had admired his Black Death Tshirt around the route, and thinking of being generous he asked which of 3 girls had spoken, as it was a small T shirt and only one of the 3 looked like sylph like enough. When being told it was one of the larger ladies mouth got started without brain being engaged and he blurted - "it won't fit you!" and ran off. (This is not the first time he has made this sort of gaffe - is it Chesty/Jenny??)(No and it hasn't been forgotten, or forgiven either!!! - ED) Luckily he was able to make some sort of amends when meeting the girls again later, he did in fact strip off his Tshirt and present it to them. Why they would want a sweaty Tshirt is anyone's guess.
Most hashers then wended their way onwards for their Sunday amusement. Except for Isosolese, who had sustained a puncture and had to stay and change his wheel. Thanks to Stat Nav, Groucho and I think a couple of others for helping a damsel in distress!

OnOn to the AGM next week. Pines Ridge Car Park for the trail, then on back to the Bitz residence for AGM. Please all bring a bit of something to eat.

31st October - Keepers Cottage - Groucho + Twin Peaks

2010-11-06T16:20:00.002Z

Well before the hash had even started it was like a mudbath as we all tried to park our cars in the bogginess. Poor Groucho and Twin Peaks had been laying the hash in the earlier downpours.Tuned In was greeted with much more enthusiasm than usual, ah yes, that was because in The Bitz' absence she had brought the beer.
We had some visitors from Kirton hash, unfortunately the only name I remember was Dense.....no sorry, it was Dents! They also brought with them a couple of hash hounds.
After calling the rabble to order, Groucho gave us all the usual info and sent us on our way. The Kirton hashers, clearly not familiar with a C of E hash, let alone a Groucho one, set off at a rate of knots, promptly coming accross a back check. One Tuned In had found the trail and called it (yes I know.....a miracle) they all followed only to run straight into the first of many fish hooks.
After more of the same we started our descent, and kept going down hill further and further. There was some confusion here, blamed on Groucho by Twin Peaks for trying to lay the hash backwards!!!!! We missed a long short split and a lot of flour in between then an impromptu hash halt was called whilst everyone caught up.
On down a bit further where we found the first SST, sweet stop treat, this didn't go down very well as the treat was actually a trick! On down a bit further and the first casualty of the day where Tuned In promptly fell on her arse. On the long short split Stat Nav and Tuned In were following the co-hare who also wasn't sure where we were going but very kindly helped Tuned In accross the river. She also offered Stat Nav her hand then as he reached for it promptly took it away and pushed him in! That'll be a fine then.
Once we all met up it was on on to the sweetie stop, a real one this time. Groucho had even laid on games for us. Eat the donut off the plate without using your hands. Some managed this more easily than others and some of those posh folk even required a napkin after (are these REALLY hashers???). There were also all manor of halloween themed sweeties as well which were polished off before we set off on the uphill slog.
Heres where Scarf Face did her first acrobatics, over a tree root. Groucho wasn't long after and also tried to launch himself into orbit before Scarf Face did it again. I reckon he must've laced those jam donuts with something.
At the next regroup one of our visitors from Kirton hash was heard to be quizzing Groucho on his trail laying technique (does he have one???), it went along the lines of "What do you use to lay your trails then, a map? GPS?" To which the response of the rest of us was "nothing, that's why the hare doesn't even know where we are or where we're going!" Never mind Groucho, he obviously thought you were joking when you kept saying you didn't know where we were or where you'd been!
He did however manage to navigate us back to the the car park, not before we'd had to walk through inches of mud and water. Miraculously though the hares had managed to keep the rain away for the duration of the hash.
Stat Nav as deputy Sheriff handed out the fines, mostly to Groucho but Twin Peaks got one for trying to drown Stat Nav!
On on to next weeks hash which contrary to what the hare thinks(!!) is at Haldon Belvedere, parking at the bottom of the driveway to Haldon Belvedere.

24th October - Brains Birthday Hash, Clyst St Mary - Tampa

2010-10-28T20:44:00.002+01:00

Well this was indeed Brains birthday hash and what a fan base of hashers she appears to have. The rumour mill informs me it was over fifty, whats going on ! Anyway Brains other half, the one and only Tampa, laid the trail or was it a trial before us eager hashers. However our hare then realised that the size of todays pack out stripped the supply of sweets at the "sweetie stop", so as if by magic Brains was sent off to increase supplies.
We were off to a great start with a long/ short split the shorts seeing the longs within minutes, only difference being that at least ten hashers took a non trail short cut known as a short short I believe. They crossed a main road and not via a footbridge but our trusty sheriff had them in his sights, they were of course fined. We then thread our way through Clyst St Mary towards open countryside, where upon hashers were actively encouraged to get their leg over, in this case over a wall to gain access on to a footpath. There a large number of hashers using a vatiety of methods to achieve this leg over exercise. I am pleased to report that everyone made it although several hashers chose a different section of wall to gain what best be described as a lower leg over, see Fruity-Bitz or Baglady for more info. Now we were on flat grassy land the pack now spread out yet some where some how our hare, Tampa, in case you have forgotten had laid a cunning series of back arrows resulting in several groups of five returning to the back of the pack, most encouraging for us back markers. The sweet stop came after about half an hour of hashing, in the hamlet of Sowton, some of the locals passing by looked a little confused to see such a large number of odd people, the pack, all busy munching sweets, not a pretty sight. From the sweet stop came another long/split the longs heading for Somerset I think, it was ages till they were spotted once more. Emerald got the shorts confused in a small wooded area, most unusual for her with her orienteering skills, but she put us on the straight and at times very narrow. Boot led the longs as usual where that boy gets his energy from we don't know but we all what some. Woodpecker did his rear guard pace making sure he was last and bless his cotton socks he was, he did all the longs and Mrs Woodpecker should be very proud of him. Once back at base the fines were collected and happy birthday was sung by the "cats chorus" and then we all went home, some for a long long snooze, especially Stat-Nav who rumour has it watched the rugby at 17.15 Saturday yet got to bed at 04.00 Sunday, some rugby match !

Next hash on Sunday 31 October at Keepers Cottage Newton St Cyres, from Exeter take
A377 towards Crediton at Newton St Cyres school turn left stay on lane for about two miles until you reach log area at a dead end.

17th October - Uphams Plantation - Stat Nav

2010-10-23T19:31:00.003+01:00

Well it was 11o'clock and the hashers were ready to circle up. But where was the hare?
Radiohead - the original hare was in London - hare duties hand been handed over to Stat Nav. But where was he? In the nick of time he appeared. Apparently, he had got lost on his own hash....why do they call him Stat Nav?
Anyway, circle over it was On On to the first check. A little bit of confusion later, well cunning back check, and it was On On through the woods. Soon the hash came upon the first long - short split.
The longs went racing off but the majority of people decided to undertake the shorts. The hare followed the shorts but went back to ensure the longs were on trail..."who's behind Spocky?" asked the hare. Dr Jeckyl and Woodpecker he replied. So the hare went back...and found Woodpecker...but where was Dr Jeckyl?
"Don't worry about me" said Woodpecker. So Stat-nav ran on. On until he caught up with everyone else. Luckily, the carefully placed re-group brought us all back together. But it also meant the Hare could see how many hashers had been lost so far. Well it didn't take long to identify that a couple of hashers were missing in action.
Woodpecker....ok the hare had gone back to find him......and...Dr Jeckyl...she was missing! A worried Stat-Nav asked the group when they last saw here. "You've lost my best friend!" exclaimed Up Yours. Martial farts did not seem quite so concerned..."where's the dog?" he asked? Thankfully this was no reference to his Mum...but the four legged family member.
Just as Stat-Nav was turning pale, Dr Jeckyl appeared...On On, and on to the mud pools of the commando challenge. The hare, still concerned about Woodpecker, was quite surprised to see our senior hasher ahead of the group a few minutes later. Cunning fellow that Woodpecker.
Up the hill to the sweet stop.
After the sweet stop, the hash encountered a cunning back check before going down hill, then up to a Long - short split. "how far is it?" asked Dr Jeckyl. "Well, I am laying it on behalf of Radiohead" said the hare. This did reduce the numbers on the longs but it has to be said it was a good run. The weather was perfect and from the top of the hill the hashers could see Portland Island. What a clear day!
Soon it was on back to the car park, beers and nuts, and fines! Birthday songs were given to Flour Power, Groucho and Twin Peaks. Next week, we meet at Clyst St Mary...Tampa's hash....Brains birthday!

On On!

10th October - Bellever, Dartmoor - Chip Shop

2010-10-23T11:19:00.003+01:00

After the fun and frolics of the hash weekend, those of us from Pixies Holt set off to the hash venue where we met up with the others that had come for the day. In true hash fashion things started off in a confusing manner as cars were all coming back out of the original car park as it was pay and display and reconvening just inside Bellever Park.
Unfortunately Chip Shop hadn't been blessed with the weather and it was very foggy. We circled up and set off down towards the river where we promptly all got totally lost and confused eventually finding the on on back up the hill. Those silly FRB's got caught up with the first fish hook of the day and had to come back down the hill again.
At the top we had a regroup then set off again down to the scene of our first ever hash weekend. Shortly after this the hare was heard to whisper, "I won't be very popular in a minute", as we all headed up a very steep hill. 3 fish hooks later we reached the top!!! The view, had it not been so foggy, would've been beautiful, however, it was foggy, so the view wasn't beautiful! But we stopped for some sweets then set off in different directions as the words 'runners long' made most of us promptly head 'short'.
The rest of the trail was a fairly civilised stroll along the track heading back down to the car park eventually. After the hash circle, the leftover goodies from the hash weekend were handed out then most of us headed of into the pub for some lunch where the fines were handed out.

3rd October - St Loyes, Exeter - Blobhoblin and Tail Lamp

2010-10-23T10:49:00.003+01:00

Salmon Pool Lane was the venue and no fewer than 20+ turned out even though the weather several hours earlier was very wet and wild. As luck would have it our hares, Blobhoblin and Tail Lamp, had influence with the weather and it didn't rain for the whole of the hash.
When we finally got under way confusion reigned as the pack reminded me of a block of butter, well spread. Eventually the hares had had enough of the chaos that they were witness to and guided us all on the straight and narrow for about 50 metres. A long short split soon appeared the longs almost running around the perimeter of a football pitch.
With the pack back together things were straight forward for about two minutes, when we noticed that two of the pack had suddenly disappeared, then rustling was heard coming from some bushes and out emerged Sore Point. Sore Point then gave us a story of food in Tunisia from where she had just returned, work out the rest.
Next we came to a golf course where again the pack were seen to wander all over the places, hares to the rescue once again. Having left the golf course behind us we came to a small foot bridge where a photo opportunity was taken.
Whilst on this bridge Blobhoblin informed the pack that we could have not used the bridge if the stream wasn't so swollen, he did a good risk assessment and considered elf and safety.
We all faced the climb up to the summit of Ludwell Hill, known by many as Cardic Hill. From the summit we witnessed the view that was City of Exeter in all its splendour where we all munched on a very fine selection of confectionery.
From the peak we were offered a long short split, most of the pack choosing the latter. Now we enjoyed the downhill bits mixed with flat terrain. However to our surprise we re-visited the golf course then came a grave yard, what was the hare trying to say?
Finally we were home to a nice beer/refreshment stop. Stat-Nav was the acting Sherrif, and did his job with his usual sense of humour.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR THIS WEEKS HASH!!!!!

2010-09-29T19:56:00.000+01:00

St Loyes have closed off the car park at the rear and so I suggest we meet at Duckes Marshes which is at end of Salmon Pool Lane.
From Countess Wear turn left after Barrack Rd lights. Salmon Pool Lane is opposite Buckerall Lodge. At end of Salmon Pool lane turn left down narrow lane signposted Playing Fields. On road parking on single yellow line( does not apply at weekend.)

Broadclyst Village Hall - Isosceles - 26th September 2010

2010-09-28T21:22:00.003+01:00

Sunday morning and we all gathered for the Hares' second ever trail at another new location for the City of Exeter Hash. Broadclyst! So new infact some of us had to stop and ask for directions on the way....others meanwhile were observed pulling into the car park and asking some locals sat on the wall for directions...well done Wide Receiver! (Excelled only by the fact he then drove a full 5 yards and parked up in a non-parking space when there were plenty free around the car park!).

Still this wasn't the only event to occur whilst we gathered for the hash circle. FF broke the circle to say hello to long lost friends and then bombing around the corner came Up Yours. Now this really did test the resolve of the hash circle...do we stay in circle whilst she drives towards us or run for cover? Luckily she pulled up a few yards short and jumped from the car to inform us that she was not here for the hash but was on her way to a craft fair. Her appearance was only to return the Hares T-shirts...very nice to see you Up Yours!

Then more friends appeared, on foot, this time saying hello to Up Yours and Dr Jeckyl who also broke the hash circle! Tut, Tut!

