PLEASE NOTE: NO HASH THIS MONDAY

 

MONDAY 25TH SEPTEMBER

Winfield's funeral will be taking place from Exeter Crematorium at 4:30 pm.

 

As a mark of respect, there will be no hash on this day. 

 

The wake, from the Langstone Cliff Hotel, Dawlish, will proceed afterwards, possibly by 6 pm. 

 

The family would prefer that hashers who knew Winfield, do attend the service and not just go to the wake. 

 

The family has chosen 2 charities for donations:

1. Singing for the Brain

2. Memory Lane Cafe, Dawlish The Riverside Centre, Manor Grounds, Dawlish EX7 9AJ

 A CHOCOLATE SHEEP & CHOCOLATE BROWNIES GALORE

TVH3 The Words for 18th September 2023  
Park Inn, Kingskerswell
Run No. 1987

HARES: Shitfaced and "friends"

Who wuz there: Shitfaced, Man-Pig, Bluebird, Beeflicker, Piltdown Man, Georgie Porgy, Smellie, Strap-On, Coldtits, Wetfart, Ernie, Fukarwe, Beefy, Pisswell,Erection, Manopause, Broken Man, Fallen Woman, Threesum, Pollyfella, T-Humper and 5 virgins from the Park Inn,additionally, Park'n'Ride and
Martin (non-runners)

Circle

Shitfaced welcomed all to the stand-in Hash at the Park Inn; a late substitute venue due to the postponement of Winfield's funeral. The original trail had been planned to be Beefy's birthday trail from Widecombe and this will now be rescheduled. This may explain, in part, why Smellie does not require Hares till November.

Wetfart updated us on Teapot. He is still in Torbay Hospital and has lost a lot of weight but otherwise reasonably OK. He has undergone some  more tests, at Derriford I think, but they too have come back inconclusive.
All a tad frustrating and we all wish Teapot a speedy recovery...hopefully in time for his upcoming holiday.

Over to the Hare(s). Co-Hare, Bluebird, was absent from the Circle but en route. Man-Pig and Bluebird had spent a pleasant and mainly sunny afternoon laying the trail.
Along our route we had encountered a lovely, and inquisitive, chocolate brown sheep who had her nose in the flour bag. We also encountered a couple of friendly horses. But the Hash would not be
interested in that. They wanted to know distances. Man-Pig espoused the usual porkies:

"For you, Beeflicker, the Longs' is just under 6. The Shorts' is just under 5 and the Walkers' is just under 4...........miles!"

Groans all round. It had gone down quite well.

"If it's too long for the Walkers, you will know where you are and you can plan your own route back", which is what I think is what quite a few of the Walkers did.

The Trail

The trail took us through a housing estate and to the crossroads in front of The Hungry Horse/Sloop. It was then up past the primary school and up again the Coffinswell Lane footpath to the first check. The trail went left and climbed to its highest point and another check, but nobody was fooled as the pack descended down the broad track and into Coffinswell.
No check at the road junction but a dot was quickly seen as the pack swung left passing a nice property for sale by Knight Frank (it must be a nice property if Knight Frank are marketing it!). Then a grind to a halt - a back check.
Beefy was soon on trail heading up a public footpath but not before Erection was convinced that he could battle his way through a hedge and up a steep bank when he was less that 15 feet from the actual trail. Fortunately, a call of "On-On" from Beefy prevented Erection from causing
any more damage to a resident's hedge.

The footpath opens onto a flat and recently mowed meadow in front of two rather prestigious houses. It was already quite dark so we didn't get to see our inquisitive chocolate sheep again. Where the public footpath joins Connybeare Lane a check had been kicked out to the left. The next check didn't lead anywhere, so it was carry on along Connybeare Lane to the Walkers/Long & Short split at last.

The Walkers went left and across the new(ish) public footpath that skirts the field and opens onto Blackenway Lane. From here the Walkers had a simple descent down Blackenway Lane before turning right into Milber Lane and heading towards Paraprick's abode. Then it was down Yewtree Climb (so named on Strava), past the Zig Zag quarry and onto the "OH" sign at the junction with the main road.

The Longs and the Shorts carried on across St Marychurch Road and down the ragged and rutted footpath that goes by the name of Waterwell Lane.
By Wren Cottage, the track passes under a small bridge and then crosses two fields before ending at the tiny hamlet of Haccombe.
Here the trail went down to a T-junction and then left towards Netherton. Halfway along this lane, we arrived at the one and only Long/Short split.

