Monday 30th December 2002

We have not one but two guest reports this week. David T and Ken C.

First David:- As the evenings trail layer normally writes the reports, it doesn't seem right that he should have to comment on the merits (or otherwise) of his own trail, so here is an alternative view. Another Monday Hash due to proximity to the turn of the year saw a somewhat smaller pack, minus several regulars (who may of course have turned up a day later on the more normal Tuesday), arrive for an extended tour of Lymm. The trail layer apologised in advance for the probability of missing markers due to adverse weather conditions the day before. It had rained heavily before, after and apparently especially hard during the setting process and one road through the town (Bridgewater Road ?) appeared to be completely flooded. Other parts of the route were a little drier and some of the markers were still visible. The trail led gently uphill moving seamlessly from an urban to rural setting before re entering the village from the north west and finishing (but not in my case as I got lost) across the golf course. The evening was rounded off with hospitality from the trail layer. Thanks to Max, Maggie and various smaller Richens both for the trail and the food. Happy New Year.

Then Ken :-Monday 30th December. Library Car Park, Lymm. Max is obviously too modest to report on his own trail so here we go. The last hash of the year was moved to a Monday to maximise the opportunities for drinking and set by Max on home ground. As we assembled in the car park I noticed that everyone seemed well togged up in their winter clobber of tracksters, gloves, hats, coats etc. I jumped out of my car in shorts and tee shirt. Everyone is crazy 'cept me. The run started off with a couple of laps of the village which looked really nice in its' Christmas decoration, before heading into the country past the water tower. A brief encounter with Lymm Dam, the rugby club, and some narrow snickets through a housing estate added to the variety of the trail. The pack paused to admire one of those houses that was 'tastefully' decked out in all that Crimbo illumination stuff. There was a small debate as to the size of the owner's electric bill, but I think the fact that the adjacent street lamp was off could answer that one. We finished off across the golf course and through a narrow sandstone gorge which I'd never seen before to complete a very enjoyable trail. Hospitality was back at the Richens' abode although I must admit I sloped off to defrost my arms and legs in a hot bath. Ken the Pen.

Monday 23rd December 2002

The Hash is switching to Monday for the next two weeks to avoid conflict with Santa. Tonight's trail, by Heather and Nick, was from the Bowling Green in Northwich. We tend not to go from here normally as on Tuesdays they have a quiz night. The trail was fairly urban and was notable for several of the hash calling an on, missing the recall, and having a little trail by themselves. They missed all the mud..One thing that was notable was the vast number of Christmas lights put up on the outside of houses these days. I would hate to have their electricity bills but then I'm cheapskate. The trail was a little less than six and was run in fairly good conditions, a lot warmer (8 degrees C) than it had been on the weekend. I should have worn shorts. A good trail followed by beer and chips on the part of John M and myself

Tuesday 17th December 2002

Tuesday 10th December 2002

It was a chilly night. Even Ken and Nick had put longs on. It was just above freezing but the wind made it seem much colder. Steve K was the hare tonight from the Stanley Arms at Anderton. He promised it would be shortish and quick but he had not bargained for two things... 1. a run of footpaths seemed to have been deliberately blocked off since he set it at the weekend so it took a while to work our way through them. 2. he mistook where we were and on-on-ed us the wrong way and had to pull us back the best part of 3/4 of a mile ( especially David T). We did eventually get back on trail and ran in the pub along the canal and as usual knocked back a few jars in the warmth. A good trail.

Tuesday 3rd December 2002

This trail was set by Prof Shiggy ably assisted by Peter R. Although the evening started chill the rain had died away completely.. (Well... Cheshire were out again...) and it warmed a little as the hash got going from the Blacksmiths Arms. I could have managed shorts.We were taken around many a footpath with ups and downs and a reasonable supply of mud without getting very far from the houses of Macclesfield. Millie the dog was being very independent clambering over stiles unaided even though she had no idea of how far down it was on the other side. The run went well and there were numerous twists and turns which brought us back to the pub from the Chelford direction. The beer was fine the pub was warm and the trail was good. What more can you want.

Tuesday 26th November 2002

The Legh Arms, Acton Bridge. There was a stiff wind blowing as we mustered in the car park for Brian's trail sending clouds scudding across the indigo moonlit sky. Fortunately it was also unseasonably warm, but I was still in the minority having opted for shorts. We hoofed it up the hill over the canal to Little Legh, pausing briefly for some late arrivals from Mobberley to catch up. Then over the Runcorn Road to trot about some fields in the Parish of Comberbach, encountering some unusually tall stiles covered with brutal thorns. There was enough mud to satisfy Martin and Rob, and enough dry for normal people. With a sense of direction inherited from the British Army Brian's trails can be an adventure. At one stage he paused and asked Heather if she knew where she was. "Well ... Yes actually" she replied. "Then can you tell me!" said Brian. (I think he was joking on this occasion) Back across the Runcorn Road and the canal to complete a figure of Eight (Not Brian's usual figure of 42). Rodders with the benefit of some local knowledge had already beaten us back. Ken the Pen.

Tuesday 19th November 2002

This trail was set by Paul J from the Bells at Peover, a pub we had got out of the habit of using as the Crown had provided a good base for so long. Paul set a trail which required a little thought and produced a good has over well used countryside. It is amazing how having a different start point can make an area seem new.

