Island Hashes Reports for 2023

©2023 The Isle of Wight Hash House Harriers www.iwhhh.org.uk

On Back to the 2022 Reports...

Sun 1-Jan-23 IWH3 1951

(1951: The Goon Show is first broadcast on BBC Home Service - the first series is entitled "Crazy People" - Do They Mean Us???) A rather ailing Curly and Novice Haress Obliviars sought to entertain from Parkhurst Forest Main Car Park, leading the pack eastwards along that long and very muddy track - this time with a fallen tree midway and a clay-lined diversion around flooded gullies, leading to many a claim for misdemeanours. Unusually the Trail then headed over towards Carisbrooke, but the mud was still there, along Lukely Brook till we got back into the forest. "A Good Trail" agreed All as we assembled in the Car Park with beer, Curly's vodka and mince pies, and, before decamping to the Prince of Wales, celebrated Chilli's outrageous New Year colour coordination. Once in the Pub, Obliviars kindly handed round the sausage rolls and yummy Christmas Cake, before the RA got us singing "Can't help falling in Mud" for the Hares; a song for visiting Henry; a driving song for Green Gis; and a shoe song for Boycie's latest addition to her vast collection. After a "Baked Bean" poem, LoadingBay admitted to doing his own 'Hash Walk' - "If you go down to the Woods today"... Then Winalot as "Not the Fairy Godmother", leaving Obliviars in the Mud; Dildoh! and Sukkers for fishuke abuse; and Snowman with FannyMac for declaring the Downdown Beer "Undrinkable"!

Wed 4-Jan-23 VLFM 251

And it was a Virgin Full Moon Trail, by Arseova and DirtyGirl, from the Bembridge Village Inn. With a limited area in which to Run, the main problem was to keep off-road for as much of it as possible - and Our Team found all the back alleys to fit in their 4 Mile, 50 Minute Trail. The sub-60 time being not necessarily the Hares responsibility, but more due to the cracking pace that the Pack made to do their clockwise tour of Town. In fact, our sole walker, PoorSod, yomped his way down to the PilotBoat - to find it shut... The Fit Ones carried on, finding that little bit of excitement returning through Steyne Woods, up past the windmill and home. A good Welcome at the pub, and complementary pizzas!

Sun 8-Jan-23 IWH3 1952

(1952: Princess Elizabeth, Duchess of Edinburgh, becomes monarch of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the British Dominions of: Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Pakistan and Ceylon). The Dominion of Gurnard is not a particularly good area for a Sunday Hash, but BDK and Chilli found all sorts of ways and means to entertain from the start at Worsley Road. First leg was steeply down through the muddy woods to the shore path - where Ken admitted there was an exceptional high tide. The only way out was along the Esplanade - but not before Rabbit and Poubelle played "Damsels in Distress" trying to use the yacht club compound to keep their feet dry. PoorSod led the short Trail until he had to be relieved of the map, for "misdirection" - missing the turn up the woods into Baring Road. After Cow Lane, most were pleased to encounter Oates and PitStop with the remains of the Christmas beer and some generous snacks. That finished the first loop, then off along Gurnard Marsh, with DoorKnob chastised for not regrouping. The Pub was very accommodating, with our own space for the RA to recall these sins; and welcome back Geyser, Tickler and Charlie, to the tune of "Money Money Money" (and we revisited Why Geyser got that name...); and Geri exposing her personal bits in the street (we tried to sing "Tittibum" to the tune of the William Tell Overture); and finally, to P-Rick for making smutty schoolboy remarks about the "Back Passage".

