Run 857 - Clifton Hampden
Run: 857
Date: Sunday, 23 November 2008
Venue: The Plough, Clifton Hampden
Hare(s): Preperation H, hubby David, Hutch and . . . Pressganger
Hounds: S/Shoveller, Penelope Pitstop, Plod, Eric, Rubber Sole, Jenks, Twister, Dipstick, Mr Sloppy
Meg K9-1, Jenk’s Mutt K9-2
Scribe: Plod
Horrible weather, wasn't it. Maybe that was the reason for the low turn-out - I know I had my doubts before setting out. In the end, I was glad I did. Preppy was there to meet us with Pressganger (wearing gaiters!). Pressganger, having suffered pangs of guilt for the last fortnight (just accept it, old girl - Alzheimer's is a fact - look at me - just give in), and had helped set the trail. Preppy did the briefing: 'It'll be slow', she said. That explained the Gaiters then?! There was one piece of bad news. The Plough was closed - not for a refit - shut down! What a shame. It was a regular venue for us and in fact, if you have a look at the Archive page of this site, you'll see that the very first hash, on 4 April 1986 was from this pub!!! But back to today.
The On was given and we headed north through the village towards the Golden Balls. We ran parallel with the A4015 following the edge of a huge field. A house sign on the footpath was a mystery - I can't imagine asking visitors to visit me that way. But, hey, I'm a pleb. We eventually hit some woodland - and turned right into it. And that's when the fun started. There may have been shiggy a plenty out in the open, but boy, was there worse to come. But first, were we going to be challenged? We were entering a pheasant rearing area and in the past some have tried to tell us we were on privatye property! Fortunately, Pressganger knew the game-keeper, and we continued on our way with a promise of advance notice in the future. Eventually we turned left, remaining in the woodland, conditions under-foot getting more treacherous by the yard. Shiggy, Water filled rutts, and masses of wet, slippery leaves ... The pace suddenly slowed. Quite how Jenks and Dipstick managed to run, to stay upright, I don't know. The going was hard.
Underfoot it just got worse and worse and when eventually we emerged into the open at the rear of the Jet Project, we were not a pretty bunch. And in fact, as we made our way back along the concrete road, ALL were walking. A comment was made about a 'Ramble' - very apt.
I forgot my GPS so I don't know the exact distance, but it took us an hour and fifteen at least. A quick change of the muddies and it was straight down the road to the welcoming warmth of The Chequers at Burcot
Can't remember if I thanked the Hares, but I'll do that now. An interesting trail. Speaking for myself, I didn't see much flour but the trail was obviously there because we always ended up at a check. And Pressganger didn't have to make any decisions either. Thanks, girls - and thanks to the two Davids too. It was worth making the effort.
A suggestion has been put forward for Run 862 on 18 January. Pressganger is complaining that her Hash Cash tin is getting heavy. So the proposal is to have a Hash Meal as on that night, at which she could maybe provide the wine/beer??? The venue has been proposed by S/Shoveller, who has volunteered to lay the trail with Penelope Pitstop, from the King William. This will be confirmed in due course. It's the AGM bit that worries me. We used to use that as an excuse for the Hash Barbie in the summer - I even remember, Eric, when she was Hash Cash, one year actually turning up with a 'perfect' set of accounts - only no-one else was bothered. Our Hash Master has been noticeable by his absence (no criticism intended), I will try and get some clarification on that point. Are we heading for a new era at Didcot, with annual elections, etc, etc. I shudder at the thought, but who am I.
Another thing discussed was the Christmas Carols Hash on Tuesday, 23 December. There is a suggestion that we aim for a 6.30 pm start. Parking on S/Shovellers 'Drive', a half hour run, followed by Warm mince pies provided by Penelope Pitstop, before changing and retiring to The Bear to exercise our vocal chords in the festive vein.
In two weeks time, some of us will be joining Oxford for their 500th at Snells Hall, East Hendred. The lists are closed - so if you haven't paid your money, don't turn up. Our next hash will therefore be in four weeks time, December 21, when we're at The Fox, Christmas Common. The Hare will be Golden Shower.
Plod