Then it was over to the hare....and an inpromptu history lesson...come on, wake up Spocky!

History lesson over it was on to what we all came here for...running! Well when I say running...

Around the corner and straight into a long - short split. The observant longs ran past the dots indicating the trail went down the lane to the right, but after a few confused looks at each other they were soon on their way again. Across the road, onto the footpath and this unholy lot were soon running through the grounds of the village church. On a Sunday morning as well, whatever next!

They soon caught up with the shorts and continued the trail through the fields. Laying in wait in the field was a fish-hook. Not that you would have guessed as the first hashers ran straight through it. Stat-Nav the only one stupid enough to return to the hare and remind him that he had forgotten to say at the beginning how many hashers should complete the fish-hooks.

At the re-group we were warned by the hare that the next long-short split would take the longs on a really long run. The hare wasn't wrong, it was long...but it would be even longer if you went the wrong way and got lost? Well done Spocky and EJ, hope you enjoyed the extra distance.

After the sweet stop it was on down the lane and at the check a left turn passed some houses and onto the footpath. "On On" called Stat-Nav.

At the next check, Stat-Nav advised FF that he was taking what looked like the obvious direction. After 20yards a voice was heard bellowing at him from the bushes, "where are you going? This is my land!". Stat-Nav returned sheepishly to the check, and started checking out again. Concerned that he thought he had heard the clicking of a shotgun Stat-Nav called back to the farmer; "Which way does the footpath go?". "That way" pointed the farmer....and off went Stat-Nav....rather quickly! On On, although in Stat's mind he only had to outrun Groucho to avoid being shot!

Onto another long-short split and some more very scenic running. At the next re-group the hare advised that he had given the walkers a shor cut. It wasn't long now before the tour of Broadclyst was complete and we were back to the car park for the circle, beer, nuts and fines.

But the afternoon didn't finish there. It was On back to Isosceles house for a cream tea in the lovely autumn sun. A very nice touch Isosceles, very generous of you! The arguement continues though; cream on top of jam or cream then jam? The hashers also enjoyed a tour of the grounds (almost as far as the hash itself) before the host announced a tennis challenge to all comers! Go X-Bitz!

A lovely trail Isosceles, thank you very much....although laying parts of the trail by car has been put on record!

A reminder to everyone that the Autumn Gathering is the weekend after next. Buffet food for the Friday night - please give details to Spocky of what you are bringing. And remember it's 70's night fancy dress on the Saturday night. On On.

Ashclyst Forrest - 19th Sept 2010 - Sorepoint & Paperwork

2010-09-21T22:03:00.002+01:00

It started like any other City of Exeter Hash....except I don't think anyone was late! However, the Hares were not wearing the customary orange T-shirts....apparently they are running scarce. Although I believe Up Yours has got so many she is thinking of going to a car boot sale some time soon!

The usual instructions were issued by the hares; laid on the right (when Paperwork remembered), sweet stop, fish-hooks and we were told it was approximately 4.25miles long. We were told to check it out and hashers were seen running in all directions (ok - when i say running you know what I mean!!). Every which way but...the right one! When you look at the City of Exeter Hash attendees it is quite surprising that it has taken so long for this most noteable first to be achieved....we needed help from the hares just to get out of the car park!!

But once pointed in the right direction by Sorepoint it was across the road and On On! Dr Jeckyl taking up the role of an earlier front runner before Stat-Nav overtook her. No great surprise that a few seconds later the hash were lost again! Stat-Nav blaiming a kicked out back check - whatever! Sorepoint was soon on hand to point the hash in the right direction again and away we went.

After getting totally dis-orientated the hash was lead back across the road and down the hill. Down through the under-growth and Groucho was advised to mind the tree route. "What tree root?" said Groucho as he promptly caught his foot in the aformentioned root! We have missed you Groucho!

A little bit further on and the hash encountered their 2nd fish hook. It was noticed that Lilo-Lil avoided both the 1st and 2nd fish-hooks by arriving just outside the first 4. Welcome to the City of Exeter hash Lilo-Lil but was this beginners luck or an eye of experience avoiding the fish-hooks?

Not much further and we found the sweet stop. Mixed reviews were heard about the sweets....haribos are nice...liquorice is nice...but haribos liquorice, just don't do it. The left overs were thrown on the ground but even the dogs weren't interested in the haribo liquorice!!

After the sweet stop we twisted and turned our way around the forrest paths. Spocky was now talking his turn carrying Itzy, but this didn't stop him taking up the lead. He was just overtaken by Stat-Nav at the next check yet somehow convinced Stat-Nav to check out the least obvious route. A minute later and On On was called...by Spocky from the obvious direction! Stat-Nav you fool!

In sight of the car park now but the hares had another trick up their sleeves. Back into the woods and JY Kelly is calling out On On! Out the other side of the woods and we found the bit of road the hares promised us at the beginning. This lead us all the way back to the car park and a well earnt beer.

And in the circle Spocky pointed out for the record that the hash was 4.25miles long...can you please be more accurate next time Paperwork!

A very good hash Paperwork & Sorepoint - enjoy your holiday in Tunisa and we'll see you both again at the Autumn Gathering.

Peak Hill, Sidmouth. Sun 12 September 2010. Dr Jekyll & Chip Shop

2010-09-15T15:25:00.002+01:00

Well what a lovely sunny day remarked many hashers as they arrived in the car park, in fact 28 turned up today to form the pack. Our hares Slipshod and Doctor Jekyll were biting at the bit to get started, except neither really wanted to explain what havoc they had caused or were about to cause. Stat-Nav arrived very very late claiming he had been delayed due to going shopping, he was of course fined, as was Groucho for wearing sandals just before we set off. We set off at a blistering pace for the first fifty metres then came the first check. FF,Cathusalem and Groucho found the trail except it apparently was the wrong one, it was the trail but further on, we were fined, we all blamed each other but the pack still fined each any everyone of us. There were three long/shorts splits which helped the old,ill,lazy and slow hashers amongst the gathered throng of which there were several. Exbitz and Puss-in-Bootless were heard talking about something technical as we all zoomed on our way, until the not so technical Bootless managed a very untechnical slide on her bum as she attempted to thread her way down a muddy slope. The hares also decided to lay on some view point stopped, but whilst the pack gazed at one of these view points there was a sudden movement coming from the bushes behind us.Whats that one hasher remarked taking a step back, are there boars here another inquired taking two steps back ! In fact what emerged from the bushes was PP who as her name suggests had had one, she was of course fined for contaminating the environment I believe.Eventually we reached the sweet stop where Slipshod invited us to search for several packs of sweets whilst he sat on a gate watching the chaos beneath him.The trail levelled out after the sweet stop as the pace quickened if thats possible with this pack, but our hares soon put a stop to that with a series of fish hooks, in fact at one stage both hares were at the front, who do we run too ! Suddenly Doctor Jekyll realised that she was meant to be at the back, most strange seeing a hare doing their own fish hook.
Back at the car park Stat-Nav our acting sheriff was ruthless in dishing out the fines whilst Spocky held out his hand to grab the flow of ten pences.Well done hares its on-on to Forest Gate CP Ashclyst Forest, near Broadclyst next week.

5th September - Squabmoor Reservoir CP - Woodpecker

2010-09-06T08:58:00.001+01:00

The car park was fast filling up, but no-one bothered to leave a space for Up Yours, as she so rarely turns up anyway, and what with Chip Shop cycling 1000 miles just to be at her door today, there seemed no point at all really! Free Rider was seen to be wearing her shoes on the wrong feet, perhaps she fancies herself as a ballet dancer and was practicing her turned out feet? Blobby thanked everyone for replying to his e-mails and invited anyone else who wants to score to drop him a line! Is this some sort of new dating site we should know about?
Woodpecker, covered from head to toe in flour as it had been raining when he set the hash, gave us a few wise words and sent us on our way over the road and onto the heath. Lots of backwards and forwards, up and down, shiggy, gorse, brambles and all the usual hashing hazards. PP and FF had to leave us rather suddenly when PP's knee gave out on her. Hope you feel better soon PP.
Woodpecker had, in usual fashion, declined to lay a long/short split, but designed to keep the pack together by putting in the world record amount of fishhooks. These caught out lots of unusual characters, including Emerald who usually refuses to do a fishhook, and Jeronimo got caught out twice! Spocky and Wide Receiver were very crafty in letting Paul pass them on the boardwalk, only to send him back on a fishhook. They thought this was very funny, but not as funny as them getting caught at the next fishhook themselves! Justice is served. This was also Jet Ski's very first fishhook. The first of many as he grows up I'm sure!
On through the woods we went until we came upon a large out break of parasol mushrooms. We all stopped for a look, and after Sorepoint and Paperwork assuring everyone they were perfectly edible, Fruity and Puss in Bootless decided they'd take some home for tea! This sparked a rash of comments "Fruity has a lovey pair, but Puss's are a bit smaller" being the more printable versions. Bell Toll was also heard to like taking it slowly, a sentiment that Horny Woman was only too pleased to endorse!
On we came to the regroup overlooking the quarry site, full of water and lots of bird life to watch while we waited for the walkers to catch up. Only 2 bags of sweets today, licorice allsorts and mint imperials. Mint imperials really do go a long way though and all too soon it was time to set off again. Howling Wilf protesting that he couldn't possibly run as he was still sucking too hard balls! Not far through the woods, and On Home was sighted.
In the absence of the Sherrif (jetting off to Italy or something) and the Deputy Sherrif (No contact made - hope he has a very good excuse or at least a note from his mother!) we decided to abandon fines today. Obviously everyone was extremely well behaved and there were no misdemeaners to report anyway!
Woodpecker was heard to ask if Paul was local? How local does the other side of the world sound? Wilf asked Horny what finishing school she went to - obviously questionning her ladyship - to which the reply was "Toxteth" of course!
Horny Woman presented the Pink Handbag to Boots for looking lovely in a matching pink Tshirt and then announced she had to leave to go and save lives - however, she had left her keys in the pink handbag so couldn't go anywhere until she grovelled to Boots to give them back. I think he was weighing up whether her car would have been a better bet than his own.
A thoroughly good trail, thank you Woodpecker, and also thankfully only 3.5 miles, since Spocky, Fruity, Paperwork and myself had completed an extra extra long A-B yesterday.

29th August - The Kings Arms, Otterton - Spocky Bitz

2010-09-04T09:21:00.003+01:00

It was nice to see a lesser used venue for the trail today. We all gathered opposite the pub in the sunshine......no wait, it was a bank holiday weekend, the cloud.
We had some hash virgins today, Ray and his daughter Louisa and Horny Womans bit of stuff all the way from Oz, Paul! Needless to say the merciless piss taking started immediately, well, we had another 'visitor', Radiohead, who saw it as his duty to ensure Paul intentions to our very own Horny Woman were entirely honourable. (I'm not sure we ever established that they were????)
After welcoming our visitors and virgins, Spocky assured us of a lovely, dry trail that had taken him approximately 1 hour to lay as he got up very late, therefore it was only one and on. We set off in our various directions, most of us heading off in the wrong direction.
On up the hill we were called with the walkers actually not at the back for once. Radiohead began his interrogation of Paul while Bell Toll and Tuned In eagerly listened on. It did appear though that Pauls answer to all questions Australian was, sharks, snakes and spiders. That covered most of it!
Onto a long, shor split where the shorts were taken up a really steep hill to meet the longs at the top. Then on to a check where PP and Bell Toll were noted loitering and FF shot off in the wrong direction with Twin Peaks finally calling on on.
This led us to a few confused looking hashers as someone had kicked out the next check so the FRB's had shot off the wrong way.....shame.
Once the hare had shown us the way, the walkers ended up reaching the next fish hook before the runners had a chance to catch us up! Fortunately the hare had very kindly placed himself right behind us.......the easiest fish hook I ever had to do!
As the runners caught up and duly overtook us we got to another long, short split where more of our marks had been kicked out so the longs got a little lost for a while.
The shorts all waited at the regroup as a 'real' runner came past with Ring Piece and No.2 both breaking into a bit of a trot to follow him, he certainly hadn't fallen out of the ugly tree! Horny Woman for once didn't pass comment! Was she being a little shy today???
Once we were all back together we were shown on on with a dry alternative pointed in the other direction. The wet on on took them steeply down the bank into the river Otter. For those who took the dry option, we headed across the bridge and enjoyed watching them walk down the river. At this point there was some concern that we had managed to lose Ray and Louisa, the hare however assured us they were with Isosceles, who also was nowhere to be seen, but at least they were lost together! Once all the wet hashers emerged from the river we set off on another long, short split ending up at the sweetie stop where a great selection of sweets emerged.
On On then with the trail going back through the river and the rest of us just followed the path back to the main road, meeting up with the wet hashers as they came out of the side road to meet us.
We had a hash circle on The Green with Odd Bitz fining the usual suspects and as if to prove my point about Horny Woman being on her best behaviour, I don't think she got a single fine this week.....almost unheard of! Despite it being Spockys Birthday Hash, I'm ashamed to say we failed to sing him an terrible rendition of Happy Birthday! Apologies for sparing your ear drums Spocky. Due to the weather we had a quick vote who still fancied a picnic by the river and we voted yes so quite a few of us did just that.
Well done Spocky and hope you had a lovely birthday.
On On to Squabmoor Reservoir CP next week.