The Longs comprised Beefy, Beeflicker, Pisswell, Pollyfella, Ernie and Fukarewe. The trail took them right and onto a farm track that loops around and onto Shaldon Road at Netherton. Then came the interminable climb up the aptly named Hiller Lane to rejoin the Shorts at the junction of Long Lane
and Haccombe Path near the Newtake playing fields.

For the Shorts (Manopause, Erection, Smellie and Strap-On) it was up and up again,following the public footpath up to the eastern end of Long Lane...or not as turned out to be the case.
The lower end of this footpath has recently been fenced off so as to separate the footpath from the fields. However, the fencing is absent in the top field. This had Smellie and Strap-On searching for an exit in the middle of the field.

The next stile was hidden behind a large gorse bush in the top right hand corner of the field.

Back on track, it was a short trot down Haccombe Path before an arrow had us head due east  along the Milber Lane footpath and to rejoin the Walkers' trail above Zig Zag quarry. 

Home at last and time for a beer!

Down-Downs

All back safely and suitably replenished courtesy of Park'n'Ride, it was on to the Down-Downs. In the absence of Forrest Stump, U-Bend and Fallen Woman, who had to go home as she was feeling a ittle unwell, Man-Pig had to preside over his own trail.

"First, thank the pub for the scoff....and the beer". Cheers all round.

"What did we think of the trail?" Jeers all round.

Ernie. Poor Ernie, as the ditty goes. He still had the Hashshit shirt but this was only because Wet-Johnny couldn't make it this week - in Colombia, perhaps dealing with something, apparently.
Ernie looked at Smellie. "No. It's not you this week". Then Pisswell was named as a potential candidate before Ernie described Erection's understanding of theHare's description of what to do at a back check.
Namely, go back to the last dot and start looking for a trail from there. Not, "Create your own trail from there", as Erection started climbing through a hedge next to the dot!

"He was up the hedge like a rat up a drain pipe", recalled Ernie. Accordingly, a note for 'King Rat'.

It was good to have Bluebird back on the scene. He had the Jester's Hat from about 6 weeks ago. He described Sunday's monsoon weather and its destruction followed by the story of how Man-Pig was actually delighted by the downpour. This had resulted in the Pig's pool now being full enough to
engage the filtration system. Man-Pig jumped into his mankini and into the pool for the first time this year.....much to Mrs Man-Pig's surprise.....
"You're not going swimming are you? It's raining!"
Accordingly, the Pig received the second Down-Down; fortunately not sporting his mankini!

Any birthdays? Of course there was. This was supposed to have been Beefy's birthday hash from Widecombe. T-Humper was asked to explain how the Hash sing Happy Birthday to our blissfully unaware virgins, and off we went whilst Beefy despatched his half.
Beefy had baked some chocolate brownies for the occasion and duly shared them out from two sweetie tins. They all disappeared swiftly! Thanks, Beefy.

Someone had achieved their  big 500th run badge. This was an easy guess as Piltdown Man (who keeps a tally of these things) was pointing directly at Georgie Porgie. Georgie is not so keen on beer so she elected to have a glass of water instead.
Now, you would have thought that after 500 runs, Georgie would have remembered not to start drinking until after the singing had stopped. Well, errr, no. Georgie started drinking even before the singing had
started!

Was that it for the evening? No! Shitfaced announced to the very few people remaining in south Devon, who were not already aware, that T-Humper had become a Nan. That last half disappeared in an instant.
Congratulations Nan!

Next week

Next week's Hash is now at Forde Hall social club, Newton Abbot with Hares Hotlips, Zoot & Chuckles.
Note the change of venue and do NOT go to the Ten Tors as it shuts at nine o'clock apparently.

On-On to next week.

PLEASE NOTE - VENUE CHANGE

 Run #1987 Monday 18th September 7:15 pm from the Park Inn, 15 Coles Lane, Kingskerswell TQ12 5BQ with the Grand Master and friends.

