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The Ascension Island Newspaper |
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The Ascension Island Newspaper |
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BIG FISH HERE AGAIN |
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Ascension
Island's game fishing reputation took a big boost last Thursday night
when "Noddy" Lawrence and Ian Dog caught what is the biggest
fish of the year so far.
Weighing in at 265lbs, it was nearly beaten the next night when Noddy's boat landed another tuna, this time a mere 250lbs or thereabouts. And finally to finish off a very good couple of days, Noddy's boat landed 30 plus school size tuna on Saturday Morning. So what was the size of the one that got away ???? |
TRISTAN DA CUNHA LATESTFollowing is official report that was written by James Glass, Chief Islander and Acting Administrator of Tristan Da Cunha: To give you brief accounts of the damage caused by the hurricane Medical Department Administration Department Island Store Department Mechanical Department PWD C & M Department Agriculture Department Telecommunications Department Electrical Department Police Department Natural Resources Department. Community Centre and the only Pub destroyed Two sheets of asbestos roofing off the back of the Café, and
the inside waterlogged. The biggest problem on Tristan at the moment is that 90% of the roofing is asbestos from South Africa, which gets brittle after time. When a sheet breaks or cracks its has to be replace, often having to be cut by saw. Bits and pieces of asbestos litters the village and are busy being cleared at the moment. Although this is all the islanders can afford with their average monthly income of £152.43 per month. Not only is it an environmental disaster, but a health hazed as well, but what can we do? Is there anyway in which the British Government could help the people
of Tristan da Cunha to get rid of asbestos, granting a bulk of dipped
Aluminium sheeting at a cost the islanders can afford. There are only
just over a hundred houses, each house taking approximately 40 sheets.
This I believe could be the first effects of global warming seen at Tristan,
with more weather I am setting up a disaster Fund, to help cover the expenses of roofing,
the houses of the less fortunate. If you know any charities that would
like to donate any amount, please ask them to contact me. It may also
help to advertise for the rebuilding of the Community Centre. Falkland Island News Network 2001 TRISTAN DA CUNHA APPEAL
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Dear Friends,
Last year we missed the Queen's Birthday party at the Residency as we were
in the UK. I doubt whether the Queen noticed.
It's not something that is widely celebrated in the UK, but one of my best memories
of the Island was the Q.B.P the first year we were here, with the Administrator
giving a speech, Scouts receiving awards, everyone dressed in their finery and
of course Eric besplendant in his grey morning suit and topper!
Whether you support the Monarchy or not - and I know that most of you do - I would think most would agree that we have been most fortunate to have a Queen who has taken both her role as Sovereign of the Realm and Overseas Territories and Defender of the Faith seriously and with true dedication. I have always been impressed and encouraged by the fact that, in her Christmas Day broadcasts, she has never been afraid to voice her personal faith and trust in God.
At the Court of St James on the twelfth day of June 1953 in the second year of her reign Her Majesty authorised Forms of Prayer to be used "in all Churches and Chapels within the Realm every year upon the Anniversary of the Day of Accession". Like the observance of the Official Birthday in the UK I am sure the practice of using these prayers has largely died out.
So let us on this remote Island of hers wish her well on her Birthday remembering
two of those prayers and thanking God for her long reign over us.
O God, who providest for thy people by thy power, and rulest over them in love;
Vouchsafe so to bless thy Servant our Queen, that under her this nation may
be wisely governed, and thy Church may serve thee in all godly quietness; and
grant that she being devoted to thee with her whole heart, and persevering in
good works unto the end, may, by thy guidance, come to thine everlasting kingdom;.