Feniton Village Hall Car Park - 22nd August

2010-08-28T10:27:00.003+01:00

It is always nice when the Hash goes somewhere different and so the pressure was on our Hares for the day, Slip Shod (aka Chip Shop) and Pony Wire. They also advised us that there was food on offer once we finished back at the family home and also introduced us to someone called Up Yours....anyone remember her? (That just leaves Radiohead and Chad still missing in action!!).
Anyway, Up Yours clearly had not been hashing for awhile as she proceeded to give the deputy sheriff 3 or 4 feeble excuses for not hashing for so long and promptly earnt the first 10p fine of the day.
Just before we got started there was time for a quick pee.....in the interests of Health & Safety may I take this opportunity to remind any Hariets that if they intend to squat...preferably avoid doing it over neetles!! Hope you've recovered Tit-Bitz!!
And we were off....confusion at the start and both directions encountered crosses. However it wasn't long before our returning hasher 'Up Yours' found the footpath. I think she may have inside knowledge! And so the hash followed straight into an uphill path. A check was at the top and the hash was lead through the fields taking in some fantastic views of the surrounding countryside.
Stat-Nav was now up front calling the hash on, he followed the trail downhill and fond a footpath that lead under the A30 road bridge. Here Stat-Nav stood in front of the back check sign giving just enough time for all the usual suspects to get to the bottom of the hill. Once enough front runners arrived he informed them of the back check and that they had to go back up the path and find the trail.
The front runners were now at the back and looking ahead could see Spocky with Itzy on his back running up the hill. How satisfying then that he was the second person to the next fish-hook!! Tit-Bitz, still recovering from 'stung-bum syndrome', was clearly not herself and despite clear instructions at the start that fish-hooks were for the first 5 set off on her fish-hook even though she was the 6th person there.
Also not listening to instructions at the start was Sorepoint. At the next fish-hook she only went back to the first hare. 10p fine would be administered later and in her defence she exclaimed "there were 4 others that didn't go back as well". "But I only heard you moaning about it" said the deputy sheriff.
The hash was lead up through fields with bemused horses looking on at this strange bunch of humans. For the brave amongst us the hash was lead over the horse jumps...although we did notice a few refusals at the jumps! Then it was down the lane to the hash halt. Some criptic instructions followed from the hare, and the walkers were lead off by Pony-wire, whilst the runners were invited to check it out. "Petrol" came the call from FF....petrol?? That's a push bike!! "Sorry, not petrol!".
The runners headed up the hill and at the top took in some more stunning views. Note to hashers, don't try walking through fields full of cow-pats whilst looking up at the views!! At the top, we temporarily lost the trail but as the hare remained at the bottom of the hill we guessed which way it was. On the way down a familiar figure was seen coming out of the bushes...PP was caught pee peeing!! After a couple of cunning back checks the trail arrived at somoenes back door. "Do we go in?" asked Twin Peaks. Another hash first....hashing through someones house, let's hope they didn't mind, particularly in light of what we had just stepped in! Through we went and out the other side to the sweet stop.
After the sweet stop we were soon back out in the country. And straight into a field of bulls. Not a good day to be wearing red PP. On On!!
A bit further and we got to our Short, Long and Long-Long split. The Long-Longs enjoyed their trip to Somerset before meeting up with the rest of the pack at the second sweet stop, or 'grape' stop. That was 'grape' not 'grope' Paperwork. From here we weren't far from home and so it was soon On Home and we were ready for a well earnt drink and the food promised by the hares at the start. (some hares will try anything to get extra points!!)
A very good trail with some fantastic views of the surrounding countryside. Well done Pony Wire and Slip Shod. And well done Up Yours for putting on some lovely hash grub afterwards....your almost forgiven for never coming! On On!

15th August - Lympstone The Inflatable Hash - FF + PP

2010-08-22T09:20:00.002+01:00

Our hares today were FF and PP - a good turnout for the annual inflatable hash, with everyone donning a mixed array of inflatables, from a birthing ball to a giant dolphin. Isoceles had a doctors note excusing him from getting wet and Marlene clained ignorance as her excuse for lack of air filled apparatus.
On On over the foot bridge through Lympstone with many a sunday villager giving us a double take as a bunch of people go jogging past wearing rubber rings and arm bands. We stumbled upon a small stream ....... was this it ???? was this the water we had prepared for ???? apparently not we were told by our hares.
However we jogged on to the sweetie stop with lots of lovely new fruity sweets to be enjoyed. There was a long short split with the longs leaving their inflatables in the safe hands of the shorts to carry for them. Horny woman was first to check it out .... (miracles do happen!!) but in her excitiment her inflatable kangaroo named Skippy was snagged on some prickly bushes and sustained a fatal puncture :(
Top cat was first to check it out - with a On On call that soon changed to a back check. Then it was there before us ...... THE ESTUARY
We all followed the trail, that quickly went into the water, with about 10 spectators watching us go ankle deep until we heard Spocky and Boots in Puss shouted On Call as they swam out to a large pole that had a chalk mark on it, 50 yards out from the waters edge. Tail lamp visibly paled, whilst Marlene was straight in there, (without an inflatable I may add) swimming with a white t shirt on ..... she deffo won this weeks wet t-shirt competition !!! Itzy Bitz was transported in a lovely boat fit for a princess.
After swimming around the aforementioned pole we went left the water, and jogged on through the village up a hill and through a row of beautful waterfront cottages and along the pier passing small children catching crabs in little buckets, the trail went to the end of the pier and then it was obvious we had to get wet again ..... so in we jumped into to a smelly black silt that was about 12 inches deep and very very smelly with another 12 inches of water. It was easier to crawl along on your knees than to swim. Tail lamp got stuk and had to be pulled out by Bell Toll. Woodpecker glided along like Jesus walking on water.
After we got out and were hosed down with cold water by PP we went past lots of drinkers at the Swan Inn who all gave us dirty looks that we all deserved, and then it was On home to the car park. Lots of naked hashers as we all got changed into clean and dry clothes. Fines were given out to the usual suspects and Marlene was named at last ...................... Wet n Wild ....... the perfect name for the game on hasher.
It was fantastic hash ...... roll on next years wet one :)

Feniton Hash

2010-08-17T14:14:00.001+01:00

Just a note from the hare to say that the location is the village hall car park but as this isn't signed, it is next to Feniton Post Office and opposite the church. See you all there, on on

8th August - Stoke Woods Upper CP - Twin Peaks + Bag Lady

2010-08-17T14:13:00.000+01:00

Nearly didn't make it to the hash myself this week, underestimating how long it would take, and then going to the wrong car park at the bottom of the hill. I wasn't the only one to do that either! Chip Shop arrived to cheers and claps as he had cycled and it was a very big hill to climb. The hares gave some instructions which no-one listened to then we were checking it out. The on was called down the road and up into a field, the walkers taking a short cut down the road to be met up with later on. Can't remember much about this bit, but I know we came out in the woods and crawled around the undergrowth for some considerable time. Unfortunately, we distrubed a nest of bees or wasps or whatever, which were not very happy at us invading their space. They showed their displeasure by stinging about 7 of us unsuspecting hashers. A very nasty sting it was too - mine took over a week to stop burning and itching and that was only on my ankle. Others were stung in more hard to reach places which bore no inspection! Eventually, with much moaning and groaning about out misfortune we came out into a clearing with a suspicious looking portacabin with the short cutters/walkers sitting around on a picnic bench waiting for us. This was the headquarters of the Paintball site, and as there was no game going on, we were granted permission to hash all over their site. On we went, though a net tunnel, past various killing fields and on into the woods. Crossing the road we had more of the same eventually returning to the car park from whence we started. This is where the hares really tried to curry favour and keep their best hash trophy, by bribing us all with home made biscuits in the shape of feet - with either red painted toe nails or red bunions and also rocky road. I don't know if bribery is strictly fair, but the biscuits were fantastic anyway. Thank you Bag Lady and Twin Peaks for another excellent hash - but can we have one without wasps next time please??

1st August - Wheathill Plantation - Groucho + Blobhoblin

2010-08-06T19:56:00.003+01:00

Well, it's not often the blog is longer than the actual hash.....but this week it was a first! - ED
A short blog report this week due in part to the large number of hashers, over eighty+ turned up for a combined hash with Isca HHH. All was quite still as we chatted in the car park only to have our silence broken by the arrival of Hat Rack plus his coach loaded with hashers, what a sight as they stepped down from the coach. To put it mildly, most of them looked very much the worse for wear due to the day and night before.
Blobhoblin and Groucho laid the trail but due to the numbers split the pack into two groups going in opposite directions where they meet would by the sweet stop. Both groups set off at a more than leisurely pace, hangovers being the main problem for some of these non functioning hashers. Poacher was the one major exception to the rule, that boy must drink rocket fuel, whilst Buzby was in desperate need of the same. Woodpecker was impeccable and arriving on time, why, no one knows. At the sweet stop anyone would think this pack had never been fed, they were like gannets polishing off the sweets in record time.
Finally, we, both groups returned to the car park where upon the back of the coach was opened to reveal a large range of drink and goodies. The gannets descended within seconds, well there was beer involved, what else would any hasher expect.

REMINDER The hash next week Sunday 8 August is at Stoke Woods Upper Car Park.

Well done Stat Nav!

2010-08-05T20:13:00.002+01:00

For those of you that don't know, Stat Nav and Radiohead recently took part in the Lakeland 50. One of Radioheads fabulous ideas of 'ways to kill Stat Nav'. However, Stat Nav rose to the challenge and despite walking in a very peculiar manner and chafing bits of himself he didn't even know he had, he finished in one piece.
Well done to both of them, x

25th July - Warren CP - Tampa

2010-08-05T20:07:00.002+01:00

There he was standing awaiting the arrival of any hashers, in fact he did very well, 32 hashers decided to turn up for a "Tampa Hash". There were of course several late comers such as Fruitybitz and Woodpecker, I'm sure that he,Woodpecker, is in a different time zone.
Anyway we had several new hashers in the pack today what they made of the rest of us god only knows, they got involved which was the main thing.The start was a little cofusing as just as we were about to set off Dr Jeykll asked if anyone had a mobile phone, which is of course a fineable offence, but she then explained that she had left the dog behind even though she had managed to arrive with her family.The confusing bit was that she wanted to ring her house, the pack were indeed then eager to know how she managed to train the dog to answer the phone. She given a phone only to find the line was engaged,perhaps her very bright dog had put the phone on paws.
Finally we were away at a check in the car park only problem here was that 100% of the pack went the wrong way thats to a false call, rumour has it one of the new comers was the culprit, back we all came through the car park whilst the public just stood in bewilderment as we, the pack passed by once more.In the blicking of an eye we headed for open heathland yet in the distance Isoceles was noticed coming back towards most of us, yes he had indeed found a back check, no more galloping of for Isoceles ! Next came the first of two long/shorts which split the pack in half, both routes continued on open heathland, as luck would have it the sun was in and there was a gentle breeze.We continued zig-zagging about the hare bringing his use degree of confusion to preceeding. Whilst in the zig-zag motion one hash was seen to disappear for what he rumour has it he described as a "natural break" only to emerge several minutes later with a grin on his face.The sweet stop soon beckoned our hare, Tampa, producing individual mini-packs of sweets for each of the hashers.Next came stream and bog jumping which then had an element of uphill thrown in plus a series of fish hooks,were Emerald eledted to pay a fine as she claimed she was to old to go down the hill to the hare: followed by a hash halt. Several minutes passed before pack were together once more.This gave Blobhoblin, todays acting sheriff, the opportunity to update his list of offending hashers, whilst inviting/encouraging others to tell tales.Once on the move, we soon came to the second long/short split, this time only about 10% of the pack went long, maybe several hashers by now had flat body batteries.At one point several hashers including Geronimo and Tail-Lamp took a detour to avoid a large area of water only to be spotted by the hawk-eyed Blobhoblin, who of course fined them
Finally we were back at the car park where drinks and goodies were consumed fined were meated out, the peace returned to the Warren Car Park.

