Run 1250

Sunday 15 March 2015

The Old George, Ickleford

Hares: Capt Fantaaastic and Knobber

HASHERS: 25  ANKLE BITERS: 3  APRES: 3  MUTTS: 4

This week the Hash found itself at the Old George in Ickleford, a super Grade 2 listed building originally built in the 16th Century and formed of a timber framed structure on a sill of bricks. The fresh internal décor preserves the patina, yet blending in contemporary colourways and furniture to give a welcoming and convivial atmosphere in which to enjoy the fine selection of decent ales. And it wasn't just the infill on the internal walls that was plastered by the end of the afternoon.

Apparently, the last recorded run from The Old George was in 1997, so it was well overdue for a return visit. After the circle, the pack headed on out towards Bowmans Mill and then across the road to skirt the allotments before Ringer led the way along the playing field, only to pick up a false trail. The rest of the pack gathered at the held check before crossing the A600 and entering the nature reserve at Burford Ray.

The seamless interchanging of the hares as the FRBs were coerced along the false trails to keep the pack together saw the trail covered rapidly, soon to arrive at the lagoon at the top of the reserve. On the way back, there was a view check at the carving before hanging a left at the mill and farmhouse to take the pack up to Westmill Lane, part of the Icknield Way.

As time was pressing, some took the shortcut back along Turnpike Lane, but those that fancied more of a run took the trail out to Hambridge Way and across the A600 to come back into Ickleford along the paths and to the On Inn which lay at the entrance to a neat little path between the church and some cottages, emerging into the Old George car park.

Back in the pub, amongst its attractive sunken spandrels, the pack gathered before going out into the courtyard for the circle. There were some excellent jokes, courtesy of Cap'n F, Leroy and Bangers, and down downs including:

The Hares
The Hair (Pongo for 600 runs)
Knobber and Madge's birthdays
All the Mums present, as it was Mothers Day
Scooper
Amongst others

Thanks to the staff at The Old George for being a fantastic venue and laying on some top beers. And putting up with us.

Knobber
[clearly not written by knobber too much truth have we been wurdz bombed ... scribe]