Island Hashes Reports for 2025

Jan-Mar

Oct-Dec

VLFMReport

Sun 5-Jan-25 IWH3 2057

The Hash After the Storm, so always spare a thought for your Hare, in this case Bouncer going out and laying the Trail. The Storm had turned to drizzle, and the weather at Jubilee Car Park 'Viewpoint' was thick mist. You can't complain about excess of mud though. While our Hare strode up the newly laid downs trail in his smart wellies, the Long Trail was found down Lynch Lane but re-ascending a little-hashed and overgrown path back up after the quarry. Back down to Upper Lane, finding then losing the walkers, with the OnInn leading out of Grammars Common.

Back at the Sun Hulverstone (lunch £13.95), a quaint old pub with old men sitting in the chimney corner - most of them being Hashers. Here the RA demonstrated his new prowess on the Hash Horn, and got a stupid answer to his stupid question of "Whadder you think...?" First-up were the "Three Amigos" i) being "trailwrecker" Poubelle breaking gates, ii) DilDoh! falling over despite Bouncer's best attempts to save her, and iii) Busty who still didn't get the Point that the Stony Bit was more water but less mud! We welcomed back West Wight Runner Dave, our highly amused "Good Samaritan", caring for wayward Girlies and P-Rick; then Curly "Traumatic Tour Tinkering Time", suffering from a New Clutch and a lighter wallet; P-Rick was quick to spot "Keep on the grass, you won't fall over!" Sweater, before he fell over, while Gis followed Suction's advice to "make small steps in the mud" and then fell behind the walkers; Sucktion stayed up to call Stalker and Lunchie holding onto others to stay upright in the mud, then Nikita "Nice Boots, Nice Jacket, Clean Dog. Sure you were on the Run?"; And as the RA introduced Beaver into our ancient New Shoes Custom "These Boots are made for walking...", Stalker stood up to ask for his money back for lack of views!

Sat 11-Jan-2025 Bash 100

Our 100th Bash, rounding up at Simeon Rec, Ryde, carried a Trigger Warning - for indeed, Our Hare was the Man Himself. Setting off, we found local checks, but these were easily solved as we made our way along the Esplanade towards Seaview. Pleasant until a distraught civilian, and then a concerned Groyney, shouted "Get orf the pavement!" as we progressed along the coastal shared path... At Seaview, we climbed to Nettlestone, picking up the Round-Island cycle route through Westridge, then Firestone to Kite Hill - the wary stopping for a Forest Coffee, while the more astute made their way to the Fishbourne Inn, and thence back along Ladies Walk and Spencer Road back to Ryde. All were made welcome in the delightful Veteran and, with glasses charged, we attended to Shergar, well-stocked with Centennial Jokes, and calling out: P-Rick - in The Right Trousers but back-to-front; Geri - a nice pre-Bash coffee in Monkton Street, but finding that the tasty biscuits were indeed dog biscuits; Fagin - the "ice-cream man" showing mechanical ability, sorting a flat tyre; Tumbler and Alfred were welcomed as Bash Virgins; then the Hare, one to Limpit for "Not falling over"; and finally to Grand Crank Snowman - "I will Bash One hundred Times". And P-Rick summed it all up as "A Cracking Day!"

Wed 15-Jan-25 VLFM 277

Wheelers Bay Car Park Ventnor. Hare was BeerPump, who marched them up to the Top of the Hill, then he marched them back again! Après was in the British Legion.

Sun 12-Jan-25 IWH3 2058

The White Horse at Whitwell - one of the most expensive car parks on the Island - No Lunch, yer can't Park ... but we all got there, for Hares Beaver and ButterCup Shiggy Trail - "Just like the Good Old Days". Down Kemming Road, the path led up to Bierley and, for some, past the overflowing waterfall and around Wydcombe by various routes.

No mud let-up here, and Southford and Slay Lane just rubbed it in. We'd welcomed returnees Rambo (with "the Root of All Evil" causing a fall), and with local celebrities Slackers & Balders. Round by the Manor, Gnasher, P-Rick, Mutiny & Coops took the "Beaver Split" to avoid mud and got stuck in the brambles; Mutiny was lucky to arrive, having gone to Wednesday's car park in Ventnor! Family Chaos, with Sweater going back on the Trail for "lost keys" which he'd given to Dippy - Busty remarked "There's a lot of stupid people here today!". Normally-placid P-Rick was shocked, strolling up the road après to find a set of naked legs and knickers protruding from a car - Geri excused herself by saying she thought it would be quiet outside Balders & Slackers empty house; then (What is it about Alfred's Name?) the RA got Tumbler (or was it Alfred? - a bit like Bill and Ben really...) for a combination of new shoes and the dog having a period!

Sun 19-Jan-25 IWH3 2059

The Veterans Hash - No, not the age of the Pack... which was quite large, and 'enjoying' P-Rick & Busty's Trail from the Esplanade to Seaview, and back along the seafront with the walkers route shortcutting via Springvale, reported LoadingBay. All back safely, and Sandwiches and Cakes were enjoyed courtesy of Gis, Busty and Obliviars. A cheque for £350 raised from our Christmas Raffle was presented to the Veteran Organisation, along with one for £1000 from a 'Dance Group' from Portsmouth, who were great fun to share the pub with - seeming to have a similar Apres Attitude! With our RA absent, sunning himself in foreign climes, stand-in RA, LoadingBay, awarded DownDowns to the Hares, then Birthday Children: Fracas, LoadingBay, Mash, Oates, TheCat; then "Blessed are the Sandwichmakers" followed by "Cursed are the Sandwichstealers!" LunchBox, Tumbler, Alfred, and a resounding "Holy is the Cakemaker" Oblivs; thanks to the Hares; HappyEnding for using a TShirt as a wraparound, rather than wearing it; a welcome to Virgin Debbie brought by Alfred; our Barman for the Pub's Hospitality; if that wasn't enough, our RA also delivered two fine poems based on stolen jokes! A fair choice of refreshments now available here, but Fracas remarked "It was "Cold on the Front, but not as cold as the Beer!".