Fun and Frolics at Woodpeckers

2010-07-06T13:25:00.002+01:00

4th July - Lympstone Village CP - Woodpecker

2010-07-06T08:55:00.001+01:00

Lots of ingenuity on getting to the hash this week - very green. Spocky ran up to Lympstone from Exmouth, Dobby, Haggis, Oddbitz and Fruity all arriving on bikes. Lots of car sharing too, well done everyone for saving the planet!
Even though Woodpecker was there on time, he being the hare, and Tampa even made it before 11 - it was still gone ten past before the instructions had been given out and we were on our way.
Initial confusion around the alleyways of Lympstone, and lots of funny looks from everyone in the street, we were off and into the field alongside the water. Woodpecker hasn't laid any long/short splits, as he doesn't agree with them - but there was an arrow to the left, and another arrow to the right marked with a "W" (this stands for wimps w**k**s and women according to Woodpecker). This was for the walkers - so a short split then?? Up over the railway we went and past the village hall and church, then back towards town before heading out into the countryside.
A hash halt was reached at the confluence of two footpaths and a road. When the off was sanctioned all turned left up the footpath. Must be this way says someone, I know it's this way, says Spocky "I've got the map!" However, Spocky's map reading skills obviously need some brushing up, as we were all called back and along the road we went.
More jolly hashing before the sweetie stop. Excellent variety here 10/10. Then off again back the way we'd come for a bit then up a little hill, only to find a fish-hook for All. Everyone turns round and heads back down towards the hare, then back up again and round a bit loop, only to end up back to the re-group again and off on what had been billed as a short cut. Crafty hare. Wasn't long now before the on home was reached and we were back in the carpark.
The Sherrif announced he would only do one fine at the car park, the rest would follow back at Woodpeckers abode after the swim etc. The fine levied was to all those not going back to Woodpeckers - 10p each to be given up and added to the total to be collected for charity. All those going back were to be fined at least 10p for the priviledge.
On back we went. Most jumped in the pool, some (Horny Woman) were pushed! (bet you can't guess who pushed her??). Then Mrs Woodpecker brought out the most wonderful spread of curried chicken, and veggie curries, rice and garlic bread. This did it's usual disappearing act, then the puddings arrived. Tuned In had made a wonderful Pavlova, and Mrs Woodpecker provided a gorgeous bread pudding, also on offer was fresh fruit salad and trifle. This also disappeared extremely quickly. The fines were then given out by the Sherrif, it seems it was Horny's turn today, despite her protestations that she'd been a good girl, she was fined 40p for various misdemeanours.
It was then on to the games. Woodpecker had bought a rugby ball especially for the occasion so it was out to the lawn for team picking. Haggis and Horny were the captains and the teams were soon allocated. Much merriment (only a little cheating) and Horny Woman's team emerged victorious. A Highlight was Blobhoblin calling "to me, to me" and recieving the ball from the opposite team. We really should get colour co-ordinated!
Next up was cricket. We all had a turn in bat and rotated bowling and back stopping, and this time Fruity emerged victorious with a total of 20 runs scored. Close behind was Dobby with 19.
By now we were all getting very tired and time was called on the festivities. Thank you so much Woodpecker and Mrs Woodpecker for your kind hospitality. A wonderful afternoon - good company, good food and good fun!

The Magnificent Seven

2010-07-01T19:47:00.003+01:00

Thorverton - Staines & Comes Regularly (Whiplash - absent) 27th June

2010-06-29T22:42:00.005+01:00

Well, as many of the hashers entered the village we noticed Tail Lamp driving out, back towards the main road. Had he seen the hills and was he having second thoughts, had he been up to somethin he shouldn't have been or was he just lost? Well no prizes for guessing this one!

As we gathered we noticed a distinct lack of hares? Then entering stage left they walked past the car park and told us they would be back....what were they up to? A few minutes later we circled up and were given our instructions by the replacement hare. Staines advised that Whiplash was apparently in Scotland....how far had they laid this hash??

On On and away we raced....towards one of the many pubs in Thorverton...unfortunately we kept going! After a big loop we headed out of the village along a nice flat road (this was the last flat piece of running we would see for a long time. We arrived at a check and after some lame checking we were onto another check which brought the hash to halt. Two options - seriously uphill to the left or seriously uphill to the right?? Some second guessing was now taking place, nobody wanted to check out in the wrong direction on these hills. About 5 mins later and half way towards the upper atmosphere Twin Peaks voice could be heard calling "On On" - we could hear her but not see her!

As the hashers caught up Twin Peaks was already at the next check and leading us on through some adjacent farmland down a hill and then back up the other side to another check.Stat-Nav had now caught her up and quite rare for him he took the correct direction at this check and was soon calling everyone On. At the next check Stat-Nav called an impromptu Hash Halt as the combination of the heat and the hills appeared to be spreading the Hash out. Upon arriving at the check Tail Lamp exclaimed "you're not planning on taking us up Raddon Top" (possibly spelt wrong)as he pointed to the highest hill in the surrounding countryside. The hares grin should have given that one away.

At first we went downhill, but that just meant we had to come back up again...and up and up...and up!! Paperwork was clearly suffering the effects of running the Killerton Kanter the night before....walking on the hash! Sorepoint was showing Paperwork how it should be done, and demonstarting true stamina. Girl power! At the same time we spotted Isoceles using technology on the hash...that'll be at the 10p rate!

Then we were taken along the ridge line and could now clearly see the fntastic views from up the 'Top'. At the highest point around we met up with the shorts (well Spocky and Itzy) and whilst the sweets were passed around we took a few well earnt minutes to take in the view.

On On, and from here we all knew the only way was down. Through the fields and along the footpaths before coming out to the road. From here it was along the road and back to the car park. Although, Woodpecker continued running right past the car park! Did this spritely young chap fancy doing a second loop! (Stat-Nav then confessed to doing exactly the same but as no one was around he had originally tried to hide this little fact).

In the circle Spocky tried to encourage Staines to this years Autumn Gathering (I sense another ice, ice baby coming on!). He politely declined, once he remembered he was getting married on that weekend!....although did suggest we keep a space free just in case!

A very good trail, with some fantatsic views - thank you the hares!

Next week, we're in Lympstone with Woodpecker, then back to his for the On Down (bring your trunks!)

14th June - Upton Pyne Village CP - Groucho

2010-06-14T19:54:00.003+01:00

Here's the Blog according to Sorepoint - with help at the pub from Stat Nav, Oddbitz, Fruity Bitz, and Titbitz.
36 beings assembled for this weeks hash ably set by Groucho and assisted by Twin Peaks. There had been some confusion even at this point, as Paperwork and I (Sorepoint) had thought it was our turn this week, but apparently our offer had co-incided with Tampa's e-mail going down and so he never got the message. Never mind, gave me another lie-in, our turn will come round again soon enough, I'm sure. We were introduced to one new runner - Leah. It was so kind of her to drag her grandfather Isosceles along. Groucho announced it was laid in flour, on the right and there would be three Long/Short splits - I think his maths has deserted him as I'm sure there were at least five or six splits along the way.
Anyway, on to the hash. It was called right out of the car park and on down a little lane to the left. Another check found Stat Nav checking right but not calling at all. This was a little strange, as the hasher behind him was calling well - on one, on two, on on .. still no call from Stat Nav out in front - his sunglasses were filtered incorrectly and completely filtered out the white flour - or perhaps, had he worn the X-ray vision ones today instead??? Lots of hash halts to keep the pack together and quite a few fishooks where the first 5 were sent back to the hare. The same culprits kept coming back - don't they ever learn that their shoe laces need tying after a long stretch. Quickly on to the first of many Long/Short splits. I went long and found myself running 3 sides of a corn field with no flour in sight then all the way along a very very very muddy track, also with no flour. Co-incidentally the hare didn't have muddy feet - me thinks he just sent us on a wild goose chase and hadn't checked this bit out at all! Talking of wild geese, we did have a treat at the re-group (and it wasn't the sweeties - only 3 bags and one sort repeated - very bad form!) when a normal person (?) walked past with a Hawk on his arm. Beautiful creature and lucky he was on a lead or he'd have been swooping for our licorice. Tail lamp played a trick on X Bitz at this point, pretending that Tampa had punched him and knocked a tooth out - when it was only liquorice blacking up his tooth. Of course, X Bitz had no trouble believing the former story, and had to be pursuaded that it wasn't in fact correct.
Off we went after the regroup up the hill and long/short split around Brampford Speke and past the Lazy Toad. Here we lost Oddbitz for a quick one, but the trail didn't stop and he was pulled away, kicking and screaming! Just around the corner Isosceles did his David Bellamy impression pointing out some wild strawberries growing at the side of the road! Tit Bitz found she needed to relieve herself and hopped over into a field, only to come running out again frantically pulling up her shorts, wailing that the tractor driver in the field had seen her in all her glory. You too can find this field, it's the one where the lines are all wavy instead of nice and straight! I expect the incident has already been reported in the Brampford Speke Gazette. There must be something in the air, as in a field near the river a bit further on, there was a couple trying to hide in the long grass, we all thundered past shouting On-On and two little faces appeared over the grass - they were hoping for a nice quiet grope on a Sunday morning, and then their peace is shattered, well and truly by the hash. After another long/short split with truly viscious nettles round the edge of the field, and the assistant hare trying to confuse the front runners even more by leading the them the wrong way, we arrived back at the Village hall for the circle. There were lots of fines today, and I can't remember all of them, but Paperwork was fined for calling on-on on only two blobs, which he strongly denies (blaming Dobby instead) and Dobby and Haggis were fined for changing before the circle. Most of the other fines went to X-Bitz, or Tit Bitz - not sure which and neither was their father - Oddbitz, who should be fined for confusing his own daughters. Thank you Groucho for a very well laid trail (except on the muddy bits!) and On-On to 4 Firs next week.

NOTE FROM ED: I believe a fine is definitely due in retrospect for Paperwork who decided to drop his drawers then bend over right in front of Horny Woman, Ring Piece and Tuned In! They drove off looking more than a little unwell!

6th June - Dalditch Farm, Woodbury Common - Fruity Bitz + Odd Bitz

2010-06-11T09:48:00.002+01:00

Some twenty-four hashers appeared on the scene for todays hash, some to see the sight of Oddbitz who left his floating gin palace to lay the trail. When circled up neither hare assumed responsiblity for the trail that lay before us until Oddbitz bravely stepped forward, then we were entertained with an art lesson using flour of course to illustrate two new hash signs that he had managed to conjure up. What a talent! This caused the other hare, Fruitybitz, to get involved but alas, she was later fined for giving mis-information. Never mind. Stat-Nav took the role of acting sheriff, he does look the part some hashers were heard to whisper. We're ready to go, well not quite as the hares dropped a first instead of check it out we started with a long short split, which immediately split the pack in half. It was a full ten minutes before we met up again near the cycle way between Exmouth and Budleigh, Spockybitz leading the way for the longs to the hash halt, what a human dynamo that boy is. Once together we eventually found the trail leading onto the cycle way passing pleasant woodland scenery, Tail Lamp was heard to say this route was once an old railway line, he knows his railways he is always on the ball when railways are involved, best described as a fountain of knowledge.At the next hash halt one of our hares, Fruitybitz called check it out before the pack had all arrived, she was fined, as was Baglady who didn't even stop but chose to start looking for the trail, she too was fined. We all saw Baglady very soon after as she encountered one of the dreaded fish-hooks, justice was done ! We all plodded on on to the next long short split where both groups vanished into the undergrowth, in different directions of course. We all gazed into each others eyes at the next hash halt which sported the SS sign yes the sweet stop but who or where were the sweets, hence the gazing around. Eventually Oddbitz appeared armed with rucksack within which were the sweets. While the pack were busy grazing however Oddbitz decided to use his mobile, fined for technology on the hash. He was not alone for Fruitybitz who was with the trail-enders or were they tail-enders had made contact with her mobile, fined ! Once filled with goodies we all set off once more meandering here and there skirting fields as we went on our merry way until we reached our destination or starting point the end which ever way you look at it. Everyone agreed that it was a good trail with lots of checks, fish hooks etc so well done to the two hares. Finally do you have what it takes to be a hare if so contract our hare-raiser Tampa, but remember to come armed with goodies and flour the two main ingredients.
NEXT WEEKS TRAIL
Upton Pyne Village Hall CP near Brampford Speke (if anyone wants a drink after The LAZY TOAD in Brampford is close by, about 2 miles.