TVH3 The Words for 11th September 2023

 

Tinkley Bottom, Trusham

 

Run No. 1986

 

HARE: Forrest-Stump (Birthday boy)

 

Who wuz there: Forrest-Stump, Mucking Fuddle, Man-Pig, Shitfaced, Beeflicker, Only Here for the Beer, Piltdown Man, Georgie Porgy, Smellie, Coldtits, Ablesemen, Wetfart, Ernie, Fukarewe, Melon Picker, Soapy, Arkangel, Palmolive, Beefy, Pisswell, Wet-Johnny, Erection, Manopause & Rearender (On-down only)

 

Circle

Shitfaced welcomed all to Tinkley Bottom - a place, not an affliction!

 

There were no announcements from Shitfaced, so over to Man-Pig for an update on Winfield's funeral. Details have been posted on the TVH3 Facebook page but, just to recap:

 

The funeral: this will take place at Exeter Crematorium on Monday 18th September at 2.30pm

Charitable donations in lieu of flowers to either or both of the following charities: Singing for the Brain and/or Riverside Memory Cafe (Memory Lane Cafe, The Riverside Centre, Manor Grounds, Dawlish EX7 9AJ  PLEASE NOTE - FUNERAL POSTPONED

 

 

The Wake will be at the Langstone Cliff Hotel, Dawlish. This is where Winfield celebrated his 70th birthday which many will recall. ALSO POSTPONED

Dress code: no dress code is specified in the Order of Service. Winfield's love of the Hash extended to his daughter (Gobbler), son-in-law (Sparky), son (Dan) and even grandson almost straight after he was born (Point 4). Accordingly, I would suggest that wearing a hash related item at the Wake might be appropriate. For those attending the funeral, I would suggest dressing appropriately out of respect. If I hear any differently, I will let everyone know via the Facebook page.

 

As the funeral is taking place on a Monday, Beefy has kindly agreed to defer his birthday hash at Widecombe to a later date. The current plan is that an ad hoc trail will be run (but not necessarily laid) in Dawlish after the Wake. PLEASE NOTE VENUE CHANGE - MONDAY 18TH HASH NOW FROM THE PARK INN

 

Pisswell updated us on Teapot who remains at Torbay Hospital and is still undergoing tests. Beefy and Pisswell saw him on Thursday. He is a little frustrated that there is no firm diagnosis, but otherwise he is in relatively good spirits. Sally (Desperate Housewife) has asked if Hashers wishing to visit Teapot could contact her first at beavercottage@hotmail.co.uk.

 

Smellie needed Hares for two dates in October. I think Beefy has offered to reschedule his birthday hash to accommodate one of those slots.

 

The Trail

The Teign Valley is a beautiful part of Devon and, without the Hash, most of us would be blissfully unaware of what it has to offer. The Hare's instructions were brief. The Walkers' could be as short as a half mile. The Longs' about 5 miles, and the Shorts' anything in between as there were five Long/Short splits!

 

With that, the Walkers were sent down Forrest's driveway whilst the Longs' and the Shorts' commenced with a lap around Forrest's meadow. The trail led straight across the end of Forrest's drive and along the route of the old railway line for 200 yards. The trail then bore right and up to above the flooded quarry to a lovely viewpoint, now safely fenced off. It has been a long, long time since we were up here.

Shortly after leaving the viewpoint, we all got slightly off trail. Some had crossed a stile into a field, others remained in woodland. Still no marks. Then a cry of "On-On" as a check had been located just the other side of a five bar gate. Up or down? The Pig checked uphill and scouted around a newly planted woodland plantation....only one mark.

 

Eventually, a call from down below in the valley where we picked up the trail at the Walkers/Long & Short split at the entrance to Whetcombe Barton.

 

The Walkers returned to chez Forrest to kick-off the barbecue whilst the Longs and the Shorts ascended a broad track up towards the edge of Trusham.

 

Before reaching the road, a Long/Short split had the Longs' divert into and around a field before rejoining the aforementioned track. 100 yards later, we were on the road at the edge of Trusham and at the second Long/Short split. Here, the Shorts had the opportunity to drop down the road and straight back to the On-Down. Otherwise it was head for Trusham and the first of three checks in a row.

 

Beefy went to check left at the first check. Beeflicker checked right at the second check which would have led to the dreaded ravine. Man-Pig checked straight ahead and came to a check outside White Cottage. The Pig decided to check up Church Lane and did, indeed, find two dots and an arrow. The fly in the ointment was that the arrow was pointing the wrong way.

 

Ernie had caught up so we decided to do the trail in reverse. We dropped down a footpath towards the road near the Cridford Inn. This was only to find another Long/Short split.

