On a simply sparkling winter’s day when the thermometer hovered just above freezing, the hash gathered at Thursley Common recreation ground, a comparatively rarely visited venue for SH3. This, despite its proximity to a wonderful open space which is a national nature reserve which is one of the largest remaining areas of heathland in the county. The common contains no less than 20 species of dragonflies and damselflies (21 if you count the intriguing statue of one which we passed on the run).

  The car park was predictably busy and required some imaginative manoeuvres from several hashers on entry and exit with a few resorting to the road.

  There were many visitors for Kelinchi’s fine trail including the granddaughter (and friend) of a 1980s Surrey hasher ~let’s hope we see Maddy and Charlotte again. We also met J Arthur’s daughter Lucy, who I think has been before and many refugees from the North Hants kennel.   

  All were most welcome.

  There were many colds evident with lots of sneezing and wheezing and boy was it cold although that falling mercury did not prevent the wearing of shorts by Satisfaction Guaranteed and FRB, with the former also omitting even sleeves although as she swims at Frensham Ponds all year round, she is well prepared. Stevie Blunder wore his new jeans ( a Xmas present?) so just as well he didn’t go A over T as many nearly did on the icy slippery bits.

  The trail went started north and then turned south to make a mainly right oriented clockwise trail. It was pretty flat and pretty too with lots of frozen ponds and streams to admire, with the front runners coming in at about 1230 making the full trail about five miles. The hare did offer some short cuts for the walkers and one or two opportunist shorties which were lapped up by some of the following pack. The north part of the trail went close to the Moat car park which we have used many times and turned south by the Pudmore Pond before returning in the low southern sun to Thursley.

  The trail was well marked throughout despite the apparent threats of sabotage reported by the hare.

  After a brief intro to the circle by U G we had an even briefer (certainly by Big Foot standards) R A session. Satisfaction Guaranteed was pulled out for those shorts and Hash Flash was asked where ladies have the curliest hair ~ the answer was Fiji !

  So it was off to the pub.

  The Three Horseshoes has not always been welcoming to the hash and so it proved today when we were asked to move outside so the staff could serve the overpriced lunches to the seated punters while our chips were served outside to be gobbled by unsuspecting and non paying locals who were happy with their good fortune.

  Never mind, that glorious morning simply could not be spoiled!

  On On,

  RHUM