Sun 15-Jan-23 IWH3 1953

(In 1953, apart from Queen Elizabeth II's Coronation, a Plucky Brit (and a Sherpa) reached the Summit of Mt Everest) A Welcome back to Geyser, setting a challenging Run from the Waverley - with a little help from Tickler and Charlie. Not one for distant excursions, we were kept guessing as the Trail weaved and turned towards Gunville, then back to the Church, where we met a wandering Snowman, off-trail trying to out-guess the Hare. Down to the Ford then up the steep wooden steps to the Castle where the FRBs were outfoxed again by a turn around the walls and off towards the Nunnery. Here the main trail ascended Shepherds Trail, while the Shorts found their own way home, and Noze found himself lost. After Garstons, it was a long but entertaining return across the 'waterbed' marsh to Clatterford Shute. Suction was willingly appointed RA and lined up: "I'm Right!" JimJams for re-checking what Sukkers had already done; Snowman as "the FRB who can't see the flour"; and PoorSod finding himself as the FRB on his New Walking Poles; then, the "lost soul in the Graveyard" Nozey; and, after "Peer Pressure Fishuke Abuse" for Shergar, Rabbit, Bart, Stalker and DoorKnob, we reckoned she's dobbed about the whole of the Long Trail. And after a celebration of the Hares, it was a final DD (she needed the time for that half) for Busty, getting over-excited at the "Bouncy Field"!

Sat 21-Jan-23 Bash 075

After only a handful had managed to get to Bart's cancelled Bash the previous week, due to excessive snow, rain, flooding, and plagues of frogs, the Shorwell event was postponed to this week. It was still cold enough for a Snowman, and he reported that "after last week's cancellation, the floodwaters had receded, but ice had taken its place". But, expecting a peaceful rural lane outing, the Grand Crank was subjected, after a few yards, to ice over the downland with endless tracks and incessant "bumpy ruts". The Rest went on a Grand, if not comfortable, Tour - while the Meek went to the Pub.

Sun 22-Jan-23 IWH3 1954

Sun 22-Jan-23 Godshill (1954: Lots of sport: Roger Bannister becomes the first person to break the four-minute mile, at Oxford; while Lord Montagu of Beaulieu is convicted of "conspiracy to incite certain male persons to commit serious offences with male persons") This run was Shergar from Godshill Car Park but that was about the only thing that was open in the Village - the Pubs were shut, and he reported: Sunday morning dawned bright and crisp, however this was following a significant period of heavy rain. The assembled Hashers were forewarned by the Hare of the dangers of bottomless puddles and man-eating mud patches. The route led the pack out of the bottom of the car park and right toward the entrance to Godshill Park before returning them to the track behind the Griffin. The route then headed East through the woods into Godshill Park. A little used footpath was then used to take them to Park Farm and then on to Freemantle Gate. While the walkers took the path contouring below the Worsley Monument, the runners had the pleasure of climbing the steep incline to the monument. The runners carried on South from the monument before taking the narrow track back toward Salem via the Gatt Cliff steps. The returning walkers and runners were treated with beer and much appreciated Christmas cake courtesy of Tina and Curly. The Downdowns were awarded to PoorSod for getting lost and Busty who had gone looking for him, together with an amusing story about a desperate Chilli "peeing in public", then most went to the Chequers.

Sun 29-Jan-22 IWH3 1955

(1955: Winston Churchill resigns as Prime Minister due to ill-health at the age of 80. The first episode of Dixon of Dock Green, starring Jack Warner, on BBC TV; London premiere of Samuel Beckett's play Waiting for Godot; and Christopher Cockerell patents his Hovercraft) Not so much Herding Cats, but more like a Primary School Football Team - all chasing the ball together, after much planning and footwork for the Jubilee Kite Run by our Hares Fagin and BullsEye. And, unlike the individuality of Orienteering, assistants were plenteous: Bart had the map, but Shergar had the compass; and for the Short, it was LoadingBay mapping, and Bouncer taking directions. Highly entertaining, but fast. We noted P-Rick and Busty as 'Last In' and 'Last Out' of the Forest, arriving after everyone else had left the Hash Bar. Back at The Sun, where we were made welcome as the "Reserved Hash" (Do They Mean Us?), the RA celebrated The Hares; then Chinese 'Year of the Rabbit' got our antipodean Cony up; BDK inundating Bouncer in Thailand with a "hysterical assault" of pillows (during his sleeping time), so the insult was returned with a rolled-up towel; while Bouncer had been "looking after Poubelle", with the Thai locals referring to "Your Wife"; back on the Trail, Bart failed as assistant Hare, while Geri used the Sacred Kite as a "Fashion Accessory"; a DD for the RA who had his Birthday off skiing last week; Suction for reciting a Burns Poem that had already been recited - it was about "Remembering"; and finally, to Landlady Kate, retiring after 16 years, a "Jolly Good Fellow".