Almighty God, who rulest over all the Kingdoms of the World …..we yield thee unfeigned thanks for that thou was pleased to set thy Servant our Sovereign Lady, Queen Elizabeth, upon the throne of this Realm. Let thy wisdom be her guide, and let thine arm strengthen her; let truth and justice, holiness and righteousness, peace and charity abound in her days. Direct all her counsels and endeavours to thy glory and the welfare of her subjects……and crown her with everlasting life in the world to come; through Jesus Christ our Lord…..Amen
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God Bless you and keep you, Fr Keith & Ginny. |
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ADF 2001AT LAST HERE ARE THE RESULTS
This results in £6582 for St Mary's Church (85%) Any Charitable Organisation wishing to apply for a share of this money
should apply to Fr Keith in writing within the next 15 days. All applications
will be considered and the Committee's decision will be final. THANKS TO ALL FOR YOUR SUPPORT A SPECIAL THANKYOU |
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| FROM THE ADMINISTRATOR Mr Geoffrey Fairhurst |
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Visit by Head of Overseas Territories Department, FCO
Last
week's problems with the Tristar brought us an unexpected bonus in the form
of a couple of days of Alan Huckle's time. The newly appointed Head of OTD in
the FCO was en route to the Falklands but the delays in Ascension forced him
to cancel the rest of his trip. It gave him an opportunity for a preview of
Ascension which he still intends to visit at greater length shortly. I was able
to underline the urgent need for local discussion and legislation over such
matters as Land Tenure, Right of Abode and Democracy. As a result we should
be getting a share of the time of OTD's newly appointed Constitutional Adviser.
A Helping Hand from the FCO
Separately
from the above, the FCO have agreed to cover AIG's non-statutory insurance liabilities.
This will save us a five figure sum in insurance premiums which will provide
a small measure of flexibility in the Island's Budget. Other negotiations to
provide further funding are continuing.
Director of Technical Services
Roy
Drinkwater has returned to the Island and will remain until 3 July. He will
be working on finalising the capital investment programme, drafting an Island
Development Plan and assisting in the drawing up of Service Level Agreements.
Roy's office will be located in the former Junior Church and he can be contacted
on tel: 6575. Roy's contract involves him working partly from the UK with 3
to 4 visits to Ascension each year.
Geoffrey Fairhurst
11th June 2001
NEWS FROM ASCENSION AUXILIARY AIRFIELD (AAF)
By Maj. Philippe D Chechowitz
MEMORANDUM FOR Ascension Island ResidentsFROM: Det 2, 45 LG/CC
SUBJECT: Courtesy Mail Program1. I regret to inform you that the Courtesy Mail Program which allows Ascension Island residents other than those directly supporting the Long Range Proving Ground to receive mail and mail-order merchandise from the United States must cease.
2. This program started in the 1970s as a courtesy to allow non-U.S. organizations on the island to receive "Official Mail" via the twice weekly flights from Antigua. At the time, Royal Air Force flights only serviced the island on a quarterly basis. From there, it grew well beyond the scope or intent of the original program to what it has become today. The mailrooms both here and at Patrick AFB process a large volume of letter mail and packages for non-U.S. personnel at considerable additional cost to the contract. This is only one of the reasons this service must stop. The other reason it must stop is that providing this service is a violation of the Bahamas Agreement and is not consistent with Air Force regulations and policy.
3. I recognize that many of you have mail and mail order merchandise which you expect to receive that was ordered prior to receipt of this letter. To minimize the adverse impact of terminating this program, the following policy will apply with regard mail and mail order items:
a. The termination date for letter mail, magazines, and other non-merchandise items to non-U.S. Base residents will be 1 Aug 01. This gives non-U.S. base residents ample time to submit changes of address or terminate accounts, subscritions, etc… with U.S.-based businesses which use the post office box at Patrick Air Force Base as their mailing address.
b. The termination date for mail-order merchandise to non-U.S. Base residents will be 1 Jul 01. All mail order items received at the Patrick AFB mail room after this date will be returned undeliverable unless the recipient provides proof to this office prior to 1 Jul 01 that the items were ordered prior to the date of this letter.
4. I regret any inconvenience terminating the Courtesy Mail Program may cause you. The Air Force has and will continue to support the needs of Ascension Island within the constraints of the Bahamas Agreement and Air Force regulations and policy.