29th May - Warren CP, Woodbury Common - Stat Nav

2010-06-11T09:38:00.002+01:00

Stat Nav ordered a sunny sunday and obviously he has clout in high places as it was indeed a lovely sunny sunday. About 17 hashers assembled, including Up Yours and offspring driving a nice shiny red car ........ everyone covered their eyes and hoped for the best !!!! ........ will she EVER live the reversing incident down ???? her hubby Slip Shod and friend Howling Wilf arrived on two wheels and sweat ...... NO Woodpecker today apparently in Singapore. So we were off by 10 past.
On On to the common we went, as Radiohead was in the Lakes and Stat Nav and Spocky Bitz were both with child (Radio Gaga, and Itzy Bitz) it gave others to shine, however as the writer of this blog was towards the latter end of the group she is unaware who was actually infront. But she remembers seeing Boots in Puss and Slip Shod's rear ends in the distance.
Lots of fishhooks kept Bell Toll, Howling Wilf and Tampa busy, AND Up Yours getting a fish hook ??? then another, then another, obviously she's been eating runner beans. There was a streaker on the hash today, Boots in Puss went topless to the delight of Puss, Horny and X Bitz..... ding dong !!!!!
Soon we were hashing through woodland with the usual debris on the ground, and Ooooops Spocky Bitz was a faller, straight down onto his knees, thus avoiding injuring his little Itzy Bitz who was travelling piggy back. He did hurt his knees but was a very brave hasher and soldiered on, after checking Itzy was ok. Horny Woman offered to give him a thorough check over but declined when he saw her don her rubber gloves !!!
Sweeties were to be found along the stream, a hunt that appeared to take hours when in fact took about 1 minute revealed 4 bags of sweeties ... yes 4 bags !!! including Minstrels which were coveted by many a female hasher, ( i was going to say lady hasher but lets face it ?????) so munch munch munch and we were On On up a hill, and then down the other side that led to MUD MUD and more MUD.
The mud was not only muddy but bumpy too and had at least 2 victims, first was Horny Woman who sunk her right foot up to mid calf, with the accompanying customary screams then 30 seconds later her left foot went in but only to her ankle this time. This caused much amusement to Tuned In who nearly fell over laughing her usual dirty cackle. Next was Puss in Bootless who carried on her name by getting stuck in the mud. Her partner Boots was so concerned for her welfare he decided to knock her over but she dug in deep (so to speak) and refused to fall over.
On home was called, before we knew it beer and crisps were distributed, fines given out, mickey taking abounded and it was all over. Great trail Stat Nav bring on next week !!!

15th May - Mamhead - Belltoll

2010-05-22T00:36:00.002+01:00

It was an early start for Belltoll, 8am to be precise, he was already for his hare duties with flour in hand. In recognition of his efforts The City of Exeter was represented at 11am by 33 of their finest....well 33 hashers at least!Some old faces, some very old faces, Groucho's face is apparently in there somewhere and some new faces. Oh...and a new dog, more of which later!

After a few mintues of discussion the hashers were called to hush for hares's instructions and to witness the now customary late arrival of Woodpecker!

On On, and the hashers were off on the trail, Stat-Nav taking an early lead but went the wrong way at a check, and so Mr Hyde and Twin Peaks set the early pace. It wasn't long before we came across the first Long-Short split (now was this the one the hare advised would be the easy one or the hard one?). The Long's followed the trail at an awesome pace but turned the corner and ended up in a hash traffic jam. Belltoll's first back check of the day had everyone confussed. But on the hare's arrival, and a helpful hint the cry of 'On On' could be heard and the longs were running again.

It wasn't long before the longs had the shorts in their sights and were soon out front again, Dobby, Skippy, Mr Hyde, Paperwork and Stat-Nav racing away down the track just in time to reach Belltoll's second back check of the day. Well this was some back check!! Stat-Nav (famed for his ability to judge distance) reckons it was a full half-mile down the track from the point the trail actually took! Well half-mile or not one thing is for certain it was a long way!! and one more thing is for certain...if Tampa had been on the hash he would have had something to say about this Belltoll.

It wasn't long now before we got to the sweetie stop and anyone who had one of the jelly babies....I guess now is the time to tell you that Skippy dropped them all on the floor before he handed them around!

From the sweetie stop it was straight into another Long-Short split. Now Tuned-In had heard the hare's original instructions that clearly stated this would be the split to avoid so why did she foolishly allow Stat-Nav talk her into doing it? To make matters worse for her we hadn't gone far down the trail and Paperwork suddenly threw himself at her...Sorepoint, are you aware of this!!...Radiohead,are you aware you could make some money out of this!

A bit further down the trail, and in between regular moans about Stat-Nav getting her to do this long, Tuned-In happened to pass comment about the black labrador running with us today. With the red collar the mystery dog looked very similar to her own Millie. Someone explained that Dr Jeckyll's friend owned the dog and with that away it ran back up the long trail - the wrong way!

A bit later and we came across a City of Exter Hash record a fish-hook for 9!! Yes, NINE!! Belltoll, note for next time....nobody on this hash can count to 9! Well Emerald and Bush-baby obviously can't as only the first 7 actually completed the fish-hook.

We arrived at the view point beside the obelisk and Isoceles rounded everyone up for a hash flash. We squeezed together, as instructed, and waited for the sole lonely figure in the distance to join us...Woodpecker, customarily late for a hash grouping. However, on posing for the photo Woodpecker was seen to smile, very uncustomary behaviour! It was at this point that the hash became aware that the previously mentioned black labrador had gone missing! The concerned hashers resolved to find their missing four legged friend. None more so than Stat-Nav who quickly spotted a black labrador and thinking quickly, darted forward and grabbed it before it had chance to run off again. Simultaneously, Stat-Nav spotted a rather concerned looking young girl starring back at him and at the same time heard Radiohead's voice "That's the wrong dog you numpty!" In his eagerness to please Stat-Nav had grabbed a different dog..."perhaps they wouldn't notice! I've found a black lab for them!"

Back at the car park Mr Hyde, Belltoll and Stat-Nav (eager to make amendments for his early dog rustling) set off to find the real missing dog. They split up and Stat-Nav and Belltoll headed into the woods and Mr Hyde went down to the triangle car park. Belltoll and Stat were soon in luck and spotted a black lab further down the path. "ah!" exclaimed Stat "we forgot to ask what the dog was called! how are we going to call it?". Anyway, our Hash heroes soon re-united dog and owner but Stat had to point out to Dr Jeckyll that it was now her husband who was missing. It was apparent that she did not hold the same level of concern for her husband as she did for her friend's dog!!

Anyway, just when we fought Stat-Nav's dog rustling days were behind him, imagine his surprise when stood beside his car he was approached by a damsel in distress "have you seen my dog? it's gone missing!" "Are you joking?" questioned Stat....I don't think the damsel saw the the funny side! Remind us Stat, why are you single?

A good trail Belltoll, well done. Deputy Sherrif was dog rustling so no fines were handed out this week....but watch out next week.

8th May - Three Little Pigs, Crediton - Isosceles

2010-05-14T22:28:00.003+01:00

It was a tidy sum of hashers that gathered in the square at Crediton for Isosceles virgin hare hash, only one latecomer today, Horny Woman, tut tut. Instructions were given and welcomes were bestowed to visitors. Check it out and we were off ..... through the lanes of the town, a couple of hashers were seen to dawdle along window shopping, but were prodded and poked on by the hare.
First regroup was at the local monument where we were given a history lesson by the hare, every day is a school day. On on to the old school of the hare where we were told he lost his cap gun and a reward was offered for its safe return. Sadly no one found the gun, but we were told we were to follow the cross country course the hare used to run as a boy. Apparently he held the school record for the fastest runner. Off we went over fields and through gates, we could imagine outselves as kids running along in our gym kit. Indeed Dr Jekyll and Horny Woman exchanged musings about the horrors of navy blue knickers that were compulsory in their day at school.
Soon enough we arrived at a railway bridge where we were hash flashed and treated to the ever popular sweetie stop, however today was a cake and cookie stop .... yum yum :) however a MAJOR misdemeanor was seen to be committed by Blobhoblin .... he was in charge of several cakes (first mistake) and he was passing them to Spocky Bitz when he took his eye off the icing and dropped one of the cakes !!!!!!!!!!!!!! I ask you , could there BE a bigger crime??????
On On we went over fields and several fish hooks later we arrived at a long short split, the obvious went long and the more than obvious went short. Then we came to a BIG hill up a field that left Tail lamp, Groucho and one or two others breathless. The views were fabulous at the top so it was worth it, another flash was taken and off we went.
Many steps in the downward direction were laid out before us, Blobhoblin and Horny Woman discussed the problems of weirdly spaced steps that mean little people are unable to take them continually and have to go down one step at a time, so to speak. Before we knew it there was a sofa before us on the steps, was this laid on by the hare we wondered ? however it had seen better days and even hashers have some standards, so no one sat.
Then there was the last long short split and before we knew it we were all back at the square and waiting for Spocky to open up the refreshment tent when it was noted that Marshall Farts was missing, Wide Receiver went off in search complete with Free Rider on his back, Mr Hyde went off in search (well he is the lads dad!!!) with a frantic Dr Jekyll and dog running in the opposite direction. After 5 mins or so Mr Hyde and Wide Receiver came back with Marshall Farts in tow, apparently he wasn't lost, just unsure of the way. It was however another 10 mins before Dr Jekyll came back, as she had practically run the whole of the hash backwards, what mummies do when their pups are missing.
Quick fines were handed out, one being to Tail Lamp for being a FRB !!!! Fruity bitz for goodness knows what (she always seems to cop it) and the hare obviously x3. Off to the Three Little Pigs pub for a cheeky drink or a lovely roast depending on who you were. A grand job done by Isosceles no longer a virgin !!!

25th April - Newton Poppleford - Stat Nav and Radiohead

2010-04-28T10:01:00.006+01:00

On arriving at the car park on this somewhat dull day, most of us had to do laps of Newton Pop to find anywhere to park. It would appear some ramblers had chosen this as their rendez-vous point too.
Eventually we all gathered together though to receive our instructions. Stat Nav promised long/short/walkers splits, laid in flour on the right but sometimes left and most importantly, a sweetie stop!
On on we were shown, down past the church and onto a small path across the main road. Onto a check where Spud-U-Like was loitering waiting to hear a call. As we were called on Tuned In was seen to be overtaking Radiohead! He must be losing his touch!
We emerged out onto the country lanes to be greeted with a bit of a slog up a hill that seemed to go on forever. There was a fish hook here for 3 but as Radiohead was 4th they didn't have far to return. Onto a woodland trail now and the first of the splits. Twin Peaks, Sorepoint and Paperwork surprisingly doing the long after yesterdays half marathon....sorry, A2B. Also taking the long were Spocky and Wide Receiver, despite being 'with child' so to speak. However on the walker route were a few slackers.......named and shamed Horny Woman, Fruity Bitz et al! Poor excuses of too busy talking to realise!
The short route took a lovely path through the woodland with a couple of false trails and a back check eventually meeting up at the regroup with the skivers.....I mean walkers! We waited for the longs to catch up (what a satisfying sentence) and waited......and waited, eventually Odd Bitz and Sorepoint appeared, followed by Radiohead. Sorepoint suggested a point where she thought the others may have got confused then lost so Radiohead went back to round up our lost sheep. Once they arrived at the regroup we quickly called on on while leaving Radiohead to find Woodpecker.
After narrowly avoiding being mown down by some townie in his Chelsea tractor, we headed left into the fields where Twin Peaks, Paperwork and Twice Daily got stuck with the fish hook. This left Sorepoint and Tuned In setting the pace up the front! Sorepoint having a little inside knowledge of where the trail may go as it was the same territory as the A2B. On on we called past some horses and arriving at the sweetie stop.
Before Stat Nav had arrived with the sweets, Spud U Like, in her 3 tops, decided she was way too hot, can't imagine why????? So proceeded to strip off as needless to say, the long sleeved one she wanted to remove was the bottom one. Nudity on a hash can you believe it? Soon Stat Nav had arrived carrying little Radio Gaga and the sweets were dished out. No less than 4 bags today including minstrels....yum! Always good for point scoring that is.
On again to another long/short split where Stat Nav helpfully pointed Pebbledash on the long telling him it was the short! Runs Again thought this was hilarious and despite his best efforts to 'let him go that way' Stat Nav called him back. The shorts headed onto another check with Bag Lady and Fruity Bitz finding the correct trail closely followed by Odd Bitz. It was down this lovely little trail that Tuned In decided to perform her best Super Woman impression. However, I don't recall Super Woman doing it and landing flat on her back??? Stinging nettles do NOT maketh a comfy bed??!! After that excitement we all continued on to the trail adjacent to the river with Bag Lady striding out in front along with Runs Again only to come across a fish hook which sent them and Tampa backward.
While Tuned In played on the swings, Odd Bitz and Fruity searched out the trail which led back by the playing fields and on to the On Home. Back in the car park Horny Woman announced she was having a BBQ back at hers with all welcome to come, in honour of her 50TH BIRTHDAY, yes just in case anyone didn't realise it's her 50TH!!!
She was given back the pink handbag as it was pointed out she had tried to palm it off before she went to Australia, but it had waited for her all this time. The sheriff, finally back, fined various people for various misdemeanors then we all set off to the On Down at Hornys where we enjoyed a lovely BBQ, thanks Horny Woman and Happy Birthday, xx
On On to next week at Pines Ridge CP, Woodbury Common.