Tuesday 12th November 2002

Tonights trail was from the Harrington Arms, near Gawesworth Hall and was set by Colin as a Virgin Hare, ably assisted by Adrian L. The earlier rain had dissapeared leaving a still night with no clouds and a half-moon and plentiful stars. The trail got off late but with a good turnout of about 30-33 hashers and two dogs. Ther was very little road involved and surprisingly little mud. Having had a few weeks off I had totally forgotten that you did not linkger near puddles when Martin H was still behind you. The wash was terrific and the lifeboats were nearly needed. It was an excellent trail crowned by a couple of excellent pints of Robinsons. During the evening David T received his tankard for having completed his 200th Cheshire trail

TOP

Tuesday 5th November 2002

Again with thanks to our raving ( sorry roving) reporter Ken C. This hash was from The Big Lock, Middlewich. Nick and Heather returned to this canalside pub in the town where I was dragged up. Middlewich is not an easy place to lay a trail due to the lack of footpaths, so the surrounding canals, rivers and connecting alleyways inevitably come into play. Being Bonfire night the run was played out against a background of fireworks. As is traditional, Nick loosed off a couple of broadsides of his own with his surplus distress flares. Less traditional was my presence at the front of the pack for large chunks of the run - for once local knowledge coming in useful. Back at t'Lock in good time where the landlord steered us toward to John Smiths Smoothflow. It didn't take long for us to work out that the draught option was was both better tasting and at 1.30 better value. K.C.

Tuesday 29th October 2002

The Bulls Head, Davenham. It rained all day this Tuesday. In fact it was still drizzling at 7:30 as I left our house to walk (!) to the Bulls Head for Mike and Richard's trail. By kick- off time however, the skies had cleared to leave fine cool conditions for the run. Good job really since several of our number were still damp from the Hash Weekend. The weekend storm (worst for 10 years) had deleted all traces of chalk, but amazingly most tissue had survived. The trail was a miniature 4 Villages Half Marathon as we toured Bostock, Wharton, Moulton and back to Davenham. Steam rose from the bodies of our returning athletes making the car park resemble to winners enclosure at Haydock Park. This was David Taylor's 200th run. Juicy Jane is a figure (and what a figure) of the past now, so he got away unscathed. KC.

Tuesday 22nd October 2002

Todays report from our on-on sec HeatherThe Axe and Cleaver, Dunham Village Last night the trail was not quite in Roger T's usual style. Perhaps this had something to do with his newly recruited assistant - John Seymour. There were many more checks than usual, but the penalty for having 24 checks was that the trail was almost seven miles long. Everyone set off full of glee - it wasn't raining and the forecast gales had not arrived, also within the first mile there were about four checks (although at this point we didn't know how much further we still had to run). Tony E. was out there checking telling everyone that 'he was feeling as fit as a butcher's dog'. After about four miles and several very 'claggy' fields the cry was heard 'What are those lights lights over there?' Several of the old guard recognised the lights of Lymm Rugby Club across the fields. 'Is it very far to Dunham from Here?'. 'Only about half an hours brisk jog from here' was the reply. After several more 'claggy' fields and a gentle trot alongside the canal the Axe and Cleaver eventually hove into view and what's more it still wasn't raining.   The pub was very welcoming and warm - just the place to celebrate Nick's 900th Hash - it's taken him almost 20 years to get to that tally. He was treated to a very large Jamesons to toast the special occasion.   On On Heather

Tuesday 15th October 2002

Tonights hash was set at the last minute by Kevan with Eleanor as backup hare.. The reason was that they had both done the Polaris as a team and finished third in their group a mixed couples. I don't know if there was a flitch prize but well done. The trail tonight was much less arduous than their effort but was a brisk hash through lots of forest. The underfoot was well soft without being actually wet... which was surprising as we had had some rain previously. It is always pleasant to trail around the Carriers and this was no exception. Ta muchly

Very small report from Wolf

Dear ALL, Ihr Lieben, As you might know already or I will inform you now: I finished the Berlin Marathon! Wie Ihr bereits wißt oder wie Ihr jetzt von mir erfahrt:Ich bin den Berlin Marathont gelaufen! Under www.marathonfoto.com you will find my pictures as the proof:Select "Berlinmarathon".Enter "Lehmann" and "13913" and enter and then enter the Postcode "64342"!!! Unter www.marathon.com sind Photos von mir als Beweis:Wähle "Berlinmarathon".Schreibe "Lehmann" und "13913" und dannn nach der Betsätigung die Postleitzahl "64342"!!! Have fun and Viel Spaß Wolf RLehmann,the Marathonman

