NOTES ON RUN 431 ON WEDNESDAY 24 DECEMBER 2014

FROM -  OUTRIDDEN COPSE CAR PARK (GR 831510)

MERRY CHRISTMAS

A record 32 hashers and two dogs

Hare: John Elder (Seis Matters).

Hounds: Derek Gray (Prime8), Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue), Brian Langford (Cyclone), Ian Angel (Hippo), Jane Cox (Rs Over Tit), Judith Bridges (‘Er Indoors), Steve Bridges (Hobble), Tom Bridges (Little Big Horn), Denise Catlin (Flying Doctor), Pam Dodd (Damp Patch), Tim Dodd (Hanging About), Anna Elder (Janet & John), Alex Fryatt (Gussy), Geoff Fryatt, Charlie Fryatt (Cheeky Chap), Anne Holland (Cloggs), Alan Jewell (Easy Rider), Jo Johnson (Dodo), Mike Johnson (Shrinky Dink), Andrew Jones (Golden Balls), Tom Jones (Pocket Rocket), Adrian Lambeth (Nettles), Marian McAllister, Sarah Nagle (Petal), Kevin Raine (Non Stick), Andy Ralph (Jolly Green Giant), Libby Ralph (Old Thumper), James Roberts (No Entry), Toby Roberts (Fun Size), Steve Wheeler (Yorkie), Helen Williams (Full Frontal) and Graham Wilson (Kerb Crawler).

After a dry morning and early afternoon, the Hare started his brief with the drizzle – fortunately not long lasting (drizzle or briefing).  We descended down the car park and set off along the main track to the right and we continued with Hanging About to the fore when he called us ‘ON’ and plunged off into the woods on what turned out to be a fruitless loop allowing the back movers to catch up.  The call from the new front now came from the left of the main track with Gussy leading but not for long.  It was JGG who now collected the trail and took us off to the left uphill to a ‘cross tracks’.  Yorkie went right, Cheeky Chappy set off straight across on the trail.  Sadly it was soon lost with confusion as to a sign that resulted in our going back a bit to join JGG who now headed us towards the Tweseldown race course.  On the way, shiggy and fallen trees added to our discomfort with more confusion as the front runners spread out across the race area.  By now Cloggs and Non Stick had caught up with us having arrived suitably late but there followed yet more confusion until we were called on as the trail went further along the line of the fence.  The first regroup kept us inside the fence and the search within started.  Outside the wire, proper progress was made and we made our way back into woods and on to a familiar (to many) track junction.  The trail led us straight into the vehicle testing area and up, up to the top of the rise into an open area. Once again Hippo’s horn called us on with Cloggs striding out with confidence and Hanging About trying his damnedest to short cut, only to find he was actually on trail (or near enough). After a bit of a flog uphill we disappeared back into jungle until another regroup. Every which way was checked apart from the correct one that JGG again found.  At the top of the hill we began to think we were going straight back for the Christmas Fare but no, a dastardly loop took us back away from home.  Soon we thought we were once again heading for the finish but a further deviation indicate otherwise,  So, we came upon another regroup where we were told there was a short cut or a black route.  The latter led us a bit further up before plunging down.  Nettles took the lead as we now really headed for the mince pies.  Your scribe was witness to observe Nettles racing with Hanging About desperately trying to catch up with him to get home first with Golden Balls being swiftly pulled along by his leashed dog.  By now the walkers were home and already imbibing while the runners drifted in for their recovery and resuscitation.  It had been a good, tricky trail and the Elders’ generosity and effort very much appreciated.  As the sun sank, so did the Festive Fare…and thanks to Anna and Marian for their service and to those who brought further sustenance to be enjoyed!

On ON

and a  HAPPY NEW YEAR

Next Hash: 7 January 2015 – Colin Crofts (French Leave) – Hawley Memorial Car Park (850590)

NOTES ON RUN 430 ON WEDNESDAY 10 DECEMBER 2014

FROM CAR PARK BELOW THE FORRESTERS (GR 828528)

Hares: Les Salmon (Ever Ready) and Derek Gray (Prime8).

Hounds: Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue), Brian Langford (Cyclone), Colin Crofts (French Leave), John Elder (Seis Matters), Ian Angel (Hippo) and Jane Cox (Rs Over Tit).

“You need wellies and snorkels and there is only one regroup.”  So much for the brief to the five runners and three walkers.  Over the road we passed and straight into loads of wet shig with Seis paddling to the fore.  There were ways around and at the gate into the Tweseldown race course the was a pond Seis and MR helped each other through the barbed wire while Hippo swung over on the gate and the rest muddled through.  Off along the track, up the one and only hill in the area, over the top and straight down t’other side to find no trail.  Search we did; and how we searched – all to no avail.  It was then that Hippo found that he was being followed by three inquisitive cows who wanted to join the fun.  MR came between the cows and Hippo until the former went off on a left track leaving the cows to follow Hippo to join the rest of the ‘pack’ (now of three), MR decided to go back only to be confronted by more cows until there were a dozen or more all wanting to join in.  From afar, RsOT called and Seis called us back on to trail.  All was well, it seemed, except that ‘the pack’ was still not to be seen or heard.  More bellowing from MR resulted in much moo-ing from the herd; moo-ing that went on with great volume, particularly when they were stopped by a cattle grid and they could play no more.  Now, the front runners could see Cyclone leading the errant pack back over some particularly difficult ditches and boggy bits. Meanwhile, the Hare indicated that Seis had been nearly correct but missed the sneaky bit that led to another (near invisible) track picked up by MR and FL.  This went through some pretty rough undergrowth and then – nothing.  Once more the trail had just simply disappeared. Calling from the hare on the main drag brought us back to competition to the point from where the big, deeply laid arrow had completely gone.  MR took off for the top of the rise to a check, over the top and down the other side left towards the main road.  Seis got it right by going right but then went wrong, missing the spot on the left taking the trail back into woodland. MR called them back and they were shortly able to repay the compliment by which time MR was well and truly blooded by briars. Soon we were back over the road into the trees on the ‘home’ side.  MR guessed the right way while Seis took the lower, easier route but both heading back towards the Norris Bridge roundabout.  MR was on trail for a while but lost it whereas  the rest managed to stay on track and find the one regroup.  However, MR was finding his own way home while the rest were advised that, as it was getting dark, maybe they should just go straight for home. Thus it was that we failed to complete the last third of the trail.  Getting to The Tweseldown before dark was of greater import..

On ON

Next Hash: 24 Dec -  Outridden Copse (GR 831510) – John Elder (Seis Matters)

Hare: Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue)

Hounds: Alan Jewell (Easy Rider), Tony Case (Fruit & Nut), Sarah Nagle (Petal), Steve Nagle (Silvier Fox), Brian Langford (Cyclone), Les Salmon (Ever Ready), Colin Crofts (French Leave), Derek Gray (Prime8), John Elder (Seis Matters) and  Steve Wheeler (Yorkie).

The woods appeared to be full of running young ladies that was soon changed by running older men.  Then they were all mixed up and the woods were alive with 200 orienteerers.  Oh yes - and there was another group of female soldiers undergoing military field training, too, so the pack would not be alone with just the usual dog walkers.  The trail led off south down the main drag and the hare was contented to see Silvier returning and Yorkie taking a wrong turn to the left.  Good start.  However, Silvier realised going back was wrong so he proceeded as before and found the trail now going into deep jungle at the bottom of the hill.  It was not long before the hare found that attempts had been made to destroy the trail that had been covered by some small-minded b****s. Still, the trail continued again once the going was less favourable.  By now Ever Ready and Prime8 were walking well while they chatted, leaving the front runners to do all the work.  It was French Leave, or perhaps Cyclone who found the correct way ahead while Yorkie was tempted to lead Seis up an inviting hill in the wrong direction and Silvier returned from his wild adventure off piste.  Up the hill they went through some close forestry until the arrival at a one blob regroup.  Now, the restart was not difficult to find because it was really rather close to the trail back in but Silvier quickly led the pack out into the wild, wet, well-shigged road way off into the descending gloom of the early evening. (Later it became apparent that our two walkers had walked along a back trail but were reluctant to retrace their steps so muddled their way back home). Now, it was getting very wet underfoot and proceeded thus until the next regroup where there were some six options.  A reluctant Easy Rider set off one way, with Yorkie and Silvier shooting of in different directions but it was Seis who was the last to leave having seen all other tracks covered by investigators, having decided that he would investigate the only path going downhill. He was right but of course got it wrong at the bottom where the trail departed sharp left up the hill and over the top to the bottom where it again rose up, but just up a little.  Silvier was off again, closely followed by Seis and they followed the trail that led up the steepest, nastiest bit of hill in the area where they either missed the check-back or it had been destroyed.  Anyway, they kept on to the very top and disappeared while Petal and French Leave and Yorkie followed the gentle path straight on that led eventually to the main road and back to the cars.  By now it was nearly dark and the mist had fallen leaving Fruit & Nut and Silvier out in the wilderness with Petal asking where Silvier had last been seen (most were not concerned because they knew he was safe with F&N).  So it was then in to the Rose and Thistle for a whistle…

FROM WELLINGTON STATUE (GR 853511)

Hare: Alan Jewell (Easy Rider),

Hounds: Tony Case (Fruit & Nut), Sarah Nagle (Petal), Ian Angell (Hippo), Brian Langford (Cyclone), Les Salmon (Ever Ready), Jane Cox (Rs Over Tit), Colin Crofts (French Leave), Sue Figgis (Centre of Attraction), Derek Gray (Prime8), and Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue).

It started well apart from the rain. And the cold breeze. And the hare returning having run out of flour. And the ominous grey clouds. Then it got better, but not a lot. Having set off back towards the Bourley Road with Ever Ready (or was it French Leave) to the fore. Mountain Rescue set off and found himself at the fore. It didn’t last and soon ER was bounding across the open field with MR keeping to the main road – for a while. Then it happened. Quite unexpectedly. There was a ditch, a very deep, wet muddy ditch across which there were a couple of wet slippery poles to assist wary crossers to cross. MR full of confidence and experience of such events went to one side to take the narrower, easier way across. It was only FL who witnessed what happened next and was just in time to see MR go head-first into the ditch. With feet caught on the near bank, he plunged face first into the ditch. First the face with a defending left hand, followed by the body, then the arse to which legs were still attached right into the flowing, muddy ditch. There he floundered; nay, wallowed with spectacles and hat now drenched in wet mud that left MR dreading the anticipation of what was about to happen – the influx of very cold water into unwelcoming parts. There had been time to bellow an involuntary expletive, possibly even two or three, followed by great evidence of ready mirth from the late arrivals at the scene with sadness from those who had missed it. The rest of the run was a bit of an anticlimax but in true fashion the pack continued. ER was soon off with Rs Over Tit claiming the MR should, without doubt, now inherit her tag. The rain had stopped and MR started to dry out (but not a lot) while the pack continued to follow the trail into a wide, open area familiar to some. The trail had disappeared as hunters hunted. French Leave called us on and we progressed over the Bourley road into the trees. Then out of the trees and back into more trees. Up a familiar rise, by now ER once again to the fore, and over more familiar ground. Thus we continued up and up to the top of Caesar’s Camp. Pause. Rs Over Tit sussed the restart and soon we were descending to a main path that would take us back to and over the main Bourley Road. Now it was getting late. The concerned Hare decided that as it was likely to get dark early that we should now make straight for home – so we did (willingly). A bit of up and down, over the main big ditch (this time with no divers) and the front runners were led by the professional short cutter home. An excellent trail enjoyed by all (well, nearly all)…

On ON

Next Hash: 26 Nov - Old Guildford Road, GR 901560 - Mountain Rescue

FROM THE BOURNE CRICKET CLUB CP (GR 849447)

Hare: Sarah Nagle (Petal), Steve Nagel (Silvier Fox)

Hounds: Andrew Jones (Golden Balls), Alan Jewell (Easy Rider), Tony Case (Fruit & Nut), Les Salmon (Ever Ready), Derek Gray (Prime8), John Elder (Seis Matters), Brian Langford (Cyclone)

I do like this location. No roads, open countryside, woodland and HILLS. Yes, big hills and GB did not endear himself to the pack with his "I do like hills" line of army banter. But it was such a good post-clock-change atmosphere that nobody really minded. The lowering skies, the incipient darkness, the third regroup after 60 minutes simply added to the pleasure of getting to the Fox after the hash for a well-earned pint of Abbot Ale, one of mankind's greatest inventions after the wheel, flight and income tax. The hash eventually proved itself to be an anti-clockwise circuit of hills, woods, heath, hills, woods, heath, woods, and hills. Surprisingly, we never lost Prime8 or Fruit'n Nut but in true Deepcut tradition, F'nN terrorised some innocent ladies at the start but fortunately the hash got going before he rambled into the post-war period. Once ensconced in the snug of the Fox, comments from the hares such as "You're much livelier in the afternoon, Darling!" and "We used to do this, but we don't seem to do it anymore !" set the tone for the usual apres-hash ramblings. We discussed the forthcoming NH4 AGM until Cyclone, misunderstanding the web-site address, then confused everybody by talking about ammonia and transvestites. A great run and a good on-inn. What more do you want.

On ON

Next Hash:  12^th November - TBA - Venue TBA

FROM THE OLD GUILDFORD ROAD (GR 901560)

Hare: Tony Soane (Sony Tone)

Hounds: Alan Jewell (Easy Rider), Tony Case (Fruit & Nut), Jane Cox (Rs Over Tit), Sarah Nagle (Petal), Steve Nagel (Silvier Fox), Les Salmon (Ever Ready), Derrick Gray (Prime8), John Elder (Seis Matters), Colin Crofts (French Leave) and  DNS'ing Lewis Soane (Even Number).

With rain in the air, we gathered in 'Bankers' Row' or the Old Guildford Road as it is more correctly called. A double figure turn-out was excellent given the conditions. Ever Ready managed to drag Fruit'n Nut away from an unsuspecting female dog walker - "The Hash House Harriers started in Malaya ... (several pages deleted here - Editor) ... Ah - back to the present, you will enjoy the hash and that's an order - hah hah!" With the traditional banter completed, we set off in an easterly direction. At this point, my knowledge of the hash becomes somewhat vague since I was walking at the back with Easy Rider and Prime 8, fellows infinite jest, of most excellent fancy. Fortunately, the hare kept an eye on us and with some insider knowledge and two GPS's the three of us managed to get back to the cars just in time to witness R's over Tit leading the hash home. It really is great countryside and we were amused to pass a bunch of camouflaged soldiers carrying one of their comrades on a litter. They took one look at Prime 8, dropped their comrade and picked him up as being in greater need of help. I joke, but only a little and I bet the thought passed through their minds. The Rose & Thistle (or RAT to the locals) now charges a £1 to park in their car park. This conveys both time travel (if you checked the ticket) and £1 off your beer although with their prices, that isn't immediately obvious. For the second fortnight in a row, we were provided with chips that were excellent; a welcome return to this tradition. Well done Sony who, despite the absence of his side-kick Cyclone, laid a great trail. In the true traditions of hashing, there were more people at the on-inn than on the actual hash!

On ON

Next Hash:  29^th October - Steve & Sarah Nagel - Venue TBA

FROM QUEEN’S HOTEL, SELBORNE (GR 741336)

Hare: John Elder (Seis Matters).

Hounds: Alan Jewell (Easy Rider), Tony Case (Fruit & Nut), Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue), Sarah Nagle (Petal), Tony Soane (Sony Tone), Ian Angell (Hippo), Steve Booker (Dickhead), Anna Elder (Janet & John), Anne Holland (Cloggs), Brian Langford (Cyclone), Steve Nagel (Silvier Fox), Les Salmon (Ever Ready) and  Lewis Soane (Even Number).

On ON

Next Hash: To be announced and a volunteer hare would be much appreciated.  Your scribe would have volunteered if he was going to be around but he isn’t so he can’t!

Hare: Alan Jewell (Easy Rider),

Hounds: Colin Crofts (French Leave), Tony Case (Fruit & Nut), Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue), Sarah Nagle (Petal), Jane Cox (Rs Over Tit) and Tony Soane (Sony Tone).

The select bunch met to discuss the many absentees, the weather , the Scottish (particularly The Lying Scotsman) and listen to F&N’s rambling (such as “…I was watching the TV or radio…”. We all guessed which he was watching). Anyway, digression is not what this is all about but about a most pleasant trail laid by ER. The sun came out to raise our spirits and the briefing was simply “Starts there” with a pointing finger. MR set the initial (slow) pace and led the way towards the canal where he quickly went wrong and Sony turned left that was right. Up on to the canal bridge, over to the far side of the canal and up the gentle rise to the entrance into the jungle. Soon there was confusion with Sony and Petal checking up the hill and F&N setting off downhill that had already been declared unfit for Hashers. A whisper from the Hare confirmed that Sony had been on the right trail all along and so we trudged to the top for the view. ROT was not too keen to go down the slope on the other side but venture she did. MR, easily led FL (who was new to the area) down the anticipated direction only to find absolutely no flour anywhere whatsoever. They continued… Meanwhile, F&N’s trumpeting could be faintly heard on the far, far side of the trees. The two errant wanderers finally caught up with the Hare and ST who were looking for a ‘phone (no, they hadn’t lost one but wanted one). ST set off back to the car park to pick up his phone to let his wife know that he had safely arrived on his motorcycle but she was out with a neighbour’s dog or some such. The trail now took us up the steepest bit of the whole course with the short cutter MR finding himself on trail once more. At the top there was further delay as the trail made itself difficult to find. MR returned from his failed investigation to see FL descending another path, F&N waiting for advice, and the ‘girls’ debating which way was best to proceed and he continued down the one remaining unchecked path. Once more we were on as it looked as though we were to make for Potter’s Restaurant. No, again, we shouldn’t have so done. But not all was lost as FL now found the trail and met up with MR who had also made it back to the gate leading into the camping ground and the bridge over the canal at the Canal Centre. It was Petal who spotted the regroup while FL and MR set off along the canal to the right before being called back. And that was that, really. A very pleasant jaunt through the trees and back for a beer at the Rose and Thistle. Needless to say, perhaps, the conversation eventually turned to the Lying Scotsman and his fervoured nationalists…

On ON

Next Hash: 1 October – John Elder – Queens Hotel, Selborne – (GR741336)

NOTES ON RUN 423 ON WEDNESDAY 03 SEPTEMBER 2014

FROM DARBY GREEN CENTRE, YATELEY (GR 836604)

Hare: Colin Crofts (French Leave).

Hounds: Tony Case (Fruit & Nut), Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue), Alan Jewell (Easy Rider), Ian Angel (Hippo), Sue Figgis (Centre of Attraction), Sarah Nagle (Petal), Derrick Gray (Prime8), Andrew Jones (Golden Balls) and Luke Ripley (Caboose).

It was a great change to be in a different area unknown to most – or most of it was unknown to most as we did wander over into Yateley Common.  It was a trail tending towards the devious with three regroups (Hare couldn’t remember how many!)  C of A arrived early but Hippo didn’t get there in time but was there to greet our return (work can be such a bummer).  The weather was fine, with the sun trying to make an appearance, as we set off from the edge of the car park along a path into the woods.  Easy Rider led us into an area that was in a terrible, rubbish-strewn condition when we were met by a flood of school kids coming out of school and all was explained. Soon we were over the road and into an area of considerably more attractive surroundings.  Having lost the trail it was Golden Balls who took the lead as we travelled back parallel to the road over which we had just crossed. Easy Rider led us into a rather splendid sports field in which there was a rather smart office chair residing as though unwanted.  Wondering, thoughts came to mind that the local headmaster may still be looking for his chair.  Soon, we hit the first regroup after which Golden Balls took off in the wrong direction as did MR who, for a while, believed the Hare had been exceeding devious until he found himself up a false trail.  Caboose now took the front spot for a while but inevitably lost it as we now found ourselves in the more familiar territory of Yateley Common and in particular the area around the pond. Up the more gentle hill we proceeded to a bit of confusion.  It was at the second regroup that C of A announced that she had received from the Hare the “most unhelpful hint” ever: having searched for the trail she heard a call from behind and so returned to the last check point only to be told by the Hare that she needn’t have bothered to come back…  The third regroup soon followed as we progressed around a rather good trail that unfortunately took us through a rather prickly bit of gorse for a while before re-crossing the road and the way ‘home’ where we found Hippo had caught up with us for the really important part of the whole process that was held at Mr Bumble’s place in Blackwater

On ON

Next Hash: 17 September - To be or not to be…

NOTES ON RUN 422 ON WEDNESDAY 20 AUGUST 2014

FROM FRENSHAM LITTLE POND (GR 858417)

Hare: Tony Case (Fruit & Nut),

Hounds: Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue), Alan Jewell (Easy Rider), Jane Cox (Rs Over Tit), Les Salmon (Ever Ready), Ian Angel (Hippo), Sue Figgis (Centre of Attraction) and Sarah Nagle (Petal)

The weather was delightful as we searched for parking spots in the heavily occupied area – filming again!  We waited for the flood of regular attendees (that never materialised) so set off ten minutes late with Ever Ready to the fore.  It was a long, straight, level path and when Ever ran out of puff, the other ER (Easy Rider) took on the lead and he went off left-ish with the other ER going straight on and finding himself at the front once more.  It didn’t last and there was a pause while the search was made.  Eyebrows were raised to see Petal striding up the steep hill as though she was on the level.  Soon she called us on as we struggled to the top of the rise - and another check.  Easy was persuaded that straight over the top could have been the way to proceed and the ladies set off along the level to the left.  Meanwhile, the Hare was looking pensive as he tried to remember which way to go.  MR spotted what looked like flour on the top of a post at the bottom of the hill to the right.  Soon all were following MR who, on reaching the bottom went wrong, leaving Hippo to find the true trail off to the left.  Another check caused further discussion until Rs OT found herself at the front.   It seemed a long flog following Ever up the hill where we were able to enjoy the vista, the sunshine, the pause and the company. Hippo set off with Ever only to find three blobs and an unexpected bar.  Back up to the top again. Further pause.  Hare to the fore in puzzlement accompanied by Hippo as the pair started down the flourless slope and ventured far into the distance.  The rest, having seen no flour for an age, now followed their own senses of direction feeling that we were bound to find a trail in the rough direction of our progress.  Ever accosted a walker who offered some advice and we set off once more, following our noses. Another pause until Easy found the trail that he lost again on approaching the filming area. Meanwhile, MR was following a parallel path from where he thought he saw more flour at the base of a distant tree.  From there, it was quickly ‘On Inn’ and on to the The Holly Bush for a jug, a chat, delicious crisps from CofA, and convivial gathering.  What fun we’d had wondering where F&N had really laid the trail…

On ON

Next Hash: 3 September - French Leave - Darby Green Centre - GR 836604

NOTES ON RUN 421 ON WEDNESDAY 06 AUGUST 2014

FROM PINE RIDGE GOLF COURSE CAR PARK (GR 907587)

Hares: Tony Soane (Sony Tone), Lewis Soane (Even Number) and Brian Langford (Cyclone).

Hounds: Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue), Derek Gray (Prime8), Alan Jewell (Easy Rider), Tony Case (Fruit & Nut), Jane Cox (Rs Over Tit), Colin Crofts (French Leave), Les Salmon (Ever Ready and Ian Angel (Hippo)..

Once again, it was ideal weather.  We took off in the north west corner of the car park with MR first over the fence having pulled ‘age’ on French leave who quickly was to the fore immediately thereafter with Easy Rider.  Cyclone had to drop out at this stage with a crocked knee (or ankle or some sort of crock).  The trail now started what turned out to be a long, but mainly downhill, stretch. At the first junction there was considerable delay taken in searching for the ‘On’ but once more Ever Ready stumbled on the flour.  Still going down, we came to a fork with Ever Ready giving the awaited call.at the next fork he got it right again by going left but was delayed by a call of nature so that MR overtook on the left (correct) and RsOT to the right (wrong).  We were now approaching the ‘hills’ beyond the golf course and were surprised to find that we were going further down the slope. Then it hit us – the dreaded uphill began and we soon found the regroup at the top where a short discussion on injuries in which only Easy Rider declared his total fatness – at least, that’s what I thought he said but it may have been ‘fitness’.  It was also announced that the dearly departed Hippo and Prime8 were no longer with us but taking an easier, less strenuous track.  It took F&N to work out that we had to descend once again and this undid our short-lived gain of altitude.  Over a couple of wide paths we went, keeping straight on and up, gently up, towards to another regroup where there were large tree trunks on which to perch.  Straight on along wide paths we now proceeded as we kept our way around the golf course.  From here we kept on round the course perimeter but now in delightful open woodland with dappled sunshine on the soft surface spoiled only by the occasional squawk from F&N’s bleating horn from the back of the pack. After some more gentle undulations the trail rose up a more challenging hill to the wide open area at the top. French Leave drifted back from the far left rear while Easy Rider disappeared to the far left forward with RsOT following the calls Ever Ready way ahead to the right of centre.  And from here it was a pleasant jog along parallel to the main road. Then to the edge of the golf course where we met up with the walking Prime8 and Hippo.  Around the end of the course, through undergrowth described by Even Number as “very prickly” (and he was right about that) that led us back into the car park. The beer went down so well in the lovely sunshine…a very pleasing event all round!

On ON

Next Hash: 20 August – Fruit & Nut -  Frensham Little Pond – GR 858417

NOTES ON RUN 420 ON WEDNESDAY 23 JULY 2014

FROM OUTRIDDEN COPSE CAR PARK (GR 832509)

Hare: John Elder (Seis Matters)

Hounds: Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue), Derek Gray (Prime8), Alan Jewell (Easy Rider),  Brian Langford (Cyclone), Tony Soane  (Sony Tone), Lewis Soane (Even Number),Tony Case (Fruit & Nut), Jane Cox (Rs  Over Tit), Colin Crofts (French Leave), Sue Figgis (Centre of Attraction), Andrew Jones (Golden Balls), Les Salmon (Ever Ready), Steve Wheeler (Yorkie).

It was good to see so many returnees after many weeks of indifferent turnouts; even C of A arrived before we set off (but then we were a bit late starting).  The weather was marvellous, verging on being a touch too warm for some, and this led to a consensus that maybe much of the trail would be walked rather than run (but there were several ‘recoverees’ and walking wounded still).  A quick, vague briefing and warning of difficulties in spotting sunlit sawdust in the sun speckled forests saw us off down the slope and right into the woods for a few moments as we negotiated the ditch into the open fields beyond.  An eager Golden Balls took the first of his false trails but was soon back to the fore while the majority sauntered along enjoying the environment.  The trail took us deeper into the woods as we headed north through the promised sun-dappled trees to a familiar main path.  This took us down towards the horse racing track.  After a pause at the bottom of the slope while searchers searched, the trail took us back up towards the main road over which we crossed to the first regroup.  On, on we went half way up the slope on the far side before plunging left into the woods and popping out at the top end only to start going down towards the main road again.  The front runners, few as they were, kept on down, down and disappeared from sight as they must have approached the football field at the back of The Tweseldown.  Could this really be correct?  The hobblers at the back now met the Hare who was marking for us to turn left at the path leading down along the back of the large office block between the woods and the football area.  Then it was on to the same path that paralleled the main road uphill featured in the previous Deepcut trail.  Golden Balls soon caught up the hobblers, who had taken the short cut, and was off over the largely open area with A Over T in hot pursuit.  Following the line of overhead power cables we hit another regroup that had GB off uphill at the double with Yorkie wisely waiting having fallen last time with the same false trail. Meanwhile, the main pack found that the left turn had been correct and enjoyed a bit of shady running that went for quite (nay, a huge) distance along the main path.  As we approached a junction with a well-used large style the back ‘runners’ were met by returning front runners who turned off down the hill.  Being wrong again, they came back and joined Yorkie over the style and on up through the trees.  The correct path was eventually identified through thick bracken as we went over the top and down to a major junction and up the other side for a bit.  Along the near flat path we went off through trees again and down to the small lake around which we went part way.  It was now that the pack split with one part off trail but following instinct and the rest still with the Hare safe in the knowledge that they were in safe hands.  From then on it was a simple straight move back to the car park after a most pleasant jaunt through the local countryside and on to The Tweseldown once more…

On ON

Next Hash: 6 August – Pine Ridge Golf Course (GR 907587) -  Hare: Sony Tone.

NOTES ON RUN 419 ON WEDNESDAY 09 JULY 2014

FROM OUTRIDDEN COPSE CAR PARK (GR 832509)

Hare: Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue)

Hounds: Ian Angel (Hippo), Derek Gray (Prime8), Alan Jewell (Easy Rider), Sarah Nagle (Petal), Brian Langford (Cyclone), Tony Soane  (Sony Tone), Lewis Soane (Even Number).

The Hare was walking wounded so promised a short run that turned out to be just on the hour.  Sadly, he had failed to warn the Hounds that ALL the checks were to be one-blobbers.  Not the end of the earth and they soon learnt.  The trail descended down through the field bottom left corner for the first check.  Easy Rider soon cottoned on that the way ahead was back up the near-parallel path uphill to the sharp left.  Across the water ditch where the short-cutting Hippo and Hare were waiting to watch Petal get across the stream and up into the neighbouring field; they were both so disappointed when Petal elegantly hopped over the water keeping perfectly dry...  By now Sony and Even Number were well ahead and had found their way back on to the original path but it was Cyclone who called them back as he found the way into deeper jungle in the opposite direction.  The trail wended its way through pleasant sunlit woods to a major junction that sent Prime8 off left well off piste and Sony in the other.  Even Number was tempted to investigate the overgrown path to the fore and after a bit of encouragement it was Cyclone who ventured far enough to find the trail through close country along a stream that ended up at a most familiar six-way junction. Hippo took up the lead in towards the Long Valley area where the trail led off uphill with the brace of Soanes not convinced that the trail actually went all the way up and came down to the waiting Hare.  Grandson beat Grandfather to the trail as we set once more through more open woods along a familiar path.  After a bit of mountaineering the trail levelled out and continued through the trees still in sunshine, over a large puddle and into more trees now heading back towards home.  Easy Rider and Petal had found themselves at the front but on the wrong paths and off trail.  The rest had wandered too far to find the trail easily so a Hare Hint brought the pack back to where they should have been.  On the hour all were back looking forward the hospitality of the Tweseldown where jollity once more pervaded the sunlit garden…

On ON

Next Hash: 23 July – Outridden Copse (GR 832509)  –  Hare: Seis Matters.

