A cheery gathering of hashers, dressed in Christmas outfits, greeted us in the car-park of The Shire Horse pub. Once again, Roz the Hare, came up trumps with her fancy dress attire. Suitably dressed as a Toy soldier she briefed the hash. Long (5mls) medium(4mls) and short (3¼mls) runs, with flour on the right, on-backs, checks, etc.
1st check and On-On was called (or was it a cry of Ho-Ho) as Father Christmas’, snowmen and angels danced and jingled along the found trail. We set off in the direction of Burchetts Green, crossing the A4 and followed the path in Maidenhead Thicket. On the merry group continued to the Lodge of Stubbing’s House and across the fields to Stubbings Farm. Choice of long/short split was given. Everyone, except the ‘lovebirds’, plumped to do at least the medium. So Ryan, disguised as Angel Gabriel, gallantly became Kaivey’s shining star and guided her back to the Inn.
On, following the trail into the wood, we were waylaid by Father Matt Christmas, who had scattered chocolates. Dogs were quickly put on leashes and torches blazed as we frantically scoured the under and over growth. Once we had filled our pockets with our treats, we continued on through the wood up Ashley Hill, looped down through Ashley Hill Forest and headed across the fields towards Knowl Hill.
With encouragement from the Hare that we were “nearly there” we plodded on, crossed the A4 again and headed back towards Littlewick Green, where the Hare stopped us to admire the huge growth of mistletoe in a tree (many a missed opportunity was had!) The pull for beer was strong, so on the revellers continued. The route took us along the side of the A4 where we negotiated the roundabout at Woolley Grange and took the path right and then doubled back on ourselves at the T-junction and along the road towards the pub.
We were nearly at the pub when Father Christmas reappeared, this time with his helpers Hailey and her daughter and served some excellent mulled wine.
Fortunately the pub was close, so we all tumbled in and continued in Christmas spirit.
A prize, for best costume was given to Aud who dressed as the Virgin Mary! Matt and the girls gave Roz a birthday cake, which of course we all shared.
Happy birthday Roz and many thanks to Matt and you, for a great run.
It was however much longer than 5 miles, but hey-ho, no complaints, it’s Christmas!
Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year to all.