It had been a long, hot, Monday – the first of the month coming at the end of one of the longest and hottest summers that the hares could remember. It hadn't really cooled down that much when we circled-up in the carpark of the Plough to be regaled by the HM's (antediluvian) plough-related joke. At the outset, Shuffle owned up to a forthcoming birthday and was pleased to avoid the birthday hat, in view of that heat, due to the timely absence of the Haberdasher.

While saying that there were no large animals to be seen, the hares warned about the possibility of trains on the run. After the off, the pack soon found their way up the High Street and down the East Road after being briefly duped into a false trail (except for Underlay) they pressed on, over the level crossing and onto the bridleway beyond, which soon turned to the North and paralleled the railway for a piece. During this part of the run, the trail passed quite close to the Langford windfarm and hashers (whatever their views) were able to inspect some of the giant turbines quite closely as they turned lazily in response to the slight breeze. Although we had done only a third of the course, it was at this point that we stopped for a beer (...as you do!).

When we continued, the bridleway soon turned westward crossing the rails again to become the Sheep Walk which joins the Langford Road. (Note: no sheep were seen, walking or otherwise, though your correspondent did note the ladies rugby club on their training night). At this point the short-cutters turned south along the main road into the village while the rest joined the Southill Road running towards Jordan's Mill. There, just before the bridge, the trail left the road and turned south alongside the river Ivel which slid silently along between the lush green bulrushes and the wildflowers. Following the river was never going to be a straight run and the trail meandered south till we reached the Old Langford Mill. Turning East, the trail passed the playing fields and turned North again at the Church where the On-Inn was a welcome sight for the thirsty.

After some emergency rehydration we circled up and Captain Fantaaastic (the HM) took on an additional responsibility of RA [only 'cos he forgot to appoint a secret RA at the start: Dep Ed]. Despite short-notice, he was able to indict a number of miscreants including Rapid (for showing concern about the state of Nik-Nak's big-end bearings) and Double Entry for use of Technology on the Hash (picking up a call from Nik-Nak, while still on the run). There's also photographic evidence that Gill, Nik-Nak and even Ringer were held to account, though your correspondent doesn't recall detail of their heinous crimes [fake news I tell you: Dep Ed]. In keeping with the ancient tradition, the RA awarded himself a libation to conclude the assizes.

In the announcements, Nik-Nak reminded hashers that next week run would be in six rather than seven days at the Southill Cricket Club for the summer posh picnic.

Gorjoyce & Clap Trap

ON On to Southill!