 

Up and into the woods it was, heading towards Shortridge and Bramble Bridge via the upper footpath. The Pig experienced a feeling of deja vu. This was the trail that he had laid for South Hams hash a fortnight earlier. Well, at least he knew where he was going. However, this time it was dark and torches were a must.

 

The eerie peacefulness of the deja vu experience was then shattered by a careering Wet-Johnny. "I need to get past. I can't stop". Ernie and the Pig heaved too in order to let the trail blazing FRB past. This was just before reaching the final split of the evening. We all went Long.

 

We could hear Wet-Johnny calling "On-On" below us but, nevertheless, the next two checks had not been kicked out. Ernie and Beefy were aghast. This was a crime against Hashing. The Pig, assuming that this was a repeat of the SH4 trail, correctly kicked out the trail straight ahead. In fairness, wet-Johnny was still calling but the calls were becoming fainter. He was on a mission to get back to the barbecue before Manopause and Erection had scoffed the lot.

 

The Pig led the remainder of the pack though a small gate which lay near the last Long/Short split. We were now out of the woods and venturing into scrubland.

 

The trail meandered upwards and finished at the end of Church Lane. This is where we came across the arrow that we had first encountered from the other direction on the outward trail. It looked pretty clear that we would now be rejoining the Shorts' trail all the way back to Tinkley Bottom. And so it proved to be but all was not straightforward.

 

We would now be running through the three checks that we'd previously run through but on a reciprocal bearing. Of course, they would now all be kicked out in the "wrong direction". The Pig was now on his own. He did his best to remark checks with twigs and a red dog lead. The Hare had forgotten to mention that parts of the out and back trail were shared and this led to a bit of confusion.

 

Eventually, all were back safely to avail themselves of Forrest's excellent hospitality. With ale distributed and the BBQ sizzling away, it was over to Man-Pig to commence the Down-Downs.

 

Down-Downs

"What did we think of the trail?" Cheers all round.

 

First up to give an award was Archangel. He had had the Turkish wedding hat (for about 6 months!). A story of downright perverse goings-on in the Teign Valley unfurled. Forrest had lured Pisswell and Archangel up to the Teign Valley last Tuesday on the pretence of recce'ing tonight's trail. Upon arriving they found no maps, no flour, no sawdust not even a pair of trainers. What confronted them was a man in a rubber suit. Oh dear.

 

Not only that. He also had a boat. This was going to be some trail. And so it was. From Tinkley Bottom to Coombe Cellars. Was this going to be another inflatable Hash?

 

Forrest was going to receive a note for the "rubber fettishest". However, being his birthday, he got away with all the right notes - but not necessarily in the right order.

 

Next was Ernie. Poor Ernie had been trying to give away the Hashshit shirt for three weeks. Last week it was like a boomerang and came back to him in under three minutes. Initially, Ernie's gaze turned towards Smellie.

 

"Have you ever had the Hashshit shirt three times in a row?"

"Err, maybe?" uttered a surprised Ellie.

"Well, tonight's your lucky night!"

A look of unbridled astonishment from Smellie.

"You're not going to get the shirt".

 

There were, nevertheless, three other contenders for the shirt. Pisswell for cycling up on her own at the far end of the meadow. Wet-Johnny for failing to kick out checks and Beefy for his complete incredulity when stating, "Checks not kicked out. This will never do".

 

A vote was called for with Wet-Johnny winning by a mile. He got the shirt but not the Down-Down as he was driving. A nomination was not needed as Manopause attained the highest speed of the evening as he rushed forward to dispatch the Down-Down in pretty swift order.

 

Forrest then awarded Beefy the final Down-Down for not doing anything wrong. Perhaps it was in recognition of Beefy's willingness to reschedule his birthday Hash? A note for "the innocent one".

The official Down-Downs may have been awarded but that was not the end of the Down-Downs. There was a badge to award. But first Hashers had to guess the number of runs on the badge. Eventually, Fukarewe guessed 500 runs correctly. Forrest's guesses of 1 and 69 were disqualified. But who had attained such esteem? None other than our host for the evening, Forrest Stump. "Hold it in your hand Mrs Murphy".

 

The evening concluded with us all raising our glasses to salute a gentleman and stalwart of the Hash. RIP Winfield X

 

Next week

VENUE CHANGE - NOW FROM THE PARK INN, KINGSKERSWELL

On-On to next week.