Sunday 18th April - Squabmoor Reservoir - Spocky Bitz

2010-04-21T21:37:00.004+01:00

The car park at Squabmoor had been literally invaded by hashers, leaving no room for any normal people to park. Spocky called the group together and provided them with the instructions for the hash, and added that he had also arranged the lovely weather. (friends in high places, Spocky?).

Woodpecker arriving fashionably late pulled into the car park, to which Spocky declared "it must be quarter past, Woodpecker has arrived". If we weren't convinced of the time already we were soon to get our second confirmation....5 mins after Woodpecker, in rolls Tampa. "It must be 20 past now!" exclaimed the hashers in unison.

...but they weren't the last to arrive!! (more about that later).

On On, across the road and towards a crafty left turn over the bank, and on to what can only be described as a Spocky assault course. Through woods, balancing across fallen tree trunks, jumping streams, through a tunnel and finally up a bank to the first regroup. From here it was straight into a long-short split. For the longs there was another periless tree trunk crossing, where Isoceles waited with camera in hand to capture anyones misfortune. However, we all made it across, just!

From the distance a familiar voice could be heard - Sorepoint - a little less familiar was her calls of "On On". Could this really be Sorepoint front running?? (What on earth has happened to our hash? Come back Groucho your hash needs you!). The chasing pack was lead by Paperwork and Stat-Nav, that was until the latter took a tumble into the gorse bush.

On On to the sweet stop and time for a quick hash flash. Just as we were finishing the other late arrivals came into sight. Mr Hyde, Dr Jekyll, Tree Creeper and Martial Farts had finally arrived and left everyone else wondering; "were they really late? or just really early for next weeks hash?". It was On On, to real confusion! The hash had split in different directions before the hare gave a clue, and back came the hashers with Dynamo showing true hashing spirit by running straight through the mud.

Up the hill and the hashers were soon following Dr Jekyll....alas they were following her the wrong way!

On On came a loud call....from above? (Was it Spocky's friends in high places???). The mystery para-glider clearly knew that the only people to be daft enough to run over the common on a beautiful Sunday morning must be hashers. This be must the first time we've ever had anyone fly the hash?

Down past the lakes, across the road and a fish-hook was waiting for Stat-nav, Paperwork and Mr Hyde, Sorepoint deliberately slowing down to let Mr Hyde take the honours. However, justice was done as around the corner and the next fish-hook lay in wait for her. A bit further on and Stat-Nav and Tampa arrived at another fish-hook. Naughty Tampa took the opportunity to change the number at the fish-hook. Tampa was later fined for Tampering (suppose it does what it says on the tin!).

It was then On On to a second sweet stop by the reservoir before embarking on the muddy trail home. There was just enough time for Lucy to spot an adder in the undergrowth on the way back to the car park.

Not a bad hash really Spocky - you'll make a good hare one day! Anyway, next week's will be really good. Newton Poppleford car park. On On!

Sun 11th April 2010 - Frying Pans - Blobhoblin

2010-04-13T21:40:00.003+01:00

Well we all gathered at the usual time but not so usual place. Most of us had arrived but many had trouble finding the car park. Dynamo had found the car park but lost her friends and by missing the start of the hash set a new record as the fast recorded time for losing a hasher. Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde arrived late with Tree Creeper and Martial Farts but thankfully hadn't gone to Exmouth on this occasion. However, Dr Jekyll did try pre-paying her anticipated fine for being late, but was later rumbled as this was infact paying off an outstanding debt!!

After a quick brief from the hare the intrepid hashers were sent on their way. Within 20 meters the entire hash was going the wrong way!! Well done City of Exeter!! The hare pointed us in the right direction and we were all off again. Across the road and up alongside the quarry. At the long - short split Woodpecker decided to show the group the guile and experience to be gained after 40 years hashing by taking the short. "Where are you going?" Spocky asked as he ran past. "You're doing the long Woodpecker!"

It was soon across the road, through the woods and out into the open common. Now note - that's through the woods and into the open common!! So Dr Jekyll...why wait until you're in the middle of the open common to decide you need a pee? A long jog back to the woods for the required comfort break.

A bit further on and the hash took in some lovely views down over the resevoir (so good we all get to see it again next week!). We sensed it couldn't be far to the sweetie stop and the hare did not let us down. Blobhoblin had hiden the sweets (including homemade coconut ice) in the near-by foliage. The hashers hunted eagerly, including new boy Dave. Dave excitably held aloft a blue plastic bag, but alas on this occasion we can safely say there was more 'excrement' than excitment as the hashers collectively declined Dave's chocolate fudge.

Sweets devoured and time for a quick hash flash and the hare sent us on our way. On On!

Up over the hill (no reference intended to our senior hashers) and the trail led everyone down a tiny track. A few of the back markers were given some not so helpfully directions by the co-hare Twin Peaks. "Go right, go right" shouted the helpful Twin Peaks....whilst waving her arm frantically to the left. It doesn't take a lot to confuse these hashers but this was indeed a good effort Miss Peaks! Bewilderment over the hash continued and away down the hill raced Paperwork...that'll be the wrong way down the hill. Called back the front runners were now closing down the walkers but not before Spocky, with Itzy on his back, reached the first fish-hook. On to a regroup and then the hash lost the trail and spread out across the clearing. Cunning work by the hare had slowed the hash down but X-Bitz and Fruity were not to be fooled and cries of "On On" were heard from in the woods, as they then proceeded to front run all the way to the next regroup.

Not far to go now, but just enough time for Brains to demonstarte to Dr Jekyll how one should spend a penny whilst on a hash (well it cost her 10 pennies actually as the deputy sherrif was watching - not literally of course!). Brains had found the only portaloo on the common. And from here it was On Home and back to the car park.

A very good hash Blobhoblin and you organised some great weather. We did miss an opportunity to name new boy Dave....I propose Doggy Bag. Let's hope he returns. Next week just around the corner at Squabmoor. And whilst we're doing promos Radiohead and Stat-Nav are hares for the Devon A to B on the 24th April starting at Otterton going to a mystery location. Everyone welcome and it would be good to see you there.

On On

4th April - Joneys Cross - Tampa

2010-04-05T09:51:00.003+01:00

23 hashers gathered in the spring sunshine and the wintry wind! It was noted that Tampa was on time for the hash for the 2nd week running. The same could not be said for Woodpecker who arrived at 7 minutes past....exactly. Tampa was also keen to point out that he'd managed to keep his feet dry thoughout laying the hash, then promptly stepped in quite a large puddle much to Spockys amusement, but that wasn't half as funny as when Spocky then stepped back into aforementioned puddle!
The hare gave us our instructions which today included a health and safety notice, the ground was so dry there must no smoking on the hash. It was also 3 and on, with no sweeties however the Easter bunny had visited.
We were pointed in the direction of 'on to check' but the all set off in the wrong direction. This was where Radiohead was to perform his first cheat of the day, he followed a false trail and and instead of coming back to follow the others he just waited at the check he'd found.Once everyone else started to catch up, he shot of into the distance only to lead everyone down to a back check so we all came back up the hill where the walkers and hare were still waiting. On their return the cunning hare sent them down the parallel path, to the bewilderment of everyone, he'd done the same thing again!
Woodpecker having caught everyone up was calling everyone on on from the front, not bad at his age.....but we're not allowed to mention his age. Over the road and down the hill to the first long short split of the day. Dr Jekyll set off on the long and fell in a bog up to her knees. On the shorts Up Yours and Flour Power ran past Stat Nav exclaining how fit they must be as they'd never overtaken him before. He was doing a bit of weight training today however with an extra stone and more strapped to him. While the shorts were checking out, Brains had to cycle back to try and find William who had disappeared, maybe he was chasing Roo again?
Shortly at the sweetie stop we searched for the Easter bunnies hiding place and when we found it were rewarded with all sorts of chocolate goodies. The longs arrived a short time later with Spocky beating Radiohead by a fraction. Itsy Bitz happily played with the stones before smearing mud on Stat Nav, helped by Spocky Bitz....obviously. After a quick hash flash we were sent on a back check all the way to the top of the hill.
On arriving at the road there was another long short split, however, Odd Bitz was telling people that there was a back check at the bottom of the hill so not to bother doing the long. Some fools however, still trotted off down the hill, while Tuned In and X-Bitz blazed the trail at the front! Whilst behind them, Jenny was found to be stipping at the roadside. We think this should probably have led to a naming of Flasher or something similar.
It was nice to see Mr Hyde, Marshall Farts and Tree Creeper back. So nice that Mr Hyde found himself a lovely back check at the bottom of the hill closely followed by Isosceles. On back up the hill they plod back onto trail.
Onto the last long short split where Radiohead set off on the short, his excuse being the 'L' for the long looked like a chevron! Because this is a well known hash marking isn't it Radiohead????? After coming across a fish hook he went to the back of the pack and then went on the long aswell.
Meanwhile X-Bitz and Tuned In were seen to be running......UPHILL!!!!!! Soon the 'on home' was called and we all gathered back in the car park, with Woodpecker arriving eventually.
Fines were handed out with Jenny receiving a fine for obedience, with Spocky telling Itsy to call on on but Jenny behind was good enough to do as she was told too. Radiohead got fined for many reasons, cheating mostly. I think William should've been fined for sexual harrassment for licking Roos bum continually.
On On to next week at Frying Pans car park.

21st March - Ashclyst Forest - Bell Toll

2010-03-26T09:40:00.003Z

Where have all the hashers gone, not so many today anyway, perhaps they had received inside information in the of a severe warning about mud. Rumour has it that Bell Toll, our hare, had it dumped by the lorry load. Anyway whilst we the pack, or if a small group do we refer to ourselves as a packet??, waited for our mud splattered hare to appear we played pass the baby involving Radio GaGa it was of course noted that it was only male members who held the said baby. Pass the baby stopped when an spoil-sport in the shape of Stat-Nav appeared who in one swoop gathered up the said GaGa and placed her on his back. The game was over.
Next Tail-Lamp informed us that he had seen a car do a 380 degree turn, gone is the old 360 degree perhaps due to inflation, having said that he does specialize in going round in circles.
Finally the hare appeared complete with layer of mud, within seconds we were off in search of our first brown stuff experience, which to our surprise had not surfaced during the first few checks, perhaps the threat of mud was a hoax. In fact we were treated to a series of pleasant forest paths with the odd ditch thrown in for good measure. However once we had crossed a country lane, well, we were in the country, the mud stuck, to our feet that is, apart from one member of the pack who decided to give the mud closer inspection by falling in the stuff. Well done Itsybitz! Next came the sweet stop only problem being finding them around the sea of mud, the hare having chosen to hide them, turns out Blobhoblin was in fact almost standing on one packet! Whilst at the sweetie stop, Millie decided Itsy was a bit clean still and so gave her a little nudge into a bit more mud. (Sorry X-Bitz - ED) Time for a quick hash flash, then on.
We then continued through the mud, hopping and skipping where possible with varying degrees of success. We were of course treated to several long/short splits the last long back to the car park being very muddy. We almost lost some hashers at this point. The shorts having arrived back at the car park some 15 minutes before the longs! Spud U Like and Tail Lamp appearing from an entirely different direction from the trail......looking a little dishevelled too??????? Groucho eventually appeared, also looking a little dishevelled, but by himself?????? Five star mud with plenty of up hill thrown in. Fines were given out once everyone was gathered with twenty pounds being collected for Sport Relief. Thanks for your contributions.

Layby nr Bowd Inn - Sunday 14th March - Spocky Bitz

2010-03-17T20:07:00.002Z

The usual suspects gathered at the usual time, 11am, but not necessarily at the usual place!....or the same place (more about that later!).

As hare, Spocky-Bitz provided the instructions to group, Long-short splits, fish-hooks, sweetie stop and most importantly one and on! Somehow, Tuned-In and Stat-Nav missed this important detail. Tuned-In claimed to miss this as she was handling her baby, Stat-Nav claimed not to have heard as he was handling himself (let's move on - quickly!).

On-On and the group raced up the road and into the woods. A few twists and turns later and we came across a back check. Looking over the side of the imposing ravine a few mutterings of 'he wouldn't take us down there?' were heard.Oh yes he would! Tuned-In found the trail and the hashers followed her down the steep sides. Well the only way was up and straight up the other side we all went. Well...not all of us! Ringpiece was spotted pearing down over the far edge, shaking her head and running back to the path. The girl was clearly not going down today!

Following the trail, up another steep bank and we came to the first long-short split. The longs followed the trail down past the fruit farm, out along the road and to the footpath and back up through the woods to rejoin the shorts, who were already checking out. Unaccustomed to front running, Blobhoblin had run passed the flour, but Twin Peaks soon caught up and was calling On-On for him. The hashers followed on and after running the mountain bike trail for awhile ran into a familiar face. Dr Jeckyl where have you been?