NOTES ON RUN 417 ON WEDNESDAY 28 MAY 2014

Hares: Tony Soane (Sony Tone),  Brian Langford (Cyclone)

Hounds: Sarah Nagle (Petal), Alan Jewell (Easy Rider), Jane Cox (Rs Over Tit), Tony Case (Fruit&Nut), John Elder (Seis Matters), Ian Angell (Hippo), Andrew Jones (Golden Balls aka GB) & Tom Jones (Pocket Rocket).

Under lowering skies (whatever that means) we gathered at the parking space beside Potters by the Basingstoke Canal (a feature that would later guide in the front-runners). We set off over the road and it became immediately apparent that GB and his son PR were in a different fitness league from own, or as we put it, "Some of us actually like to enjoy the scenery!" We were promised a long and hilly run as indeed it was, however the length was in the space rather than the time dimension, once again thanks to GB and PR who had no concept of 'regrouping' but irritatingly found the correct way within seconds of passing the check points. It was an excellent anti-clockwise-ish loop through the forest trails that did indeed include some pretty steep inclines. Hippo, the wise old man of Border Control, used his sixth sense (that these chaps seem to possess) to execute an amazing short-cut that actually saw him in front of PR, albeit briefly. I asked Pocket Rocket if he always ran so fast and he replied "It's not unusual!" The end was very cunning when we came to the corner of a fence with the logical route left and the less logical route to the right. Hippo scenting beer lead the pack to the left leaving Seis and GB to follow the correct trail right to the canal and thence On-Inn to Potters. But what of Fruit'n Nut? Sadly, our gout-ridden colleague, paying the price for a lifetime of 'furious dissipation' (Ian Fleming's from 'Russia with Love') only managed a limp around the near forest and sadly found nobody in the car park to talk at until we all returned. A great trail and bang on the hour; well done the hares!

On ON

Next Hash: 11 June – Alan Jewell,  Hawley Lake Sailing Club  (GR 839579).

NOTES ON RUN 416 ON WEDNESDAY 14 MAY 2014

FROM WELLINGTON STATUE (GR 853511).

Hare: Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue)

Hounds: Sarah Nagle (Petal), Steve Nagle (Silvier Fox), Alan Jewell (Easy Rider), Tony Soane (Sony Tone), Jane Cox (Rs Over Tit), Brian Langford (Cyclone), Tony Case (Fruit&Nut) and John Elder (Seis Matters).

At the finish in The Tweseldown, there was only one person who didn’t sit down without giving a huge sigh, or a groan, or an expression of fatigue and that was Fruit&Nut who had just forgotten how tired he was. Most exhausted was MR who had been round the course twice in short time (actually, the second time only took an hour and a half). We should start at the beginning and not the end for it gives a better idea of how it all (or some of it) went. We set off from the car park by going up to pay respects to the Duke on the mound. As ever, Silvier was to the front but went wrong as soon as he arrived at the top. It was not long before he caught up again and was leading us down the other side. Progress was delayed as we hit the first road with Hounds going all over except in the correct direction. There was a pleasant run through close trees in their fresh spring livery. The front runners again went astray but soon saw the errors in their way. It became obvious that the pack was just not really looking at where they were going and all went astray again before spotting that the trail had diverted off what appeared to be the main track. Then there was the arrival at a defunct car park where vegetation was growing well with Seis and Silvier finding the trail while Sony and Cyclone just sauntered out into the middle and went off at the wrong angle. A timely cough from the Hare soon got Petal on the right track before being overtaken by her husband who soon cottoned on to the trail layout at this stage The first regroup was on the marvellous, beautifully finished but hardly used car park all produced at public expense but locked to the public. Seis shot off in totally the wrong direction with F&N while Silvier searched in the right sort of area leaving Cyclone and Sony still just chatting and ignoring all the activity around them. From over the main road came Silvier’s cry as he swiftly ran off into deeper jungle only to go wrong again. This time he had the right direction but didn’t go far enough. Eventually, the main pack found themselves at the second regroup atop a lone (but very steep all-round) hillock waiting for F&N to catch up after going off along the main road for no obvious reason. He eventually arrived carrying four stones – such is the world in which he lives. The pattern seemed to repeat itself and the pack found themselves progressing towards the high ridge in the direction of Farnham. To get there we had to descend before a steep rise on t’other side. It was at this point, as she surveyed the near vertical stony rise before her, that R’s Over T asked the Hare if he had got out on the wrong side of the bed that morning. Little did she know what was to come! The third regroup eventually held all the Hounds returning from differing directions before the darting Silvier rapidly led the pack deeper into rougher undergrowth and through to the mighty wandering undulations beyond. And steep some of them were. Silvier and Seis had now disappeared well to the fore and the rest meandered along the rising and falling ground twisting and turning before them. Another regroup allowed everyone to catch up before Sony led the pack until he wandered off track, but the helpful hare’s cough brought him back as we traversed open woodland, making for ‘home’. Just one last regroup before Seis called us on down the main concrete track to the road, across towards the recently mown field beside the church and back into the car park where the sighs began. It had been a great bundle of 90 minutes of ‘fun’ (I think that’s what they call it).

On ON

Next Hash: 28 May – Sony Tone and Cyclone, Potters Restaurant (GR 894549).

NOTES ON RUN 415 ON WEDNESDAY 30 APRIL 2014

FROM ELY HOTEL CAR PARK (GR 822589)

Hares: Les Salmon (Ever Ready) and Derek Gray (Prime8)

Hounds: Sarah Nagle (Petal), Steve Nagle (Silvier Fox), Alan Jewell (Easy Rider), Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue), Tony Soane (Sony Tone), Colin Crofts (French Leave), Jane Cox (Rs Over Tit), Phil Sharpe (Anorak) and Andrew Jones (Golden Balls).

It was good to see Anorak back in the pack after an age away and to welcome Golden Balls on his first Hash with us. We were so lucky with the weather that turned out bright and sunny – more than can be said for the Hares who were both knackered before we set off.  That was not a good omen nor was the sight of Prime8 still in his wellies. The first mud was right at the start as we set off through the hole in the hedge and out into the wet wilds.  How correct the wet warning turned out to be – very squishy underfoot.  The first check caused quite a delay until Golden Balls called us on.  Another hold up took some finding until Sony stumbled upon it and we splashed on once more.  On we went and on more until we came to a pond or small lake that was familiar to some.  GB was soon off again bringing the hill climbers back down to our level.  On round we went until GB and MR were lost in the undergrowth for a while and when the ‘ON’ was heard again, it sounded a long way off. Soon we were all at the top of the rise again challenged by a couple of noisey dogs as we crossed over two bars in quick succession (the back runners were following the Hare at this stage).  It was a circuitous route we were taking through ground that was becoming increasingly wild and unkempt with twiggy bits to trip over, brambles to scratch and holly with gorse to prick as we went.  The sun still shone with the birds singing as we made our way towards the main road and yes, we had been told to take great care as we got to the far side.  Having successfully crossed the dual carriageway to the regroup on the far side we listened to the gentle, beautiful birdsong joined by the raucous sound of rifle fire and helicopters as a war broke out not so far away. We were once again in close, rough countryside so it was impossible to run even if it was wanted.  Once out in the open, Silvier was spotted going off in totally wrong direction (according to the helpful Hare) before being called back to join the rest on a long loop.  However, he quickly found the restart of the trail and shot off again leading us to a fearfully long, wide path alongside the wire fence protecting the barracks area.  Our heavy hearts were lifted when very shortly we were taken back into the woods.  It was a long way still to go with the tide still well and truly in.  We avoided the horse jumps. Another heart-sinker came and thoughts of Horrid Hares crossed minds as we were confronted by a wide, deep, water-filled ditch that we had to cross before getting back to the Ely.  The Hares were forgiven as Ever Ready led us along the embankment to the end of the ditch and over the road.  Further jolliment proceeded in the hotel as recovery resulted in a vote of enjoyment for the run.

‘Til next time,

On ON

Next Hash: 14 May – Wellington Statue (GR 853511) – Hare: Mountain Rescue

NOTES ON RUN 414 ON WEDNESDAY 16 APRIL 2014

FROM ‘WATER WITCH’ CAR PARK (GR 746516).

Hares: Sarah Nagle (Petal) and Steve Nagle (Silvier Fox)

Hounds: John Elder (Seis Matters) Tony Case (Fruit and Nut), Alan Jewell (Easy Rider), Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue), Les Salmon (Ever Ready), Brian Langford (Cyclone), Tony Soane  (Sony Tone), Colin Crofts (French Leave) , Jane Cox (Rs Over Tit) and Ann Holland (Cloggs).

Best weather for a long time as we were briefed that there was (for the older Hashers) new ground that was a surprise even to the Hares.  So we set off out of the car park making for the canal away from town.  A few hundred yards on and we turned left into a large, open, rough area that held us up a while with Sony going off along the fence to our fore, Seis scooting off to the right and Easy Rider started going half right ahead but quickly lost interest and stood gazing into the blue sky. MR got adventurous and went off over a number of wooden walkways – way off course was he.  The majority wandered in the middle until Sony’s call encouraged us on.  Over an even larger open area we went over most acceptable soft ground that probably had been deep shig until the recent drier spell.  Over the road we now progressed through sun dappled woods with Cyclone taking front space and out into a proper field of lush green new grass.  The field was large.  Straight on we went to the other side into the next field full of similar grass but much more of it.  Across the fence in stile we went and on to a third bigger field.  The fourth field was the largest and it certainly looked that the farmer was going to have plenty of hay in due course.  The first (of three) regroups was upon us. Seis went off along a major tractor path to the right Cyclone returned from straight on and Easy Rider from the left.  Diagonally across the field was a vivid yellow weedkille- covered path that French Leave thought ‘twas not correct.  A Hare Hint indicated that perhaps we should be going along the yellow path that someone suggested wasn’t weedkiller that had created such a masterpiece but an indication that Petal had a wee at the top end and it killed all growth as it trickled down the hill (most of us knew that was simply not real).  With F&N at the front, swiftly overtaken by Seis, on the far side of the field we rose up a slope to a bridge over the canal and the second regroup.  On the way up, a warning call went up to be aware of wire across our path.  Last to call the warning was RsOT who promptly nearly tripped over the said cable. F&N soon set off along the canal tow path into the sun, and much to all’s surprise he was correct as we now set off for a long flog along the canal. He lost the lead by checking off to the right when a timely Hare Hint set MR off again further along the canal when a walker going in the other direction confirmed that, yes, there was flour marking a trail further on.  As we approached a housing area, we hoped that there would be a bridge over the canal.  There was.  The trail now led us back down the other side of the canal until the path split and Seis disappeared into an unusually narrow hedge passage – dark and spooky, it was.  Into housing now as we went on and approached the middle of Odiham.  Meanwhile, the main pack found themselves in the middle of the countryside once more, lost with no apparent trail.  FRBs had led us well astray but much searching and another Hint had us all going up the looong slope (on the proper side of the pond) where more holdups as the hunt for flour proceeded.  A false call from the front nearly brought Seis back from his investigations but he was sent off again only to find that he was still wrong and had to come all the way back again.  The trail now took us into the main street, over the road and off through an ancient passageway.  On the dot of four, the church bell announced the time and our arrival at the last regroup that sent F&N off in the wrong direction, taking several gullible Hashers with him. The true trail went up the side of the graveyard and we wandered on past some small bungalow tenement houses, around a bowling green and down out of town.  Once more in the countryside we were confronted with a magnificent view across miles of fields of ripening rape seed.  The sharp left turn left MR way off down the slope, still admiring the view, when called back up the slope. We made our way back to the main road through another very close passageway.  We crossed over with the On In well in reach.  However, the pack split as there were those who followed the trail on an ‘interesting’ route home and those who took the short, straight, quicker way direct to the car park.  French Leave, very generously, offered free Hogs Back beer left over from his birthday party that we all enjoyed (apart from TT Cloggs for whom there was nothing except sighs of sympathy) as we stood in the sunshine in the park, quaffing gently….

On ON

Next Hash: 30 April – not known (GR not known either) – Hares Prime8 and Ever Ready

NOTES ON RUN 413 ON WEDNESDAY 2 APRIL 2014

Bourne Cricket Club car park, Old Frensham Road, Lower Bourne (GR 849447)

Hare: Brian Langford (Cyclone),  Tony Soane (Sony Tone)

Hounds:  Tony Case (Fruit and Nut), Alan Jewell (Easy Rider), Derrick Gray (Prime8), Sarah Nagle (Petal), John Elder (Seis Matters), Jane Cox (Rs Over Tit)

A small turnout; perhaps somebody had mentioned THE HILLS. There were a lot of hills and on the way out, the hares seemed keen that we should summit them all. On the way back, either the hares had developed some sensitivity for the pack or more likely, they just got tired and gently contoured their way home to the cars. It's a great area and the hares took full advantage of the fact with cunning tracks, hills and good 'off piste' sections. The only mistake was one of the hares short-cutting with a few walkers and forgetting that the short-cutted section contained a re-group. Both factions ended up waiting for each other on opposite sides of yet another hill. The ladies, Petal and R's over Tit did a lot of leading, but sadly not a lot of drinking at the excellent on-inn at the Fox.  There was a good choice of real ales and sufficient clemency in the weather to sit outside. The usual intellectual discussions, badinage and repartee followed with Easy Rider and Seis noting the BBC's announcement that eating vegetables can make you immortal. Fruit'n Nut has known this for ages! It was an excellent hash all round.

Next Hash:  Silvier Fox and Petal from the Car Park near the Water Witch in Odiham  GR: 746516

NOTES ON RUN 412 ON WEDNESDAY 19 MARCH 2014

FROM OUTRIDDEN COPSE (GR 831510)

Hare: John Elder (Seis Matters)

Hounds:  Tony Case (Fruit and Nut), Sue Figgis (Centre of Attraction), Alan Jewell (Easy Rider), Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue), Derrick Gray (Prime8), Sarah Nagle (Petal), Les Salmon (Ever Ready), Brian Langford (Cyclone), Kevin Raine (Non Stick), Tony Soane  (Sony Tone) and possibly Colin Crofts (French Leave).

Lovely weather for a start but your scribe sadly forgot to take his dictathingy with him so this will be purely from memory.  There –  that didn’t take long…

Actually, the odd bit comes back to the little grey cells; like the start where we ran uphill behind Ever Ready through the grass towards Aldershot and at the top of the field, turned right over the road and into the far jungle.  Easy Rider took over command and led the pack further uphill to a main track where there was a distinct pause while we hunted for the trail once more.  This turned out to be quite a problem on a number of occasions as sawdust is quite difficult to see on the jungle floor covered by broken twiggery.   We crossed our first bit of shig to get on to a drainage ditch running around the hill with MR being called back down – he had actually guessed where the trail was about to go but took one path too soon – Hare hint soon put that right as we progressed further up more hill. Now Non Stick came to the fore and took the pack away from the errant MR.    Some undulations for a while kept us busy as trail hunting became steadily more problematic but it did have the effect of employing the more idle in a useful pastime. We soon stumbled into “the dark woods” above the fishing lake and down the steep slope on the far side.  Non Stick increased the morale of the Hare by continuing his efforts to check out every false trail (apart from MR’s additional efforts) and it was at this point that it was noted that Prime8 had taken up the challenge of actually checking out at the front.  How sad it was that he went on the wrong path…We had been going for a good 33 minutes without a sign of the first of four regroups we had been told to expect – the pack was now beginning to think this could be a very, very long run…However, after 34 minutes we found the first and second regroups side by side.  Prime8 and F&N eventually caught up and we set off briskly for about 200 yards to the third regroup.  Now we were really making progress with only one more regroup to find. Non Stick led us along the high ground for a while, later picked up by MR who quickly lost it again.  Those who went astray floundered in the shig before getting back to dry territory and the on inn run home.  It had been a good and interesting trail enjoyed by all (we think – you see, Centre of Attraction didn’t catch up with us until we were at The Tweseldown and she hadn’t found much of the trail and French Leave still had not turned up before some had departed; it was pure hearsay that he was there at all).    

On ON

Next Hash:  Brian Langford is laying the next hash on 2^nd Apr at: Bourne Cricket Club car park Old Frensham Road Lower Bourne. GR: 849447.

MORE HARES WANTED

Please apply to Alan Jewell for the privilege.

NOTES ON RUN 411 ON WEDNESDAY 5 MARCH 2014

FROM PUTTENHAM CAR PARK (GR 919462)

Hares: Tony Case (Fruit and Nut) and Sue Figgis (Centre of Attraction),

Hounds:  Alan Jewell (Easy Rider), Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue), Ian Angel (Hippo), Derrick Gray (Prime8), Sarah Nagle (Petal), Les Salmon (Ever Ready), Peter Cunningham (Cunninglingus), John Elder (Seis Matters), Steve Nagel (Silvier Fox) and Len Wood (Ardon Povocateur).

Favourable Forty Minutes – that was today’s run in wonderful dry, warm, weather.  So arid, that we all got around with dry and warm feet - the first time for many months.  Anyway, we set off down the far side of the car park, with Cunninglingus taking an alternative route on his own.  It was Silvier that took the lead, a position that he largely maintained throughout. Hippo’s horn sorted out a bit of a delay as progress floundered with Silvier now gone off in the wrong direction.  There was a small patch of shig before we came across a little old lady, and her dog, who turned out to be useful in helping us on to the trail.  She had been wondering what all the flour was about and now she knew. The trail continued downhill for an age that led us to believe we would soon discover much shig in the depths. There was some but sufficient dry bits to avoid muddy shoes.  Once more the ‘never right’ Silvier took us on having found the lost trail and on to the first regroup at the bottom car park. The restart caused a problem with Seis and Silvier calling us on from different directions.  Silvier’s way won as we started round a lake past an apparently abandoned fisherman’s spot (he soon turned up having changed position).  Then came one of those moments when everyone followed on like dumb sheep and had to be called back by F&N who had taken us up a crafty side track.  Soon we were gaining altitude up to an open area where the sun shone brightly and the pack rested not for long. There was an enforced wait until Hippo’s horn was heard well off to our right and we started down quite steep decline only to observe an equally ascending  rise up the far side.  It was here that Prime8 reminisced that it was in this area that he ran a couple of years ago that he arrived at the car park with a very recently battered door on his car thanks to another who just drove into him.  Life is made of such pleasant memories. That was about it really.  Short report, short run but beautifully laid…   The Harvester provided only one proper beer and C of A provided some delicious cake.  For the first time this year it was warm enough to sit outside listening to the crows and gazing with delighted fascination at the traffic queuing all the way up the hill to the Hogs Back pumping out huge quantities of exhaust fumes.  Got home to find an email from Wally who thought we were at the Hawley Memorial Hall…

On ON

Next Hash:  19 March - Outridden Copse (GR 831510) - John Elder (Seis Matters).

MORE HARES WANTED

Please apply to Alan Jewell for the privilege.

NOTES ON RUN 410 ON WEDNESDAY 19 FEBRUARY 2014

FROM WELLINGTON STATUE CAR PARK (GR 853511)

Hare: Alan Jewell (Easy Rider)

Hounds:  Colin Crofts (French Leave), Brian Langford (Cyclone), Tony Case (Fruit and Nut), Jane Cox (Rs Over Tit), Sue Figgis (Centre of Attraction), Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue), Ian Angel (Hippo), Denise Catlin (Flying Doctor), Derick Gray (Prime8), Roy Johnson (Deep Diver), Sarah Nagle (Petal) and Les Salmon (Ever Ready).

Centre of Attraction arrived just in the nick of time as the Hare’s brief started and she was later simply delighted that a MAN turned up after HER arrival! The pack set off from the car park keeping to the right of the statue with C of A at the van. Didn’t last as the trail quickly did a sharp right turn that took Hippo to the front and C of A coming back to join us as the warning of “SHIGGY” was announced quite loudly. The trail now led towards the A 325 across open ground, over the side road. Up the slope through the trees we progressed and along the tree line, passing the old range wall and then down the slope through more shig to the large drainage ditch inviting us to cross over. Well, MR was daft enough so to do and set off to the left along the fence surrounding the HGV driving centre. The rest, apparently reluctant to follow, awaited further developments. On for a while, but then the trail faded. Ever Ready went off along the ditch. After much searching, the pair joined up and decided up the hill on the far side was the most likely route and that is what turned out to be correct. We now went by the much used car park at the back entrance to Rushmore Arena where we disappeared into the woods on the opposite side of the road. Deep Diver now picked up the true trail through the trees and soon we found ourselves up on the driver training circuit where Ever Ready called the first regroup and it was here that French Leave caught us up. Going became very sloppy underfoot and most socks were dampened. Hippo went straight on, F&N disappeared to the right and Cyclone blew to the left. It was Rs Over T who found the ‘on’ as we were encouraged by Hippo’s horn at the front while put off by F&N’s horn from the back as he disappeared again. French Leave called us on as we crossed over the open area towards the trees, along a path through the jungle to another regroup where we waited for Prime8 to discover the workings of his new geo-whatsit. It was as he approached the waiting pack that he was witnessed actually running… Those now blindly following MR soon found the errors of their way as they proceeded in the totally wrong direction. Hippo’s horn saved the day again and soon we were making our way along a sloppy track parallel to the dry main track. What joy!! Having now reached the lowest part of the trail, there was an obvious need to regain higher altitude as French Leave led the way as the trail went up and over the significant rise. Deep Diver went straight on over the top as French Leave followed around to the right. DD came back up the hill front his diversion, FF we guessed had gone wrong, so MR took the brave step of descending the very steep slope heading back from whence we first started. So, we now started to make for home and the trail wended its way through trees across familiar (for most) territory running parallel to the Bourley Road and soon we were home with stragglers taking their own time. It had been a very good trail enjoyed by all. The Tweseldown was the On Inn where undoubted good beverages were consumed in convivial surroundings. Sadly, several Hashers had to depart promptly, including your scribe…

On ON

NOTES ON RUN 409 ON WEDNESDAY 5 FEBRUARY 2014

FROM HAWLEY MEMORIAL HALL CAR PARK (GR 850590)

Hare: Colin Crofts (French Leave)

Hounds:  Brian Langford (Cyclone), Tony Case (Fruit and Nut), Jane Cox (Rs Over Tit), John Elder (Seis Matters), Sue Figgis (Centre of Attraction), Alan Jewell (Easy Rider) and Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue).

The weather forecast was not good.  The weather wasn’t bad – in fact it was quite good and only tried to rain once while we were out. (However, the Hare was drenched while laying and not a sigh of sympathy was heard from the pack on hearing this news). The Magnificent Seven set off left down the slope towards where we should have met at the Memorial Hall with Easy Rider and Seis taking an early lead.  The trail led off through the trees to the left leaving MR to do his own thing further down the slope. The first check had been rubbed out by tyre tracks and that left the small pack well spread.  Great confusion reigned as the pack to and fro’d until we found ourselves on the other side of the road going back towards that from which we had recently proceeded. Up we now trudged as we realized this was going to be no ordinary trail.  The zig zags kept us puzzled and on our soggy toes as we progressed.  At some stage we now became the Extraordinary Eight with the arrival of (late again) Centre of Attraction.  The trail now took us through a tight, prickly holly tunnel to a point where there was some interesting forestry going on with a splendid gizmo for felling and cutting up trees.  Sadly, the great wheels on the machine churned up the odd bit of trail and that didn’t make life any more easy.  The trail went off left back down the hill up which we had just risen.  At the bottom there was considerable confusion once again with and ER and Cyclone searching up the far hillside and thinking they were ‘on’ but they weren’t. MR went off incorrectly along the main path and Seis returned from the opposite direction.  F&N gave the call and, yes, we trudged back up the same hill once more but a bit further along. Having been round in a circle, we got back to where the forestry gizmo had been operating only to see the Hare awating us further along the hill top. We now bowed to his superior knowledge and he helped on back into the trees on the opposite side. From somewhere in the distance we could hear F&N’s horn but no one was prepared to go back to investigate. MR found himself at the front for a bit and soon we were checked back again and followed on to an open area for a regroup. It now became apparent that all the checks were one-blobbers (his excuse was that he didn’t like laying the trail in pouring rain – how odd!)  One thing became obvious to us all – there were a huge number of paths to choose from and that made checking hard work for a small group.  So down we went once more only to realise that the Hare didn’t follow us.  Now that was a hint that became more obvious as we trekked our way back up once more only to find the Hare coming over to watch the fun as first MR found himself in a quagmire, shortly followed by ROT who went up to her ankles.  Until then, most had managed not to get feet too wet and to the wet-footed pair the real chagrin was that the front runners had taken us too far off trail and we needn’t have gone over the quagmire in the first place.  MR luckily found himself on trail again for all of a couple of minutes.  At this stage we came across soldiers on a foot patrol in training and F&N had to tell the NCOic the history of Hashing (abbreviated).  Through more trees we went, encouraged(?) by F&N’s horn, still searching for the second regroup. MR was scolded for ignoring the Hare’s imposed ‘50 meter rule’ and catching on to another trail in error. ROT again found the way ahead only to lose it as we again found ourselves on the hunt and the rain starting. Cyclone’s dulcet yell led us ahead once more as we set off over some very ‘bitty’ ground. In the distance we could hear the foot patrol in a firefight and we wondered if they had F&N cornered.  Now we were going down once more as the Hare was beginning to wonder about darkness descending as we approached our second regroup with lots of potential ways out that kept most occupied for a while.  MR came back having taken heed of the bollocking he’d earlier received only to find that he’d been in the right direction but not gone far enough this time.  Ho, hum. With a final, almost impossible to climb, slope up we went again. From the top we set off with the Hare even more worried about the time.  We followed Seis astray for a while as we headed for home alongside the Sappers’ bridge training area to the end.  Altogether, a devious, interesting and good trail. The On Inn was Mr Bumble once again where good beer and company was enjoyed.

On ON

NOTES ON DH3 RUN 408 ON WEDNESDAY 22 JANUARY 2014
FROM BRAMSHILL PLANTATION (GR 760613)

Hares: Tony Soane (Sony Tone) and Brian Langford (Cyclone)

Hounds: Ian Angel(Hippo), Tony Case (Fruit and Nut), Jane Cox (Rs Over Tit), Colin Crofts (French Leave), John Elder (Seis Matters), Sue Figgis (Centre of Attraction),Derrick Gray (Prime8), Alan Jewell (Easy Rider), Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue) and Les Salmon (Ever Ready).

The sun was shining as we were warned that it was going to be a soggy run. If lost when far from the start, just run towards the sun (and the pylons) and we’d get home. Getting lost came later for Hash Trash but that’s another story. We left the car park in sunshine going westwards parallel to the road with F&N in the lead! It was distinctly slushy underfoot until we mounted a concrete road off to the right then left on to a tarmac road where F&N was still leading.  Soon we met at a crossroads for a long pause with Seis off left, Hippo straight on, and French Leave to the right.  Hippo won and led us off to a forking junction. He got it right again by going straight on. It was still wet underfoot – shig galore all the way.  By now we had been going out a long way in a similar direction before a quick turn left into trees following still more very sloppy, slippery shig. With Seis now leading we trudged straight on through more shig before hitting another proper road. The front runners were now off in the wrong direction but the pack quickly joined up again with Seis to the for once more. But, we still had not reached the first of four regroups.  The sign on the path now warned us to ‘BE AWARE OF ADDERS’ which didn’t seem to cause much concern. Right, into the trees and now the feeling of heading towards home began to encourage us. Easy Rider now encouraged us forward while Ever Ready began to complain of the distance we had travelled already.  And, oh yes, we were briefed that the run would last only 50 minutes but already we’d been just about that time on the move. Finally, we hit a regroup and the pause began. It was now MR’s turn to hit lucky with finding the trail, a lead he held for quite a while but he only paid for that by checking out miles to the fore while the main pack turned back and on on. The first of the lakes now appeared – four he’d said – but eventually we found six (he didn’t include the small ones in his briefing). From this regroup, the trail turn left through thick, slippy, sloppy, sluggish shig and over a stream and on through some low hanging gorse that caught Rs Over Tit by surprise before very nearly falling into another water trap. Territory now became difficult; covered in broken branches, twigs and general arboreal rubbish.  Very green moss kept it looking attractive but made the going no easier. Back on a gavel path, it was MR who again found the ‘on’ and led for a while around a tree fallen across the path to the next check that really stumped him and left him way, way behind for a while. Meanwhile, Ever Ready was resting, complaining about the distance and the cold and anything else that bothered him at that moment.  On to a crossroads that didn’t foil Seis and on to another lake, this one displaying a couple of swans enjoying the plentiful supply of water.  Crows, dozens of them, created a huge din as they objected to our presence. The pylons were now within view and the sun still out so the debate on the correct way home started. By now the tide was well in and we plodded on through standing water that had the benefit of cleaning much of the shig off ours shoes. Then another lake around which, we were warned, there were many short stumps to be avoided – preferably.  From here on, it was relatively simple once more to the last regroup. The more obvious direction was now to go around yet another lake with another chance to wash shoes and a final check. By now we’d been nearly 90 minutes but soon the school rugby posts came into view and then the car park where Hippo and Prime8 were found to be in deep conversation having been back for some time…

And the On Inn?   