Report from Goa Interhash 2002 by LongGone

One morning in India Udaipur, Thursday 3 Oct. 2002 Its only 07.30 but already very hot here on the roof terrace. Yesterday it rapidly achieved a searing 40 degrees. There's a 360-degree view framed by Maharaja's palace-style windows and turrets. The honey-coloured stone palaces surrounding the lake are like a set from Lord of the Rings and the sky is full of soaring pariah kites. The sounds are of children in the street and 'dhobi wallahs' at the lakeside - women pounding the washing on ancient flat stones. Below are shady gardens full of geckos and chattering chipmunks, which the guide insists are squirrels. Elsewhere we've seen shy monkeys, a mongoose, dancing bears and trees festooned with huge sleeping bats. There are also wandering little boys in ill-fitting uniforms equipped with a primitive broom and a brief to keep busy all day. They find an excuse to sidle up to you in the hope of being asked to do a chore and then to get tipped. One even came and dusted the plants next to me in the garden. The guides insist that the beggars don't have to beg. That they deliberately keep their babes in arms unwashed, that their deformities are self-inflicted. The monsoon this year in Rajasthan was the poorest for 20 years: we've seen water tankers and whole hay ricks the size of houses being brought in from the Punjab and women and children breaking rocks by the side of the road at midday, part of a state -funded scheme. And yet we're told 'no-one goes without'. The flotilla of auto taxi drivers is already in place outside the hotel gates. Unlike most, this hotel is unguarded, but they know they're not allowed over the threshold. When I opened my bedroom curtains this morning they were already waving. Due to the combined efforts of al-Qaeda and sabre rattlers in Kashmir, there's a tourist drought. There's only 2 others staying here. The staff outnumber us 2 or 3 to one. The drivers are prepared to wait all day on the off chance we might want a ride and succumb to an invitation to visit their brother's art shop. You soon learn how to haggle for your souvenirs here. Rides through the narrow winding streets here make Blackpool Pleasure Beach seem tame. The auto taxi swerves around sad-eyed oxen, around bicycles, motor bikes and children, TATA trucks, darting pigs, rats and open drains. Priority on the road is determined by size. Roundabouts are 2-way. In Udaipur, no-one wears a helmet. We came across a car not sounding his horn and were told he must be a new driver. The other evidence was that the car was still its original shape. 9.30 am and the guide and mini-bus driver arrive to collect the happy band of 6 intrepid travellers for today's tour. I know I'll love the fantastic forts, temples and opulence of the Maharaja's palaces. But how does he sleep at night when there are children begging and lepers living on the hot dusty street? John

Goa 2

Nemaste Maxwell, Greetings from the filth and squalor of a street shop in Jaipur. The CH3AT are alive and well. We sent the Maharaja of Grappenhall and his sidekick, Whinger, back a few days ago. Also Twinkletoes and Forgotten Brook's hash name. Cheshire acquited themselves well. Our tutus went down well at the Yellow Dress Run, which was great fun because the 300 or so participants stopped the traffiuc thru the centre of Panjim. Afterwards we were piled onto boats to cruise the river. Mike and Pam's was hit by a passing tanker but to their relief it was only a dent!!!! The runs were more like walks - far too hot and humid for much more than a stroll. Ran around derilict churches, forts, beaches thru jungle, scattering chickens, pigs and cattle. The last involved dolphins. Rampant has a trophy stolen from the Interhash Mismanagement Committee which he'll show off soon on a Tuesday. But for some reason I'm still tryting to understand, I got put on the ice block as punishment. There should be some good photos of him under a turban. Our repertaire (sp?) of hash songs has increased manyfold. In Jodphur Fig Leaf and Pam-forgetten her Hashname ran out of the hotel, over the wasteland opposite, through a nomad camp, braving dogs and rat holes to the Maharaja's new palce. They blagged their way in, dripping with sweat and found there was a restaurant. We all dressed up and went. Sumptious or what? Marble staircases, columns and domed ceilings, floodlit gardens. We ate like kings with about 5 gold-turbaned wallahs waiting on us and our private sitarist and tabla, all for about 8 GBP. The contrast with streetlife here couldn't be greater! Coming back in shifts. Tuesday we'll be doing a hash around the Taj Mahal! Long Gone, Heavy Breathing, Tinkerbell (now make sure you drink enough water), Rampart, Fig Leaf and Pam-What's her hash-name

Report of the Goa Interhash 2002 by Rampant.

India (Goa, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh) 25 September - 11 October 2002 Our trip to India was an amazing experience with huge contrasts between the wealthy and those living in complete poverty. It seemed that the majority of people live in awful squalor - the towns and cities are filled with rubbish and cows, pigs and dogs roam the streets - all adding to the filth. When we went out, we were surrounded by beggars, some of whom had terrible deformities and also hawkers pestered us all the time with quite aggressive tactics. Despite the poverty, however, India is surprisingly safe, with a relatively low crime rate. India depends heavily on tourism and is suffering very badly at the moment, due to a lack of visitors caused by 11 September, the Kashmir problem and the possibility of a war with Iraq - it is down by 90 % in some areas. We made an interesting trip to a semi-desert area in the Jodhpur region, where we met members of the Bishnoi tribe, who have been living in these harsh conditions for many centuries (they respect nature and have learned to live with it, unlike others who are determined to destroy it!). Like many parts of India they are suffering from a severe drought and have not had much rain for about four years so they are being helped with food that is being supplied by the government. At our visit the temperature was 115°F. We saw some amazing architecture - the forts, temples and Maharajas' palaces were very spectacular, but the building that made the most impression on me was the Taj Mahal which lived up to its reputation as one of the most beautiful buildings in the world - it is quite stunning. Shah Jahan completed this in1653 in memory of his favourite wife who died giving birth to her 14th child. Another beautiful structure was the Jain temple at Ranakpur, which has 1444 carved pillars and was completed in 1439. A workforce of 30,000 people built it over a period of 63 years. We also went to an interesting city called Fatehpur Sikri, which was finished in 1585 by Emperor Akbar and abandoned 14 years later due to (some say) a lack of water. Much of it has been restored, and it is interesting to think that it has not been occupied for hundreds of years. Most of the Maharajas' palaces and land are now owned by the state (except for a few where the Maharajas were shrewd enough to put them into a trust). At the time of Independence their property was confiscated in return for a substantial annual income from the government. Eventually Indira Gandhi felt that the tax-free perk was unfair due to the poverty that exists, so stopped this concession. They are still much respected by the population (undeservedly I think), even though they do not have any power now. Lastly, I have to mention the driving conditions - words cannot express how badly they drive in India. Every journey was a nightmare, which almost involved us in a serious accident on several occasions. It was a great relief to finish the holiday in one piece! Tony

Tuesday 1 Oct 2002

For the second week in a row the trail was set by the Davids.. this week with DL in charge and DT as back-up. We went from the Travellers Rest at Frodsham.. the end point of the notorious April whiteout hash several years back ( see the photo in the Misc set). Tonight was warm and slightly close but we needed torches from the very start. Up the hill we went and then along a secluded wooded trail ( with nettles). The ground underfoot was excellent and stayed that way all evening. The Davids found plenty of woodland for us and very little wet underfoot and though it did start spitting with rain it was never cold or threatening. Another good trail.