FUNERAL POSTPONEMENT

Gobbler informs us that Winfield's funeral has been postponed due to unforeseen circumstances. We will let you know when it has been rearranged.

Hash no 1985 The Warren House Inn’s Eternal flame.

Here are the words that Pisswell provided after her dramatic and memorable trail from the Warren House Inn. The coinciding of Winfield's passing the day after, caused a breakdown in the usual posting that Pisswell provides. My apologies for the confusion.

Please sing along to this tune

The Bangles - Eternal Flame (Official Video) - YouTube

Close your eyes, give me your hands, hashers

Do you feel the fire beating?

Do you understand? It’s the Warren Inn

Fires been lit for ever!

Is this burning an eternal flame?

I believe they’ve lifted their ban hashers

Best behaviour at down downs

Circle up with me

Can you see Pizwell? Can you see to Grimspound?

Or is that Birch Tor, heather clad, on trail?

( change of tune)

Some folklore

Deep inside the moor

Hairy hands at Postbridge

What the devil are cards for?

I don't want to lose this card game, oh no

Vitifer

Running through Tin mines

A whole trail of gulleys

A BB split is signed

I don't want to lose at cards here, oh no

( back to original tune)

Close your eyes, show me your hand, hashers

B’neath the tor your hearts beating?

Devils looking on. See those glowing eyes?

Or is that just a puma?

Are those eyes burning, an eternal flame?

Close your eyes, won’t see the snakes, hashers

Sweetie stop is there waiting

Chance to go on home, near the miners ruin?

Rest on on to Birch tor

Is the sunset an eternal flame?

Open eyes, look at the view, hashers

Can’t you feel your hearts beating?

Did you do the long? Did you see the bees?

Anyone been flicking?

Oh (no tarmac, (too tame!))

Getting dark, turn on your lights, hashers

As you run the two moors way.

Stop at Bennett’s cross. Safely made it back.

Scaredy cats all dreaming

Back to Warren and eternal flame

Dartmoor hash, give me your feed back hashers….

A LOVELY MAN

a David Hyde tribute

 

 

 

When I saw the stark news that Winfield had passed away, I was deeply shocked. We all knew that he was in hospital after his recent misfortune, but I cherished the belief that he would pull through.

 

Throughout the rest of the day, my thoughts were of him and how long we had known each other - not only on the hash but the time when we both were at Torbay Athletic club.

 

Now that the initial shock has subsided a little, I feel I must pay tribute to a great - and I do mean great - hasher, athlete and gentle man.

 

As the years pass, my recollection of time-frames fade. What follows may be a little disjointed or inaccurate, perhaps bordering on the incoherent, but it is, nevertheless, from the heart.

 

For longer than I know, Winfield (a clever hash naming derived from Dave's longstanding work as a manager at Woolworths) was 'Dad' to me on the hash.

 

It was an affectionate term and Dave played along with it. 

 

Everyone knew who 'Dad' was and often referred to him as such. It even spilled over onto the running club, I can remember Greg Fine calling him that down at the club.

 

Perhaps I am rambling, but I vividly recall a hash of yesteryear somewhere far out in the wilds - out of our usual hash territory.

 

I had gone off trail when my headtorch suddenly failed. There were no houses or habitation and it was pitch black. I found myself caught in a dense thicket and was unable to escape. I called as loud as I could for help and my voice carried across the valley.

 

Far away, Winfield turned and said: 'Is that my boy calling?' but he had no idea where I was. The story can be confirmed by Sparkie, Dave's son-in-law. 

 

Habitually late to hashes from his work, he came across me tangled up in fallen trees and rescued me. Definitely a Winfield family night I will always remember with great fondness.

 

Strangely, this was the first thing that I thought of when I heard that Winfield had passed away. It was that memorable and noteworthy.

 

As a hasher, Winfield was a legend. He stands high in the TVH Hall of Fame with over 1100 runs to his credit.

 

As it is to all dedicated hashers, Monday evening was special. Winfield was, unlike a few of us, extremely well organized - a key word - which we will revisit a bit later. His chariot (car to non-hashers) was always spotless and his bag neatly packed. When he retired, Winfield delighted in upgrades to later models, and it was quite luxurious being given a lift in his chariot.