THE CRICKETERS was the name of the On Inn so MR was told – repeatedly.  The road instructions were followed but no Cricketers to be found.  On asking in a local shop with several occupants MR was told that the nearest Cricketers was at Yateley just down the road.  However, the intended pub was The Frog and Wicket alongside which MR had been while searching for a Cricketer.

On ON

NOTES ON DH3 RUN 407 ON WEDNESDAY 08 JANUARY 2014
FROM THE CAR PARK MAULTWAY (GR 901618)

Hare:  Steve Osborne (Wally) and Brian Holden (Confused.com).

Hounds: Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue), Tony Soane (Sony Tone), Sarah Nagel (Petal), Colin Crofts (French Leave), Alan Jewell (Easy Rider), Tony Case (Fruit & Nut), Derrick G ray (Prime8), Les Salmon (Ever Ready), Ian Angell (Hippo), Ray Darby (Honey Monster), Brian Langford (Cyclone), Steve Nagel (Silvier Fox)

Happy New Year to all Hashers and welcome to the report on Wally’s Wonderful Wallow.  Yes, it was quite warm for the time of the year, somewhat damp underfoot but not raining and a little on the dark side.  This had Wally worried and he wanted us on the way a.s.a.p so that we’d be back before dark.  So, he led us off the car park and left down an immensely wide gravel path, right at the bottom and up through the trees for the first delay while front  runners searched.  Hippo’s horn took us up to the right and Wally was chuffed because MR had never been down that particular trail before. His excitement increased when he found Silvier scurrying around all over the place hunting for flour.  At another major cross roads, Hippo came back to join us as the pack progressed through some REAL shig.  Distinct delays as the front runners searched for the way on but Wally’s worries that we should delay too long led to him giving big hints on the way ahead. So ahead we went.  Another case of a front runner not going far enough as we now ran off over a pre-checked trail and MR found himself in strange territory once more – Wally was now getting  excited by the news and the fact that Silvier continue to be well ahead and checking all the wrong ways available.  Through standing surface water we continued. Wally got upset that the front runners were not calling enough but he didn’t realise just how far advanced they were.  Then the great ‘come on’ from Wally as he left the front runners to go on ahead and he veered left over an old railway bridge and into the fields leading over to Nottcuts Nurseries.  MR was happy to call after three blobs, only to be told that Wally used four to mark the true trail – so now forewarned of a temporary change to the Deepcut traditions we stopped hunting for non-existent flour. Hippo’s Horn now called us back the way we had just covered back over the bridge and off uphill once more.  F&N’s squeaker was now heard in the original direction of flow following Silvier’s lead.  Eventually we ended up down hill to a more familiar, but very shiggy, track where we regrouped with time to admire the bleeding Ever Ready – so much for brambles. By now, there was no sign Silvier or any of the front runners and Wally departed to look for them.  The decimated pack decided to continue to the pedestrian bridge over the motorway where Wally was waiting observing that Petal was not heard calling (when there’s nothing to shout about, keeping quiet is the obvious way ahead and she did it beautifully).  To the right was the correct direction and most went that way and wandered up to the top of the next hill where Confused rested his butt on a convenient bench while the hunt for progress progressed.  Silvier returned back up from the far side of the hill while French Leave followed MR down the wrong track again when the on-on was in the opposite direction eventually taking very steeply up to the view area at the highest point.  It was apparent that we were now going to make for the underpass to get back across the motorway.  On the way along the now flat running, there was a long pause as Confused became confused by not recognising the track down which we should be proceeding. He was joined by Wally as everyone agreed that we were lost, including the Hares.  It didn’t last too long before Wally found his way again by noting the discarded marker beer cans for which he had been hunting. Silvier was off down the hill at high speed, across rough, open land with all now back on trail.  And so it continued through interesting territory as darkness began to make itself felt.  There was the long drag from the underpass back up to the car park just before it got too dark.  Once all in we made for Wally’s house where he very kindly entertained us to beer and crisps and an element of jocularity.  F&N presented Wally with a jigsaw of ‘Find Wally’… Getting home out of the ‘warren’ of no-through-roads was another story for the uninitiated…

On On

Next run:  The 408^th on 22 Jan 14. Bramshill Plantation (GR 760613) Tony Soane and Brian Langford
                                                                                                                                                                                                On Inn: The Cricketers, Yateley

NOTES ON DH3 RUN 406 ON WEDNESDAY 11 DECEMBER 2013
FROM THE FORESTERS (GR 827528)

Hare:  Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue),

Hounds: Tony Soane (Sony Tone), Sarah Nagel (Petal), Colin Crofts (French Leave), Alan Jewell (Easy Rider), Tony Case (Fruit & Nut), Derrick G ray (Prime8), Les Salmon (Ever Ready), John Elder (Seis Matters), Steve Booker (Dickhead), Helen Williams (Full Frontal), Ian Angell (Hippo), Tim Dodd ((Hanging About), Mike Johnson (Shrinky Dink) and Roy Johnson (Deep Diver).

The Hare was taken aback after laying the trail to find a tractor with a leaf sweeping attachment clearing some of the main paths in the area.  Fortunately, the trail survived but was, in places, set upon by destructive, flour-gobbling hounds of the four legged type. The pack, less Sony Tone who had a feeling we were going left, followed the trail northwards with French Leave to the fore up to the back-back that split the pack quite nicely.  However, they weren’t delayed for long and quickly picked up the trail.  A bit of luck and Seis kept them on the go until the third check that really held them for a while.  Hanging About wasn’t and was soon all over the area while a slower, methodical (or was he lost?) F&N seemed to pick up the vibes and led for a while until he disappeared into the distance leaving French Leave and Hanging About checking too far.  On return to the pack by the latter he spotted Petal investigating a potential route that turned out to be the way ahead while Deep Diver, back after months travelling around the world, complained of his extremities getting cold despite all his running.  From here for a while, it became a bit difficult because the trail had been almost completely demolished by the aforesaid hounds.  But struggling won the day and soon the trail became a bit more obvious once the dogs went off into areas where they were more welcome. We all met at the main road, crossing over towards the racetrack with F&N at the front for the second time. Hanging About ended up at the edge of the race course where he made another error leading on French Leave and Seis who all kept straight on into the racehorse area.  On coming back out, HA made another error by turning in totally the wrong direction and going for miles while F&N excelled himself once more by getting it right (for a short while until Dickhead led the charge across the racetrack).  Right across the open area we went and quickly on to the vehicular test track. Here, Prime8 and Hippo made off for home while deviation took the runners into the middle and on to a parallel track that led almost all the way to the Aldershot-Fleet Road.  With low flying aircraft taking off overhead and Dickhead’s cries of “Incoming.  Take cover” we progressed up the slope at the end that took us to the third regroup where we paused not long.  Back over the road.  Now darkness was beginning to descend.  Seis was off again with HA wanting to go in the opposite direction for some reason when he should have joined the rest climbing the steep uphill bit. It was now that Dickhead admitted that every time he had turned right, he’d been wrong as all the turns had been left.  He was advised that on the top of the hill the next turn was on the right.  Could he find it?  No.  Instead the pack wandered all over from the back-back hunting in thick undergrowth.  Hare hint got them back on track and they wended their way  down through the dim light amongst the trees, going parallel to the main road. The undergrowth thickened and led over a deep water-filled gully where Sony played true gentleman to the flagging Hare and Shrinky Dink offered to push while Sony pulled Petal as she struggled, nay flew, over the gap.  On we went and over a stile to the fourth and final regroup out of the trees where vision improved – a bit, but not a lot. By now the mists were returning and the sun was down.  Dickhead tried his left turn trick again only to find himself on the wrong track once more.  F&N was losing contact at the back and was swallowed up by the thickening fog but all made it back in the end.  And at the end we met Haagen Dash and Schooner who were out for a walk (Schooner was excited by meeting Hashers again but is, apparently over the hill as far as Hashing is concerned). The Tweseldown provided their usual great service and jollity started.

On On

Next run:  The 407^th on 8 Jan 14. Hare: Wally.  Location: Maultway Car Park (GR 901618)

NOTES ON DH3 RUN 405 ON WEDNESDAY 27 NOVEMBER 2013
FROM LOWER BOURNE CRICKET CLUB (GR 849447)

Hares:  Tony Soane (Sony Tone) and Brian Langford (Cyclone)

Hounds: Sarah Nagel (Petal), Colin Crofts (French Leave), Alan Jewell (Easy Rider), Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue), Tony Case (Fruit & Nut), Derrick Gray (Prime8), Les Salmon (Ever Ready), John Elder (Seis Matters), Jane Cox (Rs Over Tit), Steve Booker (Dickhead), Sue Figgis (Centre of Attraction), Helen Williams (Full Frontal) and Graham Wilson (Kerb Crawler).

Overcast  and cool but dry.  So that was a good start.  Four regroups, we were informed (potentially this could be a long one).  So save your strength for the hills was a suggestion.  Things were not looking so good now. Off we set leaving the car park and descending on to the circular, rough road. French Leave and F&N went the separate, wrong ways while we kept straight across the road for the first uphill, gentle, bit.  As we turned right into the trees, we were beset by masses of barking dogs, fortunately on the far side of a fence and soon we were at another check.  The trail now deteriorated and we struggled uphill over deep groundcover covered in rotting branches, and some bushes and trees with low branches which demanded doubling over to get through.  On we went to cries of ‘On Crouch’. Then DOOM!  The steepest hill around was before us and, yes, we had to go up it because Dickhead found the trail. Gradient close to 1:1. Oxygen was getting short.  At the top, life became better as the track was now on level ground and breathing improved.  There came a long pause as the trail was hunted as we moved out into a more open area.  F&N’s horn sounded the onward trail.  By now Easy Rider was to the fore with no one prepared to check any downhill slope as we admired the delightful area through which we travelled.  Too soon we were descending; not as steeply as the up, but more slippery on the many exposed tree roots.  At the regroup, we regrouped.  French Leave led us along for a while, taking the uphills in his stride, and taking us to some more gentle undulations.  Didn’t last long for soon we were upgoing to a large, open treeless area covered by lots of heather going to the second regroup.  Across the open bit and back into trees we went and then a bit off piste (not too bad, though).  A ‘helpful hare hint’ sent Easy Rider and MR off on the wrong paths but they soon managed to catch up. We still had not found the third regroup and were well away from home beside the Tilford Road and light was beginning to fade.  More steep uphill after which every which way was down.  MR spotted the flour to the left at the bottom of the hill and a Hare’s bee-line indicated that we were again on trail to the third regroup. The popular way from the regroup was now to proceed straight up the hill but Full Frontal led a much more successful splinter group along a gentle downhill, wide, level and smooth path.  Later on, Dickhead took the lead again this time towards a sandy hill (just to make running that little bit more difficult).  Soon we were approaching the film setting for the opening scenes of ‘Gladiator’ beyond which Dickhead was seen very nearly at the top of a long, steep incline on the wrong track.  Downhill, lots of dodgy tree roots and we delighted at the ‘On In’ sign just as darkness was enveloping us.  All in all, a delightful and well laid trail.  The Fox provided our refreshments where we were joined by Kerb Crawler on his crutches after surgery…and good wishes for a speedy mend.

On On

Next run:  The 406^th on 11 Dec 13. Hare: Mountain Rescue.  Location: Car Park below The Foresters on Church Crookham Road (GR 827528).

NOTES ON DH3 RUN 404 ON WEDNESDAY 13 NOVEMBER 2013
FROM THE OLD GUILDFORD ROAD (GR 901560)

Hares:  Steve Osborne (Wally) and Brian Holden (Mojo)

Hounds: Sarah Nagel (Petal), Colin Crofts (French Leave), Alan Jewell (Easy Rider), Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue), Tony Case (Fruit & Nut), Brian Langford (Cyclone), Derrick Gray (Prime8), Les Salmon (Ever Ready), Ian Angel (Hippo), John Elder (Seis Matters), Kevin Raine (Non Stick), Jane Cox (Rs Over Tit) and Anne Tynegate (Aqua).

A sunny afternoon got us off to a cool start.  Wally’s brief began with a declaration that Mojo kept getting confused while laying the trail and hence forth would be known as ‘Confused dot Com’ (after the ad) otherwise known as just ‘Confused’. He then went on to let us know that the trail was over land that was unknown to most and that it was difficult with problematic checks in many directions. Congratulations to Wally for the effort he put in to laying his devious trail!  The first to be confused was F&N who blew his horn and encouraged Cyclone to follow him east.  Meanwhile, the rest of the pack set off in a southerly direction that took us leftish down the hill. Just before the bottom of the hill, Aqua went off left and took us up a path that gave way to unmarked forestry and out into a familiar open area.  This was the first of several ‘Mega Checks’ with seven possible exits.  It took a while.  Non Stick went off right MR half right but wrong. Others were lost but Easy Rider eventually got us on the way again until we once more came to a halt at a major junction with a main path.  The bulk proceeded straight on or rightish.  Cyclone decided to check out to the left and disappeared into the distance.  Just as we gave him up for lost his dulcet call ‘On On’ took us all to the main high ridge crossing the area from which the only way was down – but which down?  There were plenty to choose from.  The delighted Hares rubbed their hands as they saw MR descend to their false trail.  But MR, reluctant to climb back up, took the side path that continued  further on down the hillside where, lo and behold, there was a trail leading to another check.. MR’s call attracted the pack down the hill, thus missing a chunk of dastardly hill trail.  Hares no longer rubbing their hands made the accusation of ‘cheating’ (in real Hash circles, short cuts are certainly not considered to be ‘cheating’). MR checking to no avail. Aqua now on the hill top of that well-known hillock in the middle of nowhere.  MR found the next check and attracted Ever Ready  who called on the rest.  Aqua was again to the fore and soon we were heading to the fence around the reservoir.  Three sides of it we traversed.  This took us to another wide open stretch familiar to many and we went straight across the area and back to the Old Guildford Road which we crossed.  Not being led astray by a tempting spot of flour most went straight on only to have to return to join the tempting spot to turn off for home.  Even the ‘On Inn’ sign was fraught initially but we soon sussed it out, apart from Aqua who was still fired up and tried to get us to re-follow the out trail that she discovered with great voice.  So ended a good trail that kept us all foxed for much of the time and one in particular; F&N was not with us at the end (once again) and so a worried, nay ‘concerned’, brace of Hares set out to try to find him.  After 20 minutes or so a weary F&N appeared in the distance approaching from the wrong direction.  We still don’t know where he’d been, but then, nor did he.   The Working Men’s Club in Frimley Green made us welcome and fed us cheap (by today’s standards) real ale.

On On

Next run:  The 405^th on 27 Nov 13. Hares: Sony Tone and Cyclone.  Location: Lower Bourne Cricket Club (GR 849447)

NOTES ON DH3 RUN 403 ON WEDNESDAY 30 OCTOBER 2013
FROM THE WHARF CAR PARK, ODIHAM (747517)

Hares:  Sarah Nagel (Petal) and Steve Nagel (Silvier Fox)}

Hounds: Colin Crofts (French Leave), Alan Jewell (Easy Rider), Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue), Tony Case (Fruit & Nut), Brian Langford (Cyclone), Derrick Gray (Prime8), Sue Figgis (Centre of Attraction), Les Salmon (Ever Ready), Ian Angel (Hippo), Caroline Booker (Soggy Patch), Steve Booker (Dickhead), Denise Catlin (Flying Doctor), John Elder (Seis Matters), Kevin Raine (Non Stick), Libby Ralph (Old Thumper), and Tony Soane (Sony Tone).

Ideal weather brought a good turn out (or maybe it was because of the Hares and their friends).  Short brief and we quickly found ourselves beside the canal.  Without taking the plunge, there were only two ways to go and it was Seis who took the left turn to follow the canal for a couple of hundred yards under the bridge before turning back into the trees and the field beyond.  Flying Doctor took up the lead but soon became becalmed.  It was MR, following a most unlikely small path, that now found the trail that simply led us back to the canal.  And so we progressed – for while.  Then we got stumped.  A far distant “On On” got us back for more progression until we came to another bridge.  FRBs thought the trail may have now gone over the bridge but they were just so wrong. Back the way we’d recently come and we found ourselves following a track of considerable great shig taking us to the regroup number one (of three).  We went past a couple of very ancient and splendid looking houses in the middle of nowhere.  Seis was now well in the lead with Hippo’s Horn keeping us in touch.  At a fork in the path, Non Stick was well away, sadly on the wrong path and we were called back to where we should have been. Across a real black-topped road that held us all up because no one wanted to follow F&N who strode off along said black-top. It was not long before we were back amongst trees, still finding plenty of shig on the way.  We were rescued now by OT who decided to walk along a path where no overtaking was possible; such a relief was that. The second regroup was at a junction from which we followed Cyclone who ran just a bit too far as the trail diverted left right back into the woods once more.  At this stage, the back runners could see Silvier way ahead by quarter of a mile as we approached the area in which clearance was being carried out.  The burning filled the air with dense smoke as we wondered why they should want a clearance in the middle of nowhere.  A few hundred yards on and we were again in more similar work in hand at another patch.. It was here that the pack was now led by C of A’s little dog who really didn’t approve of the smoke. At this point, heavy plant had created a thick, muddy track while our shoes picked up wads of claying earth.  Then it was through more pleasant trees until we ventured into an open area beyond which was a main road.  We were held up by a junction of four paths that took some checking.  Straight on through more shig we were called, through a bar.  Strange, we thought, but right it was as we kept straight on through an area of storm damage to our third regroup.  Non Slip, the front runner again, now took us across a field where the back runners were able to watch the Hare take the diagonal that they all followed.  The path that went under the road was well and truly flooded  so we stayed on the same side only to find the “ON INN” that was very encouraging. Back along part of the canal and on to the On Inn that was The Water Witch where it seemed odd to be able to get easy car parking and internal areas in which we could gather comfortably.  C of A generously ordered Hash Chips and for the first time in many months and, after considerable consideration, we were able to give a Chip Judgement that scored a good NINE.

On On

Next run:  The 404^th on 13 Nov 13. Hares; Wally and Mojo.  Location: Old Guildford Road, Deepcut (GR 902559)

NOTES ON DH3 RUN 402 ON WEDNESDAY 16 OCTOBER 2013
FROM THE CROWN AND CUSHION  (GR 835570)

Hare:  Colin Crofts (French Leave)

Hounds: Alan Jewell (Easy Rider), Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue), Tony Case (Fruit & Nut), Sarah Nagel (Petal), Brian Langford (Cyclone), Jane Cox (Rs Over T), Derrick Gray (Prime8), Sue Figgis (Centre of Attraction) .and Les Salmon (Ever Ready).
 

The day started with a FANTASTIC sunrise, the like of which your scribe had not seen in this country before.  It didn’t bode well for our Hare; ‘Shepherds’ warning...’ and all that and, yes, it bucketed with rain for a lot of the morning and most of the early afternoon.  Come 3 o’clock and the sun was shining with bright blue skies and warmth.  Sorrow and sympathy for the dampened Hare was met with raucous guffaws of great laughter from the Hounds who were delighted by the change in weather.  “Don’t know how long the trail is.  Bit long, bit short, I dunno. Longish  running bits but we haven’t any normal FRBs. And the out trail gets perilously close to the in trail so beware.”  Thus prepared we set off across the road and into the woods. We paused.  We searched. Some waited.  The main body found themselves in the first of several open green areas and were off with a vengeance now led by Easy Rider who took us off into unknown territory.  Having now lost the trail there was a pause until, surprise, surprise, Prime8 was heard to call.  There he was not only on the correct trail but the front runner and apparently enjoying himself, gallantly clearing the rain drops off the close undergrowth as he proceeded.  He took us vaguely parallel to the main road leading towards the motorway until he lost it and MR found the trail and set off up a false trail.  Prime8 for a second time now took the lead with the rest of the pack taking short cuts to join him.  We were still in new territory trying to follow a trail led over dead leafy, mushroomy land, and with occasional bird feathers shining in the sunlight like fresh flour.  It had become obvious that this was not going to be an easy trail to follow and extreme care was to be needed.  It was a cleverly laid trail that had the leaders frequently changing.  The first regroup was at the entrance to a rather nice green field.  It was not far until we then came to another similar field, sadly in the wrong direction.  Back the other way we went until we reached a deep, wide nullah.  It wasn’t that way.  The pack moved off and swung round and made our way out of the wood and towards a housing estate.  We soon changed direction back into woodland with Ever Ready leading along a narrow footpath and away from housing.  Back in the jungle it was suddenly apparent that we were actually sweating! The trail took us through better used paths that went off every which way and took a lot of checking as we covered some strange ground that man had despoiled and left quite rough.  It was not long before we found ourselves at the lake side.  Trouble was, the short way round or the long way?  Long was the answer.  Once again, Prime8 took the lead along the top of a man-made ridge that went for quite a way.  MR again found himself at the front and led the pack to a deep ditch that he crossed with great difficulty but was left alone only to be called back. He declined the offer and then found himself on trail that took us to the edge of the Sappers’ barrack and we followed the fence line for a while.  ‘Boring!’ was the description from the Hare but it was through pleasant woodland and, more importantly, taking us back towards the pub. We were welcomed by The Crown and Cushion for recovery and refreshment where C of A (late again) joined us having been rather lonely out in the jungle.  It had been a good trail that deserved a beer or two…

On On

Next run:  The 403^rd on 30 Oct 2013  Hares: Steve and Sarah Nagle (Silvier Fox and Petal.) 
Location:  Wharf Car Park, Odiham  (747517)

NOTES ON DH3 RUN 401 ON WEDNESDAY 2 OCTOBER 2013
FROM HAWLEY LAKE (GR 831510)

Hare:  Alan Jewell (Easy Rider).

Hounds: Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue), Tony Case (Fruit & Nut), Colin Crofts (French Leave), Sarah Nagel (Petal), Brian Langford (Cyclone), Jane Cox (Rs Over T), Steve Booker (Dickhead) and Derrick Gray (Prime8) .

It was Dickhead who immediately went to the lead that took us off the car park beyond the lake.  A couple of hundred yards and we paused not a bit as our leader sped off to the left for another couple of hundred yards or more when he was checked .  Cyclone dashed off ahead while French Leave idly checked to the right with Dickhead miles off, almost out of sight, to the left.   There was a pause that went on until French Leave returned to check his first attempt further and there he was, on again.  Through a shiggy depression drainage ditch we continued into some rough, thick low undergrowth that made us keep our heads down.  All was well until we hit the barbed wire fence.  The wire was new and very taut.  Beyond it, a ditch.  F&N found a more simple crossing area that was appreciated by Petal who thought the short diversion was truly worth the extra effort.  This caused had caused considerable delay but mutual assistance enabled all to proceed with MR now well off up the main path only to find he was now back on trail on the other side and into the woods once more.  Twists and turns abounded and it took us back to a main track further on.  Now Dickhead took the lead by going straight over the pathway sucking others with him.  Straight on we went for a while with discarded rubbish posing as distant blobs of flour in the sunlight.  Back on to a stretch of hard top we went straight across once more, descending relatively gently.  By now, the pack had split leaving Prime8, F&N, Cyclone and the Hare some way behind with the front pack not realising what had happened (not that they were concerned once they realised what had happened – the concern came later); they were short cutting was the consensus of the front group.  From here on it was a pleasant, mainly downhill, jog on in.  The suspected short cutters were not at the finish. They showed up after 10 minutes or so, but without F&N.  More time passed and thoughts of a recovery hunt came to mind but just as we were leaving for the Crown and Cushion (we had left a note on F&N’s car) the lost soul appeared at the gate.  It had been an enjoyable and well laid run through quite a lot of countryside not covered before.

On On

Next:  The 402^nd  Run 16 Oct 2013

Hare: Colin Crofts (French Leave)  Location: Crown and Cushion, Hawley (GR 835570)

NOTES ON DH3 RUN 400 ON WEDNESDAY 18 SEPTEMBER 2013
FROM OUTRIDDEN COPSE CAR PARK (GR 851510)

Ultimately, we would field 20 hashers (19 plus one small dog)

Silvier Fox, winner of the stork competition                                                                                                      The hares stare in amazement at an apparition of green and purple balloons

The Tiller Girls at the first out of four (or was it five) regroups                                                                                 "Let me tell you how it all started in Kuala Lumpur ................"

                                                                                                                                                                                   (14 pages deleted here - Web Master)

The mouth is open, but no sound is heard                                                                                        Petal was right; those T-shirts are good camouflage

 Flying Doctor in her favourite habitat

Deepcut hashers in their favourite habitat; the Tweseldown Pub

NOTES ON DH3 RUN 399 ON WEDNESDAY 4 SEPTEMBER 2013
FROM NORMANDY CROSS ROADS CAR PARK (GR 927516)

Hares: Derrick Gray (Prime 8) and Les Salmon (Ever Ready)

Hounds: Tony Case (Fruit & Nut), Steve Osborne (Wally), Ray Darby (Honey Monster), Colin Crofts (French Leave), Alan Jewell (Easy Rider), Ian Angell (Hippo), Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue), John Elder (Seis Matters), Sue Figgis (Centre of Attraction), Sarah Nagel (Petal), Brian Langford (Cyclone), Tony Soane (Sony Tone), Anna Elder (Janet & John), Steve Nagel (Silvier Fox), Rik Rawcliffe (Giant Haystack), and Stephen Tate (Spud).

Fruit & Nut got lost on the way to the start, but Centre of Attraction was there some six minutes before the due start.   This latter fact is worthy of note; the former, normal and surely not noteworthy. The weather was wonderful as the pack set off leaving Mountain Rescue making sure the H3 sign was still standing when F&N arrived three or four minutes after the start.  MR set off and called to find Prime8 waiting to make sure all was well.  Having been warned of several road crossings, the trail went immediately over the first into close wooded countryside that took us back to the main road and over to the far side for the second crossing.  The leaders could be seen dithering at a junction from which Wally and French Leave were not seen again until at the On Inn much later.  Led back over the road (third crossing) by Silvier and into a similar close wooded area as at the start took us all through narrow tracks in sun dappled scenery.  This went on for a while and we were soon confronted by Giant taking advantage of some cool shade before leading out into more open countryside with Silvier still ahead with encouragement from Hippo’s horn.  The perennial pair of chatterers in the form of Sony and Cyclone kept up their banter as Silvier tried to keep the pack on the move.  Now in a huge harvested cornfield, Silvier could be seen at least a quarter mile ahead with this gap increasing to half a mile.  Petal was following fairly closely with the rest of the pack dropping further behind.  However, the gap was soon shortened as the rear runners decided to take the shorter path across the hypotenuse of the triangle to a suspected regroup.  Then joy upon joy!  Not only was there a regroup, but there were blackberries in huge abundance.  Soon, the scoffers were at the berries as it was hoped the back enders would not catch up too quickly causing premature re-start of the running.  It was too good to last and F&N finally joined the pack and it was once again Silvier who called us on up a hill.  There was more good news at the top when brambles in abundance continued and the supply of sweet, juicy blackberries slowed the progress.  All too soon we were diverted to the left along another path a bit overgrown and wild that took us to another road (4^th) thought to be the Pirbright Road when we hit the fence of the firing ranges.  We followed in the open but not for too long as we re-entered woodland for more very pleasant woodland with what looked like Hippo to the fore with Seis overtaking, and Prime8 directing us away from a large group of bellowing, grunting, snorting cattle (at least, it was presumed the noises were coming from the cattle and not Prime8) only to find Silvier already waiting at the next regroup. It was now formally confirmed that Wally was truly lost.  Hippo set of with great confidence into a bar and the dulcet tones of Silvier off to the right taking us through undergrowth that was now higher than head height, with Easy Rider ‘complaining’ that this was not running country – his complaint was soon sorted when we hit the range fence once more before turning back into the woods.  Confusion paused progress a while the way on ahead was called by Silvier (yet again).  The trail now wended its way back over another road, through more woodland until we were confronted by a large cricket pitch.  Then on to another even bigger and better cricket pitch.  Then alongside a soccer pitch and into a children’s play park and we knew we were nearly finished.  The Lion Brewery provided our refreshment when Honey Monster arrived back with Wally who was recovered with French Leave ‘rescued’ from being lost with Wally.  Now that must have been an experience…   Altogether a great trail!

On On

Next:  The 400^th Run 18 Sep 2013

Hares: Seis Matters and Mountain Rescue, car park at Outridden Copse (GR 831510) starting later at 5 pm.

NOTES ON DH3 RUN 398 ON WEDNESDAY 21 AUGUST 2013
FROM THE DEEPCUT OFFICERS MESS (GR 910585)

Hares: Tony Case (Fruit & Nut) and Steve Osborne (Wally) 

Hounds: Ray Darby (Honey Monster), Colin Crofts (French Leave), Alan Jewell (Easy Rider), Ian Angell (Hippo), Jane Cox (Rs Over Tit), Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue), John Elder (Seis Matters), Sue Figgis (Centre of Attraction), Brian Holden (Mojo), Sarah Nagel (Petal), Georgia Figgis (Iconic), Derrick Gray (Prime 8), Brian Langford (Cyclone), and Tony Soane (Sony Tone).