Tuesday 24 Sept 2002

This week was from Th'ouse at Top at Kelsall.. a misnomer as three out of the five routes out of the pub are up> Hares for the week were the Davids with DT as author and DL as proofreader. Out we went on a warm evening and oddly enough we went up.. but thankfully we did not go UP over the road....the hill that starts up steeply and as you think it is levelling out :- the rest of the hill heaves into view. We went the other way a minor up. The route kept the pack guessing and working round fields through woods and along roads. The nettles and brambles have retained their vigour well this year. A good trail with a downhill finish

Tuesday 17 Sept 2002

As I was otherwise occupied we have another report from the fray by Ken C

Daniel's 40th Birthday Hash. This age thing must be getting to Daniel since he didn't feel up to running his trail and turned up instead on his bike. I tidied out our garage this afternoon and came across an old pair of running shoes with a few miles left in the tread. 'These'll do for tonight' I thought and put them in the bag. Torches from the start this week (why did summer go so quickly, was something that we said?). Absolutely no idea where we got to during the evening, but it did involve parts of the Middlewood Way, the canal, and not too many hills. The pack enjoyed another warm dry evening as the spell of settled weather continues. We were tucking into our second pint when David Taylor rolled into the pub at 9:45. He'd managed to get lost at the 34th of 35 checks. How we laughed (I nearly paid for my own beer). David is setting next week so watch out for his revenge. Got home reasonably early wimping out of the Davenham Bus's customary detour to the 'Oddies'. Chucked the running shoes in the bin, my blistered toes reminding me why I they hadn't seen light of day (or torch) for so long. KC.

Tuesday 10 Sept 2002

Report from Ken Craig again

The Plough, Whitegate. A welcome return to one of the Hash's favorite pubs. Set in an area blessed with almost limitless options for trail laying combined with Rod's reputation for setting lots of intricate loops, we looked forward to an interesting evening. So what did he serve up? A 3 mile slog along the Whitegate Way with every check on-on straight on. I'm sure we only left the Way when it reached the Winsford Salt Mine because that is the end of the line. At this point I thought this really was the pits! Very cunning Rodders. Normal sevice was resumed at this point with a left turn up Meadowbank, across the fields to emerge on Grange Lane. A few more fields and back to the pub. The weather was kind for Pam's actual 200th run. So warm in fact that as we ran in I had stripped to the waist. If Pam thought that a strippergram had been ordered then she must have felt very short changed. Ken Craig.

Tuesday 3 Sept 2002

Report from Ken Craig

Booths Car Park Knutsford. The nights are drawing in fast now as a good pack set out in the setting sun from Booths Car Park. I had to quickly whip my red skirt off, having failed to realise that this was not meant to be a permanent feature of our runs. We soon broke out into countryside with Adrian setting many clever checks to keep the pack intact.
The trail looped rount Toft Church and woods emerging eventually on Legh Road. A run in over Town Moor, over King Street and up past the Church to finish. Then came the bit we were really looking forward to - Adrian's birthday hospitality back at his house. As usual he and his good lady came up trumps. Ken Craig.

Tuesday 27 Aug 2002

Tonight was a Red Dress Run. The first in CH3 history and set by Mike and Pam to celebrate Pam's very very nearly 200th Hash.

The turn out of the hashers was excellent. The colours were truly nailed to the mast but even Roger was struggling to match the hare for ostentation . ( though on nipple size Roger was the outstanding winner.). John H and Tony E came as twins. Bitsy's fellow had a fetching combination that reminded you of the Clockwork Orange, but in Sunday Red.

After the photo sessions the trail got underway.. Over the stile and away.... Across fields and along roads and we met with photographers by the Plough and Flail. There was mild interest among the clientele as the first hasher came past and the amusement increased as the rest of the trail frocked through.
To test the theory the hares took us through several fields of cattle, one of which had a highland bull. Fortunately there was no effect. Into the heart of Mobberly we headed to the Bulls Head for a pub stop and to frighten the locals

Then a 1Km run in back to the Garden of Eden to an excellent feast and drink

I think we were all agreed that Pam and Mike had excelled themselves and were well prepared to face the rigors of Interhash in Goa. Thanks.

Red Dress Photos

Tuesday 20 Aug 2002

Well, I've been away haven't I, That and poorly. However after a warm holiday abroad I was refreshed and ready for Rob's trail from the Leathers Smithy just below Tegs Nose near Bollington. We arrived not too late, which was amazing as the water board seem to have dug up most of the approach roads. We started, warningly , with a downward direction. Not like Rob to waste an immediate hill opportunity.
The evening had a mostly clear sky with a touch of cloud. Enough to remind me that I should have brought a torch. We used all the trails well, angling us up, bit by bit until , how unexpected, we reached Tegs Nose. The view was excellent catching the start of the sunset and the teeth of the vicious insects. A few more roads and we re-met some of the hashers who had come adrift. Along we went until Rob made his signature statement.. RUN IN. This was with about a mile and a quarter to go. He stated that no-one would check at the five opportunities so he didn't bother setting.

