It was great to see a large pack ready to Hash at the White Hart, including newie Rebecca (Miss Bex, it said on her shirt), and Private Parts, Happy Snaps, Tinky Winky and birthday girl Imogen.

With the pack expecting the usual foray into Polehanger Woods, the Hares threw Hashers into confusion by setting the trail across the fields towards Gravenhurst. Even at the first held check, at the A507, the tendency was to head back towards the familiar Campton Plantation, but the trail went leftwards towards Beadlow and Clophill. Soon, it turned right, and into the Sandy Warren Nature Reserve.

FRBs Depth Charge and Jamrag entertained themselves with the false trails until the pack reconvened. Those who didn't take the shortcut ran along the grassy paths around the Sandy Warren, and up through the woods towards where the Chicksands Listening Cage used to be. The sound of gunfire close by caused the pack to retreat back to the check and then alongside a field that, in WW2, was used as a communications post, and full of radio masts.

As the trail roller-coasted along, Rapid decided to take a trip over a tree root, and launched himself into the best arse over tit fall seen on the Hash for some time. Denying injury, he continued but saw the "no unauthorised flying" signs all too late.

The trail continued and met the Knitting Circle of Hairy, Underlay and Globes, who had taken the short-cut. Reunited, the pack followed the path along the fence surrounding Chicksands Base, down to a held check at Sandy Lane, before taking the bridle path by the River Flit and eventually into Campton Plantation with its ornate carvings and golden autumn gown. The On Inn appeared shortly after the western exit, leaving a short run back to the White Hart.

In the circle, Down Downs were metered out to newie Bex, and miscreants Cyclopath, (for getting Gorjoyce's name wrong – and forgetting to invite the Hares into the circle) and Forking Dickchair, who, despite being RA, had been unable to spot anything on the run (or make anything up), although he had done a great job with the weather. The RA's duties were therefore discharged by Knobber, who brought Lulu and Rapid into the circle; Lulu for leaving his tag sticking out, and Rapid for flying in a no flying zone. The Count then brought Jane into the circle for confusing Bookends and Bell Ends.

The circle concluded with reminders to all to book in for Posh Nosh, on 14th December, for a brilliant 4 course meal, entertainment, dancing and general extravaganza, and the New Year Lunch at the excellent Green Man Stanford, immediately after Hash 1508 on 5th January. Booking details for each event are on the H5 Homepage

Finally, why not start your 2020 diary with a date to Hare a Hash? The Receding Hareline is good up to mid-January, so please look at the opportunities to Hare after then. See or contact Harerazor Rapid.

On On to 1503, with Blow Felt at the other White Hart, in Maulden.

Knobber