Sun 26-Jan-25 IWH3 2060

Much still remained of the forecast High Winds and Hurricanoes for DilDoh!'s Trail from St Helens Green. Undaunted, Debbie, virgin last week, brought Lisa and the Two took on the Role of 'Hash Screamers', as we progressed through the deepening mud, along West Green and into Attrills Lane. Here, the Longs put in a commendable spurt, only to circuit a very large field before back to Park Farm, across the marsh and through the woods to Nettlestone, from where more wet paths led to a very exposed and windy Duver. General comment was "It wasn't windy till we came around the corner".

Some nice beer in The Vine, and a place to sit, but the hospitality faded as stand-in RA Gis reported that the Pub had decreed "You can't Sing!" - apparently the locals were too delicate. So we hummed (at least we could do the dirty ones...) - indeed. the waiter bringing the chips was quite flattered, but ignorant of our words describing his diminutive appendage. Gis welcomed our virgin, then chastised Wormy for "recklessly crossing traffic"; Pump was up for something he didn't do (but we hummed "You're Useless..."); while Tumbler got one for emphasising his Hash Name on the ski piste. And the Whole Episode was summed up by BeerPump correcting Gis' grammar: This Pub insisted that "We Shouldn't Sing" - the view that we "We Can't Sing" is doubtless shared by most Pubs!

Sun 02-Feb-25 IWH3 2061

It was the Day of the AGM, but first, as ever, the Run, courtesy of LunchBox!

And LoadingBay was present to observe and comment on the muddy bit: An excellent 'HAT' Trail (Hashers Against Tarmac) through the smaller muddier paths of Firestone Copse, gave a good example of how to fit One Trail in One Hour into a small area, with three road crossings being the only tarmac. Cleaning off, we made our way to the Cedars for our AGM, but first the Run DownDowns: With Suction standing in for our absent RA, we thanked The Hare; then chastised LoadingBay & Poubelle for "Late arrival, though living nearest to the Event". And a Special DD for BeerPump, laying now fewer that Eight Trails in the past year.

By this Time, the Meeting was "Packed out of the door", all keen to hear the GM's Speech which gave thanks to the many who had contributed in the last year, and with Special Thanks to Social Guru, Obliviars for "Organising Lots". The Cash Account was unsurprisingly "Much the same as last year!" with the request for "Ideas Please" on how to spend any small excess.

Under Matters For Discussion, the meeting supported (i) that the Circle should start at 11am, with OnOff shortly after; (ii) that "Drinking from New Shoes" should be under no pressure; and (iii) that the GM, once elected, should decide on the extra roles to be filled, as necessary, by election of any further Committee Members.

With the Outgoing Committee dismissed, the following Posts were filled with much support: Suction (GM), BusStripper (HareRaiser), Gis (Cash), Coops (Scribe), P-Rick (Haberdash); Bouncer (RA); and with universal support, Obliviars retained the role as Social Secretary and Coordinator Of Events!

Sun 09-Feb-25 IWH3 2062

Before the Run from Quay Arts, HareRaiser had accoladed Gis for his multitudinous skills "taking time out of his busy schedule to lay a Hash for our entertainment". But Fifteen chilly minutes before the Run, those assembled were slagging the Hare for not meeting inside the warm building... Off round back streets and lanes weaved the Trail, past a tempting Spoons, then turning round towards Seaclose then ascending Staplers where a multi-linedout check had us all over the hill before finding the way down. Were we not 'Arty' enough for Quay Arts? but we were very welcome in the trustworthy Railway Medina, where the RA thanked the Hares, then called on P-Rick who summonsed our highest achieving Hasher who had Hashes "totalling over 25 years, if put end to end" - that was an amazing 1350 R#ns for Fracas since 1993! This merited a Commemorative Mug from our Hash, with echoes of "Get a Life!" and "There's only One 'F' in Fracas"! Up next was Beaver in some doubt as to the age of her shoes - so she got a DD for "Rip-roaring Lass!"; A Hash Welcome for our Guests, PheasantPlucker and Bu#Plugg of Bicester, home of Busty. Running through the busy Town, Fagin was spotted "kicking the stick away from a blind man" - more news on that later as it breaks! DoorKnob gave the next one, relating that Busty said "Don't follow Shocker she's going in the wrong direction!" - just as Shocker called OnOn and was right! A quick Ad for BeerPump, man of many sins, but also promoting the Great Escape Evening - inciting the expected song! And finally, our Landlord for a Real Pub, Real Ale, Real People and no chance having to hum the DDs.

Wed 12-Feb-25 VLFM 278

After a debacle of some years ago, when the IWHHH had been made unwelcome, Sweater successfully got the Full Moon back into the Binstead Arms.

Sat 15-Feb-25 Bash 101

Shergar led the Bash from the Warnes Lane Car Park in Brighstone, with the now obligatory climbs, returning to the Three Bishops.

Sat 15-Feb-25 Bowling Evening

And what a Grand Evening Bowling it was! One of Sweater's Efforts in organising a memorable Social Event. We even had Hash Names up on the signs over the Lanes. A Good Evening's entertainment for All. Top Prize went to P-Rick, who won "Most Strikes"!

