Run #1747 from the Thatched Tavern at Maidencombe
SHERIFF OF NOTTINGHAM THWARTED
Some two dozen hashers made the circle outside the Thatched Tavern at Maidencombe - numbers being reduced by the evening World Cup game between England and Tunisia. The bonus was that the threat of the iniquitous 24/7 charges in the TCCT (aka the Sheriff of Nottingham) managed car park did not come into play. Scathing comments from Teapot as I drew up in my car were justified (I live but a quarter of a mile away) but I did have a valid reason as a select few may have known.
Some two dozen hashers made the circle outside the Thatched Tavern at Maidencombe - numbers being reduced by the evening World Cup game between England and Tunisia. The bonus was that the threat of the iniquitous 24/7 charges in the TCCT (aka the Sheriff of Nottingham) managed car park did not come into play. Scathing comments from Teapot as I drew up in my car were justified (I live but a quarter of a mile away) but I did have a valid reason as a select few may have known.
THE ROLL CALL
It's always a nervous and exciting time for the hare(s) waiting at the circle to see who will turn up but worries were dispelled when some highly respected hashers began to arrive: The afore-mentioned High Priest of the hash Teapot; Winfield the Enforcer; Doris of Untold Runs; Wetfart the Complainer; ever popular Soapy & Melon Picker; Wigwam the Weary (after his Polish expedition); Archangel ex GM of several years - promptly availing himself of the free tomato plants on offer at the Austins'; grand veterans Forrest Stump & Poacher taking time and effort to journey to darkest Maidencombe; Mavis Antipodean; Number 69 the Unexpecting* & Late Queen Coldtitz. They were augmented by regulars Slip on Me, Satnav, cronies Manopause & Roxanne, local Ding Dong and not forgetting the hares with I-Poo'd and one yet to be named. Nearly forgot Mavis' true love Mel. I've named twenty three and I refuse to mention the author of these words so the roll call may be complete.
It's always a nervous and exciting time for the hare(s) waiting at the circle to see who will turn up but worries were dispelled when some highly respected hashers began to arrive: The afore-mentioned High Priest of the hash Teapot; Winfield the Enforcer; Doris of Untold Runs; Wetfart the Complainer; ever popular Soapy & Melon Picker; Wigwam the Weary (after his Polish expedition); Archangel ex GM of several years - promptly availing himself of the free tomato plants on offer at the Austins'; grand veterans Forrest Stump & Poacher taking time and effort to journey to darkest Maidencombe; Mavis Antipodean; Number 69 the Unexpecting* & Late Queen Coldtitz. They were augmented by regulars Slip on Me, Satnav, cronies Manopause & Roxanne, local Ding Dong and not forgetting the hares with I-Poo'd and one yet to be named. Nearly forgot Mavis' true love Mel. I've named twenty three and I refuse to mention the author of these words so the roll call may be complete.
CIRCLE UP
The virgin hares outlined three L/S splits and a SS and the pack, given their marching orders, immediately went their separate ways - the shorts ascending the aptly named Steep Hill, while the longs dropped to the car park for a mini tour of the fields south of the village.
The virgin hares outlined three L/S splits and a SS and the pack, given their marching orders, immediately went their separate ways - the shorts ascending the aptly named Steep Hill, while the longs dropped to the car park for a mini tour of the fields south of the village.
TRIAL BY TRAIL
Longs and shorts eventually progressed down Stoke Road and the crossroads at Gabwell, with another stiff climb to Ridge Road whereupon the shorts mercifully trekked east on the flat to Solomons Post before crossing into Sladnor Park. The longs had a further loop to navigate, including a very steep and rocky descent onto the lower reaches of Rocombe hill.
Longs and shorts eventually progressed down Stoke Road and the crossroads at Gabwell, with another stiff climb to Ridge Road whereupon the shorts mercifully trekked east on the flat to Solomons Post before crossing into Sladnor Park. The longs had a further loop to navigate, including a very steep and rocky descent onto the lower reaches of Rocombe hill.
NOVELTY SWEETIE STOP INDEED
The SS, courtesy of Sladnor residents Richard and Lou, was situated above the top tier of the eight pairs of Swiss style cantilever lodges within the scenic Sladnor Park estate. And what a table of delights were set out for the hash. T Humper and Slobbadog had fabricated some novel sweets to accompany the de rigueur beer.
The SS, courtesy of Sladnor residents Richard and Lou, was situated above the top tier of the eight pairs of Swiss style cantilever lodges within the scenic Sladnor Park estate. And what a table of delights were set out for the hash. T Humper and Slobbadog had fabricated some novel sweets to accompany the de rigueur beer.
A fascinating display it certainly was:
Chambord marshmallow 16.5% ABV
Strawberries & Baileys fudge 17.0% ABV
Amaretto lollies 24% ABV
Real Ale peanut brittle
Tequila Sunrise sweets
Strawberries & Baileys fudge 17.0% ABV
Amaretto lollies 24% ABV
Real Ale peanut brittle
Tequila Sunrise sweets
From the SS, it was a relaxing walk down Rockhouse Lane and through the ancient cider orchard to the Thatched Tavern with Teapot already outside in his car listening to the final moments of the football.
DOWNDOWN TIME IN THE TEA GARDEN
The DDs were conducted outside in the pub's award winning gardens. Not a single RA was to be found and so Melon Picker kindly stepped in to officiate.
The DDs were conducted outside in the pub's award winning gardens. Not a single RA was to be found and so Melon Picker kindly stepped in to officiate.
The 1747 Trail Awards at Maidencombe went to:
MAVIS for a kissing gate moment with Manopause! DD taken in Mavis' trademark doggie bowl style.
T.HUMPER who lost her Durries? in Ausssie lingo (tobacco)
No69 his 300runs badge at long last! *A rare visit to the pub after the run and Teapot took advantage to award.
SLUBADOG a reward for that excellent "sweet" stop then managed to spill most of it down her front !!
MANOPAUSE was he a suitable fit for that new Pillock Shirt?
MAVIS for a kissing gate moment with Manopause! DD taken in Mavis' trademark doggie bowl style.
T.HUMPER who lost her Durries? in Ausssie lingo (tobacco)
No69 his 300runs badge at long last! *A rare visit to the pub after the run and Teapot took advantage to award.
SLUBADOG a reward for that excellent "sweet" stop then managed to spill most of it down her front !!
MANOPAUSE was he a suitable fit for that new Pillock Shirt?
POSTCRIPT
T Humper and Slobbadog (aided and abetted by Shitfaced the Champion Drinker) put a lot of time into their first attempt at trail laying. They researched the area with the help of Rich & Lou and I couldn't fail to be impressed with their trail. The rocky traverse from Ashacre Cross down into Rocombe is not well known and it was the first time in twenty years that I used it on Monday.
The novelty 'homemade sweetie' stop was glorious and will dwell long in the memory I think.
T Humper and Slobbadog (aided and abetted by Shitfaced the Champion Drinker) put a lot of time into their first attempt at trail laying. They researched the area with the help of Rich & Lou and I couldn't fail to be impressed with their trail. The rocky traverse from Ashacre Cross down into Rocombe is not well known and it was the first time in twenty years that I used it on Monday.
The novelty 'homemade sweetie' stop was glorious and will dwell long in the memory I think.
All in all, a great virgin lay by the hares we all agreed - well done.
ON ON to next week at the Old Manor Inn, Preston with Bobbiball.