However the view as we came around the final bend and looked at the sunset dipping into the surface of the lake was magnificent. We just had to get some beer to celebrate.

TOP

Tuesday 16 July 2002

Tonight was a Tony Ellis trail from the George and Dragon at Great Budworth. This is cracking territory and Mr E used it well for a good trail with 29 hashers and 4 dogs. The pace was, as usual with Tone, at a reasonable lick but with more than enough checks to keep us together. He had stated beforehand that we would be back for 9 and on this sunny evening with Weetwood at £1.60 per pint this was more than welcome.

Tuesday 9 July 2002

Mike M and Powerful Pierre set the trail from the Hidden Nursery at Plumley. It was a fine warm evening and a good steady trail progressed. Tonight was another hash out by Millie, El and Kev's dog who unfortunately has lost her sight. She runs like a champion and follows anything that jingles. You some times have to make a little noise crossing fields so she knows you are there and doesn't run into you while she pursues interesting smells. Hashers had come out of the woodwork as it was on-in at Roger's for some fabulous roast pork and plenty of beer.

Tuesday 25 June 2002

Last week I missed what was by all accounts a superb trail through idyllic settings at Bunbury taking in a view of an ongoing Cricket match. I wonder if it was the famous Travelling Bunburys which at one point included Ian Botham in their number??

However tonights trail was from a hotel car park in Stockton Heath with Brooke as the Hare. The evening was bright sunshine and the trail led us out to the main road and a brief flirtation with the Bridgewater canal.. No matter how late we start there are always latecomers but Brian Glover (Grutel) was happy to act as whipper-in and ensure that Mike M took to the trail.
A total of 36 were present with only one dog and we had two travelling hashers aboard. Although some of it was old territory it had been refreshed by the presence of new footpaths in the linear parks that had sprung up.
Looping round we ended up back at the London Road and off across Warrington Golf course further checks past Appleton reservoir brought us to the Warrington Walton Hall Public course and into Walton Hall Gardens with a route taking us through a hedge. It was then back onto the Bridgewater, then across sides and off to eventually get back to the Hotel for Tim Taylors Landlord.

Tuesday 11 June 2002

Tonight, I set from the Ferry Tavern at Fiddlers Ferry. A pub so close to the Mersey that it has the hight tide marks on the front of the bar from the occasional floods. The evening started bright and sunny and was launche by the hare arriving fractionally late to much finger shaking by the on-on sec.

Not too late we started off, pausing only to allow a later arrival to get his kit on we headed off down the canal footpath to the second check which involved a loop round to view the Mersey and across at Daresbury on the other side. Back to the canal and we met 4 more latecomers and the trail went back down the canal to the previous check and a little re-orientation and then we were off in a different direction through a wheat field. Two more latecomers arrived to bringus up tp about 30. Five checks later we were back at the canal for another go at the five way check. Much of the hash refused to believe I had not lifted markers and so streamed off in another direction. It was a slightly whimsical trail but a few more footpaths and roads brought us onto the canal again at the Yacht Haven for the on-in for 9 pm.

Trail length was about 9 km with 23 checks. When we got back there were Allan and John the Crocked Monsieurs who had cycled through from Knutsford using the Trans Pennine trail having found a bridge across the Mersey which did not involve the middle of Warrington. Into the pub for some Fruit Bat, Lizzies Jubilee, Beckhams Bollocks and some Postlethwaite.

Tuesday 4 June 2002

Tonight was from Simon P. from Brereton Green just to the south of Holmes Chapel.. The evening started threatening but broke clear and soon it was fine with a very gentle breeze. A goodly turnout set off at the trot seeking the first check. I started well getting several in a row and as happens became overconfident and got one severely wrong. I didn't spend all night playing catch up this time only half. We used many a good footpath and a good trip into the woods before looping back to an earlier check and heading off to a field with llamas including a baby (calf?? Lamb?? acolyte?). Several tricksy checks later we were back at the pub to drop a few Bass before departing. We didn't even lose the visitors!!

Tuesday 28 May 2002

Pam and Mike set tonight from the foot of White Nancy but said that at the request of Mr Ellis the route would be flat.
Even the car park wasn't level so you know how much faith to put in that declaration. What with the foot and mouth crisis of last year it has been a couple of years since we hashed over in Bollington. The evening was overcast but brightened as we went along...downwards but in a level sort of way!!!. Across some good footpaths and then back to the road. Then across the road and along more footpaths which were surprisingly firm after the earlier rain.
Off we went along the canal for a bit. Briefly I was at the front but then had to check and chose incorrectly. For the rest of the night I was struggling to keep up (sorry :-level). Through a muddy field and the we started to climb in a level way and then surprisingly we levelled out in a downward way.
This was followed by a quite severe level which involved a lot of hashers walking. From here we went along until we could look down at Rainow. The views were spectacular. The nearly last level bit brought us to White Nancy where we looked down at the pub to which we soon descended for beer and more beer. Excellent and well laid.