Sun 16-Feb-25 IWH3 2063

And yes, it was Brading again for Coops and Limpit's Trail. After a confusing diversion around Station Road, it was past the Church and into Doctors Lane, where we lost Noze, fruitlessly chasing the Short Trail. Then not so easy for the Pack, as they crossed Nunwell Farm, only to find that a fine herd of Belted Galloways had been there first and churned up the ground. A Pause at the Hash Gate only to continue over another cattlefield to Bloodstone. Amazingly, the Pack managed to find a little-used footpath under Ashey Down, as they slowly ascended to Downs Road returning towards Kellys Copse. But from here, the Trail led back up - or so it showed on the map in Shergar's pocket, but he was forbidden to read it by the Hash Puritans. Thus the spectacular views from the BeerStop was enjoyed by the Short Trail and a diminutive half-dozen of the longs, as the rest cut back for an early bath. The Wheatsheaf was welcoming as ever, despite their sole Real Ale, Abbot. As the RA prepared for DDs, Fracas thanked us all again for his long-service mug - just in case we'd forgotten. Then "Thanks for the Dust", laid by Copious Coops and Olympic Limpit; Up next was Oates - backing-up and pranging the BeerTruck; for Valentines Sweeties, it was "He who buys chocolate for wifey who doesn't like it" Sweater, while Jibs spent a romantic Valentines Night playing gooseberry to Coops & Limpit; And Thanks to Sweater again for the Bowling Evening, with the Award going to P-Rick; Back to The R#n, and the RA noted the Powers of "New SuperHero" Noze, holding up a fallen tree to protect vulnerable wenches; DipStick then recounted the Full Story of how BeerPump told Shergar Not to use the Map, and then lost 70% of the Long Trail; then, to much applause, we heard that Nikita, who'd left her "un-needed" boots in the car, slipped on a Wet Patch, and gained the Name "Wet Patch"!

Sun 23-Feb-25 IWH3 2064

"All the Trail's laid in Sawdust" announced DoorKnob, proudly gesturing towards a set of markings in Flour. More was to go wrong later on our R#n from the Havenstreet Railway. No excuses were given, as he said there would be Shiggy - and lots of it. Unusually going round anti-clockwise, a clever Trail giving opportunity to shortcut, and under the careful map-reading skills of HappyFeet, as we progressed south, then turning towards Rowlands Wood and Kemphill Copse, before coming back through the village. It was the Dark Beers Festival and the Hash lapped up the opportunity to acquire new tastes: Fracas, after purchasing a Beer with a Macho Name, but not matching taste, squealed "Will none of you help me out with this!". The Hare celebrated his Birthday with muffins, and a Downdown, with the RA noted "A Most Extraordinary Joint Birthday Weekend", summonsing forward P-Rick, Tumbler and Stalker. There then followed "The Numpty of the Day Awards" Round 1: with "Shiggy Expert" LunchBox struggling round in Road Shoes, and Busty and Dilly up for "Whispering Offences"; and then Round 2 with Fagin thinking the Steam Railway was at Firestone; Bart had just completed a commendable 750 R#ns; We gave Thanks, As Ever, to Host and BeerMeister Jeff for organising the Event (more to come apparently), then selected Fracas and the Other Usual Suspects to round off the "Best of the PaintStrippers"! ~Coops

Sun 2-Mar-25 IWH3 2065

Balders entertained us from Rookley Country Park, after which Bouncer gave this summary report: On managing to creep from his sick bed, Baldrick managed to lay an interesting six-mile Trail, effectively from Rookley to Arreton and back! Unable to stay for his Downdown, so the RA swiftly moved on the Sinners: First up was LoadingBay, celebrating his 750th run; then Stalker and MaBaker, were sent to the circle, for the Sin of being unable to park their cars correctly in an approved Parking Bay! P-Rick, then called GottlaGeer up, for a conversation they both had, on FannyMac having to provide a personal sample!!!!!, also joining Gottla was Gnasher, as they both slipped on their backsides. Finally, the RA called "Navigator" up, but of course, Navigator was not there, and Bouncer had been calling Mutiny by the wrong name! So, it was decided by the Pack that Both Mutiny and Bouncer should get a Downdown. Here endeth the lesson. ~OnBouncerOn!

Sun 9-Mar-25 IWH3 2066

Hastily moved around Wootton, the Circle was found at the Old School, where Hare Sweater (Nice Trail, but Shame about the Socks...) set us off on "Long and Winding Roads" interspersed with Woodlands and Red Squirrels. Reaching Woodside Bay, we found the Beach, and then visited the Nature Reserve. The BeerStop was found in Church Road, before a tour of the estate, returning down School Lane.

Moving to the Sloop where we were directed into the Garden, after a tantalising choice of DoomBar or DoomBar, we wondered why we had not visited this Establishment since 1989! But it was with Much Applause that our Hare was awarded his DD. The RA stepped back to allow our GM to celebrate "Womens Day", not least of whom were Alfred, having a Storm named after her; Shocker, as New Granny; Oblivs "All Sorts of Stuff"; then Herself as "Best GM and Worst Mum"; P-Rick thought they all ought to "Get back in the Kitchen", so we added Busty for "Putting up with P-Rick!" Moving on, we welcomed back Winalot and PoorSod from the FarEast, and Stuntman from OopNorth; Haberdash finally remembered where he'd put LoadingBay's 750 Top and presented it; the RA had spotted HappyEnding quickly upgrading "A Coke" to "A GinAndTonic Please!" when she found she wasn't paying; DoorKnob was a New Grandad, who spotted the RA looking for his phone (which Oblivs was using to take photos...); then Fracas wailed that Limpit had removed her car from the School to avoid being locked in: "No Key, No Car, My Clothes, My Money, And My New Mug!"

Wed 12-Mar-25 VLFM 279

Bouncer from the Vine Inn, Freshwater, used his extensive local knowledge to use all available back paths to give an intricate Trail, with still some use of torches. It started to get gloomy at Golden Hill, then Colwell and the tricky cliff path to Totland. For those who wanted the Full Trail, a circuit went out to Farringford, and back to the Pub.