The verbose Hare’s brief wasn’t but it did become apparent that Wally was haring again. We set off making for the main road but slipped right into the woods and that took us not far. The main pack shot off in the wrong direction while MR and Prime8 had decided that we should be crossing the road…  Wally’s confirmation and the enormous floured “CARS” sign at the roadside firmed our thoughts so over the road we went.  Markings soon appeared but the unaccustomed front runners missed the trail through the main entrance to the golf course.  This trail took us parallel to the main road but in pleasant, well tree’d countryside with Wally fearing for his membership of the golf club if the pack caused mayhem on the course with their calling.  Wally often complains about Deepcut’s lack of calling but this was one time he wasn’t worried.  Following what sounded like Mojo’s calling we eventually veered off left from the main track and started off on a longish uphill puff and around to the far side of the course.  Now French leave could be heard calling us on and soon we popped out on to the Deepcut road for a regroup.  All were there except the main Hare who had lost himself again but shortly caught us up.  None believed that the road into the Dettingen estate could be correct so the majority took the more likely route towards Deepcut Village.  But, no, we should have just crossed the road, and gone through the estate.  On the far side we headed off across that vast plain with the exception of Hippo who could see the cars and knew it was a quicker way to get back for the beer.  He turned off only to meet Prime8 who’d beaten him to it.  Now Wally let it be known that he and F&N had recce’d the route on Monday and Wally, who knows the area well, had plotted some dastardly, fiendish, evil trails over fascinating and difficult countryside.  F&N claimed fatigue and aborted the plot and headed for home, taking the pack with him.  Once through the band of trees, the front runners could now sense the finish and ignored Wally’s indication of where the trail really should go.  F&N had had enough.  Wally was miffed. Centre of Attraction and Iconic didn’t care and Cyclone with Sony just kept chatting and following on – only French Leave actually followed the last section of the trail and his arrival at the car park applauded (well, Wally did anyway).  It didn’t take us long to get to the golf club bar where the beer was deeply appreciated and swallowed with great pleasure

On On

Next Run: 04 Sep 2013, Hares Primate and Ever Ready, Car park at Normandy crossroads (GR 927516)

NOTES ON DH3 RUN 397 ON WEDNESDAY 7 AUGUST 2013
FROM THE FRIMLEY GREEN WM CLUB (GR 888565)

Hares: Steve Osborne (Wally) and Ray Darby (Honey Monster).

Hounds: Colin Crofts (French Leave), Alan Jewell (Easy Rider), Tony Case (Fruit & Nut),  Ian Angell (Hippo), Jane Cox (Rs Over Tit),  Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue), John Elder (Seis Matters),  Sue Figgis (Centre of Attraction), Brian Holden (Mojo), Sarah Nagel (Petal), Steve Nagel (Silvier Fox) and Rik Rawcliffe (Giant Haystack).

The Hare’s brief was mainly about the differences of the Berkshire style trail laying. But most got the gist and off we set.  Out of the car park and up left towards the Green, over the road and round the Rose and Thistle, up and over the railway and over the canal, up the slope and into the jungle at the first opportunity.  By now we were knackered (well, some of us).  As ever, Silvier led us in and soon took the leaders astray but a kindly Hare offered advice gladly taken and the back of the pack was soon off up the slope, up the hill to the top from where we could admire the view over Farnborough, most of which had disappeared behind the trees. From the well-known view point we descended on the far side only to have to rise again all the way, almost all the way to the parking place for Old Guildford Road starts. And there was Wally in gentlemanly fashion holding the fence wire apart for the pack to get through without hindrance. By now, Seis was well away down at the bottom of the hill with Mojo searching out to the left, Silvier half left into the trees and Easy Rider challenged to check left towards the canal with a disappointed Silvier.  Well, they were all wrong but Honey Monster kindly indicated where the trail could be so off we went with limited enthusiasm and less speed until the front runners caught up from the back end of the pack.  It was not long before we were uphilling again after judicious use of Wally’s bar-check and that took us up to ‘Dead Dog Tree’ where we were told that the label in memoriam of said dog (Rebel) was climbing the tree (it isn’t, actually, but we know what he means).  Straight on, we went, all the way to the top, only to go unexpectedly down sharply.  On and on went we until we came upon a wrecked wartime pillar box that seemed to interest no one. On further, with the Hare giving sneaky hints to the faltering, keeping off the main tracks and taking us onward and outward (this deeply worried Hippo as we were now into drinking time). Out into an open valley and MR found himself at the front for a moment or two as we descended to a major junction. There was now a tricky bit of too-ing and fro-ing over varying ground but Wally managed to keep the pack pretty well together although Silvier, ranging far and wide, kept finding bits of trail out of turn.  Fruit and Nut agreed with a comment that for an old man he was keeping up well (it didn’t last for long). It just happened that the four front runners were all wearing blue shirts and there was concern of a conspiracy developing. There was now debate as we enjoyed the view from that well-known ridge overlooking the trees to Farnborough Abbey.  Then it was all downhill (physically speaking, that is).  We now made our way towards the camping area of the canal centre, over the swing bridge, along the canal and into the Park, where F&N managed to lose himself with Centre of Attraction, and on to the Club once more.  It had been a great trail and the hospitality and cheap beer in the Club much appreciated…

On On

Next Run: 21 Aug 2013 Hare not yet confirmed, location, similarly.

NOTES ON DH3 RUN 396 ON WEDNESDAY 24 JULY 2013
FROM THE ELY (GR 822518)

Hare: Colin Crofts (French Leave)

Hounds: Alan Jewell (Easy Rider), Tony Case (Fruit & Nut), Les Salmon (Ever Ready), Ian Angell (Hippo), Jane Cox, Derrick Gray (Prime8), Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue) and Ron Peasley (Hi Hat).

The sun shone, the breeze cooled and the pack set off through a gap in the car park hedge in good order.  Hippo to the fore and F&N hornless.  Soon after, down in the dip it was Easy Rider who took up the lead with an eager pack following.  By now, the worried Hare was becoming truly worried for he had warned of a long trail but was greatly concerned at the lack in the pack of Silvier Fox and Seis Matters, both well-known front runners.  So, we inferior slouches muddled on through unfamiliar and very pleasant countryside with the trail mainly in the shade.  Then, shock horror, Ever Ready found himself well at the front.  It didn’t last and the horn of Hippo soon indicated the change.  The first of three regroups found us missing F&N.  “Ho, hum,” thought we as we waited and listened to the Hare who even suggested that he should go back and look for him.  The usual sympathetic pack laughed at the proposal and as we were about to set off again, the lone figure appeared from the top of the sunny hillside and descended to re-join us from a totally wrong direction.  The way ahead was wonderful; leafy, cool paths through pleasant countryside.  Then Mountain Rescue realised that he had lost his hat (not from his head but from his belt where it had been stuffed).  So, he set off to find it while the rest continued along the trail. (Hash gap in reporting while we follow the story of the missing hat).  It was found.  Meanwhile, Hippo was getting a bit concerned – forty minutes gone and the pack was still moving away from the bar; perhaps there should be a bit of a turn back from whence our origins?  The Hare set up the first short cut on the run Hippo, still to the fore, met MR face to face who had now found the hat and the pack.  An about turn for him as the rest now followed.  The last regroup soon saw us on the way home via a second short cut (officially Hared!) and we were back at the bar in next to no time.  Good beer, discussions on the upcoming 400^th and future haring and the meet was closed for another couple of weeks…

 On On

Next Run: 7 Aug 2013 Hare not yet confirmed, location, similarly.

NOTES ON DH3 RUN 395 ON WEDNESDAY 10 JULY 2013
FROM REAR OF TWESELDOWN (GR 822518)

Hares: John Elder (Seis Matters)

Hounds: Alan Jewell (Easy Rider), Colin Crofts (French Leave), Tony Case (Fruit & Nut),  Les Salmon (Ever Ready), Steve Nagel (Silvier Fox), Sarah Nagel (Petal), Ann Holland (Cloggs), Ian Angell (Hippo)

A familiar location made unfamiliar by the building work going on next door (home for retired hashers?) The route took us to the rarely explored areas north-east of our comfort zone with Silvier Fox shooting ahead, losing the trail, coming back, then shooting ahead again. Admittedly, the hare had used sawdust as is his wont and some hashers were slow, static even, in tuning their eyes to this sort of trail. After a scenic re-group with a view of Farnborough Airport (which appeared very busy, but that was probably the northeast wind causing the approach to lie over Tweseldown), we headed north, across the Aldershot road. A long straight track then took Silvier Fox across a cattle grid to find a check-back. This he did as the front of the pack then did a completely unnecessary triangle falling for the double bluff as they found themselves just beyond the check-back. Hippo wasn't fooled for a second. We then entered the jungle part of the hash. Petal was not impressed by this and even less so by the ditch jumping required to the extent that the hare and French Leave felt morally obliged to help her across the ditches. We all got out safely despite the hare making frequent checks on his GPS to the second re-group. Petal had her revenge, and with a cunning combination of insider knowledge and woman's intuition, lead the pack for quite while as her husband, like some sort of demented hashing pinball, shot all over the place but never quite in the right place. From now on, the trail was flat running with some pointless deviations off into the woods. This was largely to avoid a heard of fearsome, massively horned cattle and a small dog. In the confusion, Fruit'n Nut got lost - again. From the third re-group, Silvier courageously went looking for Fruit'n Nut fearing that he may have been eaten by the cattle, however, in that odd way that Fruity manages it, he suddenly appeared, from the wrong direction and lead the pack back to the road. Silvier was now lost. A pleasant wandering route through the tress took us back to Tweseldown where we all agreed that Silvier would find his way back - which of course he did. Sitting outside at the Tweseldown pub whilst sipping Alton's Pride in the sun is one of life's magical moments and we basked in the envy of the plutocrats and oilygarchs as they passed overhead in their Lear jets.

On On

Next Run: 24 Jul 2013

NOTES ON DH3 RUN 394 ON WEDNESDAY 26 JUNE 2013
FROM YATELY COMMON PARK (GR 822595)

Hares: Tony Soane (Sony Tone) and Brian Langford (Cyclone)

Hounds: Alan Jewell (Easy Rider), Colin Crofts (French Leave), Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue), Peter Bloomer (Skidmark , visiting from Oz), Tony Case (Fruit & Nut), John Elder (Seis Matters), Derrick Gray (Prime8), Rik Rawcliffe (Giant Haystack), and Les Salmon (Ever Ready).

We were joined by Skidmark, a visitor form Brisbane South Side, and the return, after nearly two years of op and recuperation, of Giant Haystack who seemed to back and running well.  It was Skidmark who found the start as we left the car park keeping the lake to our left – for a moment or two.  There was quite a long run in the woods and then the batteries in the dictaphone ran out.  And this was just the start.  I think it was Giant who now found the turn off to the left and we followed on like lost sheep.  And on.  It was pleasant countryside then a real  problem for your author started because foolishly he went off to check out the trail only to be left behind – well behind.  So from here on there was little or no contact with the main pack so little to report.  The co-Hare was around with Prime8 and the three of us eventually realised that we were not on the correct trail, but find the third regroup we did.  From there we investigated potential tracks in the hopes of finding (or, at least, hearing) the pack but no amount of loud yelling met with any response.  We mooched around full of confidence that the pack had not passed us but waited no more.  By now, our electronic warrior went off following his guiding satellite.  The other two traced the trail again and set off following it for home, only to be caught up by the pack led by Seis who was determined to pass the two strays.  Very good trail for those who followed it and enjoyable quaffing at The Cricketers afterwards.

On On

Next Run: 10 Jul 2013 – Rear of The Tweseldown (GR 822518)

NOTES ON DH3 RUN 393 ON WEDNESDAY 12 JUNE 2013

FROM WELLINGTON STATUE  (GR 853511)

Hare: Alan Jewell (Easy Rider)

Hounds: Colin Crofts (French Leave), Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue), Tony Soane (Sony Tone), Sarah Nagle (Petal).

The weather forecast was not good, and indeed rain started to fall at 2.45 pm.  Those who didn’t make it to the start (and there were many) missed a really good trail and the rain came almost to naught.  The Fab Four set off with French Leave the nominated front runner.  This situation lasted for all of 200 yards before we were led astray and Petal took us over the road to the south of the monument where we crossed the field to a right handed bias.  Now Sony took the front but was swiftly overtaken by FL who took us off through the trees with great panache and élan.  Not much later and we were stumped again but MR took up the trail so we’d all had a go at front running.  Momentarily lost in the trees, we came to a deep ditch, nay, a canyon of great depth.  This put off Sony who went off one way to find a more simple crossing, followed by FL and later MR.  It was only Petal who braved the great descent and subsequent huge ascent.  Once over the canyon, we progressed, not too rapidly, to a point where the Hare admitted he’d got too close to his own trail and we should pursue the track we were on.  So that small blip out of the way we continued out of the trees to a more clear area.  There were now three obvious choices which the men took on.  Petal, meanwhile, discovered the true trail that doubled back almost the way we had come.  So now we followed an ankle-breaking track that meandered alongside the Bourley Road and we found ourselves back up the slope to view the main training area.  With three more obvious tracks to choose from, .MR, taking a safe middle path found he was on and we continued our downward trend until it was time to ascend once more.  More devious trails headed us in the direction of home and as we dearly wanted to get back before the real rain started, we followed our noses along familiar tracks through attractive wooded areas all the way home.  Then ‘twas to The Tweseldown…

So much effort by the Hare and so few to appreciate the environment through which we passed.  

On On

Next Run: 26 Jun 2013 – Yateley Cricket Hill (opposite The Cricketers) (GR 822595)

NOTES ON DH3 RUN 392 ON WEDNESDAY 29 MAY 2013
FROM HAWLEY MEMORIAL CAR PARK (GR 850590)

Hare: Colin Crofts (French Leave)

Hounds: Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue) John Elder (Seis Matters), Tony Soane (Sony Tone), Tony Case (Fruit & Nut), Jane Cox (still nameless), Sarah Nagle (Petal), Ian Angell (Hippo), Derrick Gray (Prime8) Alan Jewell (Easy  Rider) and Steve Nagel (Silvier Fox).

Once we all managed to get to the correct car park we got off to a good start from the back of the Memorial Hall with the anticipated leadership of Seis and Silvier.  The trail was tricky from the start with the trail running along an inclined path over treacherous, slippery tree roots.  After that it was mainly really pleasant over and through close country.  We wound our way through this attractive and unfamiliar woodland with the leaders still so doing – but not all the time.  It was only when it happened for a second occasion that we realised we had sent off F&N on an anticipated false trail that actually turned out to be correct and there he was at the front instead of his more usual rear guard position.  He later managed to find another right way all on his own…While the main pack awaited the arrival of our perpetual laggards (F&N and Prime8) at the first regroup, Easy Rider regaled us with tales of dastardly deeds in Barcelona.  The Nagles led us on to similar such tales in the same city that had almost befallen them.  We couldn’t wait and with the promise of more tales at the next regroup, we continued.  Now, it was Easy Rider who took us off along another attractive trail that also involved quite a lot of hill work.  The Hare had taken a lot of trouble to lay devious routes that kept the lead changing and we soon arrived at the second hearing of the Barcelona Experience that inevitably ended up in a bar, and another, and one more and then the tale teller couldn’t remember much after that.  So, the run re-commenced and we realised that there was no need for the Hare’s apology that he had messed up the middle part, having got himself ‘lost’ and therefore reverting to long, boring main tracks.   Well, they weren’t long and not uninteresting.  From the third regroup, Hippo now found himself to the fore but before long our FRBs soon took over and led us ‘home’.  We Bumbled to the On Inn at Blackwater where it was pointed out that our 400^th Run (18 September) was approaching and thought should be given to the event.  It was decided there and then that Seis would produce a design of ‘T’ shirt for criticism and that the trail would be from the Pine Ridge Golf Course. So, note date and location in your diaries now…

On On

Next Run: 12 Jun 2013 – Alan Jewell, Wellington Statue (GR 853511)

NOTES ON DH3 RUN 391 ON WEDNESDAY 15 MAY 2013
FROM THE OLD GUILDFORD ROAD (GR 902559)

Hare: Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue)

Hounds: John Elder (Seis Matters), Brian Langford (Cyclone), Tony Soane (Sony Tone), Tony Case (Fruit & Nut), Jane Cox (still nameless), Sarah Nagle (Petal), Ian Angell (Hippo), Colin Crofts (French Leave) and Les Salmon (Ever Ready).

Cold and precipitationally challenging for the Hare, but warmer and almost sunny for the pack – in fact, the sun did fully shine by the end of the run. After a simple, short, almost pertinent brief, the pack set off down the main downhill track led by the anticipated FRB in the form of Seis.  Well, he was FRB for those few moments until the near back ambler spotted that the trail had branched left through a rough, downhill stretch that now put Hippo as the leader.  That didn’t last too long after the confusion at the first track crossing with Hounds going every which way until Ever Ready, while minding his own business, found himself on trail.  Now things started getting a little bit more troublesome.  The birds had had a good peck or two, the dogs had licked some. But some mindless idiot had tried to destroy some of the trail.  We survived.  By now, Seis was back at the front to be the first into the open ground where he went horribly wrong and was soon disappearing into the far, far distance – definitely off piste. F&N lurked and looked as though he was about to go off on the correct track but it was Sony who found the way to proceed but paused at a junction while Ever Ready got to the check half way up the hill and the serious uphill bit now started.  But Seis had looped so far off course that he suddenly found himself further up on the course and at the front once more..  The trail now wended its way through the trees over many undulations.  Most of the checks seemed to cause a pause while the puffed could recover, the idle relax and the keen to skid about all over the place hunting for the elusive trail.  Eventually, we finished on the flat ridge overlooking the valley toward Farnborough Abbey in the distance.  As we approached the only regroup, the familiar figure of French Leave approached us coming up the hill to join us having got himself lost after arriving late.  He still doesn’t know how he found us. But now we had three potential FRBs.  The re-start was interesting with Jane making for the Abbey, Sony and Cyclone descending, F&N dithering, ER enjoying the view and Seis dashing about in the woods.  None looked at the ‘Oh so close’ more obvious track that Sony later admitted he’d thought of checking it but Seis wasn’t hanging about.  He went so fast and far that he still wasn’t looking either side where he would have spotted that the trail branched sharp left.  The trail through the trees broke out into an open area and we crossed over the Old Guildford Road into perhaps more familiar territory.  There were familiar undulations and Hippo with his sideways observations soon found the easy way. The main pack was now on their way home while Hippo followed the flatter route back to the car park   The Rose and Thistle, as ever,  provided excellent resuscitation to the weary Hash.

On On

Next Run: 29 May 2013 – Colin Crofts (French Leave) – Hawley Memorial Car Park (850590).

NOTES ON DH3 RUN 390 ON WEDNESDAY 1 MAY 2013
FROM CAESAR’S CAMP CAR PARK (GR 844510)

Hare: John Elder (Seis Matters)

Hounds: Brian Langford (Cyclone), Tony Soane (Sony Tone), Alan Jewell (Easy Rider), Tony Case (Fruit & Nut), Jane Cox (still nameless), Derek Gray (Prime8), Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue), Sarah Nagle (Petal) and  Lisa White (not yet named)

It was weather of the best; cloudless sky, warmth without excessive heat and near windless. We started over the road from the car park and went straight on up the rising slope; all, apart from Mountain Rescue who started a bit behind the rest and found the sawdust just off to the left.  The Hare interfered and called everyone back and that stopped MR getting the long lead he needed to keep up.  So we progressed off to the left, steadily increasing our altitude at the start of what became a trail of ups and downs.  By now Easy Rider had caught up and was well involved in trying to find where on earth the Hare had laid his trail.  It was difficult to see sawdust against sand but we found it.  The nameless lassies kept up and it became a tussle at the front between MR and ER.  Beyond the trees into the open plain and the trail was difficult to find.  It was there and find it we did.  Then came a period of serious ups and downs.   ER took the easy (as he would) way by staying up in the level while MR foolishly descended only to have to rise again to the Hare’s sarcasm of “Didn’t think you’d fall for that!” Now we gathered on the top of the ridge at a regroup to admire the view and watch Sony descend to the bottom only to find that it was barred.  We called, shouted loudly and even Cyclone’s yelling failed to stop Sony re-ascending that dreadful hill.  We knew, and soon did he know, that we were all about to descend but just a little way along the ridge.  Sony soon rejoined us once again at the bottom.  By now MR was hot on the trail leading across deep, dry (DRY!) grass until he lost it again and ER took over.  By a roundabout route we eventually reached the top of Caesar’s viewing point where others appreciated the weather and the view. Even the Nepali picnic group appreciated watching Primate in the dim and far distance following his GPS into the midst of the woods. The journey down again was led by the Hare who was concerned that we had to descend by a ‘safe’ route.  Half way down we were further advised not to proceed further along the line of drainage ditch as it was dangerously wet.  So we went straight down to the bottom, leaving MR and Lisa wandering across the wide open plain in hopeful anticipation of finding the trail.  Meanwhile everyone else turned left and back up the nearest steep hill.  Much puffing and panting ensued.  Soon we were heading home – or so we thought.  But the Hare had different ideas as he took us off back into the undergrowth for a bit more cross country.  We were back in exactly one hour having had a great time before proceeding once more to The Tweseldown…

On On

Next Run: 15 May 2013 – Richard McAllister – Old Guildford Road (902559).

NOTES ON DH3 RUN 389 ON WEDNESDAY 17 APRIL 2013

FROM THE LOWER BORNE CRICKET CLUB (GR 849447)

Hares: Brian Langford (Cyclone) and Tony Soane (Sony Tone)

Hounds: Les Salmon (Ever Ready), Alan Jewell (Easy Rider), Tony Case (Fruit & Nut), Roy Johnson (Deep Diver), Jane Cox (still nameless), Colin Crofts (French Leave), Sue Figgis (Centre of Attraction), Derek Gray (Prime8), Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue) and Lisa White (not yet named)

It started well enough with the returning French Leave to the fore and going wrong until Ever Ready turned off the main track. From here on it was mainly uphill but quite a lot of descending, too. We had been foretold of the myriad of pathways and the streams around – and hills. And these we soon experienced… Road crossings there were, as well and bits through trees and all in all, rather attractive. Well, it was not long before FL and MR found themselves checking out one of the more attractive paths through the trees when MR went just a bit too far. It was F&N who called the pack on, and FL was close enough to stay with the pack leaving the now lonely MR well behind. And there the report really ends because contact by the recorder and the pack terminated. There were no responses to MR’s plaintive cries and judging from the lack of ground indication as to which way to proceed MR was now well and truly on his own. He found a check mark that had been badly amended (by F&N so it was reported) and soon he was even further from rejoining the pack having checked many hills (ALL up) to no avail. At one stage there was a whisper on the wind when it could have been F&N who was heard to mutter “Serves the bastard right!” So perhaps his poor road marking was intentional? Then there was Centre of Attraction who was, believe it or not, late – so late that she could hear nothing of us. Still, she was back in time to join in the jollification at The Fox… Oh,, and by the way, don’t shed a tear for MR who had a lovely time out there, on his own, in the late sunshine and got back with very little to report.

On On

Next Run: 1 May 2013 – John Elder. Caesar’s Camp Car Park (838507)

NOTES ON DH3 RUN 388 ON WEDNESDAY 4 APRIL 2013
FROM PALE LANE off BLACKBUSHES ROAD (GR 802569)

Hares:  Les Salmon (Ever Ready) & Derek Gray (Prime 8 - in absentia)

Hounds: Allan Jewell (Easy Rider), Tony Case (Fruit & Nut), John Elder (Seis Matters), Brian Langford (Cyclone), Tony Soane (Sony Tone), Ann Holland (Cloggs), Steve Nagel (Silvier Fox), Sarah Nagel (Petal), Denise Catlin (Flying Doctor), Roy Johnson (Nameless), Ron Peasley (Hi Hat), Ian Angell (Hippo)

This was a new location, so new in fact, that the advertised coordinates (now corrected) only got you to the vicinity of the start. Fortunately, Sony stood in the road to direct the hashers into the correct lane. Prime 8 was absent due to another of his eyes being decataracted; there'll be no excuse for mis-reading the GPS in future. The start was inauspicious, the weather was cold (when was it not), cloudy and there was a degree of confusion as to which direction to take. Silvier Fox ran hard for at least two minutes to find himself back at the start again. Warnings of a dire road crossing and some impressive shig proved true as Cloggs manfully (womanfully) forged ahead. 10 minutes into the run, the sun came out and we realised that this virgin hashing area was really quite excellent with a cunningly laid trail. Two regroups kept the pack together as we twisted and turned through numerous forest paths. In Mountain Rescue style (the scribe is absent this week), main paths were abandoned in favour of obscure, prickly traverses of the undergrowth. It was a great, ground-breaking hash and well done to Ever Ready who laid it alone. The Station Inn at Fleet even had Speckled Hen on tap. Well done to the hares!

On On

Next Run:

 17 April 2013 – Details will be posted on the web site.

NOTES ON DH3 RUN 387 ON WEDNESDAY 20 MARCH 2013
FROM THE REAR TWESELDOWN PUB (GR 822518)

Hares Brian Langford (Cyclone) and Tony Soane (Sony Tone)

Hounds: Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue), Allan Jewell (Easy Rider), Les Salmon (Ever Ready), Tony Case (Fruit & Nut), Sue Figgis (Centre of Attraction) and John Elder (Seis Matters)

Excellent Eight set off just a little late with Seis well to the fore while the tail-enders paused for C of A to park her car and join the rest.  Diagonally across the football pitch we started and off up the long, long drag that is so often part of starting from the pub.  Seis soon almost disappeared as those further back dreaded the way ahead as it continued up and on and on and still up. There was a a lengthy break while the search started for the trail again at a major junction.  Seis got it wrong twice while MR stupidly followed the second attempt in the deep mud while C of A turned right down the slope and found herself on.  Easy Rider followed her and soon everyone was off through the local jungle and into still more shig.  Now it was the turn of F&N to take the lead, again once more down to the right while MR and Ever Ready investigated the wrong side of the fence.  Turning again up the slope into more jungle we were led to the shaggiest shig in the whole area.  It was here that Ever Ready decided to overtake MR, who was in the lead having taken a drier route across the hill side, with the excuse that he was trying to keep warm.  Looked more like forbidden racing!  Once more, Easy Rider took the lead from Seis as we wended our way through and along the tracks beside drainage ditches that took us straight to the long-empty reservoir.  Instead of the expected diversion around the top end, the trail turned down the hill and followed the lower fence and up part way on the far side when the trail led along an upper level of ditch.  Easy then spotted flour down in the depths of the shig below us and down we went all the way to the lake side.  Alongside the lake went we until Ever and Seis crossed between the two lakes and eventually plunged back into the trees to another main track. By now Seis was over and Easy, with Ever and MR followed with no sign of the other half of the pack.  It was fairly simple from hereon, down to the horses’ practise area and back to the car park.  By the time the back party caught up, the first had already consumed their initial Tweseldown drinks.  It had been a small group, but a good trail…!

On On

Next Run:

 3 April 2013 – Les Salmon.  Detail will be posted on the web site.

NOTES ON DH3 RUN 386 ON WEDNESDAY 6 MARCH 2013
FROM OUTRIDDEN COPSE (GR 831510)

Hare Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue),

Hounds: Allan Jewell (Easy Rider), Tony Soane (Sony Tone), Brian Langford (Cyclone), Les Salmon (Ever Ready), Tony Case (Fruit & Nut), Sarah Nagle (Petal), Libby Ralph (Old Thumper), Sue Figgis (Centre of Attraction), Ian Angell (Hippo), John Elder (Seis Matters) and Roy Johnson (Still nameless).

Those who turned up in good time were warned that this was going to be a short one.  Those who were late were quickly to find out how short the course was to be. To keep up her record, Centre of Attraction let Sony Tone know in advance that she would be late, very late and would we please leave arrows for her to follow.  So we arrowed off down the slope of the field towards the copse with Seis leading us.  However, he fell for the first diversion while Old Thumper quickly caught on that we should go off to the left.   There she stayed for some time, well guessing the way the Hare would go.  That lasted for a while until she met the back back while Sony so very nearly found the true trail.  It was Seis who now investigated further and soon had us running through some close shrubbery and taking us out to a familiar major track.  Without any hesitation, OT was off across the road not giving anyone the chance to check out the false trails so carefully laid earlier (what wasted Hare effort, that was!).  Straight on, she went taking the pack with her over the undulating trail that now took us down to an entrance to the high speed track.  Straight over and up into the trees on the far side where again, OT  again well guessed the way the Hare would veer off into the trees rather than go up the (again wasted) false trail.   This took us to the first regroup.  Eagle eyes Sony spotted flour on an adjacent hillock while Cyclone plunged down the hill to find his first blob.  In short, both were wrong, but then so was OT who now went off the wrong way with F&N and Hippo leading off others even further away.  Petal was in the right area to get a tip and she set off through the trees and was soon calling the ‘On’.  Down, we plunged then up again until a check caused some consternation with OT making an uncustomary error.  Meanwhile Roy returned from his venture in the opposite direction where he missed the trail and came back.  Impasse.  So, another hint was given and he tried again but was beaten by Hippo who cut across and stumbled on the elusive trail, finally leading us out on to a major track.  Over we went and through the trees to a multi-junction second regroup.  Things were in danger of going hopelessly wrong as all went off in just about every direction but the correct.  Ever Ready was persuaded to look the ‘other’ way and was soon on the trail that led across a wide water-filled ditch with a skinny plank.  Petal found the easy crossing over and soon the sound of Ever Ready was heard again leading the pack astray as he mistook a distant bit of paper as more flour.  By now, Centre of Attraction had caught up and it was OT who called F&N and his following back from his erroneous venture as she again read the Hare’s mind. And it was she who led the way home to finish in just about 40 minutes.  The subsequent gathering in that popular hostelry, The Tweseldown, made us as welcome as ever as we settled for the duration – if only we could have stayed longer…

On On

Next Run:

 20 March 2013 – Tony Case.  Detail awaited after diary consultation…

NOTES ON DH3 RUN 385 ON WEDNESDAY 20 FEBRUARY 2013
FROM UPPER HALE SCOUT HUT (GR 841489)

Hares Allan Jewell (Easy Rider)

Hounds: Tony Soane (Sony Tone), Brian Langford (Cyclone), Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue), Les Salmon (Ever Ready), Derek Gray (Prime8), Anne Holland (Cloggs), Tony Case (Fruit & Nut), Sarah Nagle (Petal), Libby Ralph (Old Thumper), Sue Figgis (Centre of Attraction), Steve Nagle (Silvier Fox), Ron Peasley (Hi Hat), Lewis Soane (Even Number) and Adam Soane.

