When we found out the Oak in Roxton doesn't open on Sunday lunchtimes we switched 1492 to The Anchor just across the road from us. On the day we weren't overburdened with Hashers and, with all due respect to Minja Turtle and Subby, FRBs were thin on the ground too. But we had a pleasant walk up the river and back by the former railway line and the 15th century bridge, in glorious sunshine. So much for the Hash, but I want to tell you about the two real stars of this weekend: these are their back-stories as best I know and recall them.

First Lost Cause. We gave him the name, in jest of course as we always do, and on Saturday we set about proving to all that, as far as we are concerned, he is anything but: more like Great Cause in fact. Superbly orchestrated by the tireless Subby, his most loyal of friends, H5 built upon work done by Subby's son Michael, Cyclopath and Leroy to transform LC's house and garden.

Aided by a staple diet of beer and cake, supplemented by pizza and tea, Atomic, Blowers, Capt F, Catch IT, Clap Trap, Depth Charge, Edwina, Fat Controller, Frau, Globes, Gonereal, Gorjoyce, (no H? shame, the alphabet was going so well), Kisses, Lady P, Lush, Major J, Peacher's, Pussies, Ringer, Subby and The Count (sorry if I missed anyone - and yes, you're right, more Hashers than were at 1492) set about Operation Martin's Pad.

We emulsioned, glossed, cleaned, fitted blinds, laid carpet tiles, pruned, weeded, removed dead shrubs, de-ivyed walls, took rubbish to be recycled and did what was required to generally transform, to the absolute joy of the owner when he returned from an afternoon at Bedford rugby.

Of course we did this first and foremost for Lost Cause, but it was also good for the soul of H5 to know that we can still do what we do best - pull together to work for each other.

To tie this into 1492, Lost Cause turned up at The Anchor apres, with his mum and friend Janice, and with two tubs of chocolates for the Hash and a card expressing his appreciation of our efforts: he said sorry, his writing was not at its best, but many of you will know how much effort it will have taken him to produce it.

Lady P was cake baker of the day and agreed it was appropriate that the very generous donations in "The M" go to Macmillan Cancer Support: we'll hold that money in case any hashers still need the chance to donate. And we'll put together an album of the pictures from OMP as soon as we have the chance.

Next Knobber. On 7 September our HM started cycling from Lands End heading north, and after 5 days had pedaled 539 miles to Carlisle. On course for John O'Groats, a tremendous physical achievement and a nice sum raised for a local charity. But on Wednesday evening he was knocked from his bike while travelling at pace and found himself on the road, in great pain and waiting for the air ambulance, his bike journey over.

The good news is - nothing broken: a body full of bumps, bruises, cuts and grazes, but no lasting damage. It could have been worse: after cutting off his lycra to have a good look at him the hospital tried to discharge Knobber to wander the streets of Carlisle SB Naked. Now that would have been worth a down-down.

As our image shows Knobber made it back to apres at 1492, reveal some of his injuries and receive a lot of sympathy and admiration. He says he'll be back on the bike soon and heading north to complete the other 450 or so miles to the top of Scotland. In the meantime he's off to the Algarve with H5 for some well earned R&R.

A couple of very fine blokes not blessed with the best of luck right now but bearing their situations with humour and great dignity. We are proud that they have run with us at H5.

ON ON to Portugal

THE COUNT and LADY P