PHILIPPE D. CHECHOWITZ, Major, USAF
Commander, Ascension Auxiliary AirfieldMajor Chechowitz
RADIO NEWS ITEM - MONDAY 11 JUNE 2001GENERAL ELECTION on St. Helena 2001 Today was Nomination Day in three Electoral Areas: Blue Hill, Sandy Bay and Alarm Forest. The candidates nominated were: Blue Hill: Mr Stedson Graham Francis of Thompson's Wood proposed by Mrs Phyllis Mary Peters of Oakmere, West Lodge and seconded by Mrs Jennifred Lilian Williams of Saddle Cottage. Sandy Bay: Mr Eric Walter George of Palm Cottage, Jamestown proposed by Mr Gilbert Lester Legg of Bamboo Grove, Sandy Bay and seconded by Mr Reginald Adrian Legg of Thorn Cottage. Alarm Forest: Mrs Margaret Anne Catherine Hopkins of Bryant's Beacon, Captain Wright's Turning proposed by Mr Cyril Eric Fowler of Fairview Cottage, The Briars and seconded by Mr John Drummond of Briars Heights; and Mr Stedson Robert George of Utopia, Two Gun Saddle proposed by Mr William John Piek of The Briars Village and seconded Miss Wendy Jean Gough of Wenlinsan. Mr Stedson Graham Francis, being the only candidate nominated for the Blue Hill Electoral Area and Mr Eric Walter George, being the only candidate nominated for the Sandy Bay Electoral Area, and no other candidates having being nominated, they are declared to have been duly elected to serve as Members of the Legislative Council for the Blue Hill and Sandy Bay Electoral Areas respectively. A Poll for the Electoral Area of Alarm Forest will be held on Wednesday, 27 June 2001. Tomorrow, Tuesday 12 June, will be Nomination Day for Longwood, Levelwood and Half Tree Hollow. You will be kept informed of results. Office of the Chief Secretary 11 June 2001 |
PUBLIC AUCTIONA public auction of items of found property will take place on Saturday 21st July 2001 at 10am in the Court Room, Georgetown.
Details of these items are as follows:-
DATE FOUND
Anyone who have lost any of these items and would like to claim them, are asked to call in at Police Headquarters prior to this date.
Peter J Thomas
Ag. Inspector
Ascension Island Turtle FundThis is a new organisation to help raise funds for a Visitors' Centre. We would like to buy two life size models; one will be of an emerging turtle nest approximately 3ft sq. and will cost $4,000.00. The other of an adult green turtle 4ft sq. costing $5,000.00. The models would become the centrepieces at the Visitors Centre, which would further promote the awareness of the Green Turtle on Ascension Island. We feel that it would be very exciting to have such an exhibition here, which would benefit the tourists, school as well as the local residents of Ascension. In the near future you will notice various fund raising boxes appearing around the Island and we ask for your help in contributing to enable us to buy these models. The Maersk have kindly donated 10 tickets for an 'Around the Island' trip during their next offshore exercises - we shall be offering these tickets for £20 per person, and this trip will take place in mid-August. In addition the Maersk would also like to invite 10 people on board to enjoy an evening on the ship, this would include 'normal' maritime hospitality, and complimentary food and drinks. We shall be offering these tickets for £15.00 per person. Definite dates for both venues will be given in due course. It is all for a very good cause and your donations would be greatly appreciated. With thanks to Officers and crew of the Maersk for their kind donations. |
LETTERS| From the Editors:-
Ian Andrews
Hello once again from the editors chair. Sad news about the end of the American Mail system. The system has been
in place for 30 plus years, but like all good things - it has come to
an end. And finally - Happy Birthday to Auntie Liz at Buck. Palace. All the best. Ian
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Penpal Wanted I'm interested in Ascension and Tristan de Cunha and would like to make friends and exchange stamps, bank notes, postcards anything to do with your island, and I will send you things from Indonesia. My address is Erick Binzar Manurang e-mail erickbm22oct@yahoo.com
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| Letters
to the Editor can be sent to editors@the-islander.org.ac |
| From the Archives . . . Extract from a report by Captain Barnard, Captain in Charge, to The Comptroller of Victualling at the Admiralty in London. "THE STATE OF CULTIVATION OF THE ISLAND OF ASCENSION" Ascension, 18th June 1862 "In reply to your letter dated 17th February 1862 transmitting an extract from a letter from Sir William Hooker, of the Royal Gardens, Kew, respecting the cultivation of the Island of Ascension, I beg leave to forward the following report, which I have drawn up with the assistance of Mr Bell, the head gardener. 1st In regard to the seeds brought out by Cowans (the shepherd). These
consisted of acorns, horse and Spanish chesnuts, and other shrubs; but,
from being packed close, first in bags and then fastened down in two
boxes, they became heated and spoilt; consequently only one Araucarian
pine and a few acorns have germinated out of the collection. We find
that seeds packed in brown paper parcels, and thrown loosely into coarse
open stuff, such as bread-bags are made of, and hung up exposed to the
action of the air, arrive in perfect order. |
The Met Office Weather Report |
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Statistics for the week ending 11th June 2001.
