Ascension : Hash House Harriers
Submitted by The Islander (Raymond Ellick) 21.09.2006 (Article Archived on 05.10.2006)
In honour of the 25th Anniversary of the Ascension Island’s Hash House Harriers.
This is the first Ascension Islands’ Hash House Harriers “Hash News” copied from The Islander, dated 11th September 1981.
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The first Ascension Island Hash got off to a good start with 14 virgin hashers all ready and keen to learn this new sport (poor unsuspecting souls!). Only one had already taken part in a hash, and this lady had hashed in Borneo. (Follow that!). After a brief introductory talk by the Hares the pack set off. Two Boats bar staff watched them with a look of pity and sheer disbelief in their eyes.
Junior Mess was soon jolted into life as our happy hashers came at them from all directions – shouting various hash-type expressions, and some that had never been heard in a hash pack anywhere in the world. By now Two Boats village was well aware that something was afoot (?). Someone was heard to remark as they dived for cover “Are the natives revolting?” …… and we were – frantically looking for chalk arrows and flour ‘bombs’. At this stage anxious glances were being cast in the direction of the long road to Georgetown, but our pack were not let off so easily, sheer terror taking over as the Hares let us towards Green Mountain. (We can and we will ….. one day!).
The lady hashers were running well and to their credit ran lots of the false trails. We almost lost one of our ‘Bunny Girls’ when, joined by an admiring fellow hasher, she disappeared into the distance straight over a ‘T’ (False Trail) – only to be brought back into line by Dave the Rave who had no intentions of loosing any of his pack, even if the charter plane was leaving in a few days time.
By now the fleet footed among us had got a lengthy lead but kept calling well enough for the rest to feel “out of sight – but not out of mind” (which we all must have been anyway).
At this point, having done a worthy war-dance around the school, led by “Tonto” (Galloping Gavin … all good packs have one!), we headed for Butt Crater, encountering a heart-stopping ledge over a sheer drop. Larry (no problem) was here to give everyone a helping hand and Hashers Leap was conquered without anyone being lost over the edge. (As far as we know!)
Now to the clinker-trotting bit, which became more like clinker-groping. Our “Bare-Footed Hasher” wasn’t ‘niggled’ at all, and never batted an eyelid as he dashed into the valley of death (We found bones … Hasher-type??? …. Circa 1840 ..) – giving superb On-On calls that bounced off the surrounding hills. Had the Cotswold Hashers turned up on one of their weekend jaunts we wondered?, but no, it was only just an echo, we were alone in the wilderness.
Hardly time to admire the fantastic view before a distant On-On led us into Butt Crater. The sole inhabitant of the BBC station, together with two donkeys, three sheep – fled for cover under the aerials, convinced it was Butt Craters last stand. He was all prepared to surrender when the pack swept (?) by in true John Wayne fashion. (Take Butt Crater? …. The hell we will!). Then came the crunch – the up-hill bit back to Two Boats village. Tonto and the Lone Ranger (B.V.C) of the BBC) showing us a clean pair of heels as they effortlessly trotted up the hill. Not so the rest of us. The calling had turned to groaning and one hasher was spotted trying to persuade a donkey to give him a tow back to civilization. By now the Hares had bolted for cover, fearing the venomous looks and veiled threats from the tattered, weary, bemused remnants of the pack. Even at this stage they still had one last sadistic trick up their sleeves, and took us over the mountain of ash over-looking Two Boats. (We leave Sisters Peak for another day). Not for us the easy civilized tarmac road, although at this stage part of the pack having thoroughly withdrawn their good will, only answering in expletives when challenged with “On-On”, and despite goading, stayed on the road and staggered into the village muttering “We like being unfit, over-weight, exiles and don’t want to hash anyway”. Back at Two Boats Club anxious glances were being cast down the road but there was no need to worry – Larry (still no problems) came trotting up, ably herding his lambs, until all the waifs and a few strays were re-united with the rest of the pack.
Well done everyone who took part. Not a bad effort for a first hash. As is usual with most hash packs there is a need for more calling to keep the pack together. We must remember not to put check-points on donkeys either as it confused the pack if they wander off. Don’t feel inhibited by the saner members of the community looking on …. In weeks to come they may well be the hasher running at your elbow …………. Hashing grows on you.
NEXT HASH RUN …… Time 1730 /Friday 18th Sept.
Venue Georgetown Football Pitch
Hares Ray Harris, Dave Miller, Eunice Pryer
There will be an “On-On” barbeque at the HL beach hut, Longbeach, after the run. Everyone welcome, bring your own booze and grub.
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