Sun 5-Feb-23 IWH3 1956

(1956: Great Britain and Northern Ireland compete at the Winter Olympics in Italy, but don't win any medals; Snowman drives the first AEC Routemaster bus in London; The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is launched; The Gower Peninsula becomes the first AONB; Petrol rationing introduced due to the Suez Crisis). And Hares Stalker and Rabbit admitted that it's always hard getting good OnOuts and Inns from the High Park Tavern, but managed an appropriately short trail before the delayed Hash AGM. So it was down to Appley, then along towards Seagrove Bay and up Oakhill to the Wishing Well. At this point, the Hares realised that they had set their trail, same time, same place, as a local road race - so swiftly directed all back home in under the sixty.

Wed 8-Feb-23 VLFM 252

A good size pack assembled at Newchurch Community Car Park on a cold clear evening to set off on Marc's Trial. There seems to be some consensus that Night R#ns should be confined to the urban streets & alleyways, but I for one enjoy rural country runs in the moonlight & was looking forward to Marc's offering on the footpaths around Newchurch. Especially when weather & ground conditions are favourable. The trail did not disappoint, heading east away from the village, up Skinners Lane & across to Queen Bower, startling a few horses. A circuit of Borthwood followed, returning by skirting Alverstone Garden Village & finishing through Martins Wood. The shiggy was easily avoided & had begun to freeze. BDK was cajoled into being RA, & besides the Hare, downdowns included: Virgin Vicky, Hector's new shoes & a naming for Rose: Bouncer had suggested "KerbCrawler" after offering the forenamed a lift which seemed a bit perverse as he was the one doing the kerb-crawling. Thanks to the Pointers for hospitality. ~Bart

Sat 11-Feb-23 Bash 076

The Bash met at Wootton Recreation Ground for, what Hares LoadingBay and Poubelle admitted, was a surprisingly good Trail of some 14 miles off the main roads. Immediately testing our suspensions, not to mention our 'suspicions', we went down one of the Island's bumpiest tracks which claimed to be the major thoroughfare through Woodside Bay. Returning to Wootton, we took Cycle Route 22 back towards Quarr, which rewarded us with a Port Stop. It was then off towards Havenstreet, but not before the hardier had circuited Dame Anthony's Common, with a regroup at the White Hart. On Back was past the Steam Railway and on those tracks that lead past Great Briddlesford, Woodhouse, and Wootton Bridge before relief from potholes at the Cedars. Here, Shergar was RA and celebrated the Hares; then "Bicycle Abuse" (i) Lunchie: "There's more oil in his bag of crisps!" and (ii) Limpit "knocking over BDK's bike"; then "Abused by Bike" was dérailleur Tosser; and finally, to Groyney's chain earring: the "Missing Link!".

Sun 12-Feb-23 IWH3 1957

(1957 The Cavern Club opens in Liverpool as a jazz club; abolishment of the "Toddlers' Truce" - an arrangement whereby there was no television broadcasts between 6-7pm to allow parents to put their children to bed; and we could buy Ian Fleming's James Bond novel From Russia with Love) And, try as he might, the RA could find no-one on the Hash who would admit to a birthday in this year, as a fair number assembled at Merstone Station for a Trail by Gis. It was Bart's 700th R#n, and also the morning after the NumpT birthday before and we were to meet a number of old faces, including Balders and Slackers, with MoorWhine popping in later. A zig-zag route, that challenged the Long Run, and gave opportunities for the Shorts to catch up across the corners, led past Merstone Manor, up five-mile field, and around the back of Rookley before returning through Pagham Farm. A Social Gathering in the Car Park used up a fair amount of Hash beer and crisps before we made our ways to the Prince of Wales for Pub Grub and the RA's Downdowns. These included: Our Hare, for having lost Baldrick; P-Rick for doing a worse turn in the car park than he did on the Canal (resurrection of old Poem here); FannyMac and Gottla for "Early Valentines Holding Hands"; FriendlyFire for "Premature Ingestion - of Pub Grub"; then "Crop Abuse" by DoorKnob and Busty (doing record time for her DD!).