| Max (deg C) | Min (deg C) | Rainfall (mm) | |
| AIRHEAD |
29.3
|
23.4
|
4.5
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| TRAVELLERS |
27.5
|
21.5
|
13.2
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| GEORGETOWN |
30.5
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22.5
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2.0
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| RESIDENCY |
28.1
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18.3
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10.5
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| ST. HELENA |
22.2
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15.4
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8.6
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| FALKLANDS |
7.1
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-3.1
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3.8
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| BRIZE NORTON |
20.3
|
4.1
|
2.2
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ASCENSION SEA SWELL FORECAST:
Monday - south 1.0m
Tuesday - south rising to 1.5 m by dusk
Wednesday - south around 1.8 m
Thursday - decreasing to 1.5m. Friday - 1.2m
Sea temperature around Ascension Island:
270C.
ASCENSION ISLAND:
Showers at the beginning of the week resulted in a fair amount of extra
rinsing for washing left on the line. The showers had mostly died out
by the end of the week though, with just the odd one or two still sprinkling
higher ground.
ST. HELENA: Gary Thomas Reports:-
A week that began with a gentle breeze, a fair bit of sunshine and the
occasional light shower. During mid-week the wind increased to fresh breeze
with more frequent showers and a lot less sunshine. However the week ended
with a fairly pleasant Sunday.
Mean Temp 18.1 deg C, Sunshine 38.4 hrs & mean Wind Speed 13.3 kts.
UK:
A mainly dry week. Cool northerlies at the beginning of the week giving
way to a light westerly airflow.
FALKLANDS:
The brisk westerly wind at the beginning of the week died down by Wednesday
with cloudy and drizzly conditions following for the next few days. These
clearing to strong winds and sunny spells on Saturday.
Well people, the Carry on Forecasting team have been in action
again - falling off wagons, duelling with computers and avoiding nocturnal
hazards all week. Lets start with the current hero of the hour for his expertise
in fixing broken PCs, Nick.
Nick fell victim to one of the islands many hazards after dark recently,
it was the old night-time guerrilla joggers at it again. I encountered one
myself in March and still get jittery sometimes when I hear approaching
runners. Nick had walked outside the office to scour the sky for cloud,
showers etc and take the regular readings. Walking from a bright office
into pitch blackness, the eyes take time to adjust and with pupils the size
of pinheads he could barely see 20 yards at first. Anyone with dark adjusted
eyes however can spot a black cat ¼ of a mile away. And so there
was Nick innocently, unsuspectingly wandering into the road, DOING the Queen's
Business, straight into this joggers path, narrowly avoiding a collision
- and then he got an earful for not watching where he was going! Our hero
saw only a vague outline disappearing into the night so the photofit will
have to wait. Mystery jogger beware, the camouflaged tripwires are out for
YOU next time!
It's been a dangerous time for mice as well as met men again this week with
two more fatalities to report. The first was caused by our very own met
cat who, having previously shown no feline hunting instincts whatsoever,
turned killer on Monday night. After meowing loudly to be let in to show
off her catch she then proceeded to eat it in the middle of the bathroom
floor. A pretty gruesome sight and needless to say she was not let in the
second time she started meowing that night.