It was a lovely, bright, sunny afternoon as we gathered at the car park and looked forward to a pleasant jog through the parkland.  That was until we got out of our cars when we realised just how cold it was with a cruel, nasty easterly wind blowing in from afar.  We were forewarned that Centre of Attraction was going to be late because she was held up by traffic at Milford.  As we thought that’s where she lived it was OT who realised that she probably hadn’t even got out through the front door yet.  And it was anticipated that Cloggs would be late without warning - she was.  Fruit & Nut reckoned that it was just a tad too cool to hang about so we set off only two minutes late down the slope beside the scout hut to enter the park proper.  By now, Prime8 was regretting forgetting his inhaler as the cold air started to get at him.  We should have taken more notice of the state of the Hare’s shoes that would have warned us of shig to come.  And it came aplenty.  It was thick and gloopy and made progress slippery indeed.  We kept going downhill where it was becoming even more glutinous.  At least three Hounds admitted sliding over with Ever Ready re-enacting his eventual pose in the mud while MR was able to slop into the sludge privately.  Shortly, we came across a short reprieve and we hit a check.  The pack spread far and wide so with the help of the Hare we continued off in the opposite direction only to find we were once more in the mire. Then F&N managed to capture an unsuspecting dog walker for his diatribe on the ‘History of Hashing’ – she eventually managed to make her escape by the time he got to 1956 and was last seen running in the opposite direction.  The dry bit was short lived and we were back in the water and shig again.  We continued a downward trend, deeper into the slush.  A respite arrived with our climb up the slope to the more formal part of the Park.  When we hit the top, the cold wind dropped and a pleasant, sunny spell was with us.  Over the top of the ridge the trail had partially disappeared and took some finding but we struggled on following Cloggs and encouraging C of A to join us up at the top of the ridge.  On, we went and on more until we came across a regroup.  Most followed on like lost sheep but it was Even Number who managed to pick up the trail leading down into the shiggy bits again. Silvier, now well to the front, disappeared not to be seen again until the car park.  It was on the long, steady incline that Cloggs tried to avoid the worst of the shig and so doing was almost taken out by a bramble.  Over the top of the rise and plunging down the far side saw a sharp turn towards home.  By now, Prime8 and MR were well to the rear and decided to shorten there return by another nearby path.  Unwittingly, they had avoided what was reported as the worst bit of deep shig on the course… After a good, soggy run, The Alma gave us a period of recovery where we found Hi Hat who had been distracted by lunch and snooker.  So much for devotion…

On On

Next Run:

 6 March 2013 – Anne Holland, Yateley Common Car Park (off Cricket Hill Lane) (GR 822596)

NOTES ON DH3 RUN 384 ON WEDNESDAY 6 FEBRUARY 2013
FROM POTTERS RESTAURANT (GR 894549)

Hares Tony Soane (Sony Tone) and Brian Langford (Cyclone)

Hounds: Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue), Les Salmon (Ever Ready), Derek Gray (Prime8), Allan Jewell (Easy Rider), Anne Holland (Cloggs), Tony Case (Fruit & Nut), Sarah Nagle (Petal), Libby Ralph (Old Thumper), John Elder (Seis Matters), Sue Figgis (Centre of Attraction), Paul Gallagher (Spring Lamb) and Roy Johnson .

Fruit & Nut’s last Deepcut meet didn’t.  It seems that there was concern about the possible safety of the Hare in the snow and cold weather so he will perform later – maybe, perhaps, probably …

It was good to have (still nameless) Roy back in the fold having been on holiday and then suffering from a wonky knee.  Paul Gallagher (now retired) was also back in the pack after four years absence.  So, the latest meet was about to set off when there was a light sprinkle of short-lived icy precipitation.  Over the road from Potters we set off and straight over into the woods alongside the canal centre field.  That was where the first problem arose – the check sign had been erased, the first of several.  However, Mountain Rescue arrived at the right place at the right time to be told what had happened so he set off across the field towards the canal.  At the canal, Easy Rider turned right along the near side of the canal while MR crossed over and went right with Seis going left.  Easy Rider had a particularly satisfied tone to his call that it was he who was ‘on’ that meant the other two had to turn to cross back over the canal.  Meanwhile, Ever Ready discovered that the trail no longer followed the canal and the pack turned back into the said field at the far end and re-entered the woods once more.  The path now led through the trees all the way up by the big house to the main Old Guildford Road for the first regroup.  Along we progressed up the ‘main’ track and marginally into the woods where we continued straight for some distance.  Then there was another lengthy pause while the trail was searched out and the Hares started to think we had lost it but Seis managed to find flour again but it was lost once more.  Occasional misses were overcome and progress was made once more to another regroup.  We were now just about on the level, weaving our way through the trees, when the trail was lost again.  Seis set off in the more obvious direction but was now called back by MR and Old Thumper.  Neither was believed and so he continued.  Meanwhile the real trail split that sent MR of in an unnecessary loop while OT finally persuaded the errant Hounds to rejoin her and somehow managed to take a short cut to the next regroup.  By now, Cloggs had really caught us up and Prime8 was wandering along with his GPS somewhere in the undergrowth.  From here it was fairly straight forward all the way home to Potters with one or two deviations on the way to keep it interesting.  The large group was inundated with buckets of chips while tasty beers were quaffed and pleasantries exchanged.

On On

      Next Run: 20 February 2013 – Alan Jewell, Farnham Park (park at Upper Hale scout hut {GR 841489))

NOTES ON DH3 RUN 383 ON WEDNESDAY 9 JANUARY 2013
FROM OUTRIDDEN COPSE (GR 831510)

Hare Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue)

Hounds: Les Salmon (Ever Ready), Derek Gray (Prime8), Allan Jewell (Easy Rider), Anne Holland (Cloggs), Tony Soane (Sony Tone), Brian Langford (Cyclone), Ron Peasley (Hi Hat), Tony Case (Fruit & Nut), Sarah Nagle (Petal) and Libby Ralph (Old Thumper).

A HAPPY NEW YEAR to all our readers!

“It’s warmer in Surrey.” “I’m bloody cold!”  “Not bad for January.” These were some of the pre-start points of view of the weather.  The Hare was just happy that it had not rained but warned the assembly that the overnight rain had made parts of the trail hugely slippery.  So the pack set off with F&N to the fore leading the pack from the car park, over the road to the far side and straight up the main path, taking most of the pack with him on to the back back waiting for them.  Meanwhile, Easy Rider had found the true trail and within the first 100 yards found that the warning about the state of the ground was true. He promptly sat on his backside, leapt to his feet and tried to kick the offending stump only to miss it and have his other foot skid from beneath him as he ended up in the mud on his butt.  Sadly, the rest of the pack missed the exhibition, apart from, perhaps, Cloggs who had arrived late and may have witnessed event.  OT led the group back across the field to negotiate the stile and enter the woods leading uphill.  On arrival at the next main pathway and first check, OT and Ever Ready went down to the left where they were on a false trail.  Easy Rider went to the right and re-entered the woods to the left and found his way barred.  In turn this put Cloggs off checking further on the track she was investigating the track that joined beside the barred track.  Having the error of her way pointed out, the pack was off in hot pursuit once more with Cloggs now hot on the trail until she decided that 100 metres was too far for checking a false trail.  Well, 100 metres it was and soon the pack reached another main track and was searching for the lost trail.  Cyclone reluctantly went right while F&N bet on the left. Hi Hat literally sat on the fence while Cloggs was off further up the hill on the far side.  It was a while before she could be heard calling us on – but not for long.  OT ventured down to the left and found she was correct.  Down and up the other side and on up and up.  Twisting and turning we now ascended some serious steepness to the regroup at the top.  Sony Tone took cyclone off in the wrong direction while F&N went right but wrong.  Once more, OT went off correctly, past the trig point and on for a long way along the near level track by the line of pillboxes.  She missed the deviation but was soon back to lead all down to a lower level.  Easy Rider took the left with OT being more challenged by the rise up to the right where she found the trail now descending sharply to the left. At the pause on the main track across our front, OT was tempted to check straight on but waited with doubts that she was right, but F&N really wanted to go up to the right which was pointless.  So we had to wait for Cyclone to call us down to the left and through some really shiggy bits and up a very sticky track through the trees, over a couple of bridged nullahs.  By now OT was back in the lead and confidently taking the front group beyond the trail that shot off through the trees to the left to the second regroup.  It was OT who again found the start of the trail and this took us around the top end of the empty reservoir (there’s plenty of liquid available in the area to refill it if anyone wants to!)  The trail now turned left down the far side of the reservoir where Cloggs followed the drainage ditch to the right and OT progressed straight down the side where she found the restart.  This made her think that we were going direct back to the car park and she found herself having to renegotiate the exceeding gloopy shig beside the pond and back from whence she came.  It was about now that she expressed great disappointment that Silvier was not with us to check out the trails. Meanwhile, back at the check Cyclone and Sony set off along another potential track. Sony’s foray to the right quickly ended, and Cyclone’s similar experience further up the main track came to naught.  Ever Ready didn’t need much of a hint to find the true trail as he followed another very gloopy track through some close country on to another check.  As we now entered some close forestry it was good that the flour showed up bright and white as darkness was now descending.  Through the trees to an open area and another uphill track that took Ever Ready to a back back, through dead bracken and out into the open for a quick run home. Then it was to The Tweseldown…

On On

               Next Run: 23 January 2013 – Tony Case, RLC Officers Mess sports field {GR 910582)

NOTES ON DH3 RUN 382 ON WEDNESDAY 12 DECEMBER 2012
FROM CROOKHAM VILLAGE (GR 792517)

Hares Les Salmon (Ever Ready), Jane Cox, Jill Debenham and Derek Gray (Prime8).

Hounds: Allan Jewell (Easy Rider), John Elder (Seis Matters), Anne Holland (Cloggs), Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue), Tony Soane (Sony Tone), Brian Langford (Cyclone) and Ron Peasley (Hi Hat).

The twelfth of the twelfth of the twelfth and such a date we none of us will see again.  A record of four Hares (including two learners) apparently set the trail with a temperature of -3°C but the rest of us were much luckier when the temperature rose to 0°C.  So we had a brief that emphasised the danger of crossing the slippery boardwalk and the potential broken ankles on the frozen rough ground over which we were expected to move.  The off was a slothful surge in the general direction of the canal which the main pack went off in the wrong direction.  Meanwhile, Mountain Rescue set off on his own and soon found himself well to the fore.  It was not long before Seis overtook and paused at the second bridge with MR going off to the left in totally the wrong direction leaving himself now well to the rear.  Seis soon had everyone else going over the fields and Primate resetting bits of the way in trail.  Over the frozen fields we went with the dulcet tones of Cloggs giving great encouragement. And this seemed to be the form with Easy Rider occasionally taking the lead with Seis and Cloggs and every time MR got to the front, he was quickly left at the rear again as the trail led off in the opposite direction (again!).  It was lovely countryside and the setting sun doing its thing (the earliest sunset of the year).  We came to the one re-group and set off once more to the slippery boardwalk.  Oh, Boy! They were indeed very slippery!  Not only slippery but narrow and over the most revolting, orange, sloppy, gungy, foul shiggy ever; enough to make even the most cavalier take great care.  After a few scares, the intrepid team made good progress to the next shig.  This was unavoidable but fortunately not too long and the trail took us into a large field that in turn took us into a copse.  On exiting the copse the front runners all turned left but found no flour and Sony and Cyclone wondered why there was no flour around.  The answer was that it was just around the corner to the right where MR found it and led everyone back into the field across which we had just transversed. Back on the far side we found a smug Ever Ready awaiting our return.  Now Seis picked up the trail home and it was back along the canal to the car park before it got too dark.  We were soon in the warmth and comfort of The Black Horse for a celebratory quaffing…

To all our readers, a Very Happy Christmas and On On to the New Year for which best wishes are given…

               Next Run: 9^th January 2013 – Richard McAllister, Outridden Copse (GR 831510)

NOTES ON DH3 RUN 381 ON WEDNESDAY 28 NOVEMBER 2012
FROM HAWLEY LAKE (GR 839579)

Hare: Allan Jewell (Easy Rider)

Hounds: John Elder (Seis Matters), Tony Case (Fruit & Nut), Anne Holland (Cloggs), Les Salmon (Ever Ready), Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue), Tony Soane (Sony Tone), Sarah Nagel (Petal), Libby Ralph (Old Thumper), Ian Angell (Hippo), Jane Cox, Derek Gray (Prime8), Brian Langford (Cyclone) and Steve Nagel (Silvier Fox).

Despite the cool, overcast weather there was a good turnout that set off in the usual direction with a minimal Hare brief.  At ‘The’ junction it could only have been Fruit & Nut who found the return trail to get us off on a (short-lived) false trail, aided and abetted by Old Thumper.  Meanwhile, Silvier had found the road to the left to be free of flour while Seis got us going straight on and gently uphill.  This took us up to the first and well deserved first regroup where we, well, regrouped - eventually -as we awaited Primate and an even slower F&N.

Silvier set off up the hill and straight on while Seis went left followed by the sound of Hippo.  This took us into a large open area from which we had a choice of 359 degrees to check.  Being bored by the pause, Mountain Rescue decided to look down the path to the right that seemed to lead nowhere. But to somewhere it did indeed lead just as the now front runner was about to get back to the pack.   Across another open area the trail led straight across to a junction through some serious shig where the decision had to be made.  By now Silvier had caught up and followed MR down to the left where the trail faded out and the rest of the pack shot off in the opposite direction.  The slower moving Primate helpfully offered a short shortcut that helped cut off at least three yards.  The trail now wended through some very dark and spooky woods but the flour shone brightly in the doom.  Down the hill and into the valley we went and up the other side through brighter woods with Silvier now back in the lead.  Soon, with Seis full of confidence at the front, we found ourselves near the perimeter fence and running along the main path following the line of the road.  At this stage Primate had disappeared but we were confident that he and his GPS would get him back out of the area.  We had now gathered at another regroup.  F&N set off straight ahead while Seis took the track along the fence line, with Cloggs going somewhere in between.  Seis got it going again with Silvier now recovered an errant group led astray by Hippo and we went off into the woods again.  Later, quite a lot later, the peripatetic pack returned to the original peripheral fence only to proceed further.  There now followed more of this activity through unfamiliar areas but gradually turning back towards the car park.  That was about it, really.  Sufficient shig for appearances but not too much for really sodden feet.  So, as the light faded we got back to the finish only to realise that Primate was nowhere to be seen or heard.  No one had his mobile number, nor did Ever Ready think he had the mobile with him anyway.  The huge doubt was cast when it was though that the GPS may not actually be with Primate after all.  For the record:  Hippo was off like a shot (to the pub) while F&N got changed.  Sony Tone and Cloggs became concerned, Ever Ready had confidence that Primate could find his way out even in the dark, and MR got the torch from his car.  Then Primate appeared still clutching his GPS.  The Crown and Cushion provided a good after-Hash as fluid intake was replenished after a good trail.

On On.

Next Run: 12 December 2012 – Derek Gray and Les Salmon, Crookham Village (GR 792517)

NOTES ON DH3 RUN 380 ON WEDNESDAY 14^th NOVEMBER 2012
FROM CAESAR’S CAMP (GR 838507)

Hare: John Elder (Seis Matters)

Hounds: Tony Case (Fruit & Nut), Anne Holland (Cloggs), Les Salmon (Ever Ready), Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue), Tony Soane (Sony Tone), Colin Crofts (French Leave) Sarah Nagel (Petal), Ron Peasley (Hi Hat), Phil Sharpe (Anorak), Alan Jewell (Easy Rider) and Libby Ralph (Old Thumper).

We set off in very pleasant, sunny weather after a very brief briefing having been told only that there were to be three regroups.  We followed the arrow north through the gate from the car park.  All but Old Thumper and the Hare kept straight on until there was a call from the Hare that took the rest of us back to where we should have turned almost immediately into the woods to our right (on our left as we returned from whence we came).  The trail led us through the trees to a check that sent only OT off in the right direction to the right and up the slope where Ever Ready nearly lost his footing on the now steep and slippery hillside.  Up to the very top of the rise we went to the highest point, perhaps highest in the whole area.  Another pause for a one-stopper that held all up for a longish time that sent MR off in totally the wrong direction before OT once again found the trail going back towards the main road - that is until she lost it almost immediately.  As an old bi-plane noisily flew overhead, the trail was found again and we were off through the trees once more.  Now we were heading towards the Duke of Wellington statue up to which we went to meet and pay our respects where the Hare took a group photograph of the admiring pack.  Our first regroup.  ‘Go the way the horse would fart…’ was the advice given so we plunged down the slope one way or the other with most making for the church car park.  We wended our way over familiar ground, over a couple of open areas and soon found ourselves at Gate 4, the south eastern corner of the fence around the Rushmoor Arena.  By now Anorak was determined to go on the wrong track along the fence line heading north while the rest took off up the other leg of the fence to the west.  We met up at a familiar spot (Gate 1) and crossed over the road eventually found ourselves descending, only to have to rise again to the edge of the vehicle training circuit and the second regroup.  Some of the group were going hot and cold - bodies hot but extremities cold.  Sony Tone took up the lead for a while as we crossed over the open area around the bridging pond and right across to the vehicle area.  French Leave became adventurous, leaving Sony going off the wrong way with Cloggs and OT hitting the right way towards the test tracks from which we now veered back towards the track where Sony had wanted to go.  A one-blobber delayed progress, particularly as French Leave ran right past another magnificent blob.  Sony took off into the low reedy ground while the more wise stayed on the wide main track.  Here we stayed until OT took a left on to a lesser (but correct) track before long meeting a check where confusion from the Hare caused serious (from MR’s viewpoint) misunderstanding.  From her higher viewpoint she had a good opportunity to see MR trudging alone, off track through some serious shig.  Anorak now led the pack as we drifted back up the hill to the third regroup where once again F&N insisted on his complete historical run down on the Hash to some poor old man.  Most seemed to want to go off to the right away from home but, no, OT led us off in the opposite direction before turning right and continuing to the top of the rise.  Now it was Cloggs’ turn to lead from the front (difficult to lead from anywhere else) as she called us down the steep slope, through the trees and back to the car park where we found Easy Rider who claimed to be recovering from a virus; a virus that could only be destroyed by a short walk and a beer.  All enjoyed the well laid trail before making for the Tweseldown where beer consumption was interrupted by the constant and noisy, cracking, crackling and crunching of hashers gnashers munching cholesterol ridden pork scratchings.  If ever conversation was to be spoiled by anything, it would be by chomping on scratchings…

On On.

Next Run: 28 November 2012 – Allan Jewell, Hawley Lake (GR 839579)

NOTES ON DH3 RUN 379 ON WEDNESDAY 31^st  OCTOBER 2012
FROM CHOBHAM COMMON (GR 887563)

Hare:  Ian Angell (Hippo) 

Hounds: Tony Case (Fruit & Nut), Anne Holland (Cloggs), Derrick Gray (Prime8), Les Salmon (Ever Ready), Brian Langford (Cyclone), Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue) and Tony Soane (Sony Tone).

It was far for some but the eight agreed it was a good trail even if wet and cool.  The car park was atop a ridge over which a cool wind blew and the grey clouds built up ‘til they could support their weight of water no more.  We set off in a westerly direction keeping the noisy motorway to our right.  Cloggs arrived in the nick of time and soon got her shoes on to catch up.  By now, Easy Rider taken the front ‘runner’ slot but was really a walker as he is medically downgraded and was soon going downhill (physically, not medically). The first check was covered in all directions and Cyclone surprised himself by finding his body at the front as we ran properly downhill for some time.  One thing the hare had forgotten to warn us about was the ground water that produced much shig on the way.  It was an area not known to most as we progressed deep into the plentiful tussocks and gorse.  Having got down, the trail now levelled somewhat with Cloggs leading the way for much of the way as we all started to get wet feet – very wet feet.  Then it was the walking Ever Ready who now led us on well to the front.   Once he lost it, Cloggs found it and was soon seen traipsing off away from most of the pack while others hunted for a clue.  She was off again and the loose pack followed as best they could.  Waiting at a check, she then complained of feeling lonely was awaiting company. As we now trudged along we came across an electric fence about which we had been warned – fortunately, now disconnected.  Then an extra and unexpected regroup was called – Prime8 had fallen into a deep bog and had to be pulled out from crutch-deep bog and Cyclone took the opportunity to accompany him back to the car park.  The rest progressed but were once more into an open field taking Sony and Cloggs around the edge when a helpful hare hint sent the rest of us in the opposite direction.  This took us back towards the motorway through some more sog before starting the climb back up the slope.  F&N decided to investigate the bridge over the motorway but was quickly called back before going off into the land of the lost.  The return was uneventful apart from the ever close gorse and more shiggy.  The On Inn was the Four Horseshoes that sold us very acceptable thirst quenchers in pleasant surroundings.

On On.

Next Run: 14 November 2012 – John Elder, Caesar’s Camp Car Park (GR 838507)

NOTES ON DH3 RUN 378 ON WEDNESDAY 17^th OCTOBER 2012
FROM FRIMLEY LODGE COUNTRY PARK (GR 887563)

Hare:  Tony Case (Fruit & Nut)

Hounds: Anne Holland (Cloggs), Alan Jewell (Easy Rider), Derrick Gray (Prime8), Roy Johnson, Sarah Nagle (Petal), Les Salmon (Ever Ready), Brian Langford (Cyclone) and Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue),

The Hare made a fundamental error in his briefing and continued in great detail to tell us exactly where we were going.  “Over to the canal, turn left and keep the canal on your right.  Go over the bridge and into the trees and on the way back keep the canal on your right again.  Keep on until you get to that pub that we have used before.”  Well, it didn’t take the brain of a nit to realise almost exactly where we were heading.  Then there was a long discussion on which pub we were supposed to recognise and once the great debate resolved the problem we found he was talking of ‘Potters’.  After ten minutes puzzled elaboration the response came: “Well, we’re not going there!”  Now, Cloggs was late and therefore had the benefit of not being briefed and that gave her more running than most as she kept trying to get away from the canal.  Roy was out there, too, hoping that there would be some respite from the canal but it was not to be.  Easy Rider took the easy way and just kept straight across all the cross tracks and before we really realised it, we were home.  So, that was it apart from the Crown and Thistle that provided our refreshment.  There really isn’t anything else to add…

On On.

Next Run: 31 October 2012 – Ian Angel, Chobham Common 887563

NOTES ON DH3 RUN 377 ON WEDNESDAY 3^rd OCTOBER 2012
FROM LIGHTWATER COUNTRY PARK (GR 901618)

Hares:  Tony Soane (Sony Tone) and Kath Bradshaw (Twin Peaks)

Hounds: Alan Jewell (Easy Rider), John Elder (Seis Matters), Steve Nagel (Silvier Fox), Sarah Nagel (Petal), Ann Holland (Cloggs), Tony Case (Fruit & Nut), Roy Johnson, Brian Langford (Cyclone), Les Salmon (Ever Ready)

What a star; to be a co-hare and then nip back to the office whilst the pack go and run your course.  Well done Kath.  And a very good course it was too, although the pack was a little concerned by Sony's "Five regroups I think, maybe six!" The last time we heard this was MR's record-breaking marathon hash of 8th August. We need not have worried as we set off south through the woods towards the ever-increasing drone of the M3. Crossing this clogged artery of the south-east, we followed a cunning trail through more woods with the drone of the M3 now irritating the left ear. Seis Matters got lost and was about to return home when the thin reedy piping of F'nN's horn could be heard and guided him to the first regroup. The pack headed more or less eastwards into more open ground with Silvier Fox darting hither but unfortunately the trail lay thither. We passed through a primary school car park with mothers looking in alarm at the scruffy apparitions playing chicken with the SUV's favoured by the modern mum. Thank Goodness F'nN for once decided not to engage a new generation in the history of the hash thereby saving us all from lengthy prison sentences. Back across the M3 we went over a pedestrian bridge and logic dictated that it was now time for a good run westwards back to the cars. It was a good varied run and the on-inn at Pineridge Golf Club raised another set of eyebrows. Note to self: Stay off the Green King IPA.

On On.

Next Run: 17 October 2012 – Fruit'n Nut and that is all that is known at the time of writing.

NOTES ON DH3 RUN 376 ON WEDNESDAY 19^th SEPTEMBER 2012
FROM YATELEY COUNTRY PARK (GR 822596)

Hares:  Anne Holland (Cloggs) and Tony Case (Fruit & Nut)

Hounds: Alan Jewell (Easy Rider), Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue), Derrick Gray (Prime8), Ian Angel (Hippo), Sue Figgis (Centre of Attraction), Phil Sharp (Anorak), Tony Soane (Sony Tone) and John Elder (Seis Matters).

Centre of Attraction arrived only eight minutes late but was not the last to arrive. In the event, Cyclone never made it.  So we set off down to the pond side and set off around to the far side with both the Hares laying arrows to show the way.  Cloggs’ arrow was the better.  On the far side there was immediate confusion with MR striding off along the side of the pond with Anorak only to find a bar.  So, off along a second path to find another stopper and on the third path to hear Sony’s tone leading us on almost in the direction of the previous two defaulters.  And this seemed to set the overall for the rest of the trail.  The whole area was covered in huge numbers of tracks and trails that the Hares used to their utmost to confuse the pack.  Clogg’s delight in creating so many back checks was worth watching as she revelled in constant checks and turning the pack around and about.  MR was now spending too much time at the fore and was not a happy chappy as he expended far too much front running and finding the Hares had cunningly laid their blobs well out of sight. While Cloggs was holding forth her ability to send MR down a track that no one in his own right mind would have gone, she managed to swallow a fly and got her just results.  Hares jest not on the run.  Then we set off down a track and past a farm full of real country smells with flour carefully hidden behind tree trunks. Then Seis and MR set off on two paths that both led nowhere but back where we found the first regroup, complete with seat, beside a pleasant pond view spoilt only by the centre spot held by Seis.  Then, to huge surprise, the pack was led in by Prime8.  Cloggs sent us off, having quickly changed her trail and around to the far side of the pond. Soon all were well spread with the former front runners now well at the back.  The country side was stunning in the sunshine.  Hippo’s horn led us on with Anorak to the fore and off right as we entered darker areas of woodland that again twisted and turned.  By now Seis had taken up the lead as we stopped to admire some new houses that would have cost than a few bob!  MR had just got the trail correct only to find a very short check leading to more trails but Anorak took up the lead once more that left Hippo and MR well off from the main pack. Sony saved the trail for a while and kept straight as others checked the sides to no great avail.  Hippo’s horn encouraged the pack to follow on to an open space for the second regroup beside another, smaller pond full of lilies but no blooms.  At this stage, Hippo was getting concerned that drinking time was being lessened by the run so Cloggs helped us on the way around the pond with Seis spearheading once more.  By now we were following the line of the A30 and then joy! A display of ready blackberries.  Then another supreme event; Prime8 was now full of running leading the pack towards home. The pack was allowed to overtake Prime8 as they pounded along the trail and into close country with most going straight into another check back where we were greeted by enormous smiles and great laughter from Cloggs who was delighted to have fooled most once more.  And Hippo, who we could see below us on the ‘wrong’ track turned out to be correct all the time.  Then the six tracks now met in a central opening.  Luck smiled briefly on MR who now sadly found himself up his fifth check back. And then another one.  Easy Rider and Hippo somehow managed to turn up in front but it was Sony who led us on.  But then far in the distance, Seis was spotted doing his own thing. Eventually, we found ourselves at the third and last regroup, right at the back of the Ely pub.  Easy Rider and Seis appeared from the wrong direction and seemed reluctant to let on what they had seen as they approached (we did get from them that they had seen the trail but Cloggs let us into the secret anyway). As we wended our way through narrow heather tracks, we were confronted by a cyclist moving at some speed but there was no accident. Anorak led us to just one more back check and we all had to take off into some pretty rough old woodland until we ventured on to more reasonable tracks.  Homing instincts were now beginning to come into play.  The Cricketers was a very pleasant relaxation where we were able to enjoy our beers in the evening sunshine for a while.  Then clouds left a distinct cooling… But the consensus was that it had been a marvellous trail after all.

On On.

Next Run: 3 October 2012 – and that is all known at the time of writing.

NOTES ON DH3 RUN 375 ON WEDNESDAY 5^th SEPTEMBER 2012
FROM WELLINGTON MEMORIAL (GR 853511)

Hare:  Alan Jewell (Easy Rider)

Hounds: Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue), Anne Holland (Cloggs), Derrick Gray (Prime8), Ian Angel (Hippo), Jane Cox, Jill Debenham, Tony Case (Fruit & Nut), Sue Figgis (Centre of Attraction), Brian Langford (Cyclone), Les Salmon (Ever Ready), Phil Sharp (Anorak) and Tony Soane (Sony Tone).