Tuesday 21 May 2002

Tonight was the 20th birthday and was set by the two accounting meisters Dave L and Dave T and subject to audit by a goodly hash turnout of 40 with 3 dogs.
The weather was slightly damp and overcast but the worst of the rain held off and the trail was mostly dry. The hash was also notable for a return visit of Helen and an outing of Millie the dog who is now unfortunately blind but still put in a good run.
Allan and John cycled down from Knutsford to join us for the on-in at the Pheasant. The pub is sited on a ridge looking out across open countryside with magnificent views. The food though is poor value and has pretentions of grandeur (but in a very small way portion wise)
That aside the trail was excellent and thoroughly enjoyed by all especially John Moorhouse who had mistakenly driven down the previous week before realising he was on his own and getting back to within a couple of miles of where he started for the actual hash.

The Hash GM Reports from the saddle20th Anniversary Run 21.05.02 "The last time I cycled 24 miles, was the last time mortgage rates were at 4%!", puffed a slightly haggard Mr. Harborne, as we pedalled slowly up a hill through the rain. As we freewheeled down the other side dodging puddles & suicidal rabbits, he tried to work out who was Chancellor of the Exchequer 36 years ago. It bizarre what flies into your mind, as you try desperately not to think about how wet you are, how your brakes don't work, & how far you have to go before the promised 3 pints can be launched on their one way flight to the porcelain.
As two ancient Cheshire Hashers who regrettably can't pad round with the pack anymore, Mr. H & I got invited to the 20th Anniversary bash, with the proviso that we made our own way there! There then turned out to be the Pheasant at Burwardsley. Nice pub, with a nice view of the Welsh mountains! It's not EXACTLY on Knutsford's door step! Anyway, research was carried out, plans drawn up & weather forecasts scrutinised. All seemed well, except to keep the distance down to 24 miles, we'd have to do the last 2 miles uphill on the Sandstone Trail.
The problem with Burwardsley is that approaching by road means coming at it from Wales. Over 27 miles from Knutsford, so the Sandstone Trail is a significant short cut, & very much in keeping with that well known Hash tradition! Comes the day, comes a sou'wester that would have Nick safely tucked up in the Marina Bar, & not behind the wheel of his racing yacht.
Still, with John's car safely stowed in the Pheasant's car park, there's no alternative to donning the Helly Hansen, the walking boots, the waterproof golf trousers & setting off to recover it! I really must get some suitable cycling gear. West Cheshire isn't flat, so we allowed plenty of time to get there & used it all.
We arrived after no mishaps, just as the back of the pack returned to the pub. In accordance with another well known Hash tradition, the two trail layers said they didn't know we were coming, so had not ordered food. Dave T could remember most of the menu, so kindly ordered extra Turkey & Ham pies for the intrepid Tour de France specialists, whilst they used their remaining strength to haul their valiant steeds onto John's bike rack. On crawling into the pub it seems pies is finished! Alternatives are chosen, pint pots are thrust into shaking but welcoming hands, & the whole reason for Hashing becomes clear again. Moments later, we are steered into the restaurant for the food. "My God!" someone exclaims, "Tablecloths!!" Previous Hash Anniversary thrashes have often been at The Crown at Lower Peover, an establishment noted for the size of its portions, & speed of delivery. But it doesn't do tablecloths, & certainly not waitresses in white blouses & black skirts, who assume customers are incapable of unfolding napkins, so do it for you, & plonk said garment in your lap!
Anyway, a very pleasant evening passes by in a slowly increasing blur. Clarity returns with the arrival of Martin's 6 foot 3 frame & a request for 15 quid! They don't do that in The Crown either!  

Tuesday 14th May 2002

This evening the trail was from the Hare and Hounds at Crowton. The hares were Lynn and Ken and the weather had cleared to a blue sky with a bit of a breeze. We set off promptly 5 minutes late and trolled up the road for three checks before going off road. Across field and dale we went to the chuckles of Lynn as the hash got it wrong 'This is fun'.

The worrying thing was that we were heading downhill ( some would say we had done this for years) and we ended up at the swing bridge crossing at Acton Bridge. The next worrying thing was heading uphill on the wrong hill... Fortunately we diverted across more fields and crossed the Weaver again at the locks, having paused to admire a carving of a boat with dog which was a new adornment to the riverbank. Off to the fields again and under the railway and on-onward. A few more fields and the uphill again brought us back to the Pub. Tony Elliss was noted to have been a consistent shortcutter by the hon-hon sec.

Tuesday 7th May 2002

Well I had two weeks missing. One as my son had a birthday and the other because I was laid up with a horrendous cough, sore throat, cold which had absolutely nothing to do with going to Dublin with Wirral and Chester Hash and drinking copious amounts of Guinness. ( Unless it was the wet glasses and the 3 pints during the Sunday Hash)

Back to now. Brian B set tonights trail from the Carriers at Hatchmere. Off we gallopped ( by the way the Lymm bus was on time!!!) along roads to take in the Delamere forest. It was fab being out without a torch again and the conditions were excellent. Brian took us around footpaths, through mud and , as it was Brian, he led us to a 'I know it's this way!' stage before we ended up in a swamp and we backtracked for a half mile through the woods to rejoin the trail.. It was excellent. Keep it up B

Tuesday 16th April 2002

The trail tonight was designed by committee. Heather planned it with Allan. Allan set it, Heather reset it , Allan re-re-set it and then Allan and Nick went round it so Nick knew where to go as the leading back marker. (see below) . There was an excellent turn out including those brave 7 who had completed the London two days before. The times were good but then you'ld never get me up in one of them marathon things.