 

Winfield loved a testing trail, the longer, the harder, the shiggiest, the better. I remember him as a FRB (front running b...!) and he was always up there with the lads, cracking a joke and revelling in the test.

Back in the OD (pub on down), Winfield was the life and soul of the party and was often in line for a down-down (penalty drink of beer).

 

Scanning through the archives, I have found dozens of video clips of Winfield downing the ale!

 

As time inevitably took its toll, Winfield slowed a little but that failed to dampen his enthusiasm and he remained a true hasher to the end.

 

Dave's other love was athletics. I know that he was a very successful and talented runner before he embarked on his hashing 'career'.

 

Old friend Denis Doy of Torbay AC wrote this tribute to Dave:

 

Outstanding veteran marathon runner. Great friend and training partner. Credit to the great sporting county of Essex.

 

Dave was extremely modest. You would never hear him talking of his running exploits but apparently he had trophies for road races from ten miles up to a marathon.

 

I can vouch for his stamina. Dave would, like many marathon runners, have a long run on Sundays. Flossie (Andrea Wallace, Torbay AC) might recall one run a few years ago when I joined her, Dave, little Horace (John Hambly) and Flossie's son, (Patrick) Beep Beep for a fifteen miler out at Cockwood, Dawlish.

 

I could hardly stand at the finish but Dave was only just getting going. I missed the next day's hash but Dave was there!

 

We turn to his service to Torbay AC. For quite a few years, Dave was Race Director for the Torbay Half Marathon. It took up a huge amount of his time.

 

Dave was reluctant to delegate duties to others, wanting to make sure it was done to his very high standards. He was a great motivator and organizer. He even got me involved by being the lead cyclist for the race a few times.

 

There were meetings after meetings, discussions even carried over to our social evening up at the Devon Dumpling, Thursday night!

 

I am not sure if Anne knew, but Winfield was always mentioning her and how he was neglecting her and all the chores he should have been doing at home. He often said that the only way he could get away with it was by booking a consolation cruise. There was always a rush to get things in hand before they set sail. Dear Winfield.

 

It was a sad day when Dave messaged me to say that he could no longer be the admin on our page. For more years than I can recall, he wrote the words for our runs. He instilled in me the importance of not missing a week and ensuring someone wrote them.

 

Looking through the many comments on our hasher page and Torbay AC's page, the words 'lovely man' are repeated so many times.

 

A typical comment from BroadS: 

 

Winfield was an awesome chap. Such a lovely guy and so welcoming when I joined. He will be sorely missed. On on Winfield.

 

This from Andy Philippou of Torbay AC: 

 

Proper gentleman, had time for everyone.

 

So many comments of love and the regard that Dave was held in by hashers and runners alike.

Dave touched so many lives. Always smiling, always positive and so inspirational. Most of all he was regarded as a true gentleman.

 

I was proud to call him Dad. In another life, I would have been proud to have had him as my real Dad.

 

Goodbye, Dave, we love you.

 

Run #1986 Monday 11th September 7:15 pm circle from Forrest's abode at Tinkley Bottom nr Trusham in the Teign Valley TQ13 0NT

BYO food and drink. There will be a barbie on the go. Forrest will provide soup and rolls. Bring any leftover fire works from last year’s cancelled bonfire hash! Forrest adds that camping is available.

TALES OF THE UNEXPECTED & CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF A GENTLEMAN

 TVH3 The Words for 4th September 2023  

Warren House Inn, Postbridge 

 

Run No. 1985

 

HARE: Pisswell

Who wuz there: Pisswell, Beefy, Man-Pig, Shitfaced, Forrest-Stump, Perry, Piltdown Man, Georgie Porgy, Smellie, Coldtits, Big End, Well Hopped, Broken Man, Fallen Woman, Strap-On, U-Bend, Ernie, Melon Picker, Soapy, Pork Torpedo, Horny & Beeflicker.

Circle

One week on from the bank holiday, the pack size was still smaller than usual at 21. 

Nevertheless, the epic trek into the middle of Dartmoor didn't perturb those 21 individuals. 

We were in no doubt that the Hare would not disappoint.

Shitfaced welcomed all but had little to announce so over to Man-Pig for an update on Winfield.