Sun 19-Feb-23 IWH3 1958

(In 1958, work began on the M1, Britain's first full-length motorway; the first CND march went to Aldermaston; the first parking meters; and the first Carry On film) It was a first too for P-Rick haring from the Veteran Pub (formerly the Marine Bars) on Ryde Esplanade. With unspecified help from Busty, the trail took us up Spencer Road but then, unexpectedly, doubled back through the Cemetery (where both sets of gates were fortunately open), then past the Falcon, and vanishing down Pig Lane. Reasonably well attended for an urban R#n, we got back in short time for a lack of Real Ale, but a good welcome and plates of sarnies. Our Hare was the RA and awarded military honours to both Hares, FriendlyFire, as RAF representative, and to DoorKnob for sleeping on Parade.

Sun 26-Feb-23 IWH3 1959

(In 1959, the official name of the administrative county of Hampshire is changed from "County of Southampton" to "County of Hampshire"; Icelandic gunboats fire on British trawlers in the first of the "Cod Wars" over fishing rights; and British Empire Day becomes Commonwealth Day; The first Morris Mini-Minor rolls off the production line; and Barclays become the first bank to install a computer) And it was back to the Wheatsheaf in Brading for Limpit and Coops' Trail "which won't be anything like our last one from here". Of course we didn't believe them and all shot off down West Street, only to to be pulled back for a circuit of the town before our ascent of the surprisingly un-muddy Downs. Definitely not a straight line, there was plenty of checking as we crossed to the Roman Villa and back along the Railway Line.

Sat 4-Mar-23 Bash Extra

The Bash cyclists met 10am at Pedallers, Newchurch, for Groyney's Extra "Breakfast and Bash". A good turn-out, and a special mention for the Bash Sick Parade, including a welcome back to Bergerac, and to Geri, and the GrandCrank. After, in some cases, a heavy intake of breakfast material, we were faced with the Initial Insult of the climb up Newchurch Chute, before going rural and making our way over to Macketts Lane to Budbridge and then the Chequers. After refreshments, the inevitable crossing of the Medina was followed by a trip to our PortStop at Snowdrop Lane, but via Sheat Lane, one of the bumpiest and most tyre-wrecking tracks on the Island. More hills up to Garstons, then Froglands Lane into the George at Newport.

Sun 5-Mar-23 IWH3 1960

(Lots of sex in 1960: Prince Andrew is born; and Penguin Books is found not guilty of obscenity in the Lady Chatterley's Lover case - on the next day, the book sells 200,000 copies. Oh, and a little-known band, The Beatles, perform their first concert in Hamburg) This was the day of the Annual Friendly Frolic from the Bargemans in Newport, Suction's Hash being our contribution to the array of Running Activities, and we welcomed KerbCrawler from the Moon Hash. With no Short Trail I'm keeping you all together" this was certainly a demonstration of our Hashing Skills, as we circuited Fairlee then ascended Staplers from Cross Lane. Those who made it to the Top were rewarded with Oates' Beer Wagon (assisted by PitStop) before making the long OnDown and In. The RA assembled us while we waited for Geyser, who'd mistakenly been sent on the Athlete's Long Run by an assistive Tickler. For last week's R#n1959, Shocker was up for Birthday Year "When I'm Sixty Four!"; Then Gis rudely remarking that a wayside log "may not take the weight of Busty..."; We were delighted to learn that our Hare Suction would also be celebrated for the completion of 500 Runs; then, after a number of Fishuke and Lineout offences for the usual DoorKnob, it was NumpT up "for being less agile than the RA!" and finally... Sukkers nominating Tickler as "Worst mother of 2023" for sending Charlie through some serious rough ground.

Wed 8-Mar-23 VLFM 253

P-Rick wrote: For the first time ever VLFM253 ran from the newly renamed pub The Veteran, formerly the Marine, it was purchased by Dale Hillier, a survivor of the Exocet Missile attack on HMS Sheffield in the Falklands Conflict, in which seven of Dales friends were lost. Dale set the bar/hotel up in support of needy Veterans who perhaps are unable to work or who are homeless. Two rooms are permanently reserved for this. The trail, also unusual, as it was mostly through town was laid by me, P-Rick, I of course being a Veteran myself. The weather was particularly poor with almost constant rain throughout, however, we still managed to have 15 Hashers turn up. The route was roughly along the Esplanade to Dover Street and up the hill dropping back down to The Strand, passed Mr Magoo's abode and out towards Smallbrook, back over the railway line and up and through to the Falcon. Then making our way West and finishing along Spencer Road. Sucktion was a great RA, giving Down Downs to myself, BusStripper and Lollipop and a couple to be named yet in Mel and Hector.

