So, the hash gathered at Bookham common on yet another boiling hot day for an event which was being run for the 93rd time since 1986 – that is a hash laid by FRB (this time in partnership with the lovely Atalanta). The run was even more symbolic as our FRB has decided to hang up his flour bag after this trail and in perhaps finally acknowledging his great age, entering his tenth decade, he may opt to put his well used trainers and white shorts away for a few weeks and make his appearances more sporadic, particularly in the winter. That said, we are sure we will see him around when the weather is more clement and we look forward to doing so.

  The details of the run are inconsequential on such a day but it can be recorded that it was around 7k with a short cut that took some 2k off that. It meandered around the common with quite varied flour blobs being noted, with some checks virtually obscured despite being laid just hours before. Maybe in common with many people who were brought up during the war, FRB was taught to be frugal with all things, notably flour and Atty’s blobs were more reflective of her post war affluent childhood in Claygate.

  We came across some young cows who were quite frisky and certainly chased Big Foot around the part of the common known as “Isle of Wight”. This moniker may invoke the vision of land surrounded by sea, which Bookham Common can certainly be in the winter when we have been up to our knees in shiggy, running from the same car park!  [Ed: Our resident map expert and frequent visitor to the Island, Hash Flash, was particularly excited to note that there was also an Isle of Wight on Downside Common where he thought he was, not realising that he was actually on Bookham Common.  Duh!]  After this dry summer, not even the ponds have remained and one wonders where the cows slake their thirsts. Slaking was no problem for the hash however, notably with Tiller in charge of the beer wagon and what a sight for sunburned eyes he was with cold boxes full of brew at the perfect temperature.

  Blunder and Ms Bean were front runners as usual with Dug the Tub and Big Foot also at the fore. It was good to see two of FRB’s relatives close to the front although it’s not that difficult to keep up with Surrey Hash these days. Sheikh Fanny Sniffer and Pole Fuc*er were, well, prominent and PF seemed to using his particular appendage for more straightforward purposes.

  The run was hot and the shaded sections were very welcome, as was the unplanned short cut on pink flour at the end which took us back to the Hundred Pound bridge (according to AI that’s what it cost to replace a battered wooden one back in the day).

  It was decided to have the circle at the picnic site rather than at the car park and Tiller dutifully carried his wares between the two, maintaining his temperature controls. The picnic was duly set up and thirsts were slaked when a cry for help came from Lord Raleigh who had attempted to walk from Bookham Station to the start of the trail which was a daunting task in 30 degree heat, even for a younger man and at 88 and not at his most nimble. LR had come a cropper en route and had to be rescued by three delightful locals who almost carried him to a hash car for delivery to the picnic. LR was most unruffled by the experience and regaled us with his many stories before being chauffeured home by Blue Suit and SBJ.

  Uncle Gerry held a circle with much about FRB and his contribution to the hash (see below) although Belcher found time to penalise Missing in Action and Chastity Belt for misdemeanours unknown and ‘Is Knees for apparently polishing a cow turd?  Belcher’s joke did not hit the mark in this occasion but a jolly time was had by all.

  The kind words from UG regarding FRB’s 90^th birthday are summarised below, after which FRB was treated to some fine “singing”.

Congratulations on making the grand young age of 90. A considerable achievement as the times obituary page confirms.

Even more congratulations on both being 90 and still running. However, it has its downside, not for you but for us. For a good number of us who used to run we are now reduced to walking, shortcutting or staying by the bucket. So very demotivating to be overtaken by you aged 90,89 88, 87 et cetera et cetera

FRB spent two years in Sri Lanka probably better known as Ceylon to many of us of a certain vintage. In 1982-1984 he joined London Hash house Harriers which was clearly a major error on his part but then in January 1986, he joined Surrey.

A most reliable member, turning out week after week whatever the weather, always in T-shirt and shorts, even if in driving rain or snow. Is there any circumstance that FRB would not turn out?

From April 2007 to March 2010 FRB was GM of Surrey Hash and without doubt this was the most polite of circles with Harriets always being praised never punished.

FRB has laid more runs than anybody else with his 92nd run being today. He even laid with Stevie Blunder which was in the GM’s book beyond the call of duty and we hope you have recovered from that nightmare.

FB has written more run write ups than anybody else and for many years was the official scribe for Surrey Hash. His words were not without controversy with some of the content, but Surrey survived.

A few brain cells were lost and deciding whether to give you a gift of a mug or pot to reflect the occasion, but as you are wed to the existing one that idea was dismissed. You also stick to the T-shirt you always wear and are a man of habit.

Surrey Hash has pleasure in giving you a voucher to cover an intimate dinner for yourself and your wife at your favourite restaurant.

So happy birthday again FRB and thank you for your overall contribution to the Surrey Hash. We all look forward to doing this again on your 100th birthday

Hashy Birthday to you.

On On
RHUM (Words in italics are (mostly) Uncle G