Sat 15-Mar-25 Bash 102

Wootton Bridge Rec, Apres The Cedars - Poubelle

Sat 15-Mar-25 GSNR 001

Inaugural Great South North R#n! (No VLFM Run Number). Yes, you're right. Sweater and a few mates ran from St Catherine's to Egypt Point. Problem is, you pass the first Pub in the first mile, then there's no Pub at the End!

Sun 16-Mar-25 IWH3 2067

Some 29 odd Hashers assembled at Cheverton Farm, on the Shorwell Road. Inventive as ever, Hare Fagin had discovered this New Venue, ideal for his Annual Paddys Day Green R#n - most of you remembering, but Geri thinking it was a Green Dress Run. This is the Island's Off-Road Bike Centre and most of you did well navigating through the various man-traps through the Woods. A few Bikes, but then we met the obligatory Orienteering Flags across the side of the Down, coming up to Oates, waiting for us at the top of Foredown.

This Great New Venue and an Excellent Trail was celebrated at the Waverley Inn (Lunch from £9.95). The RA had the Paddy Goggles ready for the Sinners, and some delightful Yachtsman Bitter awaited. First Up, and with much use of "Colloquially" as Word of the Week, came Geri and Dippy for "Refusal at the Jumps"; then "One exceptional runner" Stalker - but getting most Checks wrong; we next met the "Arse Wipes", mostly on the lethal cycle jumps: (1) Rambo "Awry"; (2) WetPatch living up to name; (3) Laura; (4) and LoadingBay fell, having taken a ShortCut around a particularly precipitous drop; Socks Award went to P-Rick for the New Away Tops, and condemned for omitting PoorSod, who he forgot he'd rang up in Goa.

Sun 23-Mar-25 IWH3 2068

Off from Newchurch through the delightful Martins Wood and through the bog into Hill Heath. Across the cyclepath and along the Yar into Alverstone. Here it all started to go wrong, starting with "On Back!" then "Do they mean us?". Most of the Shorts were rounded up by Oblivs and led round Kern to Knighton and back. The Longs, under Curly, generally went off to the airfield and Borthwood, having the benefit of the BeerStop. Apres, of course, at The Pointer (Lunch £18.95) where the RA remarked that "The Hash is the only place, apart from Crufts, where dogs seem to outnumber people!". Downdowns followed - someone remarking "Is this a 'Reckoning of Sins', or just Blame Management?"; first up, The Hares; the A luvly little crowd" of Visitors, DrDeaf from EssexH3, with Bu#Plug & PheasantPlucker from BicesterH3; then "The Shame of Dirty Cash" with BullsEye offering the sweepings from the car loose change tray; Chaos then "OY!" for HappyFeet talking to dogs in the Circle; "Fishuke Dispensation" went to SickNote Bart and Dog; Virgin Caroline "Meaning to come along for Years!" from Brightstone, and Merlin from Estonia; Hares again for Birthdays joined by Jobbin; while Jolly Gis had wished Gottle a very Happy Birthday, but it was in November!

Sun 30-Mar-25 IWH3 2069

"Size doesn't matter... It's the Quality that counts" remarked HareRaiser introducing the fearless Beaver, who "has taken to Hashing like a Duck to Water" - on the Weekend when some well-behaved ducks had accompanied many of our Hashers down to Weymouth, leaving just nine stalwarts! Out via Simeon Rec and Rink Road and up to Puckpool, the Trail returned via Appley Tower in a very respectable three and a half miles. And with no RA or GM, the Hare thanked herself and the eight other attendees, spending the entire Proceeds on DDs for All!

Thurs 27 - Mon 31-Mar-25 Weymouth25

Many of us Retired Old Gits are well practiced in jumping on a Coach and spending a few days in a Hotel in some Rundown Seaside Resort - but for others this Trip was a bit of a Learning Curve. A Big Relief that we all managed to get to the Bus Stops and catch the Daishs Coach, and we were on our way to the Rather Posh Weymouth!

This wasn't so much a Hash Weekend, it was a Package Holiday but with lots of Hashy Things to do. More Mature Hashers will remember the 'Hashes En France' which were hilarious - and also the Canal Trips which took so much coordination. This time, Coops was HashTravel, Gis sorted out the Payments, P-Rick introduced the new Away Tops, and Sukkers & Oblivs sorted Seaside Entertainment and Big Thanks to Trail Hosts Hardys H3 for their local knowledge, trail-laying, and inventiveness.

Scribe's First Attempt at a Hash Pub Map of Weymouth had 30 Real Ale Pubs within a short distance from the Prince Regent Hotel - that's some idea of the choice! And so many Locals appeared to be drinking Real Ale!

Many of us missed the Thursday Evening Meal to do the Sub60 H3 Trail from the Railway Tavern - not the smartest Venue in 'WeyBitha' from the outside, but welcoming inside, with Real Ale, and an upstairs Function Room. A good turnout, both from them and us, with the Downdowns having the Barmaid in fits of laughter.

On Friday, after the Ice-Breaker Swim outside the Hotel, it was Breakfast and Ready to get the Bus to the George Inn on the 'Island' of Portland for Gravelrash and Welly's Trail - which many reckoned deserved the label of 'InterIslands Intercourse HHH' R#n 005.

This took us around Easton, a few Quarries, a Prison, some amazing Views, with an impromptu Downdown session in Verne Battery.

OnInn, and some excellent ales, with more DDs, Chips, and then an optional Bus Crawl back to Weymouth. Our tired Hashers dined, then took full advantage of the half-price drinks in the Hotel Bar with slightly tipsy Bingo and Quiz.