Beautiful weather and if any of the pack were ‘stitious’, they weren’t super-stitious as 13 set off on the trail that led around the base of the monument and over the road.  Cloggs was well to the front following the trail across the field where we transversed another road and went up in amongst the trees.  This took us back the way we’d come and then up the road until we went back into the woods once more.   Eventually, Cloggs lost it and as we searched around there was a most unusual call and an event that was almost unheard of before; Prime8 was at the front and hot on the trail!!  We knew it couldn’t last for long but, blow me down, having lost it and some not particularly useful ‘help’ from Ever Ready, Prime8 was back on the trail for a second time.  The check stopped him as Cloggs now set off in great form, leading us to the first regroup.  From a well-known concrete slab, MR led several up the hill, guessing that we were all going to end up at the top at some stage.  At the top were two very distinct false trail markings, but no one was prepared to forfeit the altitude gained.  The main pack was heard below with Hippo’s horn keeping us almost together and soon Sony Tone was spotted running up the rise to join those already at the top.  We met at a check.  Hippo got it and we followed him down the slope to the valley bottom where an arrow showed us the way to go.  Hippo led through thick undergrowth and brambles until we burst out on to a major track.  Another pause as the alternatives were checked out and it was Hippo and MR who found the trail leading up to the next ridge top before plunging down the other side.  Now the briefing had told us not to enter the high speed vehicle test track, so we didn’t.  Cloggs had now got back to the front and being obedient did not wander on to the test track but ran up the trail to the side where she took us to the next regroup.  MR found the restart but there soon started an Anorak/Cloggs partnership that took us up to the top of the ridgeline once more.  That partnership finished, Cloggs took off and was soon on again.  The track diminished and split, sending Anorak off to the right and Cloggs to the left which was the way MR thought we should be going.  And now started what turned out to be quite a long run in to the third and final regroup where we remained for some time while the back wanderers caught up.  MR found the restart but soon went wrong with Cloggs taking the alternative direction that was correct – well, nearly.  MR stayed the way he was going and crossed the large drainage ditch only to find that was now actually in the lead and on the way home.  Only Cloggs caught up with Cyclone just behind her.  From this point it was an easy run home, taking in a few blackberries on the way…  The Tweseldown welcomed the pack in their usual way and an eminently acceptable drink or two enjoyed in the garden after another good trail.

On On.

Next Run: 19 September 2012 – Anne Holland, Yateley Country Park (GR 822596)

NOTES ON DH3 RUN 374 ON WEDNESDAY 22^nd AUGUST 2012
FROM OUTRIDDEN COPSE (GR 831510)

Hare:  John Elder (Seis Matters),

Hounds: Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue), Alan Jewell (Easy Rider), Ann Holland (Cloggs), Sarah Nagel (Petal), Derrick Gray (Prime8), Ian Angel (Hippo), Jane Cox, Jill Debenham, Roy Johnson and Libby Ralph (Old Thumper)

The brief was, making reference only to three regroups and a spigot or two (a spigot turned out to be a ‘T’ with a short stem indicating a check back).  The pack sauntered off down the slope in extended line abreast with Roy going to the left flank and Old Thumper the right.  Both were wrong and Easy Rider found we should be going almost straight into the trees.  It was pretty close countryside, dark and spooky, for a while but once back on to main paths, the pace picked up from near stationary to slow ahead with Jane and Jill chattering away nineteen to the dozen.  We swung left on to the main drag with ER still to the fore and Hippo’s horn frightening anyone too close.  Soon, the FRBs were coming back to join the Hare hunting for his own trail that went off left into some quite thick undergrowth and over a wide drainage ditch. We stumbled out on to a shiggy path and made back towards the Tweseldown Road. By now OT had taken over the front while Roy checked out the wrong route to the race track. Over the road was the first regroup where we were joined by traffic-hindered Cloggs and Jane and Jill were chattering away nineteen to the dozen. Off again and we found the next check at a familiar major junction. All paths were checked and Hippo was the lucky one.  The trail wended its over some open fields and then way up and up again. Roy and Cloggs went just too far and hit a spigot.  The trail had abruptly turned left into the woods once more away from the road and noise of passing traffic.  The second regroup was at a major junction where five tracks needed to be checked.  ER soon called the ‘on’ and we descended for a while.  The Hare made an error as MR spotted a blob of flour behind a tree stump that he could see as we approached down the adjacent hill. So we were off up once more with Jane and Jill chattering away nineteen to the dozen again.  We followed the trail alongside a water drainage ditch that was pleasant, almost level running with a downhill bias (just the sort of running DH3ers like).  At the end of the track was an expected check but a similar mistake left a blob in view from a distance.  We were on again and off.  More contouring that was very welcome.  Now MR made a big mistake; instead of staying on the level, he decided the Hare had probably gained altitude.  But, the trail actually went down and the blob he had seen up the hill turned out to be nothing but a white stone (the Hare later claimed he would in future carry a supply of white stones to confuse MR).  So we descended to the third regroup where we found ER bleeding from a leg wound.  Concern was expressed not for the pin prick but for Prime8 who had not been seen for a while.  He soon appeared, following his GPS and cutting through the thick undergrowth when there was, as OT put it, “a perfectly good path” along which he could have made an unhindered approach. ER set off up the hill while Roy went left along the main track where he was seen closely inspecting a cow pat that he suspected had been contaminated by flour.  Yes, he was ‘on’.  Meanwhile, Jane and Jill were still chattering away nineteen to the dozen. We now found ourselves going round the lower end of the empty reservoir and up the other side.  Cloggs was going great guns now and started contouring.  So fast was she going that she failed to notice a blob off to the left dropping the trail down to a lower level and basically back the way we had just come.  However, MR was familiar with this area and led the pack right down to the lakes where he successfully lost the trail.  ER managed to get out a strangled cry as he (excitedly?) found the trail going around the far side of the lakes and we followed him as he twisted and turned through some thick undergrowth until he lost it.  MR, close on his heels, managed to find the trail again and was soon off until he, too, missed a sharp turn and found himself in deep shig.  “Don’t follow me,” was the cry but it was too late for Roy who found himself in the quagmire too.  Not to be put off the two progressed deeper into the shig, over a wide ditch and into some thick bracken.  Meanwhile the Hare had called the rest of the pack back and they returned home by a dry path.  And Petal? Yes, she found herself at the front again but I can’t remember now exactly where that was. And Jane/Jill?  They spent their time happily chatting away…  In The Tweseldown good ale was served and the Hare given his reward for a good trail.  Cloggs seemed to want to share her drink with MR as she tried to pay her dues forgetting she was carrying an open bottle.  And Roy will be remembered for his dissertation on pee-ing in a closely tented area…

On On.

Next Run: 5 September 2012 – Alan Jewell, Wellington Statue (GR 853511)

NOTES ON DH3 RUN 373 ON WEDNESDAY 8^th  AUGUST 2012
FROM TUNNEL HILL (GR 918558)

Hare:  Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue)

Hounds: Alan Jewell (Easy Rider), Tony Case (Fruit & Nut), Ann Holland (Cloggs), John Elder (Seis Matters), Sarah Nagel (Petal), Denise Catlin (Flying Doctor) and Derrick Gray (Prime8).

CYCLONE’S RECORD SMASHED

On 5^th October 2011, Cyclone lost himself while laying the trail for run number 343 and it took the pack an hour and forty-five minutes to get home.  Well, the current Spirit of the Olympics ignited a fire in Mountain Rescue who started his brief by warning that the trail could be a bit longer than usual.  The pack’s groan went on longer than usual as well.  As for the trail, it was an hour and fifty-one minutes before all were back from whence they departed.  Knackered, yes, but down hearted certainly not and all feeling gold medals for their efforts were in order; apart from Primate who had already taken a shortcut and departed and F&N for his delay in joining the pack at the regroups, and Seis Matters who led the whole pack astray by cutting cross country and finding the trail that he followed in the wrong direction, and Petal for nearly breaking her ankle and Flying Doctor for complaining that her knees were aching and Easy Rider for letting Mountain Rescue lay the trail in the first place.  Not even the Hare, who had to run the marathon twice and lay all the false trails, got one. Cloggs was barred from such receipt because she was the only one left. Anyway, the weather was ideal; bright and sunny and a pleasant temperature for a change.  Seis led at the start, with Cloggs expectantly climbing the first hill that came into view only to find Seis was now following the trail straight down to the railway bridge.  On the far side it was Cloggs who checked to the left and Seis who tried straight on.  Dead ends both.  Meanwhile F&N set off towards the gate to the right but missed the trail that went off into the trees.  Cloggs now caught up and soon sussed the trail and led us through, round and up to the check where others went left and straight but she hot footed off right and up again through the trees to a regroup on a large open area.  By now, the hungry crows had consumed much of the flour and the rest they just spread around for good measure.  The trail started again almost straight across into the trees and this is where Seis started to get it wrong.  The pack had spread into extended line with Seis well out on the left flank when he came across trail marks but sadly set off in the wrong direction. Cloggs on the right asked if we should have come up a slope to the flour at her feet. At this point Seis called everyone away which was a bit of a pity for Cloggs would have been on trail if she had gone down the slope beside her.  The Hare reorganised the pack and soon we were back on the trail.  The front runners Seis, Easy Rider and, yes, Cloggs were all away checking out the false trails while Primate decided enough was enough and hoped his satnav would take him back to the right car park.  F&N was now quite useful in that he led the pack up the track leading to the second, hilltop regroup. Cloggs almost found the trail but suspected that it was a bluff so followed it not and set off up an adjacent hill.  It was a Hare-satisfying moment as Petal now led the charge of back runners back into the cool of the trees.  The trail wandered through the undergrowth and meandered towards the Old Guildford Road that we crossed into a large car park recently vacated by a crowd of orienteers.   At the end of the track there was another regroup with only Seis making a move to seek the trail.  It was now apparent that we were going to be late in finishing but as the pack had little or no idea where they were there was not alternative to following the trail.  It was very pleasant countryside but the pack had to look hard for the trail amongst the many tracks running back and forth through the woods.  An additional problem now arose because some wretched near-human worm had demolished the trail. However, Seis soused it and we were soon on our way again.  From here on, the Hare thought it wise to give assistance to the pack for we were nowhere near home and there was some concern that we may not make it before dark. There was more forest walking (legs were getting tired and throats dry) a bit more hill climbing, then the fifth and last regroup.  The three front runners set off with much misguided confidence along the line of the railway as the back stragglers took the nearby path towards home.  Front runners caught up as we were crossing the Pirbright-Keogh Barracks road. And it was a reasonably straightforward run home through the undergrowth to the cars.  The White Hart in Pirbright produced their usual good ale and seating in the garden as we were able to relax, jest and chatter until we were all very late for getting home…  

On On.

Next Run 22 August 2012 – John Elder, Outridden Copse (GR 831510)

NOTES ON DH3 RUN 372 ON WEDNESDAY 25 JULY 2012
FROM ‘THE SIX BELLS’, FARNHAM (GR 850478)

Hare:  Libby Ralph (Old Thumper)

Hounds: Tony Soane (Sony Tone), Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue), Alan Jewell (Easy Rider), Tony Case (Fruit & Nut), Ann Holland (Cloggs), John Elder (Seis Matters), Sarah Nagel (Petal), Nathan Baker (Adventurer), Denise Catlin (Flying Doctor), Colin Crofts (French Leave), Derrick Gray (Prime8), Ron Peasely (Hi Hat) and Lewis Soane (Even Number),

Wonderful weather and a brilliant trail that seemed to have a bit of everything: prairie, jungle, shiggy bits, undulations, sun and shade and best of all – a fab following.  We left the car park having been warned of a couple of potentially dangerous road crossings.  Straightway we were over the first of these as F&N set off down into the allotments with others thinking that he was daft to go down there.  However, he was correct as soon most were following the tinny, whining call of his magnificent trumpet (for those who may not read these notes regularly or run with DH3 often, this is a significantly sarcastic term for an ‘instrument’ that no self-respecting band, orchestra, pop group or incompetent musician would deem to use).  There was now a certain milling around over some of the dangerous roads but our care was rewarded by no accidents – not even near misses.  Seis tried to take us down to the sewerage works but it was only after more milling that we went off further along the main road in the wrong direction.  We were called back by Easy Rider who was the one to first follow the true trail that, sadly, started a long, uphill trek towards Farnham Park. On the way French Leave led MR into some housing in totally the wrong direction but at least they tried. Seis got his turn off the main road right and we followed him left, still amongst houses but soon into a cool wooded area.  Flying Doctor and Petal turned off the main track to the left and the rest of us would have been wise to have followed them.  However, we soon caught them up for the first regroup at the entrance to Farnham Park where the Hare advised that we should not just cut across the foot high grass as we were standing in the middle of Dog Poop City.  Naturally enough, Hounds set off along the hard paths only to have a hushed hint that no one had yet gone in the correct direction.  MR tried one ‘cross country’ path while Petal took the other.  She was right and soon calling on.  We wended our way through some shady trees where the paths quickly drying out in the warm weather. We soon came to the second regroup that eventually took Seis off too far up the hill on the restart.  So it was Cloggs now led us on through the woods only lose the lead as she discovered a check back – precisely timed for MR and Petal to turn on to the proper trail.  MR stumbled across the trail that led quickly to the next check where there were many choices.  This time he chose wisely and led the pack through some of the first shiggy bits before taking the wrong track again.  Easy Rider was now heard in hot pursuit of the trail but MR now found the trail further on only to find that he had been misinformed about the status of the last check and that he was only on a false trail.  The real trail led once more through shiggy and up into the Farnham prairie lands once more and then gently descended to a hedge line and the third regroup. ‘I wouldn’t follow John,’ was the hint from the Hare as FL called across the middle of the grasslands and down to a check.  In his wanderings, MR just happened to be in the right place for a sunbeam to shine through the dark and spooky trees on to a blob of brilliant white flour that was to lead the pack ‘On Inn’.  Back at The Six Bells the two youngsters who had kept up remarkably well throughout and thought to be tired enough to sit and relax with us at the tables in the glorious evening sunshine seemed to be interested only in kicking about the football found in the garden.  But, Hash virgin Nathan was duly given his Hash Tag and the rest just enjoyed the drinks and mirth.  It should be noted that F&N still does not understand ‘shut’ and ‘up’…

On On.

Next Run:  8 August 2012 –Colin Crofts, The Crown and Cushion (GR 835570)

NOTES ON DH3 RUN 371 ON WEDNESDAY 11 JUly 2012
FROM PINE RIDGE GOLF COURSE (GR 907587)

Hare:  Tony Soane (Sony Tone)

Hounds: Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue), Alan Jewell (Easy Rider), Tony Case (Fruit & Nut), Ann Holland (Cloggs), Ian Angell (Hippo), John Elder (Seis Matters), Sarah Nagel (Petal) and Libby Ralph (Old Thumper) Richard

The skies darkened and significant rain came.  Enough to send us back to our cars.  But, the rain eased as we set off over the fence between the car park and the road, and the sun came out shining on the front runners as they wound back and forth through the trees.  It was really rather attractive with the dappled sunshine from a clear blue sky playing on the fresh, green bracken.  We passed several ponds and the peace was broken only by the dulcet tones of Seis and Cloggs who set the pace for the whole of the first half.  Then there was Hippo’s horn and the odd squeak from F&N with the whole rather overpowered by aircraft showing off at the Farnborough Air Show.  Old Thumper’s calls weren’t quite so quiet, either.  It was good to be in an unknown part of an area we thought was reasonably well known.  One thing that did surprise us was just how hilly the area is and just how much of it is up.  We had been told there were four regroups but it was not until the second check that we found out all the checks were one-blobbers.  As we progressed there was now the sound of gunfire added to the background of high powered jets and it began to sound as though we were entering a war zone.  Seis continued with his ‘lucky’ choice of checks and got it right every time during 75% of the meet.  Instead of going straight on he now decided he’d turn right as MR turned left, and Cloggs went straight on up the hill to her front.  Well, MR caught up again eventually having nearly entered the ‘battleground’ and taken a long way round.  The Hare let on that he had basically followed the training area perimeter to avoid crossing any roads – not a lot of help to know this but at least there was every likelihood that we would continue on a left hand bias.  The lead was eventually lost to Easy Rider who now struck off uphill - a long uphill - and then felt it was time for a turn to the right and there he was on trail! That brought Cloggs and Seis running back to catch up with even Petal now near the front.  And we continued, enjoying the open sunshine but as we approached the golf course again, we knew that we were on the wrong side on the course; there was no way across and it was a long way around.  As we approached the entrance to the golf course, the sun faded and the skies darkened and significant rain came.  Just like the start.  But most made it back before the real downpour.  MR took the precaution of parking his car near the entrance to the clubhouse and made a dash to the bar only to realise he’d left his wallet in the car so had to venture out into the rain once more.  Just as well the car was not still parked on the other side!  The table was big enough for the nine of us where we enjoyed a quaff and a chip (very acceptable chips).  So ended a good trail and another jolly event…

On On.

Next Run:  25 July 2012 –. Libby Ralph, The Six Bells, Farnham (GR850478)

NOTES ON DH3 RUN 370 ON WEDNESDAY 27 JUNE 2012
FROM OUTRIDDEN COPSE (GR 831510)

Hare:  Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue),

Hounds: Alan Jewell (Easy Rider), Tony Case (Fruit & Nut), Derek Gray (Prime8), Roy Johnson (-), Ann Holland (Cloggs), Colin Crofts (French Leave), Ian Angell (Hippo) Ron  Peasley (Hi Hat) and Sue Figgis (Centre of Attraction).

It tried to rain but didn’t really succeed.  The nine ‘runners’ set off down and across the road with F&N shooting straight up the main path while all but Cloggs meandered around.  The ‘on’ was heard from Cloggs who was soon over the stile in style as she ran up the slope, now followed by the rest. At the track junction near the top of the rise there was doubt and dithering.  Cloggs for some reason decided to check down the slope parallel to the just one up which she had come.  Wrong. Roy went along the main path to the left while French Leave took the main path to the right – both wrong.  The consensus was that F&N didn’t know where he was going when he stumbled across the trail that was all but straight across the junction.  Soon we encountered the strange newly dug pits about which the pack had been warned and found the trail obliterated.  Then the cause became apparent; half the British Army (that’s at least 50 soldiers) were exercising in the area, somewhere.  At least, that’s what a man with a blackened face told us as he continued to polish his boots as well.  So the Hare gathered the pack and led them around the affected area and back on to the trail further on.  Another check found Roy dashing off miles into the jungle while Cloggs, Easy Rider, French Leave and F&N went out into the open area searching in vain for the trail.  Meanwhile, Hippo led Primate8 and the rest up a leafy, overgrown track only to find he was on.  At the top of the track on a T junction we now encountered the 50 soldiers.  Again, the Hare decided to lead the pack by other tracks to join up with the trail out of the way of the military training.  At the re-start it was Cloggs who once again found the trail and took off further up the hill.  And we wended our way to the re-group half way up a well-known and very steep hill.  The main party decided that there was only one realistic way forward and that was up.  No one wanted to go down so that left only leaving the main track and taking another plunge into primary jungle where Hi Hat found that the trail went up and paralleled the new fence going up Beacon Hill. Once at the top there was more procrastination but eventually Cloggs shot off along what she thought was on but heading straight for the back back.  Roy was persuaded that he should check out the wrong track while F&N stumbled over the cow pat carrying a blob of flour.  And, yes, this was a trail of real bullshit, but the cows have developed some interesting new tracks. The laggards had to be given a clue (for this trail had been designed for more than eight hounds).  It was at this stage that Hi Hat discovered the shortest route is not always the best as he was left scrambling on all fours up a near vertical cliff, and they all found themselves descending at last with Cloggs now imitating a mountain goat as she flashed past the pack.  Another unexpected twist in the trail meant ditch jumping was necessary as F&N encouraged people to follow him uphill – again.  We hit the main path eventually with FL and Cloggs deciding that further up was necessary – but down was actually better and Roy’s efforts were rewarded this time as he led us to the last regroup.  Having been hinted that from here on it was predominantly downhill all the way home it didn’t take Cloggs long to find the trail as it disappeared into the woods once more and followed the cows’ trail for quite some way.  Then she lost her senses as she set off uphill once more while everyone else descended to a check beside the empty reservoir (I have a theory that the powers that be keep this reservoir empty just to illustrate that there is  a real water shortage in the area). So we descended again and re-entered the woods only for the front runner to immediately lose the trail.  Cloggs to the rescue again as she dashed down towards a convenient water channel and out into a major junction.  With many to choose from it was FL who got it right, up a gentle rise to another junction where he now lost it.  Hi Hat, being unusually adventurous, sort of followed FL but spotted a way through the trees for the last upward climb. Cloggs to the fore as she took us along a high path through the trees with the fishing lakes below us now led us all the way home through high bracken in the main.  As we got around to The Tweseldown, who should we find but Centre of Attraction who turned up (very) late for the start, failed to find us on track, but got the important bit correct.

On On.

Next Run:  11 July 2012 –. Tony Soane, Pine Ridge Golf Course (GR 907587)

NOTES ON DH3 RUN 369 ON WEDNESDAY 13 JUNE 2012
FROM CAESAR'S CAMP CAR PARK (GR 838507)

Hare: Alan Jewell (Easy Rider)

Hounds: Tony Case (Fruit & Nut), John Elder (Seis Matters), Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue), Derek Gray (Prime8), Roy Johnson (-), Les Salmon (Ever Ready), Ann Holland (Cloggs), Brian Langford (Cyclone), Colin Crofts (French Leave) and Libby Ralph (Old Thumper).

The morning was sunny and pleasant.  The afternoon clouded over to the extent that the Hare was concerned by the black clouds and threat of rain.  Those in the pack with more confidence (who’s he?) proclaimed it was not going to rain and with that we set off to the Hare’s detailed instructions – “Over there,” said he, so over there we went; over the road, that is.  On the far side we turned right with Seis to the fore.  Shortly, we branched left into the trees and on up a gentle slope.  Seis and the front runners quickly disappeared and it was Old Thumper who picked up the trail for the rest of us as we continued our traipse up the rise, still with none of the original front runners.  The trail now took us further upwards through some long grass.  Seis was now back with us as he pushed off left leaving MR to check to the front. We continued through the long grass to the first regroup where we were joined by Cloggs.  Seis dashed off to the right, OT to the left and both were wrong leaving French Leave to souse out the trail and we were off through the trees towards Farnham.  Now the main pack turned off left and that seemed wrong to MR who continued up the grassy track alone and on to a main path that ended at a junction of eight possible exits.  It was Cloggs who now took the lead for a while, taking the pack down a serious cutting.  MR stayed on the high ground to watch the pack struggling back up the hill further along.  As we progressed we moved from the top of one ridge to the top of another (with the nasty downy uppy bits between). One thing we can admire about the Hare is the way in which he laid the trail to take his followers up and down so much in such a small area.  We surely changed significant footage of altitude over a compact area.  Much of it was steep and a lot of it loose stone… The trail was confused (or the pack was, anyway) by the discovery of a regroup that we should not have found.  A distant call indicated that some were on the wrong trail.  Seis did not know from which direction we should have approached the regroup so he went back to the main pack followed shortly by Cloggs.  Meanwhile FL and MR investigated going through a gate towards the far away sound of the pack.  FL made an error by descending all the way down to the pack only to have to ascend again.  It was here pointed out that Prime8 and Ever Ready (who had spent four days in hospital with a blistered, infected toe that went to his head and back down to his, by then greatly enlarged, leg) were no longer with us.  However, they could be seen on the far side of the valley.  It later turned out that they could hear the pack but not see them, whereas the pack could see the pair of them but not hear them; a sad situation that was corrected only at the finish.  The adventurous Seis set off down the steep gradient, checking the restart of the trail.  He was wrong and the trail, followed now by most of the pack, basically followed the contour around the end of the valley and then cut off up the slope towards the Bourley Road with Cloggs once more in the lead and Seis back from his adventures further over.  FL and Roy stayed on the real trail while the more wily (an alternative word for ‘idle’) cut the corner as we made our way to the top of another rise.  With her homing instinct fully engaged, Cloggs went for home.  But, it was too early for the trail actually didn’t go back down the steep bit of the hill but wended its way over towards the road and Tweseldown race track.  A little confusion ended when OT called the ‘on’ and we found ourselves running back parallel to the road.  Soon we were over the road and heading for home and the trail led directly to MR’s car boot.  Very convenient for one, anyway.  The trail had been a good one, full of interesting paths and lots of variation.  The Tweseldown provided their usual good hospitality where the barmaid was amused by the raucous crunching of three Hashers eating Pork Scratchings.  Then the rest arrived and she had to get back behind the bar.

On On.

Next Run:  27 June 2012 –. Richard McAllister, Outridden Copse (GR 831510)

NOTES ON DH3 RUN 368 ON WEDNESDAY 30 MAY 2012
FROM BRAMSHILL COMMON CAR PARK (GR 760613)

Hare: Tony Case (Fruit & Nut)

Hounds: John Elder (Seis Matters), Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue), Alan Jewell (Easy Rider), Derek Gray (Prime8), Sarah Nagel (Petal), Steve Nagle (Silvier Fox), Roy Johnson(-), Les Salmon (Ever Ready), Phil Jane Cox (-), Jill Debenham(-), Ann Holland (Cloggs), Brian Langford (Cyclone), Ron Peasley (Hi Hat) and Tony Soane (Sony Tone).

‘Just two or three points before we start…’  Five minutes later at point thirty-four we were still being briefed.   Then his real humdinger: ‘If anyone gets lost I’ll come and get you!’  And that coming from Fruit & Nut.  It put anyone off getting lost.  Having had enough, we all crossed the road and followed the designated track for what seemed an age. On and on we went, following the line of the pylons until it was apparent that the front runners were coming back towards the rest of us.  So, the lead passed from Seis, Cloggs and Silvier to Easy Rider who’d been idling along in the middle of the pack and now found himself at the front.  For a while, anyway.  We now started a descent through pretty close countryside before cutting right into the trees proper.  Now MR  stumbled upon the trail only to hear Silvier calling (I repeat  ‘Silvier calling’), he having taken a short cut to find the trail to his front.  The trail meandered on from the first regroup and took us to signs that were designed to put off trespassers from entering.  “PRIVATE PROPERTY” and “NO RIGHT OF WAY” were emblazoned.  Now these signs are a real challenge to F&N and we soon found ourselves enjoying pleasant views from this private property.  A large field of healthy wheat was followed by a field of healthy horses.  Cloggs had chosen to find the false trail while the new front runner discovered the true trail going back parallel to the way we had just come.  Cloggs was a bit perturbed to hear that the owner of this land was: A. Not very friendly and B. Had several big dogs.  We met none of them and were soon descending down the hill past the owner’s house. Easy Rider was now confused and began to wonder if there had been a change of hare.  ‘Should we not be on the other side of the fence?’ he asked as we continued safe in the knowledge that we were no longer trespassing.  Now we struggled on, slowly (for that was they way things were going in the warmth of the brilliant sunshine).  Round a bend the stragglers turned to see the welcome sight of Petal standing guard over the check. The trail turned to our left and now started an upward trend.  Almost at the top there was another regroup with a one-blob restart.  Well, we could see (well, most of us could) two blobs from where we were standing, recalling the last time we were this particular junction where the same hare had laid two regroups within a couple of yards of each other.  With an ‘On’ we were off with a welcome slight downhill trend.  The welcome was short-lived for soon Seis was working his way uphill, while Cloggs checked the easier path to the leftt. She was wrong.  From here it was simple; well, not too difficult.  The first indication that we were nearing home was a sign that simply said HOME. Unfortunately, the track was littered with tree trunks across the way and at one stage a tree had fallen along the path and that made things even less easy.  It was an enjoyable journey through and along the woods but the big disappointment was to find The Hatchgate has closed down.  No more alligator steaks, no more kangaroo butties no more zebra or camel  slices, no more kudu… all gone, possibly for ever.  So we dragged ourselves in the other direction to the White Hart in Eversley.  Now that was good…

On On.

Next Run:  13 June 2012 –. Alan Jewell, Caesar's Camp Car Park (838507)

NOTES ON DH3 RUN 367 ON WEDNESDAY 16 MAY 2012
FROM OUTRIDDEN COPSE (GR 831510)

Hare: John Elder (Seis Matters),

Hounds: Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue), Alan Jewell (Easy Rider), Tony Case (Fruit & Nut), Derek Gray (Prime8), Sarah Nagel (Petal), Roy Johnson(-), Les Salmon (Ever Ready), Phil Sharpe (Anorak), Ian Angel (Hippo), Jane Cox (-), Jill Debenham(-), Neil Digby (Mary), Ann Holland (Cloggs), Brian Langford (Cyclone),

The sun shone for a change but Seis Maters was concerned that there were too few hounds when we had but ten minutes before the ‘off’.  He need not have been concerned for within moments ours numbers had increased.  “Laid in sawdust, down the hill and across the road. When we cross the road for a second time there is an unmarked regroup.  Over the cattle grid and off…” were the instructions.  There wasn’t even time to admire the new tarmac at the entrance to the car park.  Mary was well to the fore and at the first track junction he went off to the right.  He was wrong for the trail actually went to the left by extensive new fencing and soon we found ourselves at the bottom of the Bourley Lake overflow.  On the stile F&N decide he had difficulty getting his leg over but was soon off up the hill in the wrong direction.  The trail went right and quickly left to follow the base of the lake and Jane and Jill found themselves a bit confused by a double trail that was just a loop.  Now we struggled on through the woods when suddenly Cloggs lost her footing on a particularly narrow and steep sided track.  We soon burst out on to a familiar trackway that took us down to a cross junction known to some but where confusion reigned.  A military man warned us that there were neck-height strings in the trees but as we were not intending to stay in the area it was of little concern.  On we went, and on…  the ‘injured’ Mary spent much of his time at the front of the pack.  Ever Ready suddenly found himself at the front when the rest of the pack went off the wrong way.  Up the slope we progressed to a truly familiar spot for some, well known for its shigginess.  Having negotiated the mud we found ourselves on a level path but Mary decided to check out the more interesting path straight to our front.  Meanwhile the trail really went to the right and took us to the still empty reservoir that could have considerably helped our ‘drought’ situation had it been repaired and re-filled.  After the short level respite, the trail now went up again and up, right to the top where we enjoyed a regroup.  Well, most of us did but Roy couldn’t stop going up until he was called back to the regroup having discovered two blobs.  On the restart he was off again hot on the false trail while MR took the easier, more level route that just happened to be ‘On’.  Cloggs quickly overtook but had time to admire the views and countryside on the top of the ridge line that took us to another regroup.  It was here that there was a large group of soldiers undergoing what appeared to be map reading training and it was too good an opportunity for F&N to miss trying to indoctrinate a brace of idle officers into the realms of Hashing.  At the restart it was Mary who dashed off muttering that he wasn’t going to run downhill (to protect his ‘injury’) but soon realised that downhill was the way forward.  As he rushed off, still muttering but this time about not being able to see properly, he emphasised the point by once again rushing beyond a perfectly formed blob of sawdust to the side that Hippo spotted as he slid off down the hill.  Mary now cut back but could still not focus on the clear marking on the far side of the valley.  Brought back to the fold, he had outrun Hippo to take the lead and we pounded down the hill to the road where Mary had to be reminded of the need to regroup.  We were now back on the home side as we ran deeper into the training area with Cloggs showing signs of going straight home and Mary running off into the distance.  A quick Hare hint led MR down into the swamp and, much to the Hare’s delight, several followed to the soggy bottom and up the other side.  Then it was into the trees once more and through the woods back to the car park.  The On Inn was the Tweseldown where the bar maid knew which beer to pull for the first arrivals.  We sat outside in the sun quaffing and jesting and even drinking with jokes and bon homie…or something.