Sun 12-Mar-23 IWH3 1961

(In 1961, finally, the farthing coin, used since the thirteenth century, ceases to be legal tender; The Beatles perform under this name at The Cavern Club for the first time, with George Harrison's first appearance at the venue, the departure of Stu Sutcliffe; and the arrival of Brian Epstein). On this day, we experienced another hill-climbing Run from Bart at the Wight Mouse Inn - and every bit as enjoyable as the others! The unassuming 'Upper House Lane' leads off the Chale Road, through Tithe Barn Farm and thence via much mud to the top of St Catherine's. There was mud most of the way to the Hoy, Wydcombe, and the waterfall - the Shorts didn't do much better. But then made better by meeting Oates' Beer Truck at Bierley before returning via Head Down and the Pepperpot.. In the garden, the RA noted that PoorSod had still failed to see the Northern Lights [recently visible in Cornwall); our visitors were BeenBefore, with RobinHood & Alex; "Going to the Wrong Pub" was Snowman but he luckily brought the right top for Stalker to celebrate his 500th Run; Christine earned the HashName Dodger; and then BeenBefore was up again for "Delaying the Hash" with Photos galore in the mist at the Pepperpot.

Sat 18-Mar-23 Bash 077

Something to do with watching sport on Telly, but Trigger started his Bash Trail from Yaverland at 10AM Start - and got in a Lot of Miles before relaxing in The Steamer Shanklin.

Sun 19-Mar-23 IWH3 1962

(On 2nd January 1962, BBC TV broadcasts the first episode of Z-Cars; and also we saw the start of Steptoe and Son, written by Galton and Simpson; sadly, the last trolleybuses in London are run) The Theme was Green, and the Venue was Brading Down - and, yes, it was [about] Number Ten in Hooker's Infinite Series of The St Patrick's Day Green Run - assisted by Geri. A good turn-out for what is always a popular Run and a Good Laugh - and also a chance to visit our new footpath Gate, made possible by the fundraising efforts of BeerPump and Winalot - though some of our walking members did later report, in the Castle Inn, minor difficulties getting through it - the next will be wider!

Sun 26-Mar-23 IWH3 1963

(Sadly in this year, a Dr. Richard Beeching issues a report calling cuts to the Railway Network, resulting in closure of more than 2,000 stations; on a more pleasant line, The Beatles record their debut album Please Please Me in a single day at Abbey Road Studios and we saw the First Episode of Doctor Who - back in the days that the scenery moved - with William Hartnell) Some time later, LoadingBay pleased Poubelle and they married, and Forty Years Later they laid a Hash with a Run from the Cedars. Sister Henry, a former Bridesmaid, was there to help as Hare, as was John M McGee, former Best Man, and accomplished stand-in RA. A good attendance, with visitors DrDeaf and Liq.Allsorts from Essex - and even more for the food! Back lanes took us to the Station with the Long Trail visiting Quarrels Copse, before Packsfield Lane and across to Lakeside, where a strategically placed fishuke let the Short Trail get just ahead at Oates' Beer Wagon. It was down to Woodside to complete a respectable Long before re-assembling in the Bar for our Hosts' generous feast which, in character, seemed to assume that all our appetites were comparable with theirs! Our surrogate RA then began with a Toast to "Absent Friends", then to Trail Assistant Henry; We were told that Curly and Obliviars [Cake Cook par excellence] had now both reached the ripe old age of 61, which they had celebrated in B&M; Rabbit was pleased to get her Lost Property back, Coops was accused of trying to catch up Sodders in age, and Bouncer had passed Poubelle in number of replaced Hip Joints; Gis was "Ignorant of the Green Cross Code", while Bart (and missing JimJams) were guilty of "Fishuke Avoidance", and we all needed Specsavers to spot Hash Markings; A token visitor joined Beerstop Oates and "Food Theft" Jibbers, with Busty to make up appearances! Finally a Big round of Thanks to Our Hosts on this Ruby Occasion, who were joined by their BestMan and Bridesmaid.