The Saturday Bus took us to Dorchester for Bookend's hilarious Duck Hunt - a grossly complex quiz with questions and scavenging around Town, with non-polite behaviour encouraged, and many teams losing valuable 'finds' in aggressive thefts. First Stop, after an hour, was Spoons, then down to the river for the Grand Duck Race, which didn't seem to have many rules. Then to Tom Browns and Apres at The Junction, where the Hares realised the Event was so complicated, they couldn't score it, so Geri won the Prize for "Most Selfies".

All was forgiven at our Saturday Party in the Hotel, where we entertained our Hosts. Thanks to All for joining in with the "Day at the Beach" Theme and, those that could, finished a Barrel of Dorset Gold Bitter. Undisputed Champ of the Fancy Dress must have been Gis as the Deckchair Attendant!

Sunday took us yet another bus to Hardys Hash at the Springhead, North of Preston ("Preston didn't look much like this" said Scouser PoorSod) where both Hardys and Wessex H3 joined us on a semi rural Trail, taking in Two Pubs, a Caravan Site, many climbs, a closed footpath, and a spectacular view of the White Horse. Many and Varied Downdowns in the unique Hardys Style, with Hash Chips & Sausages.

Most were still alive on Monday to put cases out at 6am, get up, large breakfast, thank the Wonderful Staff, and get on the Coach, wishing the Alright Hotel Manageress well in our Traditional Hash Format!

Sun 06-Apr-25 IWH3 2070

The Castle Newport (Lunch £13.95) was the Venue for HappyEnding's Virgin Trail, with a little help from Lunchie. Spilling over the narrow pavement, we learnt the Markings, and shot off to Sainsburys, cutting through Petticoat Lane to emerge at Victoria Rec, with a surprising eight on a Fishuke keeping All Alert. But there was more before the BeerStop, as the Trail continued along the brook to Carisbrooke Church. Then, ascent to the Castle found Oates, the Van and the Ale, before dropping down via MountJoy, Nine Acres and OnInn. Back in the Pub Garden, P-Rick, suffering from an accident with a lawnmower, delivered the long-awaited HashSocks - giving rise to 'SockGate': "Who chose that colour?" - it was a Man! The RA thanked the Hares for their inventive first Trail; then, Strict Enforcement of Rules, as Sodders, Winalot, and Barbara were arraigned for "Wearing our Away Top on the Island!"; More Weymouth Stuff as a certain ButterCup was haranguing Sweater for not carrying his Personality Award - one DD for haranguing and one for not bringing the rather small Plaque; then the Big Weymouth Thankyou to GM, Oblivs, Coops and all others who made our Fantastic Weekend!

Fri 11 - Sun 13-Apr-25 Away Weekend

And a fair-sized Group de-camped off to the Inaugural R#ns of the Steel City H3 in Sheffield. If you're ever there, they Hash on the Fourth Saturday of each month.

Sun 13-Apr-25 IWH3 2071

Stalker's Hash from the Railway Inn Ryde (no Sunday Lunch) was graced by the presence of new Arrivals Monsieur Perfectionist, and family Eeyore and BreathlessSlug, who'd recently evaded Border Force to immigrate to the Island. They kept up well on a Trail that went up to St Johns Park, then Appley, the Boathouse and a short visit to Seaview before return via Bullen. Some rather nice Ale, kept us amused while the RA recounted Tales of the "Too short" 6.2m course. Then a raft of returnees: Bilbo and Tiramisu were back for the Warm Weather, our Arrivals (from Mash H3), and then HeadBanger, delighting in some "nasty warm western beer!". The "Certain Person" who'd lost a Hash Top (MoonRakers H3) turned out to be none other than Fracas who, for once, had forgotten his New Mug, so it was the Pisspot; Token Runners' were HeadBanger, Shergar & ButterCup for 'Endurance' then our Guinness-drinking Hare again - and The Final Beer? that went to Geri for sending the Whole Hash down a dead-end!

Wed 16-Apr-25 VLFM 280

White Lion Niton - DilDoh!

Sat 19-Apr-25 Bash 103

Easter Egg Hunt, Highdown Inn Totland - Groyney

Sun 20-Apr-25 IWH3 2072

It was Easter Sunday, and didn't you Do Well with your Bonnets! Most survived BeerPump's arduous Trail that led from Wheelers Bay, along the Revetment, Bonchurch Village, almost the Landslip, then back with some near-vertical climbs on the Downs above the old station. No eggs were found, apart from an annoyed pheasant, and not even in Sweater's wee basket that he carried delicately for the whole Trail. Back to the Royal British Legion, a fine establishment which has a "No Hats" Policy so, after much negotiation with the Management, a "Special Dispensation" was arranged for Bonnets. These seemed to be most skilfully made from nefarious domestic detritus, including carrier bags, sticky-back plastic, superglue, and even a Weymouth Duck. Much hilarity and finally, amid some confusion, chocolate awards were given for "Least Effort", "Jauntiest" and "Most Creative"!

Sun 27-Apr-25 IWH3 2073

It was London Marathon Day (I once did 4hr 10min, but then got bored and turned the telly off), and kindly Mash and Gis were rewarded with a superlative field of Expectant Hashers in back of the Shorwell Crown Car Park. A Winchester visit, Virgin Alex, Bilbo's Louise & Family, and Gary of Weymouth swelled our numbers. An initial ascent from the Cemetery dropped back, through abundant Wild Garlic, to the Road but then the Trail vanished up New Barn Lane, intent on the heights of Chillerton Down, where refreshments awaited. Back down and a circuit of Northcourt finished a pleasant outing - for all of us except 'lost' Philth, left behind by a 'trustful' Busty. At DownDowns, we welcomed Ram & Monica of WinchesterH3 and thanked them for the cakes! Finally Bilbo had reached 500 R#ns (but still no Top) and celebrated with a very slow DD "English Beer's too warm!". RA, LoadingBay, next brought up Virgin Alex and Island Virgin Gary (did the Weymouth R#ns); Shocking our 'Ladies' were "The Naked Runners": JimJams, Bushwhacker, with token DD to Stalker; "Bovine Behaviour" was noted for Pump and MagnumPI, and finally Our Hares for a "Map" with a Route, but no Map!

