| Run 415: | 2 January 2000: Keepers Wood |
| Hares: | Miriam and Roger Freeman plus ex Mastresses |
A large pack (30+) gathered outside On-Pres's gaff on a sunny Sunday, the first of a thousand years of hashing to come. Soon to be ex mastresses welcomed some new faces; two virgins both called Ian with surnames Bartle and Larkham, George Cleife, Chris Myers, and visitors from Vancouver H3, Tim and Esther Ellis. We were informed that we should look out for pieces of numbered card (at the checks) which could be exchanged for prizes later, these having been originaly intended to be used on the previous run that was scrubbed because of ice. Roger warned us not to overrun falsies and that the Lavant that had been "bone dry" up to a few days before had done its magic trick and was now flowing....GREAT!
The first few checks took us through the houses of North Summersdale heading towards the Lavant. A check on the West bank of that mighty river held us up for a while with falsies on both banks heading North. The on on was across the BRIDGE (no wet feet) and out on to Stocks Lane. But this didn't stop someone (Mr Colgate I think) jumping in anyway!. Also a certain amount of confusion was caused when Paul M was spotted standing still and calling on, this would normaly indicate a falsie, but this time he WAS on (is this a NY resolution ?). Next check just North of the Sewage Works (typical hare tactic to put pack off the scent) saw us heading to the first river crossing. We had the usual antics, the dash n splash merchants, the impromtu baptismal cermonies etc.
From here we had pretty much a straight run up to East Lavant and a check at the road bridge. A Regroup was called, during which eagle eyed visitor Tim spotted the on on via the bridge on the north side of the cricket pitch and up the East bank again.. so off we went. But not far, it was time for the second and final fording experience, and then due South heading for home. A quick loop around the top of the field next to the soccer field saw all bunched up waiting to cross the road above the village hall. Some of the pack (no names) took the oportunity while waiting to destroy the stile "It came away in me ands onest guv". A final check at the end of the footpath fooled no one, we were heading home and on-in just about on the hour, perfik.
Once again Mr & Mrs President welcomed us to the presidential residence apres hash, and once again oodles of good food and drink had appeared by magic, thanks to the magicians !. Our wonderful masteresses held court for one last time. The prizes from the checks were dished out, each one representing a major point in the last millenium, ranging from a tin of baked beans to a video. Paul Mortimer was awarded the "Phil Spooner Hashit of the year 1999" award in recognition of all the support he has given to the Hash during the year. Nominations for the run Hashit were: Paul for calling on when on and Phil for checking at the regroup. It was awarded to Joyce... not certain why.. something about her not having had "IT" for two years.
The usual hush descended on the crowd in anticipation of the announcement of the Joint Masters of the new millenium....the white smoke went up .. and the new JMs are ... Roger and Phil. There was some comment about the new JMs total age being greater than the total of all the other people in room and how fitting it is that two founder members are taking us into the next thousand years. For their part the JMs promised an end to gentle ways of the past year and gave us fair warning of harder times. Finally the new JMs displayed a youthful alacrity in the way that they dispatched the raffle tickets.
ON-ON Jan H