Sun 2-Apr-23 IWH3 1964

(In 1964, we first saw Top of the Pops on the BBC; Britain and France agree to build the Channel Tunnel; the village of Milton Keynes becomes a New Town; The Sun newspaper goes into circulation, replacing the Daily Herald; Harold Wilson becomes Prime Minister, ending "13 years of Tory misrule"; and Northern Rhodesia becomes the Republic of Zambia) We welcomed PussyGalore back to our Hash from The Ambassador at Gunville for a Trail by Obliviars and Curly. Out by the Pond, and past Alvington Manor Farm, our two Trails led us to BettyHaunt Lane and, pleasingly, to an Oates Refreshment Stop by the Blacksmiths. The quick way back via Down Lane, with a longer leg through Carisbrooke. Bottled Beer, but a welcoming Venue, where the RA chastised Fagin for splashing Poubelle, after she'd said she had "No clean trousers"; as Poubelle's husband of 40 years, the RA admitted little to to moan about - "she made us late for the Hash today!"; P-Rick go up to complain about "Domestics on the Hash" - after overhearing Mash and Gis debating housing needs; relief next, as Shergar told us a joke; in recognition of a Record Dog Attendance [should we charge???] BullsEye was up; Stalker next for Antipodean Catastrophes; then Our Hares, and finally Gis dobbed Shergar for mistakenly only paying one pound.

Wed 5-Apr-23 VLFM 254

Horseshoe Northwood - Sweater

6-9th Apr-23 IWH3 1965/6

The IWHHH Fortieth Birthday Weekend

Now Listen very carefully, I will say this only once: It was a Good Weekend. No, I'll say it again, because it was a Very Good Weekend - made all the better by Geri and our bunch of imaginative organisers that always come up good with our Hash Special Events. Well Done!

And also, of course not forgetting the many other Hashers who did things to make the Event work; Registration; our Hares; our BeerStop Team; our Cooks; our Decorators; and all you others. And the staff at the Sands Hotel; and the Sandhill Hotel. We always say that it's not just entertaining the Hashers, it's giving them the opportunities to share and also to create their own entertainment.

Thursday, and Hashers were already turning up from 'abroad'. Coupled with the Locals, some good evenings were had around Town. Sandown is a bit grotty in places, but our food and watering holes are more than welcoming. Many stayed for much longer than the Event Weekend.

Friday, and Registration started at 2pm. At this point, suspicions were raised as each was presented with a Gas Mask Holder, with mask, ID Tag, issue TShirt, Ration Book, and emergency rations. At sixteen hundred hours, we assembled for the 40's Tea Dance, where our Team (after much practice) did well demonstrating the 'LindiHop'. Suddenly, the Air Raid Siren went off, and all were directed into the Air Raid Shelter, where emergency drinks were served for medical purposes. At eighteen hundred hours, we spread out around town for sustenance and, for some, to puzzle out Coops' Quiz and Pub Guide until the Dancing began.

Saturday was the Big Run - with three options. Stalker and Rabbit gave climbing practice, as the Long Trail snaked along up and down the cliff to Shanklin, and thence by America Woods to Refreshments at Princelet. DoorKnob and Shocker escorted the Medium on a more northerly route, avoiding golfballs and planes, and yes coming in via a second trail in America Woods; Geri took the Shorts for a stroll along the front, then a leisurely walk to the Apres. Here Oates, RSM Hooker and Team had set up a remarkable Mess with good supplies of food and drink. Our RA led some rather amusing Downdowns, and further contributions from visiting RAs confirmed what a bunch of likely idiots we had on the Weekend. Getting back by minibus and bus-pass gave free time before the evening's entertainment. Then, what a display of military, civilian and land girls costumes - many would have won a prize! A buffet supper enabled the Hotel to feed all who attended before we hit the dancefloor in appropriate 1940's Style to enjoy 'Company B'. Well done to the Sands for providing an excellent facility, with beers, good food, and ongoing music.