Sat 3-May-25 Bash Extra

Pedallers après Havenstreet BeerFest - the Usual Thing!

Sun 4-May-25 IWH3 2074

LoadingBay and Poubelle are staunch members of the "Hashers Against Tarmac" fraternity but nevertheless, their Trail from Havenstreet Railway led off for some way straight up the Main Road to Combley. The Other Matter for Dispute came with the Run Promise of "Bluebells" of which there was a "Marked Paucity" according to the RA - but he hadn't gone into the deepest part of the Wood where, reportedly lay "A Host" of Said Plants. Indeed the whole Trail kept within the Woods and gained a fair distance before the long-awaited return to the busy Beer Festival after a "fairly flat" Trail with mud and ditches which had claimed only PPIncest as a Faller. The RA noted Virgin Peter "still smiling" after the Trail, which had visiting DipStick "bitterly complaining"; and back too were Rabbit (from Tibet), EyeTie (from most of the Far East) with "Nasty Warm English Beer" - Carl and Debbie were back too but had pushed off the play golf; "Politically Challenged" was LipsOn, for calling "Re-form!" at a Check, which got abuse from BeerPump; then onto the failure of so many to wear Blue for the R#n, token Sinners being Winalot in civvies and Sodders in "Every other colour"!

Sat 10-May-25 Party

Tonight was the Grand Rearranged Quiz and Curry-Off, moved to the Wootton Old School, and Thanks to Oblivs, Dippy, Beaver, LunchBox & HappyEnding; with extra Thanks to "Curry Chefs" Oates, Oblivs, Gottla, LunchBox & Busty. And well done to All of You who turned out in your "Decadence" costumes. The Quiz went down well, as did the Curries and Accompaniments, with the "Best Costume" going to Tumbler; "Best Curry" was Gottla; and the Quiz being won by Sweater's Team - the "Young Table"!

Sun 11-May-25 IWH3 2075

And it was a Hashy Birthday to Bouncer at Atherfield Farm. The First half-mile just went in a straight line direct to the coast; then a Check; then left until we met the uncrossable Whale Chine. Getting around that and it was more Coast for the Longs leading up towards Blackgang where some even reached the Pepperpot - but they weren't On Trail... The Shorts got to Oates' Beer Stop opposite Upper Place Farm way before the Diaspora of Runners. On-Back touched Westside Lane and over Southdown, leaving the choice of a quick OnIn or a lovely tour of the remaining bluebells up to Gladices and back. In the Farmyard, the RA celebrated the "Decadent Curry Evening" with Main Protagonist Dippy, and where the Winner was Gottla with her "School Dinner" recipe veggie curry, but had forgotten her Winner's Spoon. Back from Oz was TwistedSista who regretted that "The Returnees Cake" was confiscated by Border Security. Caroline had brought husband Mike with son Alex, the "better runner!"; HandJob from WessexH3 had appeared with guest Alison from Canada, who had a Special Award for running around the Yard to "make up five miles", when the others had done over six!; Returning Visitor DrDeaf (Essex H3) had a Senior Award for trying to use his Hotel Keycard as a BusPass; "no personality" Suction had got the Australian Song wrong; then PropShaft for "foraging in the back of the wrong car!"

Wed 14-May-25 VLFM 281

BeerPump back on the Dust again, this time leading the Moon R#n off from the Landslip Car Park - a somewhat restricted start, given the current path closures, but our Hare made the best of it, looping round some intricate and novel routes, and ending up with the obligatory ascent to the Down. Apres at the slightly smarter re-opened Harrys Bar.

Sat 17-May-25 Bash 104

Fagin and Glyn go back to the New Forest.

Sun 18-May-25 IWH3 2076

A fair number name it to Mottistone Car Park for Shergar's jaunt up the hill - but that number might need to be updated by a steady trickle of Late Arrivals, who were leaping out of their cars even as we disappeared up the steep track to the Longstone. Across to Grammars Common, then down to Chilton Green where we found Oates and the Refreshments. Up back to Mottistone and OnIn, where repairs had to be made to SlyC, victim of an unplanned fall. We'd welcomed back Nauti Hashers Madonna and CoolBox on this hot Trail reckoned as 4.7m for the Longs and some four and three-quarter miles for the Eager Shorts. If you were quick, you found a shady spot in the Car Park for your picnic, and awaited the RA congratulating the Hare, then chastising Wormy for an "inappropriate wee". EyeTie got a returnee DD, even though he was back a fortnight ago... He was joined by Madonna and CoolBox. Then a quick "RA Rant" about not wearing Haberdash - until the GM told him off! We just got on with the picnic.

