With so many hashers missing in bars all over Poland, scribes were virtually non-existent and so dearly beloved we must revisit Henry V, Act III, Scene I.*
HASH #1746 Monday 11th June from the Park Inn at Kingskerswell. Hare Paraprick
With a reported 18 TV hashers away on a Polish booze extravaganza, it was on the cards that turnout would be low for the run from the hugely popular hash on down at the Park Inn.
However, when the latecomers had been counted in, some 24 hashers including that grand old stager Polyfella, visitees Tear Arse and Twinkletoes and not forgetting Teapot (welcome return from illness) set out on a beautiful early summer's evening.
Paraprick had indicated that there were 4 L/S splits plus a SS from his drum somewhere in the depths of darkest Coffinswell. He had come fully equipped for the rigours of the trail and was last to leave the Park - astride his quad bike.
Pottering along in the rear, the FRBs presumably comprising Poacher, Polyfella, Wet Johnny WJ WJ, Manpig, Roxanne & Manopause, were never sighted as the trail meandered along a mix of bridle paths and scenic country lanes.
Progressing with great caution (sprained ankle 48 hours previously and ankle strapped) I eventually linked up with Teararse and was persuaded to drop by the sweetie stop.
The sounds of merriment could be heard as we headed up the drive and rounding the corner of the house there was a splendid spread laid out on the patio. Most of the hash were already ensconced, swigging bottled beer and munching tea cakes - Paraprick had done us proud.
Manpig entertained with a tale of Poldark as the stragglers kept arriving and such was the conviviality of the grade 1 SS, the hash lingered, somewhat reluctant to leave the bacchanalian allure. But depart they eventually did, the longs with a final lung-sapping loop whilst the shorts had a pleasing descent to the quarry and lake past a line of majestic foxgloves where many a snap was taken to remember the passing.
At last the Park Inn loomed large and the landlord came out to meet us remarking that it must have been a long run - such was the time we had dallied at the SS. A bag of ice was brought (nothing is too much trouble for the staff of this fine hashing waterhole) to reduce the swelling on my ankle and I joined the hash which was percolating out into the comfort of the garden to await the hash grub and DDs.
Wide Receiver, assisted by Teapot, RA'd the DDs which were as follows:
Manpig with summer hashit shirt to Slobbadog for not spotting that a bottle had a screw top.
Zen awarded substitute Moose Hat (Forrest absent) for 'ogling ladies' I think.
Roxanne, he of the natty sixties style goalie attire, for 'chatting up' Manopause.
And finally, a most deserved reward DD for the hare and his fine efforts laying the trail and providing the great spread.
A naming for young Maddie who was given the hash handle of I-Poo'd and had a glass of water to seal the deal.
The 'any other stories' request provided the last DD of the evening to Dev who had been nominated a few weeks ago from the Park Inn for a transgression.
Zen awarded substitute Moose Hat (Forrest absent) for 'ogling ladies' I think.
Roxanne, he of the natty sixties style goalie attire, for 'chatting up' Manopause.
And finally, a most deserved reward DD for the hare and his fine efforts laying the trail and providing the great spread.
A naming for young Maddie who was given the hash handle of I-Poo'd and had a glass of water to seal the deal.
The 'any other stories' request provided the last DD of the evening to Dev who had been nominated a few weeks ago from the Park Inn for a transgression.
An outstanding evening and I close with Slobbadog's quote which sums it up completely: 'Lovely hash tonight.. Absolutely beautiful vibe. Cheers to the hashers.'
ON ON to next week at my once local, the Thatched Tavern at Maidencombe with T Humper and Slobbadog.
* Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more … long sigh (sic)