Waking up on Sunday, and it was Hashing Day, with Shergar leading an enthusiastic mix of joggers and walkers along the Esplanade and up to the end of Culver Down, where we regrouped at the ever-present Beer Truck. A sociable walk back with opportunities to exchange with old friends, and then the Final Downdowns in the Hotel garden.

Well done again to All who helped, in many ways, to make this Weekend a Great Success. And So Say All of Us!

Sat 15-Apr-23 Bash 078

Last Bash from the Sun Inn Calbourne - or so we were told by Fagin who announced that this popular Venue may be soon closing with the loss of the Landlords. The Bash, carrying a Health Warning that persuaded some to join at the half-way point, led up to Brighstone Forest, and even over and down towards Bowcombe, regrouping at the Blacksmiths. With the addition of the Wimps, the Pack headed north up towards Porchfield, before meeting yet more Wimps (the Sick Parade) back at the Sun where our Host had laid on sarnies for which we presented Dave and Kate with personalised Hash Tops: "Grumpy Old Landlord" and "Waggles Mama" in Thanks for Years of Excellent Hospitality!

Sun 16-Apr-23 IWH3 1967

(In 1987 the Grand National is won by 100-1 outsider Foinavon; The Beatles released Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band; and Sandie Shaw is the winner of the Eurovision Song Contest 1967 with Puppet on a String). And with feet firmly in running shoes, we set off on JimJams latest trail from Godshill Car Park. It wasn't far up the path behind the Griffin when we encountered the first mud-bath - there was much more to come - indeed, observers at the end could easily distinguish between the Full-On Hashers and the Wimps! Clutching our stubbie and bags of crisps, we listened to the RA summarise the day with: the Muddy Hares; "Sucker" GottlaGeer; then BDK as our new Coffee Superhero. Geri "teleporting from the back of the Hash to the front"; Limpit "Refusal at the first mud"; and Shergar for "Bravery crossing a log"!

Sun 23-Apr-23 IWH3 1968

(1968: British yachtsman Alec Rose, 59, receives a hero's welcome as he sails into Portsmouth, after his 354-day round-the-world trip; the I'm Backing Britain campaign starts; but the Eurovision Song Contest started its descent into mediocrity by the winning rubbish Spanish song "La La La" - beating Cliff by One Point!) A splendid Trail from Mash on this bright St Georges Spring morning at Brighstone, and with Gis in charge of forgetting which way the Trail led... Guests were CrackOfDawn and CrackDealer, ex Plympton H3, and now on the Island. Zigzagging across the village from Upper Lane to Moor Lane to Gaggerhill Lane, the trail led up to Grammars Common and on to The Longstone. Down to Mottistone, and Ridget Lane led us to the coast, where a rather hazardous narrow path took us along the cliffs, before back to the village and OnInn along the stream. In the absence of the RA, Coops called order in the car park to celebrate Our Hares - with, remarkably, no trail sins; and the Best St George Outfit going to Gottla for "Best Boobs on the Hash". A spontaneous round of "There'll always be an England" (well learnt at the 40th) was followed by our 'Non-English Visitors' EyeTie (Patron Saint of Sardinia) and Limpit (Rhodesian no specified religion) were up next, to "Just One Cornetto"; Our Plympton Guests, who may come back; Then Dildoh! was re-united with her shoes, but entered the Circle barefoot to avoid the Obvious, downing to "Puppet on a String".

Sun 30-Apr-23 IWH3 1969

(1969 was the swinging year that the Victoria line was opened by The Queen; Lulu sung "Boom Bang-a-Bang" and shared first place in the Eurovision Song Contest; Concorde made its first flight; 'Carry On Camping' was released, becoming the year's most popular film; and the first episode of Monty Python's Flying Circus was broadcast). It was Sunday 30th April, and Run 1969 led off from Havenstreet Station. We all got lost in Combley Woods, not least LoadingBay who'd been given a map without a start and end point on it. A detailed, and delightful, trail by Sweater - and surprisingly very little shiggy. At the Beer Fest, the RA celebrated The Hare; then Coops for 'deafness' claiming he could hear Geri so she must be close... Rabbit and dog tripping up on extension lead; Suction missing fishukes; BusStripper for an excellent CountyPress write-up; and Geri's birthday.