Sun 25-May-25 IWH3 2077

A Family Affair: Suction on Long, NumpT on Short, and Oates on the Barbie. We assembled at one of the Car Parks behind Carisbrooke Castle which turned out to be Castle Field. We welcomed Lee turning up from Phuket H3 via Long Island, and Andrew of Brunei H3 (reputedly the 3rd Oldest Hash). "Explain the Markings" was the Cry - and a good job too, as we didn't know that a competitive r#nning group had also chosen the same area. Off we went up Mount Joy, the Longs vanishing into the Cemetery, and the Slow Trail "Walking on a Sea of Dogs"! In Good Hashing Style, the Two Packs did meet occasionally as we crossed Merryl Lane to re-ascend over to Whitecroft and up towards Garstons. Not too long, and the Hare was first to admit that she had to put in a quick final loop to avoid getting in Sub-60! Off to our generous Hosts' back garden for lunch and to attend to the RA. We celebrated Hares, and welcomed Visitors, noting that "Great Uncle Malc" had brought the whole Family again. "A Master Chef known around the World" was up next and we learnt that FannyMac couldn't open a cheese pack. Up too was with "Considers himself a Chef now" Oates with some new songs from SongMeister. A Story: At the Off,one of the dogs had peed on Gottla - indeed CharlieBrown was guilty and nominated Mutiny. Then, NumpT kindly permitted a New Shoes DD, with "Calling 'On' on just One" HeadBanger. With LasVegas "stuck in the Lavatory", 'Returnee' Rabbit too, that left just three DDs so Suction was quick to nominate for "fishuke behaviour", "americanisms" and The RA for "Being The RA" - and the fact that Rabbit had actually come back two weeks ago!

Sun 1-Jun-25 IWH3 2078

It was the first of June, and the skylarks above Culver Haven were celebrating the start of summer. And the local rabbits had a treat too, with the generous amounts of flour which had been laid by Hare Geri. For the Longs, Shergar reportedly had a map which took them on loops, extending the scenic Short Trail, which itself extended the route taken by a rather re-invigorated Hooker. As expected, a well-planned short-notice Trail which got us over to Gander Down and some even to Yarbridge and Yaverland. The Pub kindly let us use their garden, and we thanked the generosity of landlord Tim (and for putting on Woodforde's Wherry). The RA was quick to congratulate our Live Hare for "kindly stepping in", along with her Assistant, and Bouncer too for shepherding the Shorts. Welcome back were DirtyBum who'd brought ThaiGa. Then a naming (to the Official IWH3 Protocol...) where a Certain Person bragged on the Long that he could "Set Odds" on the correct route at a Check; "I once met Shergar, you know"! said Gary as he became TicTacMan. Pushing Haberdash this week was Oblivs, and a rather sporting Top went to Poubelle for the completion of 750 Runs!

Sun 8-Jun-25 IWH3 2079

Now Stalker is a good r#nner, but not well known for his map-reading, so he probably doesn't know what a contour is. That might explain the rather large number of drop-outs from the Trail which began at The Sheepdog Trials on Ashey Down. Greeting Uranus from Didcot H3 and Berkshire, we left this magnificent viewpoint, crossing the main road, where Bouncer met his calling as Lollipop Man. Then a steep descent, followed by a persistent upward climb under the Down got rid of a few of the Sick Parade. The Sea Mark was reached, then down again towards Kern where the track turned by the Sandpit. A quick Refreshment Stop marked the final ascent of this short but gruelling Endurance Test. Getting a quick beer to support the Event (Profits to the Hospice), a very uncircular Circle formed in the Car Park - probably explaining why Beaver was using her phone in it... The RA then highlighted a Certain well-know Person: "Will we be chased by sheep and dogs?" - Yes, NumpT was up. The Hares next, with Short Trail Leader Gnasher getting lost at Kern Farm; "The Leaders of the Pack" (mostly leading astray) were JimJams and BushWhacker; With "Yachting in the News", Suction and Shocker (Birthday Girl) had won Didwell Cups, while Sukkers noted DoorKnob had an accident with a boom and then headbutted everything in sight for the rest of the afternoon; up came Sodders, revealing that Limpit was "Flashing the Cash", buying a new door, new bike, new car; the "lost and found" phone belonged to BeerPump, perpetrator of the Bristol Trip, scene of the Love Story of ButterCup and Sweater appearing hand-in-hand.

Wed 11-Jun-25 VLFM 282

And Stalker proved that There Was Another Trail to be laid from the High Park Tavern! Darting out the back of Marlborough Close, the Pack found themselves in the wildlands behind the Sorting Office, then dropped on the bridleway to Smallbrook, only to return up the tiny path to PigLeg Lane where they were enticed up to Weeks Road, but then doubled back into the woods (lost a few here), and across the railway into the wildlands again before a rather quick 'bath' after 50 mins. The Shorts managed to keep up most of the way, meeting the Longs more than once, using a few tips from their knowledgable local postie! Sweater ran the Circle and, after relenting that "Fracas can wear a Hat", and a bad start by wrongly-accusing "LunchBoxNoPants", we finally showed our appreciation to The Hare; then "the Collider Theory" where BDK seemed to fall over whenever Sukkers was passing; an accurate Hashy Birthday to Shocker; and then 100 Full Moon R#ns to Bouncer; more dementia from Bouncer now, thinking that Dippy had left her phone for him to make a Date - but Suction corrected saying "It's mine, stupid. You gave me a lift!"; And yet more Threesome Confusion as Buttercup joined Dippy and Sweater in the "Where's my Boyfriend?" Mystery!

Sat 14-Jun-25 Bash 105

Thanks to Geri, or was it Trigger, stepping in to replace the postponed Mainland Bash, with an impromptu outing from Pedallers. Well breakfasted, we set off up the inevitable Limekiln Shute, taking Rowlands Lane to The Port Stop at Binfield, then Firestone and Quarr. Refreshments at The Veteran, then a circuit of the coastline to Seagrove, then Hill Farm to the Bugle at Brading. Here, Shergar officiated, noting "Trouble getting up" Fagin with shirt back-to-front; a Re-Cycled P-Rick, returning to full health; much applause for Annie, high-speed low-gear non-battery pedalling; and then The Hares!