On On.

Next Run:  30 May 2012 –. Tony Case – Bramshill Common (GR 760613)

NOTES ON DH3 RUN 366 ON WEDNESDAY 2 MAY 2012
FROM POTTERS RESTAURANT (GR 894549)

Hare: Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue)

Hounds: Alan Jewell (Easy Rider), Tony Case (Fruit & Nut), Derek Gray (Prime8), John Elder (Seis Matters), Sarah Nagel (Petal), David Bales (In the Lead), Roy Johnson(-), Les Salmon (Ever Ready), Phil Sharpe (Anorak) and, eventually, Sue Figgis (Centre of Attraction).

A stranger appeared at the car park asking if we were the Hash.  We couldn’t deny it and welcomed Roy Johnson who was returning to Hashing after a gap of about 25 years – yes, 25 years it has taken him to realise what he has been missing. As usual, we set off without C of A but left good markings for her to follow.  We crossed the road and entered the training area (as one would expect from Potters), went through the gate and started up the hill.  Soon there was a boring bit where hounds were all over the place looking for continuation of the trail.  Trouble was, they kept looking in all the wrong places; even a big hint to F&N got him going off on the wrong track (so what’s new?).  A slower moving Prime8 spotted the real way ahead.  Up a rough but gentle incline we went for a short distance before descending towards the backs of the married quarters when we started back up the hill.  From the back of the pack it was not possible for your scribe to see who it was who now took the lead.  The is a suspicion it may have been Anorak for Seis was seen going up the wrong slope and Easy Rider was heard to complain that three times he had been front runner and three times he’d been wrong.  The fourth time followed quite soon and the fifth…  Roy’s worries about not coping with the pace were unwarranted for there was little pace around.  Having negotiated the rise and fall of the first ‘big’ hill, we now wandered up the next that was a bit rough but taken safely to the first regroup.  Even F&N made it thus far, but then he wandered further afield in the wrong direction.  Seis was going in the correct general direction but then went too far, leaving Roy and Anorak to pick up on the Hare’s hints.  We were off again with a vengeance but then it was downhill to the next wide open space.  Again the pack floundered with F&N once more attracted to the main road side. The trail was picked up as it went up a steep path and at the top there was another short pause.  Seis (?) took the lead that led to a back back and the trail diverted down through the trees, up and down and back and forth went we to another major track junction.  Petal gave the Hare one of her pleading looks in the hope of a hint.  Such was the overall performance of the pack that she got her hint and went up the one path that no one else had been.  More traversing of the forest took us to a familiar open area and another regroup where we waited and waited for a sign that F&N was still alive.  After a while he was spotted through the trees approaching us with a plaintive ‘Are you?’  We were but he wasn’t.  Then we set off towards home, down a close path through the trees to a large open area cleared of trees last year.  Up a dip in the ground went the straggled pack, over the path at the top, through the fence and down and up to a familiar viewing point.  From here it was fairly straightforward all the way home via the canal for a while, complete with water crossing and back through the tree to Potters.  Enjoying our beers, we were joined by C of A who arrived muttering blue murder about how to control children, particularly daughters who had fallen in love with the son of a murderer and ranting on about paedophiles – she’d obviously been having a good day and it was exacerbated by being told her dog was not allowed on the premises.  Fortunately, she had already bought her Guinness…

On On.

Next Run:  16 May 2012 – John Elder (Seis Matters) - Outridden Copse  GR 831510

NOTES ON DH3 RUN 365 ON WEDNESDAY 18^TH APRIL 2012
FROM WELLINGTON MONUMENT (GR 853511)

Hare: Alan Jewell (Easy Rider)

Hounds: Tony Case (Fruit & Nut), Derek Gray (Prime8), John Elder (Seis Matters), Anne Holland (Cloggs), Brian Langford (Cyclone), Colin Crofts (French Leave), Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue), Sarah Nagel (Petal) and Sue Figgis (Centre of Attraction).

We thought we were going to get away with being the Magnificent Seven once again – all male but hardly a magnificent bunch.  So we set off up the rise to the monument, well, Seis did anyway, while MR took the gentler, softer path to the right.  And this sort of set the pattern for the first part; Seis to the fore with MR on trail and Seis finding himself face to face with MR and realising he had stumbled on the trail.  Then the magnificence of seven was enhanced by the arrival of Petal, and more so by the late arrival of C of A.  Cloggs made the final improvement and the Tenacious Ten continued on their following of flour. We had set off from the Monument going north through the trees alongside the sports pitches, Seis taking the lead whenever MR had found the trail.  We soon found ourselves at the first regroup with French Leave and F&N deciding to follow the line of the large drainage ditch, while Primate8 strode off into the wilderness and Seis took the most like path up the slope alongside a high fence.  The last mentioned got it right and we were soon at the top of the rise and on to the road along the entrance to the stock car racing circuit.  Now, Seis turned into the woods and followed the path down the slope while MR checked out the level path (he would, wouldn’t he!) and the impatient Hare called the rest of the pack over to join him on the path where we should all have been.  This now took us down and up towards the open area beside the driver training circuit.  However, on the way we had to cross the large and well known drainage ditch.  Having crossed over, we then followed its path along the far side before rising up the slope and along the inside of the wooded area.  On top, Seis set off with FL in the wrong direction across the open area and followed by the sheep before the Hare called them all back and got a bollocking from MR for being too kind to the pack (actually, MR just wanted to get a bit nearer to the front). It was about now that the Hare had a fit of near hysterics as MR, who was wearing his wet-weather baseball cap and consequently failed to spot a large, low branch, banged his head and lost his hat.  This episode formed a vision in ER’s mind that we could spend 20 minutes while MR continually repeated the action of banging his head, retrieving his hat and banging his head…  It didn’t happen but ER was now delighted to see Seis grovelling in the depths of the ditch on the wrong track.  He managed to extricate himself and was soon at the front, only to be out-positioned by MR who was glad to get his own back for a change.  Now it was the Hare’s turn to get revenge for his earlier bollocking by failing to assist the pack who were beginning to go off in the wrong direction.  Honour restored, the pack now arrived at another regroup where CofA tried to impress by running the last ten yards when she had been witnessed walking for the previous umpteen yards.  Well, the trail now took us back to the Bourley Road and, to our surprise and disbelief, crossed over the road.  Seis was off once again with FL witnessing the near demise of MR who found the way ahead particularly slippery.  We wended our way up to the top of a long, gentle, muddy, wet  rise that ended in a short concrete road that in turn joined the main concrete road leading back down to the Bourley Road.  Now Cloggs took the lead from MR who was going to follow the road, flour or not, as it was the way home.  And home we went, over the road, through the trees and eventually back across the corner of the sports ground to the car park.  The early arrivers managed to get changed before the downpour and the timing was nearly immaculate.  The Tweseldown was our place of repair but the sad news is that the car park at the back of the pub is no more; it is being dug up and developed, so we can use it no more…

On On.

Next Run:  2 May 2012 – Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue) -  Potters Restaurant GR 894549.

NOTES ON DH3 RUN 364 ON WEDNESDAY 4^th April 2012
FROM CAESAR’S CAMP JUBILEE HILL PARK (GR 830510 838507) 

Hare: Tony Case (Fruit & Nut)

Hounds: Derek Gray (Prime8), Ian Angel (Hippo), John Elder (Seis Matters), Anne Holland (Cloggs), Ron Peasley (Hi Hat), Phil Sharpe (Anorak), Brian Langford (Cyclone), Colin Crofts (French Leave), Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue), Sarah Nagel (Petal) and Hazel Arundel (The…)

It was not a good start, apart from the weather that had given up raining, for there were some who went to the advertised location and given grid reference that could not see the Hare, nor his car.  The selected car park seemed to have a disproportionate police presence and we wondered if the Hare had actually been able to lay a trail.  Anorak claimed the police filmed him changing, while Mountain Rescue rushed off to see if there was any sign of the Casemobile elsewhere.  Well, there was so it was a quick return for the passage of news to the rest at the wrong car park to join the hare and others at the new alternative. Hazel Arundel was welcomed on her first ever Hash and an inordinately long brief continued, finishing with advice that it would take us exactly an hour to complete the course. The pack set off led by a slow moving French Leave.  It was Seis who then took the lead and he tended to stay there for much of the trail.  We soon left the main path, following Seis who led us off to the right through ground that has been severely cleared of undergrowth.  Up and up we went through gorseless, dead bracken to the top.  Pause for a moment.  Then off to the call of Seis.  Confusion.  A hoot from Hippo indicated finding of the trail and we then followed MR along the path to a debatable regroup where Fruit & Nut’s shortcomings were discussed before his belated arrival.  It was now Cloggs and Anorak who took some of us to the top pinnacle of a bank, totally unnecessarily, as indicated by Hi Hat who took the low road around the base, taking the rest with him. On the far side the trail led to ‘the ditch’ (a well-known main drainage ditch through the area).  MR again picked up the trail while Seis kept an eye on the far side.  A back back created a delay while Seis soused out the far side and found the continuation of the trail up to a regroup on the top open plain.  The pack split as they hunted for the trail and it seemed that Seis was on the most likely trail with Hippo cutting across to meet him.  However, the Hare was now spotted leading Prime8 along an alternative route – we followed.  And that led us to a high bank from which it was possible to survey much of the local ground.  The ‘on’ was called from the left and we followed the main track to another regroup. Hazel now found a trail but it ended with a bar so it was back to  the track for a while before turning left through some low scrub and on to another major track .  Straight over the cross track and up to another junction where we were led downhill. Anorak opined that we had not been out long enough to be heading back to the car park already… However, back to the car park we went.  Just over half an hour it took us (front runners, that is) perhaps the shortest Deepcut run ever but it was pleasant and we got back before it tried to deposit rain upon us.  The Tweseldown was as good as ever and Hazel was formally named ‘The…’ (Why?  Well, Fruit & Nut started to name her and got as far as ‘The…’ before lapsing into aged amnesia.  By the time he could remember what he was going to say, it was too late and she was named.  He muttered on about The Divine (Hazel twigs used for divining water) Floral (no idea what that was about) and finished with The Divine Front (because she was seen at the front of the pack on her first Hash).  Anyway, the consensus was that ‘The…’ was all that was needed and just fine all on its own.  The pack drifted away after a very pleasant stay.

On On.

Next Run:  18 April 2012 – Alan Jewell (Easy Rider) -  location to follow

NOTES ON DH3 RUN 363 ON WEDNESDAY 21^st MARCH 2012
FROM THE SIX BELLS PUB, FARNHAM (GR 850478)

Hare: Libby Ralph (Old Thumper)

Hounds: Derek Gray (Prime8), Ian Angel (Hippo), John Elder (Seis Matters), Anne Holland (Cloggs), Tony Case (Fruit & Nut), Steve Nagel (Silvier Fox), Ron Peasley (Hi Hat), Phil Sharpe (Anorak), Brian Langford (Cyclone), Peter (Cunning Lingus)

Not a bad turnout  in glorious sunshine despite many regulars missing; apologies were received from Mountain Rescue and Easy Rider. A general slagging of the hares on last Sunday's NH4 marathon hash was cut short by the unexpected arrival of chief culprit hare CL. We set off over the road from the pub into industrial Farnham with a 'street run' looming ominously over us. Touches of potential countryside were seen as we ran beside a charming brook that only that morning had been transformed by the hare from a septic effluence of toxic waste. The route then bent around back onto Farnham High Street where the hare displayed a rare talent for back checks that persisted throughout the hash and caught out Silvier and Seis in equal measure (as they are designed to do). At last we found the countryside that was tiresomely tilted uphill, however, the second re-group on the summit brought lovely views, not least of Cloggs who had turned up late at the start. The hash then simply had to continue clockwise and encountered another lovely stream within a pleasant wood north-east of Farnham where the third re-group was to be found. From there the trail lead fairly clearly back to the pub which scored well for ale and ambience. Well done Libby for a great 50 - 55 minute hash; it seemed so short after last Sunday!!

I commend this hash to the House.

On On.

Next Run:  4 April 2012 – Tony Case (Fruit'n Nut) -  Caesar's Camp Car Park (GR 830510)  

NOTES ON DH3 RUN 362 ON WEDNESDAY 7^th MARCH 2012
FROM HAWLEY MEMORIAL CAR PARK (GR 850590 or thereabouts) 

Hare: Colin Crofts (French Leave)

Hounds: Tony Soane (Sony Tone), Derek Gray (Prime8), Alan Jewell (Easy Rider), Sarah Nagle (Petal), Ian Angel (Hippo), John Elder (Seis Matters), Anne Holland (Cloggs), Tony Case (Fruit & Nut), Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue), Steve Nagel (Silvier Fox) and Ron Peasley (Hi Hat).

The rain cleared, the sun appeared and the dirty dozen set off to the start (the original car park was full so we used the one next door, some 100 yards from the official start.  As expected it was Silvier and Seis who took off first after the brief and ‘twas the former who hit lucky as we turned into some thickish woods.  A narrow wooded path got us off to the first junction that split the front runners, now joined by Easy Rider who sadly followed Silvier up the wrong path.  Cloggs found the way ahead, bringing Sony back from his wanderings.  For many of us, we were in strange countryside – not so for Hippo whose horn frequently indicated the way to have gone.  We gently rose up the hillside through more pleasant woodland and soon found ourselves on a major track.  From a distance, the pack was seen to be pausing while the trail search commenced.  It appeared that Petal had been tipped the wink as she set off through the trees towards an area from which we had just come.  She was on and led us to an open area in a housing estate.  More pauses and delays as the search continued and eventually the trail was found again going back through the strip of woodland that we had now crossed three times.  From the major path we again entered the woods and we wended our way through the trees.  Over another major path, we remained in the woods.  On and on went we with F&N and MR now some way behind.  So far back were they that they had lost contact, lost flour but kept on over a large open area and down the tracks on the far side.  Not a sound.  Not a beep. So MR turned back to the last seen flour and heard a very faint call in the distance.  Then came Hippo’s horn and we were on again.  Well MR was but F&N kept on following his nose wherever it went.  MR caught up with the Hare who was returning to find the miscreants.  We then swung round and set off in the projected direction that F&N would be likely to follow.  And, yes, we were soon all back together with even Prime8 part of the main group.  The trail now went uphill (again) and took us past the Sapper bridging training area.  Up we went, and still up. At a now familiar regroup (the same as used by NH4 last Sunday), Silvier set of with great confidence across the wide open space with a right hand bias.  Seis, losing his confidence turned to check in a similar direction, and MR set off totally on the wrong heading.  All three were called back and set off towards home (we hoped).  Once again, the trail plunged off the main track and we found, much to all’s joy, that we were actually going downhill for a long way. Now Seis got it right for a change but it was Silvier who next found the true trail. Confusion.  The pack split once again. We should have known.  Silvier got it again by going up the steepest hill in the area while Hippo and MR ascended by an alternative route only to find they were now actually on the real trail.  It didn’t last but it didn’t matter for we had arrived at the ‘On Inn’ sign.  It was still quite long way to home with Cloggs leading the way but we passed through a long arboreal tunnel that would have been a great finish on a hot day.  Of course, by the time most of us arrived back Silvier was there already… 

And so to Mr Bumble we went for refreshment and resting having enjoyed a great trail.

On On.

Next Run:  21 March 2012 – Libby Ralph (Old Thumper) - Six Bells, Farnham, GU9 9QZ (GR 850478)  

NOTES ON DH3 RUN 361 ON WEDNESDAY 22nd FEBUARY 2012
FROM REAR TWESELDOWN PUB (GR 822518)

Hares: Tony Soane (Sony Tone) and Brian Langford (Cyclone)

Hounds: Derek Gray (Prime8), Les Salmon (Ever Ready), Colin Crofts (French Leave), Alan Jewell (Easy Rider), Libby Ralph (Old Thumper), Sarah Nagle (Petal), Ian Angel (Hippo), John Elder (Seis Matters), Anne Holland (Cloggs), Sue Figgis (Centre of Attraction), Phil Sharpe (Anorak), Tony Case (Fruit & Nut) and Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue).

Full credit must go to Cyclone who got up from his sick bed to help lay the trail after which he went straight home to bed again.  It was a bitter wind that kept everyone complaining before the start and periodically around the course as well.  Three regroups, an uphill start and two cold, open areas was the brief and so we set off across the playing field in the general direction of Aldershot uphill and into the windy first open area.  Chaos soon reigned as the leaders sought the trail.  It was Old Thumper who started off over the rider training paddock and after what seemed like ages she eventually confirmed that there was now sufficient flour to call the on. We were still very much exposed to the elements and the wind strengthened as we approached the woodland to our fore.  It was now a bit rough under foot as we struggled through some lumpy ground littered with tree debris and animal holes.  But we all made through without any twisted limbs or broken appendages and arrived at the first regroup. We started again, descending, and came to a familiar junction where Seis stayed on the main path as it bore right while Easy Rider confidently went half left.  It was left to Cloggs to keep straight on and lead the pack onwards into another wide open and windy field and across to the shelter of more trees. After going wrong a couple of times, the adventurous Anorak finally snatched the lead and we found ourselves going to the fishing lake and then onwards and upwards yet again.  A back back took us up the hill and through the trees. Again, F&N was caught lecturing a passing woman on the origins and organisation of hashing.  Meanwhile the trail took us down to the main track between the two lakes (that were, by the way, completely full).  Here we paused again for the regroup before plodding off through the shig.  Once more OT took the lead and this caused the hill climbers to come back down to join the rest of us. A further check created a lull during which curiosity took MR to investigate the clearance of some of the water collection drainage pipes when he came across the trail and was now at the front – but not for long as Seis came pounding down from his searches up the hill and soon relieved MR of further responsibility.  We started the long climb up the side of the empty reservoir to find ourselves at the final regroup with Ever Ready bleeding as usual.  We set off uphill and into the wind.  As we approached the top, the wind-chill factor rose considerably and MR decided to follow the (near) parallel path within the shelter of the trees where it was considerably warmer but he was now on his own for a while and has not a clue who or what went on with the pack for the next ten minutes.  The trail was quickly found and followed and soon the tail-enders came within vision.  Centre of Attraction was having some trouble negotiating the plentiful shig despite advice from the remaining Hare.  We finished with a good bit – downhill with a following wind, all the way to the sports pitch and home. But (and there is so often a ‘but’) F&N got to the On Inn sign but got lost on the straight,  no turns 400 metre way home.  He somehow found himself further along the Tweseldown Road and had to follow the road back to the pub.  Now that takes some real navigational skill…

On On,

Next Run:  7 March 2012 – Colin Crofts (French Leave) - Hawley Memorial Car Park (GR 850590)  

NOTES ON DH3 RUN 360 ON WEDNESDAY 8^th FEBUARY 2012
FROM SURPRISE HILL, ASH (GR 896515)

Hares: Derek Gray (Prime8) and Les Salmon (Ever Ready),

Hounds: Colin Crofts (French Leave), Alan Jewell (Easy Rider), Libby Ralph (Old Thumper), Sarah Nagle (Petal), Steve Nagel (Silvier Fox), Ian Angel (Hippo), Anne Holland (Cloggs), Sue Figgis (Centre of Attraction), Tony Soane (Sony Tone), Brian Langford (Cyclone) and Phil Sharpe (Anorak), John Elder (Seis Matters).

No Scribe – No report again!! 

I do remember, however, that it was a very cold day, made even colder by the sight of Centre of A's bare legs. All hares have different styles and it became apparent on this hash that two blobs in a row was as much as one could expect before a right- (or even left-) angled departure into the jungle. The on-on at the Napier saw us re-united with our erstwhile hashing chum, Bruce.   SM

Next Run:  22 February 2012 – Tony Soane (Sony Tone) and Brian Langford (Cyclone) - Rear of Tweseldown Pub (GR 822518)

NOTES ON DH3 RUN 359 ON WEDNESDAY 18^th JANUARY 2012
FROM YATELEY COMMON CAR PARK (GR 838594)

Hare: Colin Crofts (French Leave)

Hounds: Alan Jewell (Easy Rider), Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue), Les Salmon (Ever Ready),
Derek Gray (Prime8), Libby Ralph (Old Thumper), Sarah Nagle (Petal), John Elder (Seis Matters) and Anne Holland (Cloggs).

Well, we were warned. But there was one bleeder who ‘hates running in trousers’ so he ended up all bloody again – didn’t you Ever Ready?  Yes, there was the gorse and the brambles about which we had been warned and then holly in abundance of which there had been no such declaration.  And there was Prime8 who had lost his satnav and was so busy watching his watch which has added navigational bits in that he found himself floundering on his back in a patch of dense brambles and gorse.  He claims it took him ten minutes to be able to find a space suitably free of prickly bits before he could lever himself up off the deck and then complained about thorns still stuck in his hands.  From the car park we headed off in a northerly direction and soon came to a pause while Easy Rider and Old Thumper checked left and right with Seis on trail well to the front straight on.  Off to the right into the trees we went with Cloggs now showing the way to go.  The gorse became thicker as we ran through dense heather and branched off to the left along a well defined narrow track with Easy Rider now to the fore.  The area was relatively open and well covered by fairly low undergrowth.  We approached a main track that split the pack until Ever Ready picked up the trail through the trees. And so we proceeded with the lead changing between most of the pack including Prime8 who led us for a long time (there wasn’t room to overtake).  And, believe it or not, we began to overheat.  Now we entered an area of rhododendrons for a change, before plunging back into holly.  There were wide open spaces beginning to appear as we passed through farmland and some splendid old stables – the number of wheelbarrows outside indicated that there were many, very many, horses inside.   Evidence of horses was readily apparent amongst the general shig in the area.  Wet and slippery it was with the wooden edged pathways collecting available rainwater and holding it well. It was drier running off the formal paths at this stage.  Soon, the pack was fairly well spread out when the Hare tipped a wink to Petal who veered off into some trees and she was immediately leading us on. Overall it was a good and enjoyable trail despite a certain discomfort from various thorns and prickly bits and soon we were ‘in’.  Even Prime8 managed to get back before dark.  Mr Bumble gave us customary hospitality as we agreed that our two choristers would lay the next trail (three weeks on) from Norris Bridge.

On On,

Next Run: Another three week gap to bring us back to the original set of Wednesdays

8^th February 2012 – Derrick Gray (Prime8) and Les Salmon (Ever Ready) – Norris Bridge (GR 833536)

NOTES ON DH3 RUN 358 ON WEDNESDAY 4^th JANUARY 2012
FROM KINGS RIDE (GR 840579)

Hare: Tony Case (Fruit & Nut)

Hounds: Alan Jewell (Easy Rider), Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue), Les Salmon (Ever Ready),
Derek Gray (Prime8), Libby Ralph (Old Thumper), Ian Angell (Hippo), Sarah Nagle (Petal) and Steve Nagle (Silvier Fox).

There was a chilly wind blowing as the mob abandoned the Hare’s briefing and jogged off through the adjacent entrance to the training area Silvier was off into the woods on the left and Old Thumper up the rise to the front.  Others lurked at the track junction, while Hippo took off half right only to be proved completely right.  And Hippo stayed at the front for quite some time and on more than one occasion!!  It was now Easy Rider who got to the front and eventually found the trail leading up the hill to our right where there was an early and unexpected regroup on the windy hill top.  Silvier thought better of going down the steep slope and left it to Ever Ready to call us on down.  Petal and MR shared their dislike of steep descents over loose stones as they carefully descended.  An uncharacteristically adventuresome MR now led a gullible Prime8 off in totally the wrong direction, only to hear Silver’s call from the directly opposite direction.  The sympathetic Hare now gave sage advice to Prime8 on the way ahead while the rest of the pack continued in ignorance.  Hippo left the main pack and veered off left and vaguely uphill.  He was nearly right but before he could go too wrong, Silvier called the on once more but lost the trail that was now picked up by MR who suddenly found himself way out in front and still going up.  Easy Rider branched off lower down and soon found the trail, leaving MR at the top from which the only way now was down again.  Up the other side to the second regroup we went. Now MR had actually observed the Hare’s brief to Prime8 so he was able to guess which way to go and he soon found himself unhappily at the front again.  The next junction soon changed the positioning with most of the pack keeping straight on while OT and MR took a shorter route and OT soon found herself at the front, well at the front, where she stayed until returned by a back check.  Just before the end, there was another regroup where the hare tried to get the pack interested in having a swing in the trees – no takers as it interfered with the discussion about whether or not we were standing at the fourth of the forewarned three regroups.  A couple of hundred yards on we came across a strange sign written in flour – NNI NO it read, and that was when we became fearful that the Hare was dyslexic.  A drive down the A30 took us to Mr Bumble where the hospitality and ale was enjoyed…

On On,

Next Run: 18^th January 2012 – Colin Crofts (French Leave) - Yateley Common (GR 838594 check GR on line)

NOTES ON DH3 RUN 357 ON WEDNESDAY 14^th DECEMBER 2011
FROM HAWLEY LAKE (GR 875623)

Hare: Alan Jewell (Easy Rider),

Hounds: Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue), Tony Case (Fruit & Nut), John Elder (Seis Matters),
Les Salmon (Ever Ready), Derek Gray (Prime8), Brian Langford (Cyclone), Tony Soane (Sony Tone), Anne Holland (Cloggs), Colin Crofts (French Leave), Libby Ralph (Old Thumper) and Phil Sharpe (Anorak).

The day had been sunny and relatively warm until the Hashers arrived and shivered in the cold wind beside Hawley Lake.  The group made a decision to leave on time but F&N started his normal lengthy preamble only to be shouted down so that the Hare could give his brief – and brief it was “Over there” was enough to get the pack on the move, this time with Cyclone who turned up at the right place at the right time, with all the information they required.  There was not even time to welcome Anorak to his first run with DH3.  It was Old Thumper and Cloggs who set the pace and the former who turned right, leaving Seis to take the road to the front and Cloggs the one to the left.  Thumper connected and soon we were wading through unavoidable shig.  Our discomfort was now compounded by the onset of rain.  We wended our way through the thickish rhododendrons for a while and soon found ourselves following the edge of the lake with F&N somehow in the lead at the first regroup.  Sadly your scribe’s dictathingy ran out of battery power at this stage so from here on this report is more than usually questionable.  Having followed the lake edge for a while we veered off into the woods behind the military housing turning away from the lake and moving steadily upwards. This upward trend seemed to go on for an age with very little downhill to compensate.  The lead was now shared by Ever Ready and Seis with Anorak up there somewhere.  Then we came to a major crossroads that was familiar to many.  More familiar to F&N perhaps as it was he who now took the lead (a short-lived event).  Another regroup and we were off on the ascent once more.  This time it became more serious as we progressed; the slight slope became more accented, and the uphill became steeper and as we went round the bend we were confronted by a near vertical rise to fore.  There was just enough time to recover one’s breath when we were off again with confirmation from the Hare that yes, this was the highest point, and yes it is a promise that it is downhill from hereon.  Liar!  For soon we were going up yet again with Anorak muttering about the reliability of a Hare’s word.  This time we turned off the main track just before reaching the top and started our descent.  All this undulating seemed to make no difference to Sony and Cyclone who spent the whole time just keeping up with the pack and chatting nineteen to the dozen.  It was quite dark by now but as we trotted gently down through some really rather pleasant woods, the scene was hugely enhanced by the hues of the setting sun.  Suddenly, the Hare was forgiven for his lie.  It was not too long before we found ourselves at the bottom of the slopes and set in the direction of home.  It was a long drag along hard topping until we reached the near end.  Sadly, half the pack had to disappear promptly for various reasons but the hospitality of The Crown and Cushion was appreciated by those who made it there.

On On,

Next Run: This will be delayed by one week so:

4^th January 2012:  Tony Case (Fruit & Nut) – Old Dean Common (Barossa) (GR: 875623).