First the pre-amble in more ways than one. The trail was from the Railway at Mobberly for the second time this year ( see Feb 5th) and the Lymm bus did their .. is it this road / turning ?? and drove round and round rather than risk being on time. Blame Max the master of mis-navigation. The trail was excellent and took us along the new routes created around Runway 2 of Manchester Airport. The almost funniest sight was seeing the hashers who set of down one side of the Bollin under the runway deciding that it was better to wade across rather than run back to the bridge. Take a bow Rob, Adrian, Dave T. The funnier thing was that the trail re-crossed the Bollin half a mile further on. The torches were only needed for the last 10 minutes .

Here Follow the words of the Grand Master.

16th April 2002 - The most hard work trail in the history of hashing ever!

I'd not been out on a live trail since Rogers cyclo-running orienteering extravaganza in July 2001. After this recent escapade I might never make a guest appearance ever again! The story begins with aeroplanes. I've lived in Knutsford for 20 years, & taken no notice of them flying a few hundred feet above my roof tiles, until a Public Enquiry decided that they ought to be allowed an opportunity to remove my TV aerial from Spring 2001, with the opening of the second Manchester runway.

We moved! However, the opening of the new runway provoked enough interest for me to wander down to Mobberley to have a quick look. 12 months on I have de-cobwebbed my 35 year binoculars, bought a book on planes, have Manchester Airport's web site as one of "favourites", & have turned into a complete plane anorak.

This new interest means I have a detailed knowledge of the footpaths round the new runway. To be fair to the airport, they have sliced across 3 old paths, but have joined up the dead ends. So it is now possible to virtually walk all the way round the airport, as far up as the new tunnel that lets the River Bollin trundle quietly under the new runway. The On Sec & I thought here's an ideal opportunity for a novel trail, as it seemed likely many hashers wouldn't be aware of the tunnel.

The planning went well, the practical trail laying didn't! 10 days before the run, the Hon Sec E Mails a note saying, "I'm in Wales this weekend, we'll sort out the trail during next week!" Now, I had a hell of a lot on during that week, so I E Mail back, "As the weather is great, I hope you don't mind if I go out and lay a bit of the trail." So I do a bit that Friday afternoon, and then a little bit more on the Saturday & the final bit on the Sunday! Job done. OK, so with my aching body it takes 3 days to do something that used to take 3 hours, but I'm delighted. I E Mail the Hon Sec with the good news. Stupidly, I did not leave a phone message.

I hear nothing from her by Monday lunchtime, so the leave a phone message on her ansaphone. An hour later, the phone goes & a cheery On Sec says, "Hi, sorry I wasn't in when you rang, I've just been out trail laying." She had checked her phone messages on her return from the Principality, but not her E Mails!

The omens are not good. We hold emergency Cabinet Meeting. We've both decided on virtually the same route. Problem is, I've gone clockwise, & she's gone anti-clockwise. To add to the mayhem, she tells me she has been happily removing loads of markers as she was anyway expecting to see some old ones, from a trail Dave & Adrian laid a month ago! So, nothing for it, we have to decide which way round to go (anti-clockwise), & I'll have to remove any confusing markers. Oh, & one other small thing. The On Sec thinks she had better have help controlling the trail, as she may not be in absolutely peak condition 48 hours after the Marathon. So Nick ("I'm just a foot soldier") will need to go round the trail so he knows where it is. Early Friday evening is agreed on, & I can also test the trails suitability for a bike.

All is then well, although by now the 3 of us have spent more time on this short 5 mile epic, than any other trail in the history of hashing (probably anywhere)!

Tuesday evening arrives at the Railway Inn, as do over 30 Hashers & 2 pedallers, myself & the equally crocked John H. The trail runs fine, and includes a unique section best described as, "wading a river whilst underneath an international airport runway". When the pack got to the tunnel beneath the new runway, half of them rapidly worked out this had to be the way home, as the pub was the other side of the runway. So they set off into the tunnel on the side of the river closest to the pub. However, there are 2 roads either side of the river in this tunnel. To the delight of those at the back of the pack & to the late arriving trail layers, the correct route was the road on the furthest side of the tunnel to the Railway Arms. There's nothing more satisfying for a trail layer than to come upon a check, where the pack are all down the wrong check.

The inevitable "On Back!" is roared down the tunnel to recall the navigationally challenged miscreants. They are very reluctant to come back! Further "On Backs" are fired at them. Some sigh, gird up their Nikes & hurtle back. However, half a dozen hardy souls hesitate & then decide to use the scaling ladders that for some reason allow access down to the River Bollin itself & start to wade across! Fortunately, North Cheshire has had no rain for a month, so the Bollin is a relative trickle, although still sufficient depth to freeze Doctor Robs kneecaps as he tiptoes across the river bed. By the time this painfully slow wading process had been accomplished, most of those who had "on backed" the normal way, had overtaken their sodden colleagues!

So, all safely return to the pub. Roger has counted them all out, & counted them all back I again. An excellent evening is had, & as John H & I gently weave our way home, he tells me the On Sec wants the two of us to cycle to the Hash at the end of May, that will celebrate the 20^th anniversary of the founding of the Cheshire Hash. Sounds good to me, & then he says "It's at Burwardsley". Now it's a nice boozer there, & the views of North Wales are excellent. But whether our bodies will be after 25 - 30 miles of undulating pedalling is extremely unlikely. John doesn't have an answer to the most vitally important question, "Will some kind Hashers bring us & out steeds back?" Hmmm!

TOP

Tuesday 9th April 2002

This was the third Red Lion in a row ( a Pride??) and was set by the Prof with Peter R in support. We were in Goostrey Near Joddrell Bank ( see last week) and the Lymm bus had the usual decision.. Is it straight on at the lights or left. ( I won't live that down rapidly even though we would have been as quick going this way last week if you see what I mean). The trail took us right past the telescope and a large part of the run was managed without artificial light. We had some new hashers who enjoyed the experience and the finish was downhill. Good trail.