The source of the increasingly bad smell in the met kitchen was finally
identified on Saturday with the discovery of yet another dead mouse. The
cause this time was a killer filing cabinet, or rather the person who gave
it a shove one day just as an unsuspecting mouse was hiding behind it. The
poor thing was found squashed flat against the skirting board. At least
we can now get to the fridge without gas masks or fear of treading in something
nasty, and the 'body odour' theory has been discarded.
With the islands mouse population well in hand, the highlander decided to
make a start on the fish and with our next barbecue in mind set out on a
deep sea fishing expedition. Having waited for ages to get the chance to
go out on a boat and fish, a whole day was spent on the water plastered…….
with industrial quantities of sun cream and because he was wearing sandals,
I'm told, there was even sunblock between his toes! Things were going well
at first with two fish caught for bait, but sadly that was it, a whole ocean
full of fish and not a single one to be had. The day was almost saved when
he had a bite on the way back but whatever it was didn't want to be caught,
I guess it didn't like the taste of his tackle! They even resorted to telling
jokes at one stage and here's a sample.
Q - Why should you never wear Russian Y-fronts?
A - Chernobyl fallout. - Gads that's terrible!
On the subject of coincidences, dead mouses, clouds and rain, you know Met
type things, there was another that now springs to mind. Remember in last
weeks "Chat" Highlander had a problem loosing his balls. Well
what he didn't tell you, and despite the lies above, was that when he reported
for fishing duty had had to admit to Glyn that he didn't have any tackle.
Well we all knew that!!! And then he had the temerity to complain that he
caught no fish. Well laddie let me tell you, if you don't dangle your bits
over the side then yer nae likely to get a bite! Jings, crivvens and help
ma bob.
I had my first ever go at golf this week on One Boat golf course, apparently
the Georgetown course is no good at the moment as it's overrun with grass.
It's quite a place to learn, putting across the sheep tracks right next
to a wall of lava. I'm told I have a natural swing, I just can't seem to
hit the ball, not without the head of the golf club flying off after it
anyway! (this was actually a ploy on my part in case she got too good -
Don.)
After Highlanders spell as designated driver recently when he went on the
wagon for the night, it was Judiths turn at the wheel on Friday with a trip
to the VC to observe all the alcohol related antics for herself. And she
didn't have to look too far at all, just across the table in fact at a right
lot of inebriates. In Don and Nick's case it was more like invertebrates
after a total of 4 happy hours (golf club, basha cocktail hour, mess and
VC) and then 2 cocktails going by the name of 'Brain Haemorrhage', courtesy
of the guys from the Maersk. No one was in a fit state to go dancing even
if they had noticed there was a disco outside. So it looks like 2 of the
current editors had a lucky escape that night and were spared a few ludicrous
chat up lines, followed by some unsteady lurching across the dance floor.
We make no apology for returning to the subject of Nick and have discovered
something that we can beat him at. Its ping-pong ! He seems to excel at
most sports so this great news indeed. Mel and Diane found this interesting
enough to start a new column called 'Challenge Nick' in the Islander and
a few challenges have already flooded in. Although not strickly sporting,
he is thinking seriously about taking on the 'Sleeping naked in the graveyard
overnight at Comfortless Cove' challenge, but how we monitor it is anyone's
guess. We think he should go for the Comcen and Ops challenge which is 9
holes of golf and a stiff drink on every tee. He could be tippling on anything
from Drambuie to Brain Haemorrhage and making some money for charity too.
He does seem in need of some charity himself in the form of new jogging
bottoms. Cocktail hour at the bashas was interrupted by ravenous mossies
the other night, and Nick covered up by putting on said jogging pants. Pete
and I looked on aghast as he re-appeared in a pair of figure hugging troosers
with a Bay City Rollers tartan stripe effect down the side ! As if that
wasn't bad enough there was a distinct 'Linfords Lunchbox' effect too, which
put me right off my Gin.