NOTES ON DH3 RUN 356 ON WEDNESDAY 30^th NOVEMBER 2011
FROM OUTRIDDEN COPSE (GR 832510)

Hare: Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue) and Zoe McAllister (Kanchi)

Hounds: Tony Case (Fruit & Nut), John Elder (Seis Matters), Alan Jewell (Easy Rider), Sarah Nagel (Petal), Les Salmon (Ever Ready), Sue Figgis (Centre of Attraction), Derek Gray (Prime8), Brian Langford (Cyclone), Tony Soane (Sony Tone), Ann Holland (Cloggs), Lewis Soane (Even Number) and Russ Steel (Trailfinder)

It wasn’t supposed to rain and for the main pack it didn’t but the Hares got damp.  Petal and Cloggs arrived just in time and Cyclone’s telephone message arrived just before we started but we couldn’t wait.  He was at the car park but nobody else was so he became suspicious.  Anyway, he was at Tunnel Hill and the rest of us weren’t so we started off uphill towards Aldershot with Seis Matters leading.  Half way up there were comments about feeling tired but at the first check it was Easy Rider who found the first false trail and F&N the second. Seis was not fooled for a second and soon the rest were off following his distant cries.  He was not put off by the second false trail that he totally ignored as he swung back towards the Bourley Road and then dashed once more into the woods, still uphill.  It was here that Centre of Attraction, late as usual, caught up with the pack muttering about ‘nearly made it’. We swung round to our left, still going upwards, on to a main track and still making back towards Aldershot.  There was short-lived confusion as the trail split and soon we were at the first regroup.  Now Seis got his come-uppance as he went for the wrong way off, with Easy Rider checking out an empty track. Sony and Even Number decided they would go down the rather steep and stony path to the right, while Petal took a hint and made for the safer, correct trail but still going steeply down the hill.  We all met at the bottom. Now it was Sony who thought he was on but was mistaken as the Hare knew better and we decided it was another Hash’s old trail that misled him.  Trailfinder was off in the wrong direction, too and it was Petal who now took the lead again and tried to lead the pack into considerable shig.  Kanchi let the cat out of the bag by telling those close by that there was as better and drier path in the right direction and Cloggs was not one to ignore such advice.  Easy Rider had been advised not to follow blindly; advice he followed, nearly, but was further advised to look more closely.  That brought him back on to the trail and soon the rest of the wayward pack was returning to join him, still making towards Aldershot.  But not for much longer as the trail swung north and we followed Sony’s calls.  He then went off in the wrong direction but some kindly front runner got the pack back on the right track (but only for a short time as the front runners now lost the way).  Kanchi saved the day and Ever Ready called back the errant runners onto the increasingly indistinct trail and once more we plunged into close country and then crossed several wide, well watered tracks.  Trailfinder was doing his thing and soon had us going in the right direction but it was not long before we started to have problems; the light was fading and now some of the flour was doing likewise.  The trail started to get very indistinct and in places had totally disappeared.  Squirrels got the blame but the Hares saved the pack too much inconvenience and they led the way through the trees to the open Long Valley.  By now F&N was encouraging the lead with his tin whistle and he took us up the rise but then went astray.  The trail turned left along the ridge, then fell away down some impressive earthworks created to test mountain bikers.  We regrouped at a well known junction before splitting; Seis and Trailfinder both in the wrong direction, with the short cutters making straight for home.  Meanwhile, the more adventurous continued on the trail that now led into some very close country, over a couple of deep ditches and back out again on to the main path.  Such was the camaraderie of this group that they shepherded F&N in the fast fading light and all returned safely to the car park.  Then it was on to the traditional hospitality of The Tweseldown where… 

On On,

Next Run: 7^th December:  Hawley Lake (GR 840579) – Alan Jewell

NOTES ON DH3 RUN 355 ON WEDNESDAY 16^th NOVEMBER 2011
FROM STARVE ACRE (GR: 843593)

Hare: Tony Case (Fruit & Nut)

Hounds: John Elder (Seis Matters), Alan Jewell (Easy Rider), Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue), Sarah Nagel (Petal), Les Salmon (Ever Ready), Sue Figgis (Centre of Attraction), Derek Gray (Prime8), Brian Langford (Cyclone), Tony Soane (Sony Tone), Ann Holland (Cloggs), Tanya Jacobs-Cusack(One More Time), Sarah Nagle (Petal), Steve Nagle (Silvier Fox), Diane Wheeler (Wet Bush) and Steve Wheeler (Yorkie).

The Hare’s brief finished with “The On Inn is over there…”  ‘Twas not what he meant and ‘twas not what we hoped and the speedy front runners soon found there was not a pub in sight. We left the car park in a westerly direction, through the tree barrier and into open country.  Instead or carrying on straight over and deeper into the area there was a quick right turn as we headed towards the roar of A30 traffic.  By now, Dogmatic had checked out two or three wrong trails while Seis and Silvier pounded along at the front with One More Time.  It was not long before the latter two were rejoining the main pack on the correct trail as we continued to run parallel to the A30 for what seemed like an eternity.  Ever Ready now admitted that perhaps he should have visited the gym this morning after all as his repairs were put to the test once again.  It was reassuring for the slower ones to see Yorkie frequently trying out non-floured tracks.  Soon we were reassembled at the first of the three regroups.  We regrouped well at this one.  Setting off once more we now started to get further from the main road and were soon following Seis who had gone off way over to our left and called on the pack to another check where he went left-ish into the woods.  Meanwhile, Silvier and Yorkie were well away on their own and the main body now heard two ‘on ons’ from two directions.  Favourite was Seis as we followed him and missed the next regroup completely.  It was about now that Centre of Attraction made her appearance (customarily late) as the Hare directed us down to a road where his instruction was to go right unless we wanted to go around the trail again. Right we went.  Then left towards an area where Sappers were training to perform a ‘plant’ ballet to the sound of reversing sirens and the sight of flashing orange lights. The third regroup formed at what looked like an embryonic Afghan building plot. However, Yorkie was not interested enough to wait and he was off along the far side, successfully circumnavigating the great plot to find the on and he was off.  There was soon some debate as to which way we should go – the consensus was correct and soon we found ourselves on the Hare’s flour-saving wheeze of following his out trail back in.  Mr Bumble’s was a pleasing place once more where, again, the whole pack joined for a pleasant quaff.

On On,

Next Run: 30^th November:  Outridden Copse (Bourley Road) (GR 832510) – Richard McAllister

NOTES ON DH3 RUN 354 ON WEDNESDAY 2^nd NOVEMBER 2011
FROM REAR OF THE TWESELDOWN PUB (GR: 820518)

Hare: John Elder (Seis Matters),

Hounds: Tony Case (Fruit & Nut), Alan Jewell (Easy Rider), Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue), Sarah Nagel (Petal), Les Salmon (Ever Ready), Steve Booker (Dickhead), Sue Figgis (Centre of Attraction), Derek Gray (Prime8), Brian Langford (Cyclone), Ron Peasley (Hi Hat), Tony Soane (Sony Tone) and Russell Steel (Trailfinder).

Centre of Attraction appeared for the first time in an age – not only turned up, but was early! Dickhead also returned to the fold after even longer away.  Anyway, the start was encouraging but swiftly ran into a bit of a problem. We all set off at our own speed (or lack of it) over the sports ground away from the main Fleet-Farnham road.  Over the embankment we went with F&N keeping straight over into the wide open horse exercise area.  Meanwhile, the wilier Easy Rider turned left down to the Bourley Road and over the other side, swinging round to his right circumnavigating the end of the race track.  At the next check, it was newcomer Trailfinder who sussed out the way ahead, a position which he readily adopted for quite a lot of the way round  (hence his Hash tag).  We made our way over towards the ‘Foresters’ road and entered the training area on the far side.  Considerable confusion followed as we proceeded further into the woods where an unfriendly little yapping dog with big teeth produced decibels far in excess of that expected of such a small, albeit angry, doglet.  We now turned off the main track back towards the northern end of the race course.  As the trees gave way to open land, Trailfinder went left, Dickhead half left and F&N hard right.  The tinny whistle from F&N indicated that he was on so we followed through some shiggy bits.  Soon MR found himself at the front until Dickhead overtook and went off in the wrong direction leaving MR on the correct trail (for at least a couple of hundred yards).  There was a feeling that we would be making our way over to the canal, but no, we didn’t get there as the trail now turned back towards ‘home’.  By now, there was a wind that kept us cool (hardly a word used to describe most Hashers) but it did not distract the rear triumvirate of Prime8, Sony Tone and Cyclone from their lengthy discussions.  At the second regroup Trailfinder was on again and through more shig we went.  MR found himself at the front once more and was not happy with that, particularly as he fell for the double bluff and found himself way down in the wrong direction.  The trail now followed the main path away from ‘home’ and wended its way over towards the main road where Dickhead was doing his ‘lollipop’ bit to see everyone safely across the road.  Then we were made to climb the hill to our fore to admire the view all around. Having now regrouped we were invited to run down the other side of the hill to pick up the trail near a bunch of mobile toilets.  We now avoided the main track and cut across some rough heath land for a while and a bit, making for another prominent hill up which we were almost certain to be led.  Short cutters managed to remain on the level while the main pack went around and then over said hill to join up with the SCBs.  From here it was fairly straightforward to follow the trail along the side of the race track and back to the On Inn – The Tweseldown – where the whole (for a change) group enjoyed their get-together despite several power cuts during the evening.

On On,

Next Run: 16^th  November:  Starve Acre (GR 843593) – Tony Case

NOTES ON DH3 RUN 353 ON WEDNESDAY 19th OCTOBER 2011
FROM YATELEY COMMON (GR: 838594)

Hare: Colin Crofts (French Leave)

Hounds: Tony Case (Fruit & Nut), John Elder (Seis Matters), Alan Jewell (Easy Rider), Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue), Sarah Nagel (Petal), Steve Nagel (Silvier Fox) and Les Salmon (Ever Ready).

Easy Rider turned up in his new car, but it was the arrival of Petal that started the consternation; she had seen dark clouds over Bracknell (not so far away) and was concerned about the rain potential.  At the time we were in the sun and rain was not forecast but the clouds were surely blowing towards us and, yes, we did get wet, and, yes, there was a cold wind blowing but then fortunately the sun came out once more.  The start was pointed out to us and we were off in a westerly direction, following the A30 towards Blackbushe aerodrome (as once it was known).  There was confusion as the front runners failed to correctly check the trail but soon we were back on track. BUT, and it was quite a big but, some phantom destroyer had tried to rub out the trail – destroyed blobs, ruined regroups and probably some 80%of the trail was messed up.  However, determination and the Hare kept us going when necessary and we continued to progress along the trail.  Although Seis and Silvier were instigators of the day’s front running, it was Mountain Rescue who led to the first back trail where his devotion to front running was very short-lived when, having found what he thought was the out trail, was the in trail and the rest of the pack had turned in the opposite direction and were some distance off.  We now found ourselves at the lower car park and the first regroup. Seis took the lead again as we followed beside the A30.  We followed through some pleasant woodland and found ourselves on a wooden structure over some potentially swampy ground.  The Hare called back the front runners as F&N took the lead off the structure deeper into the woods, through holly bushes and some close countryside.  Soon we were in the open once more but there was no sign of a trail, scuffed out or otherwise.  We looked for a while before the faint cries of Silvier were heard from the middle of nowhere and we met again at the second regroup.  Silvier was once more the lucky one and his cries prevented too many of us wandering off in the wrong direction.  However, at a cross junction we came to a grinding stop.  Silvier was off somewhere, Seis dashing around, Ever Ready offering advice and Easy Rider finding the trail that was back over our left shoulders – Oh that cunning Hare!  A cross junction now held us up as MR returned from checking out a lengthy track only to find the devious Hare had glanced off the main track and on to the right, a far from obvious deviation.  Once more the trail took us through some quite close country and over some unavoidable shiggy bits and we passed a cemetery that had once had a very impressive entrance but now cried out for some TLC.  An ENORMOUS field appeared and the worry was that whichever way we went, it was a long, long way.  The short cutters now met the front runners who were confused by the two checks so close together and by MR who called on only to find it was a soggy tissue, not flour.  However, the trail really did eventually go the way he was going and soon all was well once more.  The Hare was now worried about the destruction of his trail but we managed to trace it through countryside thick with gorse and holly.  From the front, MR spotted a horse on the trail and had it not been for a regroup, would have caught up with it (was it a fast running hound or a slow moving horse?).  We now neared the On Inn and entered open country bathed in evening sunshine and the last regroup.  It was here that the Hare offered to take us home along a short cut.  We had been out for over an hour and (after last week’s experience) were afraid that the Deepcut Hash would start earning an unwanted reputation for long runs.  Mr Bumble’s was the watering hole where F&N was asking who Mr Bumble was…

On On,

Next Run: 2^nd November:  Rear Tweseldown Pub (GR 820518) - John Elder   

NOTES ON DH3 RUN 352 ON WEDNESDAY 5th OCTOBER 2011
FROM UPPER HALE (GR: 829492)

Hare:  Brian Langford (Cyclone).

Hounds: Tony Case (Fruit & Nut), Colin Crofts (French Leave), John Elder (Seis Matters), Derek Gray (Prime8), Alan Jewell (Easy Rider), Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue), Sarah Nagel (Petal) and Les Salmon (Ever Ready).

This must go down as the longest trail in the history of DH3.  There was one word of warning in the Hare’s brief - he got lost laying the trail in an area he thought he knew well.  With the pack now considerably lacking confidence they set off heading to the right parallel to the road through some quite pleasant woodland.  Seis disappeared off on the wrong track while Easy Rider found the real way ahead into the body of the training area.  The sound of F&N’s tinny horn filled none with confidence.  Up to the top of the ridge we went and were soon brought to a temporary pause while the search for flour progressed.  We came to the first regroup and then found the Hare at the front showing us the way and calling to try to keep us on trail.  At this stage, F&N had disappeared off into the distance never to be seen again and Seis was off in the wrong direction once more.  Easy Rider and French Leave were now nearly front runners, superseded only by the Hare.  Soon another pause saw Petal off to the right, Ever Ready to the left and MR up the middle, hedging his bets and actually discovering the trail.  Then things went wrong again with MR going up the hill, and Ever Ready advised to look straight on where he did indeed find more trail.  We now had Easy Rider, Ever Ready, Petal,  and Seis as front runners, F&N and Primate lost, MR alone and French Leave somewhere with the Hare yelling his heart out to try to get the loose hounds back into the pack.  Sadly, the wind was blowing in the wrong direction for him.  MR now found the trail but having lost his voice was unable to do much about it.  However, his progress was witnessed and the remnant pack followed until a split in the paths.  The main pack got it right and now the Hare showed that he was lost again.  To and fro we went until Ever Ready spotted the flour and once more.  Up the hill we went, and up some more passed an abandoned (presumably stolen) motor cycle.  Along the ridge a bit and then down again.  Steeply down we went.  Soon we found ourselves heading towards the A 325 as we undulated.  It had now become just too obvious that this was going to be a long one (by Deepcut standards).  The trail took us to the edge of the training area before turning back in the direction of Caesar’s Camp, still a long way off. By now, the pack remnants were well spread but making progress.  From the extreme it was just a matter of running the 100 miles back to the start which we all managed, some faster than others.  There was some significant shig on the way, but no blackberries left.  The Alma provided suitable reward for those who had time to spare and well deserved drinks were drunk with the Hare given his reward for all the effort in laying his monster trail…

On On,

Next Run: 19^th October:   Yateley Common - A30 Gravel Pit Car Park (GR 838594) - Colin Crofts (French Leave)     

NOTES ON DH3 RUN 351 ON WEDNESDAY 21st SEPTEMBER 2011
FROM THE CROWN, BADSHOT LEA (GR: 863484)

Hare:  Libby Ralph (Old Thumper)

Hounds: Tony Case (Fruit & Nut), Colin Croft (French Leave), Nick Dodd (Dogmatic), John Elder (Seis Matters), Derek Gray (Prime8) Alan Jewell (Easy Rider), Brian Langford (Cyclone), Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue), Sarah Nagel (Petal), Steve Nagle (Silvier Fox) and Tony Soane (Sony Tone).

The weather turned in our favour and we set off in pleasant sunshine from the pub towards the main road, over the road and on to a concrete road towards Badshot Farm.  We had gone but 50 yards before we heard vitriolic castigation of Fruit&Nut who had the temerity to advise the Hare about laying a trail (at least that’s what we understood from the gist of the rebuke).  Silvier and Dogmatic were well to the front when F&N saw a path to the right, up which he went.  No amount of calling, yelling and screaming by Easy Rider and Mountain Rescue and would bring him back to heel on the true trail.  Soon we came to the real trail turn and F&N tried to open the locked gate to the field while everyone else went through the open pedestrian kissing gate.  The trail now followed the line of the field along a close path.  By now the front runners were well away on their own unmarked trail and out of earshot apart from French Leave who had the sense to return.  At the back of the pack ER and MR started making pigs of themselves by attacking the blackberry bushes beside the track.  Good, they were (the blackberries that is).  After the first regroup, we found shortcutting Prime8 had caught us up and the trail continued to our front as we passed the new David Lloyd fitness centre.  A check caused a delay as French Leave set off to check yet another wrong path, ER returned from his false foray and the main body was seen disappearing to the right along the main road.  They turned into a nature reserve with Petal leading to a check and the trail opened out into a playing field and we found Seis had now joined us.  While the pack went round the edge of the field following Sony Tone and Cyclone ER and MR received a hint that the best way forward was to cross the diagonal of the field.  Through the gap and on the far side of the next field could be seen the two missing wanderers who looked so pleased with themselves at having cut out half the trail thus far.  Once we had regrouped, the Hare delivered a general (Oh! Lord. Here goes Deepcut using rank again) bollocking along the lines that if there is no flour and you get out of earshot, you’ve gone wrong and you are wasting everyone’s time.  Setting off again, F&N was left feasting on blackberries.  We now crossed another road ‘at a strategic point’ with Petal to fore once more.  Wending our way forward we had to cross the main road once more to the third regroup.  Silvier and Dogmatic quickly found the trail while MR was distracted by the blackberries once more.  In catching up with the pack that was seen plunging down to the right by the road bridge, MR could see in the distance where they were going so followed the plunge to the right – unfortunately on the wrong side of the stream.  And this is where your scribe lost contact with the rest.  He looked for a way across the stream (for he was nursing a recently sprained ankle and really wanted a bridge) so he had to return to the road and cross over that way.  Mistake – for soon the trail went back over the stream and the ankle was better not tested in case of further damage.  Another error took him a couple of miles out of his way and the Hare had the temerity to blame blackberry gluttony for keeping him out of her sight.  Anyway, all ended well at The Crown where good ale was served and quantities of chips (thanks to Sony Tone) were delivered to the tables just rounded off a very good outing.  Chip rating 9.

On On,

Next Run:  5^th October:   Upper Hale (opposite petrol station) GR 829492 – Brian Langford (and probably Tony Soane).

NOTES ON DH3 RUN 350 ON WEDNESDAY 7^th SEPTEMBER 2011
FROM PINE RIDGE GOLF COURSE (GR: 907587)

Hare:  FAILED TO APPEAR

Hounds: Tony Case (Fruit & Nut), Les Salmon (Ever Ready), Colin Croft (French Leave) and Nick Dodd (Dogmatic).

Well, it happened again.  Four Hounds turned up to follow the trail but no trail existed.  Not to be beaten, the intrepid four set of for a jog around the golf course.  Sadly, your Scribe was not able to be there to join them, even in the bar afterwards.  So, that’s it for this one…

On On,

Next Run:  21^st September:  The Crown, Badshot Lea (GR 863484 - Libby Ralph)

NOTES ON DH3 RUN 349 ON WEDNESDAY 24^th AUGUST 2011
FROM REAR TWESELDOWN PUB (GR: 822518)

Hare: John Elder (Seis Matters)

Hounds: Tony Case (Fruit & Nut), Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue), Derek Gray (Prime8), Alan Jewell (Easy Rider), Sarah Nagel (Petal), Les Salmon (Ever Ready), Colin Croft (French Leave), Brian Langford (Cyclone), Libby Ralph (Old Thumper), Chris Farmer (Bidet), Steve Nagle (Silvier Fox), and Nick Dodd (Dogmatic).

Deepcut lethargy to the fore once more as the pack wandered off in a southerly direction into the football field.  Dogmatic, on his first foray with Deepcut, did actually run but to the wrong corner of the field.  Eventually the pack strolled out onto the Beacon Hill Road and wanted to go left into the training area.  However, at the roundabout the trail was picked up going off right towards the old Queen Elizabeth Barracks with Old Thumper losing the lead to Fruit & Nut.  Each attempt to leave the road and enter the woods was foiled by a distinct lack of trail so on we went, and on towards Church Crookham.  Eventually, perseverance paid off and the trail did go into the trees and out the other side when a cry from forward led MR to go across a bar, much to the Hare’s chagrin.  Now the check stopped us at the road side as we approached the military married quarters.  The obvious straight on option was the wrong way to go and the pack was turned to the right by Fruit & Nut into the area of the houses and we passed the car park from which many a start had happened.  Once free of housing we turned into woodland once again and through a tunnel of undergrowth into open countryside.  Now there started a long, very long upward trend that saw the pack well spread in line with French Leave and Dogmatic rejoining the pack after their inaccuracies.  On the way, we came across some edible blackberries, some small reward for the upward progress.  A sudden left plunge into thicker woods led to Easy Rider plucking more ripe berries from the bushes.  Out on to a road and down to cross over the main Beacon Hill Road once more and a regroup (with a shortage of blackberries).  On restarting, OT,  Dogmatic and Petal were all seen running UPHILL – for while anyway.  The track now became a little soggy as we seemed to be going up to the trig point.  However, to the trig point we did not go as the lure of real shig was just too great and the trail took us through some extreme mud and slush and flowing water.  Then we continued upward only to loop back down to the main path with Dogmatic well in front.  Good thing really for he was soon returning on a back check.  Fruit & Nut, who we thought knew the area well, soon had us going downhill. And down, encouraged by his tinny whistle.  At a major junction, French Leave found the first false trail, and OT the second.  Another regroup before taking off down towards the fishing ponds with French Leave coming back from yet another fruitless run in the wrong direction.  So we continued, overcoming another check and following the calls of OT who was now well out front and making for the open area beyond the lakes.  Cyclone foolishly followed MR who found himself on a long false trail as the main body now turned and headed for home.  The trail swerved off the main track and joined a newish track that had rapidly become covered by bracken.  Through this bracken we progressed until it became almost impenetrable as we scrambled to join Bidet who had sensibly remained on the main track.   And that was it, really.  No more adventures.  Primate eventually wandered in having had the courage to start the course without his satnav.  And F&N got lost somewhere out there with not another soul showing any sympathy for his plight.  In the Tweseldown, Bidet announced to the arriving pack that the barmaid was connecting a new barrel.  Those who wanted Alton Pride were clean out of luck as the pump was broken, so most of us ended up taking a Liberty…

On On,

Next Run:  7 September:  Pine Ridge Golf Course (GR 907587) – Rik Rawcliffe

NOTES ON DH3 RUN 348 ON WEDNESDAY 10^th AUGUST 2011
FROM BRAMSHILL PLANTATION (GR: 759613)

Hare: Tony Case (Fruit & Nut)

Hounds: Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue), Derek Gray (Prime8), Ron Peasley (Hi Hat), Alan Jewell (Easy Rider), Sarah Nagel (Petal), Les Salmon (Ever Ready), Colin Croft (French Leave), Brian Langford (Cyclone), Libby Ralph (Old Thumper), Tony Soane (Sony Tone) and Lewis Soane (nameless)

After many weeks of non-appearance, it was good to see the return of Cyclone and Sony to our midst.  Ever Ready was looking stronger again, and so we set off in good heart.  Old Thumper was the first to run and, shortly after, Petal set an example that was slow to be followed.  Into the school sports field, OT to the left and Petal to the front.  The trail actually lay between the two of them as we cut diagonally across the field and into the trees. The running had really started now. A pause, as we came to a junction with OT keeping left again while French Leave took off right and right he was.  So we all followed and went through the trees in mottled sunshine.  Very pleasant it was. Then we were stopped for a while, searching for the on.  It was a while before we got going again, but going we got and continued along the track when Hi Hat started on the subject of ‘psychology’ and whether a brain was needed for such study in which case it was a waste trying to relate the subject to the Hare.  Now moving on towards the main school buildings where we were once again brought to a halt. MR investigated the school area only to be called back into the woods away from the buildings but happily wandered on to the trail once more.  Soon we were making our way through some tight countryside to the main road and across to the first regroup.  It was here that the Hare gave out some misleading information about his trail; it was not a one blobber so those who went off to the right and thought they were correct were in fact wrong.  Easy Rider ran off straight ahead and made his way steadily up the slope only to come back having lost sight of any trail.  The farmer was creating huge amounts of dust from his harvester, but it was not enough to put off ER as he entered the field to find the trail going up the slope again, parallel to the road from which he’d just come.  Now the trail became a bit tricky.  MR had found it outside the field and we entered widely spaced, open woodland and the trail went along a long, straight, never-ending track that eventually took us to the next regroup (fortunately, long before the visual end of the path to our fore).  MR again found the restart and led everyone off down to a cross junction and check. Having a quick look at the many options, he soon found he was on two  but after much further investigation decided he was no longer on trail – and, yes, the Hare did admit he had not laid a false trail bar(stard!).  Anyway, yet another regroup allowed the pack to reassemble as one.  Lewis was sent off by Sony to check out the left hand path while MR guessed the correct way to the right and after just a couple of hundred yards there was another regroup and, just four paces further on, yet another regroup – it was suggested that the Hare’s short term memory really is failing if he cannot remember what he did just four paces before.  MR was now way off trail and left behind so knows not who found the real trail leading for the Inn.  Someone found a false trail but from the leading Hound there was no sound.  The main pack was well on the way home but fortunately Primate was still within range to direct the misguided MR and we all arrived safe and sound. From the car park, Hi Hat set off apace to try to catch up with the early departers only to find his car boot was still wide open. The Hatchgate was its usual high quality as the pack enjoyed the evening sunshine and cooling breeze.  Oh joy…

On On,

Next Run:  24 August:  Rear Tweseldown Pub (GR 822518) – John Elder

NOTES ON DH3 RUN 347 ON WEDNESDAY 27^th JULY 2011
FROM TUNNEL HILL CAR PARK (GR: 918558)

Hare: Richard McAllister (Mountain Rescue)

Hounds: Derek Gray (Prime8), Ron Peasley (Hi Hat), Alan Jewell (Easy Rider), Tony Case (Fruit & Nut), Sarah Nagel (Petal), Steve Nagel (Silvier Fox), Ian Angel (Hippo), Chris Farmer (Bidet), Les Salmon (Ever Ready) and Sue Figgis (Centre of Attraction).

“Damned fine trail” reported quote from Bidet who made it to the meet this time without the huge disappointment of finding the location changed.  But before any report on this Hash, a word of thanks.  For many years Sally Duncan (Ali Kat) has run our web site.  She designed it and set it up in the first place but has now handed over to John Elder (Seis Matters) who has volunteered to run it from now on.  So, many thanks to Sally for all she has done for us.  Meanwhile, back at Tunnel Hill the mob was assembling.  It was great to find Ever Ready back with us, albeit not running yet (he did try later but was castigated for so doing so he desisted). The brief was short and soon the mobsters moved off with a pre-warned Silvier to the fore.  It was only seconds before he was on the wrong track but quickly brought back to join the main pack that descended the slope to the north and found themselves going up the far side where the trail slipped down again to the edge of the railway fence.  However, Silvier found himself checking uphill as he didn’t want to go back towards the railway bridge.  A pity really as that is now where the trail turned.  Once more the flour trail was ignored in preference for blind running.  Soon the front runners were returning to join Easy Rider who had slipped off to the right, through the trees to the edge of the road.  On the other side the trail dropped down to what ten days ago had been real shig.  Disappointingly, recent lack of real rain had allowed it to dry out somewhat, but it still offered something to the careless as Fruit & Nut offered a helping hand to Petal – he’s such a gentleman and he didn’t even think about giving her a gentle push.  Undulations took the pack through a narrow trail to a T junction where the pack’s feeling that it continued to the left was totally wrong.  So, right they now turned and then left over the railway bridge to the canal towpath where the trail could have gone.  But it didn’t. Bidet was suspicious and Easy Rider went on a bit further and found that the trail went along the fence of Deepcut Barracks for a while.  Silvier had disappeared and Bidet and Easy Rider continued their confused checking.  Soon we were at the canal for the first regroup.  Bidet’s seriously considered opinion was that the trail had to go right along the tow path.  After Silvier got a good head of steam up in the wrong direction and the rest of the pack following MR decided time had come to let the pack know there was not much point in going that way. And all returned to the regroup.  A quick search and Bidet found the trail going into the trees and Hippo now in the fore took us down the slope to yet more shig that had to be crossed.  For some unknown reason (maybe it was the closed gates that put them off) the consensus was that the road towards the ‘big house’ was the preferred way ahead.  Easy Rider knew that the side gate remained unlocked so he opened it and through we all went.  The trail went off parallel to the railway line and Ever Ready confirmed that he was OK to assault the hills (part of his recuperation exercises, he implied).  Well, more of the same old story found Silvier busily checking out the check but with not a lot of success so Bidet was quizzed about what he had seen and where a possible solution may lie.  Silvier, keen to take the wrong way again, was soon at the front taking the wrong way again.  But the main body now managed to get back over the road into the main training area and undulated to the next regroup.  Bidet now shot off on the wrong track while Silvier for once got it correct.  Hippo decided that the path Bidet was on was good enough for him so he led the short cutters back towards ‘home’.  The diminished group now had fun checking out the steep hills and soon found themselves heading back towards more familiar territory.  Hi Hat was in danger of departing unnecessarily up a steep hill and returned to sensibility after some judicious coughing by the Hare while Easy Rider disregarded the warning until it was almost too late.  After  wending their way back under the rail bridge they got home where C of A, who had been to Tweseldown instead of Tunnel Hill, was waiting.  The White Hart provided good ale and we provided the simply superb company.  Bonhomie was plentiful.

On On

Next Run:  10 August:  Bramshill Plantation (GR 759613) – Tony Case