The original draft of the Words had been sent to Bluebird for publishing an hour before I learnt of Winfield's passing. Hence an update is both necessary and appropriate. Man-Pig had spoken with Mrs Winfield, Hovel Annie, on Friday. At that time, Winfield was in Dawlish hospital. As you might expect, he was not in a good way but he was strong in his mind and he grasped Annie's arm very firmly when she was visiting. Annie also mentioned that Pottsie was also in the same award and, also, with a broken neck. You really couldn't make it up. 

I have since heard that Pottsie is now back at home. Obviously, we all wish him a full and speedy recovery.

I appreciate that some of our newer members of the Hash might not have met Winfield. 

The first word that springs to mind whenever I think of Winfield is "gentleman". Winfield was always polite, helpful and led by example. He was a great long distance runner. 

For several years, he was the main organiser of the Torbay half marathon. And, in the same way in which Rambo encouraged Hashers to have a go at the Grizzly, Winfield did the same with the Torbay half marathon. As his Hash name implied, Winfield was connected with Woolworths. For many years he had been the manager for the Dawlish branch of Woolworths. Winfield, together with Pottsie and Teapot, are the elder statesmen of TVH3 and without them TVH3 would simply not exist. I think that I am correct in saying that Pottsie was one of our founder members.

For several years, Winfield was at the core of TVH3. His daughter Jo (Gobbler) and son-in-law (Sparky) were also regular attendees for many years. As a group, TVH3 extend our condolences to Hovel Annie, Gobbler, Sparky and the rest of Winfield's family. We also thank Winfield for his huge contribution to TVH3 over many, many years. 

 

We've had many a great trail from Winfield and have a lot to be grateful for. It is a privilege to say that I've spent many a run with Winfield and enjoyed every single one them.

On the subject of Teapot, Pisswell has seen him at Torbay Hospital and spoken with Desperate Housewife (daughter) regarding visiting etc. so expect an update soon.

Hare raiser, Smellie, is OK for Hares up to October so it was over to tonight's Hare - Pisswell.

Before the Hare had even opened her mouth, the pack couldn't but help noticie her gloves....furry, very furry. What had this got to do with the trail? What indeed? Read on. 

Dartmoor is in Pisswell's blood. She knows all tracks, the people and its folklore. Pisswell relayed a number of stories and legends about the moor. It commenced with the somewhat improbable story that the Warren House Inn is famous for its fire not having gone out for over 300 years. 

 

Next there was a story about a church tower in Widecombe that was split in two by the Devil who rode off on his horse only to throw his pack of cards across the moor. Continuing in this vein, hashers were strongly advised to collect any playing cards that they might encounter on trail lest a fate worse that death await them upon their return. 

 

Finally, the hairy hands. There is a story that the hairy hands of the moor will grab you from behind. This is most likely to occur when you are crossing a small bridge near the sweetie stop. Ooooo....errr!

Just before embarking onto the trail, Pisswell relayed two warnings.

A puma had escaped from a nearby private zoo (a true story apparently but not necessarily from this year!) and there was a part of the trail marked BB; BB for Bluebird as this part of the trail was a bit dodgy.

Well, nothing to worry about really; just the Devil, some ghoul with hairy hands and a puma. To cap it all, we would be returning to a pub that should, by rights, have burned down years ago. I wonder what its building's insurance premium is?

The Trail

Even before commencing the trail, the scenery in itself was already worth the journey. We could clearly see Grimspound in the distance, and the sun had just set behind the pub. What a beautiful evening with a warm, but fresh, breeze to refresh the soon to be sweating Hashers.

The Pig set off on the return trail and had to be called back whilst the rest of the pack headed off in a southeasterly direction. The landscape here had been mined (lead I think) way back when? 

We were running along the ridgeline of deep furrows when a BB (Bluebird) mark had the more adventurous dropping down into a complex of deep furrows. The most dangerous of the mine workings had been fenced off but it was still a bum-sliding descent for all of us to the bottom of the Bluebirdesque obstacle course. As promised, we came across a pack of playing cards and we all took one - that is ONE EACH Melonpicker!

Soon we were at the sweetie stop and the remains of an old building which must have been mining related. Why on earth would it be there otherwise? Over a tiny stone bridge we pattered and on to the Walkers'/Long & Shorts' split.

The Walkers' had a short 1.5 mile loop back to the car park whilst the Longs' and the Shorts' went eastwards and up. A pair of arrows had the pack turn north and up again to the top of Birch Tor and north again to the Long/Short split on the Two Moors Way.

