After a miserably wet and cold Saturday, it was a relief when Sunday dawned blue and bright in Lidlington (although neither hare was there, to note the fact!).

Despite the AGM on the previous evening and no doubt in the hope of running off some of the extra calories from the complementary fish and chips, there was a good turnout (...although, in truth, many of the Hashers looked half-dead).

Initially there was degree of confusion, as many of the subsidiary roles for a run had yet to be filled (... or the new incumbents were still tucked-up in bed). Nevertheless, all was in order when the pack circled up to be addressed by the new Hash Mistress (Cyclopath). This was followed by our new Grand Master (Captain Fantaaastic), who regaled the assembly with Green Man-associated "jokes" and music.

The initial confusion was mirrored when the pack started in search of the trail. Presumably, trained by many previous runs from the pub, at first they sought in vain the way up the hill towards the Millbrook Circuit but were stymied by bars and eventually followed the spots through the houses, down the hill, across the railway and onwards, towards the lake. Part of the route used a bridleway that was so overgrown with brambles that the Hares had had to limbo under them to reconnoitre. Later, and after the impassable section, they came across a brand new (likely unused) footbridge spanning a ditch on path.

Following some surreptitious pruning by the hares, it was possible for the pack to proceed down to Sheepstick End and thence on to Brogborough Lake. Officially, this lake is the site of three footpath anomalies, as according to the map there are three rights of way across the lake. Although hashers are noted for their running, this skill does not extend over water and the route turned off the path to follow the (steep) lake-shore. Alongside the lake we came across a volunteer, clearing the undergrowth to encourage the rare cow wheat flower to grow (apparently, it's a semi parasitic relative of the Yellow Rattle, that's important for establishing meadows – though where it was growing, could hardly be considered a meadow!).

Leaving the rough, the pack followed the trail South East on Thrupp End road, then over the level crossing on Station Road, on to Lombard Street and On-Inn to the Green Man via the Lane.

Suitably refreshed, the Hashers circled up in the sunshine outside the pub, where Bangers (as stand-in for Thongo) noted that it was the best run that he'd been on all day, and the hares were justly rewarded. As acting RA, Forking did a sterling job in exposing malpractice. As the photographic evidence proves, Bell End, Double Entry, Goodhead and GorJoyce were brought to book for their many and grievous sins, before the RA honoured the tradition that he himself established by awarding himself a down down.

On On to Lincolnshire and the Folloween Away Weekend

Blow Felt and Clap Trap