#1757 Mon 27th August at Staverton Railway Station. Hare: Beefy.
A novelty venue indeed - Beefy, he of Thomas the Tank Engine fame, had engineered [sic] the event which would allow TVH to enjoy an extension to the South Devon Railway's 'Rails & Ales' cider and beer festival - more of this later.
Circle up was within the tiny railway car park by the level crossing and a certain amount of manoeuvring was necessary to accommodate us all before the Grand Master summoned.
Good to see the return of Wide Receiver who had been absent (owing to workload) for a few weeks. It was just as well as there was a distinct lack of RA's on the ground.
Beefy embarked on his course description of three L/S splits and a SS and eventually (prompted by the GM) got to the river crossing which provoked a question from SM Ellie: 'What if you want to run but don't want the water?' The usual hilarity ensued but SM Ellie's concern about the depth of water was somewhat dispelled by Beefy indicating that it was merely knee high.
Circle jollities concluded, the hash leisurely trundled across the level crossing and headed for the hills above the tiny community of Staverton.
Into the shadow of the wood and through a complex of ingenious Beefy style marks the hash endured before stumbling upon the quaint, medieval style tented Glade in the North Woods of the Dartington Estate where the SS was set up. Top man Beefy!
Impish indeed were the marks that then led us to our nemesis - the river crossing. A vast span of the Dart unfolded to our tiny band. Satnav, Threesum, 69, Forest and the wild-eyed Bird Blue surveyed the savage scene afore fearlessly wading forward to the far shore.
Memories of my camcorder's demise in Galmpton creek were still vivid and yet again, I had failed to bring the waterproof housing for the cam so my trepidation was palpable.
Memories of my camcorder's demise in Galmpton creek were still vivid and yet again, I had failed to bring the waterproof housing for the cam so my trepidation was palpable.
Seeing my anxiety, Satnav kindly took my hand and together we crossed safely - much to my relief. Thank you Satnav.
Now on the 'right' side of the river, we followed the railway line back to the station and the welcome of John the barman and his array of ales within the railway station.
The BYO food to share request by Beefy was really well supported and all manners of sandwiches and tasties were set out on the table by the bar. Simple soul that I am, I was completely taken in by the £20 and £10 napkins which added a classy touch to the fare.
Three dozen or so* may have been our select company, but a family atmosphere of conviviality prevailed as we sampled the ales and tucked into our joint offerings.
I have to mention one of the beverages, namely the Greenodd (Cumbria) brewery's Captain's Choice 4.1. In over 50 years of beer drinking, I have never tasted anything like this and the several hashers who (forcibly) sampled it agreed. The description is: 'Captain's choice is an amber old style English ale which is proving popular with old and young drinkers alike.' Ask any of the Ipplepen crew (mob-handed with Roxanne, Wet Johnny, Manopause, Erection and returnee Jay) what they thought.
The Captain's choice was, however, the only questionable 'beer' and all other available beers were excellent and fantastic value at £3 a pint. Bluff barman John got my number eventually and guffaws abounded at his observation: 'If you drank half as well as you talk, you'd be a world-beater!' HA! Like it, like it!
The Captain's choice was, however, the only questionable 'beer' and all other available beers were excellent and fantastic value at £3 a pint. Bluff barman John got my number eventually and guffaws abounded at his observation: 'If you drank half as well as you talk, you'd be a world-beater!' HA! Like it, like it!
The downdowns were organized by Wide and supported by Teapot.
Forest 'kept it in the family' and awarded the substitute Checkin' Chicken hat to the 'hashette' who had enquired what exactly a river crossing was... ?
Good old Poacher sent the Hashit shirt to Georgy P Orgy who apparently had, like me, panicked at the river crossing.
Bluebird by courtesy of a vote, gave the Horsey Horseface hat** to Satnav for her helping hand across the river.
There was a birthday DD for Tiny Tanks and Threesum was awarded her 50 Run badge.
Good old Poacher sent the Hashit shirt to Georgy P Orgy who apparently had, like me, panicked at the river crossing.
Bluebird by courtesy of a vote, gave the Horsey Horseface hat** to Satnav for her helping hand across the river.
There was a birthday DD for Tiny Tanks and Threesum was awarded her 50 Run badge.
A most enjoyable evening so well done Beefy and ON ON to next week from the (now confirmed) Crown & Sceptre at St Marychurch
*Recall these hashers present plus 2 or 3 more:
Satnav, Threesum, Forest + 2, GM, Georgy Porgy, Rambo, Fallen Woman, Broken Man, WR, 69, Wigwam, Beefy, SM Ellie, Poacher, Tiny Tanks, Erection, Wet Johnny, Roxanne, Jay, Manopause, Doris, Teapot, Only Here for the Beer, Able Semen, Winfield, Shitfaced, I-Poo'd, Pisswell, Woof woof, Compo, Mrs S.
Satnav, Threesum, Forest + 2, GM, Georgy Porgy, Rambo, Fallen Woman, Broken Man, WR, 69, Wigwam, Beefy, SM Ellie, Poacher, Tiny Tanks, Erection, Wet Johnny, Roxanne, Jay, Manopause, Doris, Teapot, Only Here for the Beer, Able Semen, Winfield, Shitfaced, I-Poo'd, Pisswell, Woof woof, Compo, Mrs S.
**The Moose hat is currently undergoing major surgery (antler ripped off) and sanitizing after my large tomcat gave it a severe mauling and finished it off by peeing on it.... sigh.