I went to the 'shady lay-by' she exclaimed! Radiohead seemed to know which one she meant! But the shady characters she wanted to meet had gathered up the road. Anyway, we had to move on as the sweetie stop was beckoning. Twin Peaks arrived first and sniffed out the sweets (under the wheel barrow! - thanks for the hint Spocky).

At the sweet stop the subject of Groucho's facial hare came up. Grizzly Groucho had an admirer though....X-Bitz (sponsored by Specsavers)claimed he looked like Sean Connery! What!!

After the sweet stop we raced on to a long - short split and longs went up, up and away before descending back to the shorts and the re-group by the tunnel. 'It's dark, deep and damp' stated Ringpiece and that was all fearless Stat-Nav needed to hear as he started eagerly exploring!Echoing down the tunnel 'On-On, On-on, on-on' as Stat-nav and Runs Again found the trail leading out the tunnel and up the bank on the other side. A steep and slippery bank, it proved quite a challenge for all...but much more of a challenge for the ladies behind Groucho! 'Groucho Bond' (X-Bitz fantasy world) was clambering up the bank on all fours with his backside stuck right up in the faces of the pursuing mob. (A View to a Kill wrote Ian Fleming but this certainly wasn't A View to Die for!!!).

A few checks and fish-hooks later and the hashers were On-home back to the lay-by. Beers were handed out, fines were handed out and compliments to Spocky on a really good hash.

7th March - Yarcombe Village CP - Bush Babie

2010-03-14T08:45:00.003Z

What a great Spring day at Yarcombe venue for todays hash. The sky was blue and hardly a cloud in sight as we gathered to meet up with Taunton H3. A total of forty plus hashers took part for this 11.00 am start, we sent twelve hashers, many of our lot were "doing" the Cub or the Grizzly. Yet we were graced with the appearance of a special guest in the shape of Chesty, nice to see you Chesty.
The start of the hash took us along the main A30 for about 200 metres, up hill of course, before turning right on to a narrow lane then continuing on to a footpath, more up hill of course. The views were great even if the air was thinner here on the top of the East Devon Alps, the considerate hare put in several hash halts which helped to recharge hashers body batteries whilst taking in the views. Once we had left the alps behind we headed along a ridge with valleys/combes to be seen on both sides before diving into thick woodland. Some how Tuned-In and Ring Piece were spotted at the front as the pack crossed the main A30 once more, they had in fact took a short short cut walking up the side of the A30. Soon after the road crossing came the sweet stop, the hare giving us a special bag of sweets claiming that the Taunton lot will gannet the lot if the chance presented itself. We believe that Stat-Nav bcame an honourary gannet, he loves sweets especially the alsorts variety. From the sweet stop it was all down hill towards the direction of Yarcombe. After leaving the wood behind we crossed over a series of stiles separated by fields of course, the fields being rather rutted. Finally the sight of Yarcombe church steeple was spotted and soon after that we were on-in.
PS. If anyone noticed the pub sign looking a little flat, that's because Ring Piece ran it over on our way in!!!! - ED

City of Exeter H3 goes global!

2010-03-09T09:41:00.002Z

28th February - The Swans Nest, Exminster - Stat Nav + Radiohead

2010-03-07T08:40:00.003Z

The forecast was for gales, sleet and rain. We actually came off quite lightly, as the 20+ hashers gathered in the car park it was just windy, but dry. This was the only part of the hash that could be described as dry! Almost everyone had suitable fancy dress, albeit a bit obscure by some people, others in full attire wigs and all! Horny Woman even had her pants outside her running tights, did she think she was Wonder Woman?
Stat Nav explained about the trail, all the usual, long/short splits, fish hooks, sweetie stop and we were assured it was a lovely clean and dry trail????!!!!
Eventually, we managed to get away, only to have Howling Wilf stumble at the first hurdle and had to hobble back to the car to take himself home, poor Welly had only just got ready to run.
With X-Bitz and Tuned In taking Itsy and Radio Ga Ga on a shortcut, the others started throught the first bit of clean, dry trail. On on through some boggy marsh land and Spocky appeared to the walkers as they came up to a check. On on was called taking up into the village of Exminster, getting us a few strange looks as we ran through.
Here Horny Woman and Down Below caught up with the walkers (how does that work then???) and we went on over the railway bridge spotting a 'Crocodiles - next 20km' sign! It was here the real fun and games started. The longs went off around the marsh, I hope they didn't manage to escape them though? As the shorts went straight through the middle! Both Itsy and Ga Ga almost came a cropper as X-Bitz and Tuned In got their feet stuck in the bogs. Poor old Jaws had a time of it, almost drowning on a couple of occasions I think. At one point he decided enough was enough and Down Below had to go back and rescue him. Stat Nav saw the walkers safely to the other side, only splashing cow poo on Tuned In twice!
Almost at the sweetie stop and Sorepoint is heard bellowing accross to Stat Nav 'which way are we going', luckily it was easy for them, 'follow the path' was his reply. Fruit pastilles and other sweets were greedily munched and the longs set off down the track, only to run back to us shortly after that as their trail sent them back off into the marsh.
We were offered a choice of a shorter run back to the car which was very wet or a slightly longer, drier route. No prizes for guessing which route the walkers took. Odd Bitz joined the knitting circle for a little while to tell us about the previous days A2B hash then tootled on his way again. Radiohead ran back to check on Tuned In and Spocky appeared too to help X Bitz. After what seemed like forever, we arrived back in the car park which had filled up somewhat.
Down Below was awarded a t-shirt and given a down down to send him on his way, the sheriff awarded fines to any non fancy dressers then we all scoffed various Aussie themed fairy cakes, Aussie flags on the top. Spocky had thoughfully brought a flask of coffee which was greatly appreciated by some very cold and wet hashers.
On On for a roast dinner in the pub for some of us.

THE AUSSIE HASH

2010-02-23T14:08:00.002Z

Sunday 28th February is THE AUSSIE HASH from The Swans Nest, Exminster. Fancy dress is positvely encouraged. The hash is in honour of Down Below who will be leaving us for Down Under shortly (hopefully he will remember and come to the hash!!) Also a send off for Horny Woman who is off to Oz for 5 weeks!
Look forward to seeing you all there.

21st February - Newton St Cyres - Groucho

2010-02-23T13:44:00.002Z

We all gathered at the venue,we being 15 of us, but we didn't get away until gone 11.15 hrs as we had to play a game called car shove up in other words we were asked to create more space for footballers etc to park, as luck would have there were no vehicle scratches or dents involved with these extra activities. Woodpecker arrived, late of course fresh from his holiday only to inform Groucho that if he was a six cylinder car engine he was only firing on three of them. What sort of an holiday had he been on?!
At last we were off with Spockybitz and Stat-Nav setting a blistering pace only problem being they were going the wrong way for the first three checks. The mother and toddler group were to be found at the back for most of the way, no doubt talking baby tactics and exchanging children friendly tips. The pack had the pleasure of running over part of a golf course, by kind permission of course, Tampa managing to find a golf ball which was his pride and joy until he spotted a target, Groucho, well his pink hand-bag to be accurate which Tampa's shot was not. We enjoyed a steady climb up a steepish hill with an orchard on our right, when I say we enjoyed the climb, some didn't, namely those who found a series of fish hooks.
From the top of the hill the pack enjoyed munching the sweets, once they had found them, whilst taking in the view overlooking the hamlet of Shute.
Horny Women was heard to ask Groucho if he had a hard one, the pack reassuring Groucho that she meant hard sweets. Once we set off we indeed headed for Shute where the pack separated on a long/short split.The shorts now soldiered on for a good 15 minutes before the longs had caught with up them. Spockybitz leading from the front of course, Stat-Nav and Fruitybitz were some way behind with the 'three working cylinder' Woodpecker sweeping up at the rear if you take my drift. The sheriff had now taken a liking to the mother/toddler group becoming an active member by relieving X-Bitz of Itsy-Bitz this giving her a chance to run, X-Bitz that is.
At the last hash halt we waited for Woodpecker, no sign of him though suggestions were made that he was now firing on one cylinder. Good hasher that Spocky is he offered to hunt for our hash hero Woodpecker and as luck would have you readers will be pleased to know that he was found. Finally it was into the last furlong with all of the pack arriving in various states of wear and tear.

14th February - Ellerhayes Bridge, Killerton - Twin Peaks

2010-02-18T19:52:00.002Z

A new venue for todays Valentine hash, I don’t think we’ve ever started off from there? The official car park being tiny meant most of us crossed over the bridge and parked there. The hashers kept on arriving and before long there were well over 30 of us with some visiting hashers, Cuckoo from OVH3 and her family. The theme of the day was red as it was Valentines day and some of our younger hashers had made a fabulous effort with their fancy dress,
We circled up in the tiny car park, only having to disband straight away as we let a civilian car escape. Emerald at this point, sprinted (?) out into the road with a cry from Spocky, ‘Don’t lie down Emerald’, but she was just seeing them safely out. With Radio Ga Ga punctuating the hares instructions with her screaming, Twin Peaks gave our orders, lucky she has a good set of lungs too!!
She had been ably assisted by Groucho (is that not an oxymoron???). All the checks, hash halts etc were heart shaped, lots of kissing gates, fines for anyone not participating in the kissing and obviously there would be a sweetie stop.
On we were called up the hill where I believe the first fish hook of the day appeared. First 6 were set to come back. With a little bit of assistance from the hares, Tuned In found the trail while the others were still looking. Up a very steep hill where the children started checking out at the top of the steps, unfortunately they weren’t fully ‘au fait’ with the system and called on after only finding one dot. Eventually we set off on a bit more uphill through the woods and out onto a lovely woodland trail.
This led onto a long/short split with the longs heading down into the forest again, to loop back around and meet us at the end of the path. Here there was a great deal of loitering going on but eventually the frb’s called us on.
A few more kissing gates followed with Tail Lamp and Groucho seeming to keep ending up next to each other! One hasher chose to kiss a dog instead of a fair maiden…the cheek! At many of the checks there were letters which meant on this occasion hashers with any of the letters in their hash name had to check it out whilst the remaining pack exchanged love stories. This was flour power at work ! Not one hasher realised that only a limited number of letters were used and that if arranged correctly, spelt "lovers". Howling Wilf was caught out by the sheriff very slyly via another hasher who informed our trusted official that Wilf had called a false on-on, no love there then! We eventually got to the sweetie stop. We were treated to some lovely little heart shaped jelly beans with a few fruit pastilles and liquorice allsorts thrown in for good measure! Ah how lovely remarked several love struck members of the pack.
Soon it was time for yet another kissing gate, with several hashers now complaining about having sore lips. Serves them right I say! For those who love running our hare did of course put in three long short splits. She was heard to remark "well it won't do ‘em any harm". Towards the end of the hash there were to hash obstacles to contend with, the first a horse jump plus ditch, those who "refused" were fined and the second was a long log on which one had to get their leg over, failure to get your leg over resulted in a fine. Tail-lamp and Long Time Coming, pay up!
Back at the car park a large hash circle was held where fines were handed out.
There were also suggestions for some new awards for the annual hash awards ceremony. A trophy for best hash flash and a case of beer, I believe, for ’the hare-iest hasher’, this being whoever has laid the most trails throughout the year. More to follow on these….. But start ‘happy snapping’ now.
On On to Newton St Cyres next week
Ps Thanks Groucho for your help with the blog this week.

7th February - Castle CP, Woodbury Common - Howling Wilf

2010-02-09T19:59:00.001Z

It was a cold and misty morning up on the common but that didn’t deter us hardy hashers, there were well over 20 hashers again. Groucho informed everyone that with regard to last weeks blog, Tail Lamps shoelaces were once again flaccid! Lovely word that!! Talking of Flaccid, did he ever return to the hash after we named him that??? Howling Wilf gave us our instructions and off we set down hill. After a lot of loitering at the next check, Paperwork called us on.
More down hill ensued, this did not bode well for later! Through the forest we went and back out on to the track for a bit more loitering. As we headed towards the next forest foray, some of the knitting circle had got themselves a way behind. We reached the first long/ short split where Sorepoint convinced Tuned In to ’go long’. This was to later become a very sore point! The knitting circle at the back however, thinking themselves to be very clever, first mistake, thought they’d cheat and go off piste to catch up, not realising that they then ended up on the long!! Ha! Ha! That’ll teach ’em.
After losing the trail a number of times in the forest, the longs all got back on trail and shot off into the distance, leaving us slightly less athletic (!) longs, way behind. This wouldn’t have been a problem if one of the silly buggers kicked out the check, but alas….it was not to be. Sorepoint and Tuned In arrived at the check with no clue as to which way to go and no flour to be seen in any direction, previously eaten by small animals I think. Who had been in front of us we mused???? Only the SHERIFF!!!! He didn’t kick the check out we cried, fine him, flog him, string him up we cried, ok, maybe a little harsh, but he shows no mercy to others you know!
Aaaaaanyway, after much to-ing and fro-ing and frantic calls of are you? Wilf was heard in the distance, unfortunately, we could hear him, just couldn’t decide quite where the voice was coming from, up the steep bank we went and as if by magic, Howling Wilf appeared. We all then had to catch up with the others who had by now caught hypothermia at the sweetie stop. Jaws in particular, looked like the end was nigh! After a short (for some of us) sweetie stop we set off again.
From here on the trail was pretty much entirely uphill. There were a few fish hooks thrown in for good measure and another long/ short split. There were one or two casualties on the way back up. Rumour has it Ring Piece fell on her names sake. Horny Woman stood on what was not quite terra firma, more terra bogga and was covered in mud. Also one of the dogs came a cropper in the mud and Ring Piece turned around to find her dog ’legless’ in the mud. Despite this we all made it back to the car park in one piece, where we consumed our consumables and the sheriff handed out fines and he himself was fined for his misdemeanors.
On On to Ellerhayes Bridge car park, Killerton, which is apparently between Killerton and Silverton.