Sun 15-Jun-25 IWH3 2080

Parkhurst Noke Gate was found by most, circuiting the Forest to avoid the roadworks. For this Trail, Philthy had done much research, plotting winding ways and woodland paths. The mud hopping apparently was not planned. Up to Hillis gate by the smallest of paths then back down and along a delightful stream until we hopped over the main path, into the field and OnIn. Off now to the Sportsmans Rest - but, first, The Pub, which has new landlords and some adventurous Real Ale, with the TomCat and AyUp going down very well. The RA was ready, but there was yet no Hare, as he was rescuing Vegas, Tiramisu, ThaiGa and DirtyBum - and we still voted it a Shi#yTrail. R-Rick gave the next one to Gnasher, going back to the car cried "Oh No, it's been dented!" then "Ah, it isn't my car!" The RA welcomed back Noni; then Mutiny, wrestling with his dogs, told Gottla "Just got her to lose a stone!" - she replied "What. Your mother?"; And the RA heard that a Certain Runner was "Surprised there were no fallers" - that was Stalker, who promptly fell; and finally, to Geri who passed the "ON INN" marks, called "On Back!" and started a Second Circuit!

Sun 22-Jun-25 IWH3 2081

Run 2081, saw NoseJob, ably assisted by WetPatch, lay a trail from the Holliers Hotel in Shanklin though, cometh the day, Wetpatch could not come on the trail, due to injury, but was a stalwart behind the Bar! From the Olde Village, it was a convulated trail, out to Greatwood Copse, Shanklin Down, then back through Luccombe Village, and OnInn. At the Circle before the Off, the Hare stated (as it's been a while since he had done a trail), he would make it 3-in-1, and on the return of the Pack, Shergar, bemoaned and confirmed it was indeed a "3:1 Incline", for which the RA, got him up for a Downdown; the Hare was dutifully hauled into the Circle, for his Downdown, after which, the RA welcomed AirHead (from London H3) up for her DD; Guisbert, then took over proceedings, and called Bouncer to the Circle, for over-exuberant carparking directions, whilst Gis was trying to park/reverse his car into a parking space; Whilst standing at the bar for a drink, Poubelle, was seen by Stalker, looking at her watch for the time - he asked her "How far did we run?", at which point Poubelle pointed to her watch which was so old, that it barely told the time, and then administered the final DD to the inquisitive Stalker. ~OnBouncerOn!

Wed 25-Jun-25 WICH4 003

Godshill Car Park - Hare Shergar.

Sun 29-Jun-25 IWH3 2082

The Alverstone marshes are always an excellent area for a Trail, and now accessible from Hares, Geri and Hooker's new Abode. So we wouldn't all use their loo before the R#n, the start was at the iconic Concrete Ship in Perowne Way, Sandown. PoorSod, acting Scribe, recalled a good sized Pack, on a delightful Trail, leaving the new pad, across Perowne Way, but down the track to cross back by the shop and On through the Holiday Park, past the Waterworks, up via the bird hide, and into Alverstone, the cycleway and across the marsh to Adgestone - then he forgot the Rest... Oates' Refreshments awaited (Gis was a little late arriving, but somehow knew how to relocate onto the Beer!). The Longs had a leg to the Upper Road and back while the Shorts had a brief OnInn to the Garden Party. Shergar officiated as RA, noting quickly that Shocker had "a new hairdo" after going through a hedge backwards; while Sukkers was guilty of "severe bramble abuse" springing one back onto DoorKnob; Latecomer Gis did not go unnoticed; then we thanked our generous Hares, mastermind Geri and Hooker "the Cooker".

Sat 5-Jul-25 Summer Ball

We were all in, watered, and sat down by 7pm for the Hash Summer Ball at Holliers Inn. Some had even dressed up for the Occasion. Some had got lost on the journey there. But a delightful evening awaited, for us and a number of guests (token arrivee being SausageLottery), and Many Thanks due to Oblivs for coordinating - all this summarised in a short DD Session introduced by The GM, before we were allowed any food.

Summer Ball Musings

Twas the morning after the night before...

Hashers were a little quiet... not too much furore

and the talk was who did what on the dance floor??

The word is that Suckers did the splits

and then there was the conga round Shanklin by all the old gits

Then the newly slim Oblivs danced with a pole...

and it was noted that RA Bouncer had lost all control!

So Sundays Hash... some may be a little jaded..

but after a Down Down we will flourish... we will not remain faded!

so come Sunday even if you are have edges that are a little rough....

At least (mentioning no names!) you didnt get caught doing the conga round Shanklin in the glorious buff!

(it was BusStrips what Wrote This)

Sun 6-Jul-25 IWH3 2083

TwistedSista had brought Australian Emma to experience the delight of PoorSod & Winalot's Hangover Trail with "pink chalk, some flour, some dust" to contend with Noze's old markings from two weeks ago. The Runners did BigMead, then climbed a bit more than they should have done, others were lost, and most did many exciting hills. The Shorts followed as best they could, then arbitrarily came back through leafy Batts Copse, only to stumble on the True Trail. Someone remarked "If it went properly, it wouldn't be fun". A plethora of RAs awaited in Holliers garden where Gis gave JimJams, assistant Hare, and Winalot the first DDs; We then welcomed Visitors MessyDischarge and ThirdLeg from MKH3; PoorSod got his from the GM for wine spilt on his very posh dinner shirt - joining "I wish I'd had my bicycle mits" Boycey, on brambles; Gottla next recalled BullsEye for backing her dining chair into a pillar and saying "Sorry!"; Sukkers then called up the mysteriously appearing "I can't come to the Ball, oh yes I can now" BeerPump; And, after Sod thanked the Bar Staff, we had "occasional visitor" FlyingDoctor joining Australian Emma in a Nasty Warm Beer!

Wed 9-Jul-25 VLFM 282

Sun 13-Jul-25 IWH3 2084

Sat 19-Jul-25 Bash 105

Trigger

Sun 20-Jul-25 IWH3 2085