Tuesday 2nd April 2002

Second Red Lion run in a row, this one was set by Roger from Lower Withington near Joddrell Bank. The Lymm bus got a little lost on the way by believing my directions at the traffic lights in Knutsford..wrong road!! We arrived at a gallop before the trail departed.

It was a typical Roger run, fairly long, not that many checks and with Roger looking after the front of the hash. It was a bit difficult through the ploughed fields and meant that the back markers got a bit dropped. I got a touch lost at the end and rescued myself from going too far in the wrong direction by the expedient of knocking on a door and asking where the pub was. I was about a mile the wrong way. However there were two pints waiting in the pub for me to catch up on that front.

Tuesday 26th March 2002

This was set by Mike M and Pierre from the Red Lion in Little Budworth. I don't know much about it as I was not there, but I gather it was a successful enterprise.

*****************A Gap************

Tuesday 19th February 2002

The trail was set by Mike & Pam for the trail on the night of their silver wedding anniversary. The trail left their house and disappeared up a footpath and into the mud faster than a slug chasing a lettuce leaf. Although it had been fine (hem-hem) when they set the trail it had rained steadily throughout the day and we were grateful of the waterproofs ( those that had brought them). The wind was brisk so that if you were going with it you were fair bowling along :- but into it was a different matter. Fields that we were advised as ' a bit muddy' turned out to be large pond with a lot of grass in them. However it all turned out to be a good trail and after changing we were partook of the excellent fare laid on by the hares...beer.. curry... pie...lasagne... cake... beer.. Thanks P&M many more of them.

Tuesday 12th February 2002

Brooke landed back from Australia this morning and phones to ask where the trail was.. (dedicated or what?)

I told him it was the Boot at Kelsall and said 'Kevan is the hare with Eleanor back marking'

'Bugger' he said ' I may as well go back to bed'

But on offer of a lift he changed his mind, obviously for one with slightly less sense to match that of the other hashers. The evening was mild but the clouds had gone to leave a bright starry sky. On the off there was a feint by some of the 32 hashers ( with one visitor from City hash London) to go straight up the hill. But Kevan had fooled and we went down and the next check was also down!!! Unprecedented for Kev to miss out these up-ortunities so early but he made good use of the hills later. The trail was fairly dry even through the fields and woods though what shiggy there was was of the noxious variety. The trail was excellent and suited the weather condition. Fortunately Kev had missed out some checks and a loop towards the end so we were all fairly happy to get on the outside of a pint or so. The night was also Rob Stvensons 400th hash and he brought a big cake to prove it. A good trail

Tuesday 5th February 2002

Dave Arthur doesn't set a high percentage of trails and this one he set with Adrian was typical. Well thought out, good distance, good pub and running through lots and lots of mud. Tonight was set from the Railway at Mobberley, your reporter in the Lymm bus was late yet again. We had a sprint to catch up with the pack but were held up because at that moment a train came through and the gates went down while we were literally on the wrong side of the tracks. Fortunately there was a loop built in to the start which we could chop and meet them at the fourth check. From then it was downhiill....... then through the mud and uphill again. This was unusual in that it was muddier and wetter at the top of the hill than the bottom. The hash motto was much quoted by Adrian 'It wasn't like this when we set it!!'. However the trail was hashed, the clarts were washed off and then into the pub for an excellent pint or two. Two hashers hit round numbers with Martin H reaching his 400 and Roger T his 700th

Tuesday 15th January 2002

The Dog Inn Over Peover A maiden trail for Paul and Steve appropriately set from the site of CH3's primal 'On-On'. The weather was as good as you could hope for in January - dry and starlit with the temperature staying just above freezing. A good turnout of over 30 although Roger had some difficulty reconciling what he counted out with what was counted in. The trail was a good mixture of lanes and fields. After passing the Parkgate Inn (reluctantly by some) we encountered that horrible muddy/brambly/nettled path forced on us earlier this winter. Thankfully the trail turned away here to the farm and back across the estate of Peover Hall. The snug was soon packed with thirsty runners enjoying a good range of beers and another open fire (might start packing a toasting fork in future). Ken Craig

Tuesday 8th January 2002

8th January The Fishpool Inn. Peter Rose set a grueller from this cracking little pub near Cotebrook. The first half of the run was steeply uphill in the direction of Tirley Garth which is odd because the second half seemed to be all uphill as well. How we ended up at the same elevation at the end is a mystery to me because we never at any time ran downhill. The Sandstone Trail was well utilised, bringing back painful memories for those of us who entered the Sandstone Trail Race last September. A final loop through some woods well stocked with brambles, barbed wire and nettles (stingers in January!) and into the snug for beer and complimentary peanuts. Ken Craig

Wednesday 2nd January 2002

The Golden Pheasant. A new year of Hashing got under way in sub-zero temperatures from the Golden Pheasant in Plumley. The snow was deep and crisp and uneven on the feast of Rob Stevenson as we slithered and stumbled across the corrugated fields. It was noted how muddy this run would have been without the bitter cold. Talking of bitter, the J.W. Lees went down well in front of a roaring fire. The drivers who missed out on the booze had their fun in the skating rink of a car park, practising some handbrake turns. This was Richard Goulding's 200th run and as Higgo pointed out he is probably the only Cheshire hasher to achieve this on a Wednesday. Ken Craig

TOP