FRB Beeflicker was long gone. I hadn't seen him since the car park. The balance of the Longs' comprised Beefy, Big End, Well Hopped, Ernie and Man-Pig. The Longs' proved to be a loop east along Two Moors Way before bearing southeast off the Two Moors Way and then southwest to Headland Warren Farm. Even before seeing the farm, we detected the whiff of a wood fire burning. The same smell that we had just caught on the outward trail and our first ascent to be atop Birch Tor. First?!

Yes. First. The trail took us back to the two arrows that we'd seen on the outward trail. 

All was clear - well clearish as it was beginning to get a bit dipsy. It looked as though the Longs' would be ascending Birch Tor - again - and then completing the trail by following the Shorts' trail west along the Two Moors Way. 

Just past the Tor, we caught up with Coldtits and Smellie. Beefy elected to shepherd the tail-enders home whilst Ernie, the Pig, Well Hopped and Big End closed in on the solitary torchlight at Bennett's Cross where Pisswell was....errrr, resting? It was now, ahem, quite dark. We were only 100 yards from the main road and, in the absence of a torch, the prospect of a 1km canter along the road was looking really rather inviting.

It was not to be as Pisswell directed us down a fairly broad track that took us back to the sweetie stop where we picked up the Walkers' return trail. Fortunately, despite the tales of hairy-handed ghouls and pumas, I was in the company of two good samaritans - Big End and Well Hopped. Even better, they both had torches. I snuck in between them for the final kilometre home.

Back in the car park, it was DARK. Definitely torches required after 8.30 now, even without any tree cover. Back at the pub, we worked out that the "missing" comprised Pisswell, Beefy, Smellie and Coldtits. From our vantage point at the Warren House, we could look down onto 

the trail. Sure enough, one, two and then three torchlights appeared meandering slowly long the trail. Pisswell and Coldtits with torches, Smellie with mobile phone light and Beefy, evidently benefitting from a diet of carrots.

Down-Downs

All safely back at the pub, it was time for the Down-Downs. Forrest Stump assumed RA'ing duties on the basis that he would not be RA'ing on his own trail next week. For some reason, the pub preferred us to do our down-downs outside. Equally perplexingly, we all had to be out of the pub by 9.30. In fairness, this is an isolated pub and makes all of its money from the tourist trade. I doubt if it gets much trade after 8pm.

There were only two non-hashers in the pub. As a matter of courtesy we explained what we were up to, and they elected to come outside and watch the spectacle of the Down-Downs. Whatamistakatomaka.

Outside, Ernie was desperate to give away two awards - the Hashshit shirt and the birthday hat. Forrest called for anyone who had a birthday that week. No one answered. Then, foolishly, our non-Hasher friend (Gerard from Dorset) mentioned that it was his 50th birthday. A half pint 

was thrust into his hand - but he was driving. So, he took one sip and handed the glass to his wife who was videoing all this on her phone. Even better, she is teetotal. This didn't prevent her from disposing of the remaining beer in pretty short order to the tune of all the rights notes

 - but not necessarily in the right order.

Back to Ernie - again.

"Do you recall Pisswell's instruction to take one card from the deck?"

"Yes", replied the Hash.

"How many have you got Melonpicker?"

"Err don't know. Twenty?"

Forrest poured the half pint into the child's wellington boot (unwashed since The Monks' Retreat) whilst songmeister, Pork Torpedo, kicked off with "He doesn't kiss the girls anymore....."

Third Down-Down went to the Hare for yet another excellent trail. No abductions by the Devil, and no-one eaten by a puma. This must be some measure of success. The songmeister offered up:

"The hairs of her dickiedido....." or should that be "Hares on her dickiedido"?

The final half, along with the Hash shirt, is returned to Ernie....and I'm blessed if I can remember why.

Another moorland extravaganza, replete with local folklore. Thank you Pisswell. A fantastically beautiful run.

Next week

Next week's Hash is at Tinkley Bottom (chez Forrest) with barbecue - bring your own food to BBQ and booze. Forrest will supply soup and rolls. Also, bring any unused fireworks from last year's cancelled bonfire night Hash and don't forget your TORCHES!

On-On to next week  

RIP Winfield.

Monday 4th September map

 Run #1985 Monday 4th September 7:15 pm circle up from Warren House Inn, Postbridge, Yelverton PL20 6TA with Pisswell.