31st January - Haldon Belvedere - Twin Peaks + Tail Lamp

2010-02-05T11:06:00.002Z

What a lovely day - sunshine, not too cold not off we set to drive to the hash. Coming along the motorway - what do we see but a funny grey cloud over to the left somewhere in the vicinity of Haldon Hill. Driving a bit further along, this becomes a full on snow shower, flakes the size of handkerchiefs. What are we doing, voluntarily driving up Haldon Hill in a blizzard - haven't you heard about all those poor people getting stuck in their cars for hours on Haldon Hill in the snow. Do we turn round? Of course we don't - we've got a hash to run!!
Quite a few braved the weather and congregated in the car park, with our hares Twin Peaks and Tail Lamp looking a little bereft. Of course, it wasn't snowing when they started laying the hash, so all the sawdust was now under a covering of white stuff, and completely invisible! Tampa, Oddbitz and Puss in Bootless weren't confident enough in their own driving, and left their cars at the top of the hill, running down at the last minute to join the throng. Off we scattered, trying, unsuccessfully to find the on. Helpful hints from the hares put us on the right track. We had to have good hearing as well as good eye-sight today, to hear the cries of "your on to check there" or "back check up ahead". Despite the handicap we managed, on the most part, to follow what the hare's remembered of the trail. It wound nicely through the woods and came out on a bike track thingy with lots of bumps and lots of furrows. The furrows all full of freezing icy water so we had to jump from bump to bump for what felt like ages and ages. Not so easy for the shorter legged hasher. Photo opportunity all crammed in under the boat sculpture. "If that's what a boat looks like, I'm selling mine" cried Oddbitz. Very short run now to the re-group at a wonderful viewpoint. From here we could look out over all below us and see quite clearly where the snow started and stopped. Very strange! Plenty of sweeties to go round - even the passing public asking if they could dip their hands in. Tail Lamp was heard to tell a tale about why he wasn't wearing his hashing trainers today. Apparently he'd left them in the car over night and the laces had frozen so hard he couldn't tie them! A note there to all you slightly older hashers - cheap viagra - just sleep in your car and no problems in the morning!
On we went again, past the xylophone and under and over the rope trips to a hash halt at the other end. Where are the walkers with the second hare? Don't know says Coffin, I was the last one playing on the ropes. Much muttering from hare number 1, as hare number 2 seems to have defected with the walkers. The runners carry on over the road and round a bit til the Birds of Prey viewpoint, then straight over the top, down the hill and wonder upon wonders - we could actually see the blobs down here! On On up the hill again to the road, and on-down to the car park.
Much nervousness at the circle as a giant truck full of hay bales was being unloaded by two Kamikaze tractor drivers, and re-loaded onto other carts. They nearly ran us all over a couple of times, and blocked the way to stop people leaving, but don't appear to have done any lasting damage. Hare number 2 had disappeared already, but having hare number 1's bag in his car, was phoned up to return said item. Serves him right for rushing off early! The Sheriff awarded fines - mostly to himself and the hares, or so it seemed and then we all departed. A few of us congregated in the Seven Stars pub in Kennford and had a lovely meal for a £5. Excellent day all round!
Thankyou to Sorepoint for this weeks blog - ED

24th January - Warren CP, Woodbury Common - Tampa

2010-01-25T20:39:00.002Z

Well well, who would have believed it but for some strange reason no fewer then thirty-seven hashers of various sizes, ages and abilities turned up today. We didn't realise that our hare, Tampa, had such a strong fan base, what on earth is going on?! Poor old Spockybitz was dashing around the car park getting subs, checking names, he was exhausted before he started, maybe the world of admin gives him a burst of energy. The other problem was finding spaces for all the cars with many hashers parking at at strange angles, except for one, Up Yours was given acres of space in which to complete her 27 point turn. Stat-Nav was even standing in front of his car as Up Yours entered the parking arena, or was it a circus.
At last we were off but straight away someone noticed the hare was carrying a handbag, whatever next, one pink handbag for the previous weeks hash hooligan is acceptable but two needed reporting, the sheriff was of course made aware of the situation.
Within minutes we came to a grinding halt, a back check! Chaos reigned for several minutes with hashers vanishing in all directions with the exception of a few who decided to stop and have an AGM while the pack did the business. Eventually a distant cry of on on could be heard coming from over the brow of a hill or was it a mountain, anyway it was steep! Next the hare thought a change landscape might be good so away from the only common and into the darkest depths of the woodland for us with plenty of opportunities to trip over branches etc, Groucho being one of the first, scoring 9.5 for artistic impression.
Once out of the dark wood it was time for another excursion on to the common, with a long short split thrown in, at this stage some of us were beginning to ask if our hare had been a mountain goat, he loves his hills especially those that go up. However he did produce some sweets from his handbag once at the summit, not before another back check though! It was at this point that our hare Tampa gave us his reason for the handbag, he had to go and buy some sweets from a nearby shop once he had laid the trail, this hard luck story failed to impress our sheriff, he takes no messing! However even the sheriff was fined when one eagle-eyed hasher noticed at the sweet stop that the for mentioned was not wearing his offical badge of office and T shirt.
As the pack polished off the sweets we noticed that Ron, a new was missing, he had gone on the long trail, extra long in Ron's case,but Spocky being a true hasher went back to look for him. From the sweet stop there was another long/short split followed by a little more mountaineering, some of us spending more time looking at the ground rather than the scenery or even the sky. We spent about an hour and a quarter out there in the Warren Wilderness, well done Mr Hare.
Back in the car park fines were collected. Tampa being fined for proudly saying that this time he hadn't forgotten the sweets, they were in the car, then promptly set off on the hash before realising he'd left them in the car!! The pink handbag, this week modelled by Twice Daily so we would recognise her after her return following some alterations to her person!!!, was awarded to the hare, he loves handbags! Finally two new hashers were named, firstly there is the now Twin Turrets for turning up in a T shirt with a gun plus what appeared to be a gun logo on it, there may have been another reason of course, if there is let the pack know next week. Secondly Ron, who was mentioned earlier was named Do Long Ron for his commitment to wanting to go that extra mile.
On on to Haldon Belvedere next Sunday
PS Does anyone have any photos of this weeks hash please? ED

17th January - The Twisted Oak, Ide - Blobhoblin

2010-01-17T16:57:00.003Z

Well over 20 hashers gathered in the car park on this lovely sunny day, a very bizarre contrast to last weeks snowy hash. In the hash circle we were given some very odd instructions by the hare. It was to be a wet hash and by purchasing 'get out of water free' cards from our sheriff, we could avoid the water! Also there were 2 sweetie stops, which attracted a cheer from the hashers, but they were sweetie stops with a difference, all would be revealed on the hash. We welcomed some new hashers today, one of whom was Horny Womans daughter, some visitors from Otter Valley Hash and the return of Flat Foot and Down Below the latter having been in Australia for a while.
After checking it out On On was then called to the first water obstacle. The cheats among us went up over the bridge across the main road, the brave souls apparently ended up going through the tunnel that went under the main road, after going through the stream first though!
At the check we went up through the village onto the next water obstacle which was tackled by a few hashers though most opted to pay the fine to the sheriff.
Back out to the main road we set off up the road only for half the pack to have to be called on back by the hare for setting off in the wrong direction. We crossed the road and headed back towards the car park, what a nice short hash we thought, though we then ran past the turning onto a hash halt a little further down the road.
With the pack back together again we headed up a very large hill where Tuned In was struggling, this being her first running hash for a good long while, however when Radiohead overtook her despite carrying Radio Ga Ga, she was seen to be running up the hill.
With Twin Peaks and Stat Nav out front we continued up hill before heading down a very muddy track and onto the first sweetie stop. When the hare arrived we were told it was actually an 'F' stop and we would find something beginning with F between the two sets of markings. Quite quickly the homemade fudge was found and while we had a group hash flash and enjoyed the view, we ate Blobbys homemade fudge.
After a long/short split which took the shorts about 100m down the hill, we were onto the next sweetie stop where X-Bitz found the sweets hidden in the bush. Todays delights were sherbets and funsize Bounty bars.
On down the hill we went with a nice stretch of road which ended up with us at the next water hazard. Scarf Face, Flour Power, Bell Toll, Tampa and Odd Bitz were among the hashers who braved this one with Tampa and Bell Toll promoting hash violence by starting a water fight.
After a very muddy but flat long stretch of track we went through a field and were greeted by the On Home.
Back in the car park the fines were handed out to those hashers who didn't partake in the watersports. Radiohead was fined (isn't he always) for nearly dropping the baby, Blobhoblin was fined for being age-ist by putting 'Tampas rest stop' next to all the benches on the last stretch. Up Yours was fined for having excuses why she had missed last week and Chip Shop was missing this week.
On On to next week at Warren CP, Woodbury.

10th January - Core Copse - Chip Shop

2010-01-11T10:07:00.003Z

Well our hare Slipshod, (I still think our Sheriffs adaptation of the name to Chip Shop is far better, let me know if you agree? ED), certainly pulled out all of the stops for today's run having spent some of Saturday and three hours today laying the trail and what a trail it turned out to be. Seventeen hashers braved the winter elements and arrived today dressed for the occasion in a variety of colourful winter garments with hats to match, what a sight they looked as they stood on parade in the circle, whilst five hash hounds just wandered around in their normal attire, just fur, as if they were thinking these hashers are barking mad. Anyway back in the human world the hare explained his trail, he went into great detail regarding how the route was marked, informing us that he had laid three quarters of it using sawdust the final quarter laid with snow. Snow! The whole area had received a carpet of snow so how does that work the pack asked sounding like choir. Then the hare revealed that he had run out of sawdust and decided to use the snow to make hash mounds of various sizes, what a clever hare to come up with an emergency solution.
We set off, the hare telling us to run to the check at a gate some 200 metres away, once at the check the hare realised he had not laid any check marks, this caused some confusion for several minutes with hashers darting around in all directions, he decided to draw a check in the snow. It was rather convenient that both Tuned-In and Ring Piece seemed to receive some sort of signal to go in a certain direction close to where this artistic snow check had been created. We now found ourselves zig zagging between the snow covered trees it was indeed a winter wonderland or was it blunderland as we kept losing then finding the trail. Checks came and went and several times, in the far distance, if that makes sense, we could hear the distance cry of a lone wolf, only to be re-assured that it was Howling Wolf by our able scouts Spockybitz and Paperwork. There were plenty of opportunities to both slip and slide but it would appear that on close inspection none of the pack suffered any ill effects according to our nursey Horny Woman.
There were two long/short splits the first of which took the longs down to the bottom of the valley the was covered in snow and as the shorts went off in another direction the the calls of on-on became fainter and fainter until silence return to the forest except for a small group of hashers waiting at the hash halt for the longs to appear. After about ten minutes the distance sound of crunching snow could be heard then from around a bend appeared a border collie, there were three on todays hash. Then the dog vanished then returned only this time with a hasher in tow, Ben the Dog had managed to encourage his master, Tampa, up to the hash halt. What a dog that Ben is! This halt was in fact the sweet stop the hare treating us to three varieties, including chocolate raisins no less......future hares take note! Once devoured we pressed on ploughing through the snow to the next long/short when we rejoined as a complete pack one wondered how our hare managed to synchronise
the arrive of both groups at the same time. However one hasher did emerge from the forest a little later. What has he been doing in that forest was heard from several voices in the cold morning air!
Finally we were back at the car park, our starting point, where we were treated to coffee care of Spockybitz, what a boy, the pack were very grateful for this gesture. Then came the circle where the sheriff fined the hare for a range of offences including drawing hash symbols on the trail and running out of sawdust. Ring Piece was fined for having technology on the hash, a mobile phone with a Benny Hill Show tune which was heard whilst in the frozen environment. Finally Chesty told us that she is going to work in London for six months, we will miss you and wish you all the best in London. (Miss you already Chesty - ED xxxx)