And finally, election fever gripped the office last week for some of us,
but I didn't get a polling card sent on so I wasn't really involved. On
the plus side though, my Visa bill didn't arrive either, so there were no
complaints. The best thing about elections for me is the range of no hope
candidates that appear every time round and I wondered if the Monster Raving
Looney Party could really cut it any more without Screaming Lord Sutch at
the helm. So of course I tuned in late at night to watch out for these fringe
candidates. I was delighted to see some people in Nuns Habits attracting
votes for the 'Nun Of The Above Party', but of course our vote goes every
time to the candidate for the 'Getting Drunk and Falling Over Party'. In
fact I think it's fair to say we are actually party activists, having done
some fine campaigning in the VC the previous weekend. So there you have
it, Vote for Me ! Hic, whose round was it? Mine's a brain haemorrhage, with
a tequila chaser etc etc……
* A Stick.
Ascension Highlander / Mystic Met
Ascension to see Partial Solar EclipseOn the 21st of June, the skies over Ascension will not be noticeably dimmer between 11.00 and 11.30 am, despite there being a partial eclipse of the sun. Ascension will not see a total eclipse, that treat is further south,
but the moon will blot out around 70 percent of the suns surface, as
it passes in front of the sun. If you are tempted to look at the sun for this event, which is suprisingly common in that there are 2 or 3 such solar events each year, then suitable eye protection is essential. The best devices to use are purpose made sun filters, which block out all but the brightest light. Such filters are found on a ships compass or sextant (the thing sailors use when the GPS breaks down - helpful hint for the Maersk Gannet navigation dept.). The next best thing would be a dark pair of welder's goggles. Under no circumstances should you look at the sun through a telescope or binoculars as a trip to the opticians at least, and blindness at worst would be the result. Relatives in St Helena will get a better view than us here, with approximately 92 percent of the sun being covered. |
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Hash Hare: Bonehead
Hash Hounds: Frank-n-Furter, Twin Peaks, The Major, Boots, Island
Boy,
Thunderthighs, Crystal Tips, Beanie Baby, Colgate, Skipper
Fruit Bat, Corrine, Michelle, Chuck, Jack.
A nice turn out, what a roaster, with sun cream applied and water bottles filled the on-on was declared round the back of DRS towards Spoon Crater. Even whilst jogging along you could see the hash going up SC one wondered why at the b-check a three directional search was needed. The hash up SC was a false trail and I think Bonehead had in mind to work F-N-F and Rat Boy extra hard (only Rat Boy didn't show). O check and a great run down found Island Boy out of control - Skipper to the rescue and onto another O right beside a dead baa sheep who went undiscovered by some until they nearly feel over it on their way ( at this point F-n-F supplied us with a very good impression of the Vulture from Jungle Book, hovering over the dead one). A quick short route home was offered but all opted to take the long trail home, no wimps allowed. So off again and Boots sprang into action to lead the way up and up with great views of the airhead and the shooting range which suprised some as they never new we had one (or was it supposed to be a secret). A steep one down and a brisk run back to the trucks. The ever-loving refreshments awaited our arrival. Well done Bonehead nice one just right to get you're cardio vascular system going, and thanks to Mrs Bonehead for the food.
Some of our regular newbies had a naming ceremony and although we let Fruit
Bat keep a name that he has been carrying around with him for sometime, he
too entered the circle of doom - keep a look out for new names appearing in
your hash report. Farewell to La Madame who returns to studying in UK and
happy Hols to Fido, Fruit Bat and Families.
Next Weeks hash: Mars Block - Two Boats with Colgate and Skipper
There will be a Cook Out after - contributions welcome
Hash Scribe - TP
Highest Individual Score : Janet Cranfield 66, Dion Peters 76
HIghest Individual Spare:
Sonia Cochran 15
Linda Henry 15
Ethel Constantine 15
Julie Yon 15
Robert Bedwell 18
|
Team Name
|
GP
|
GW
|
GD
|
GL
|
PF
|
PTS
|
| RUGRATS |
6
|
3
|
0
|
3
|
2866
|
6
|
| ALLEYCATS |
7
|
1
|
0
|
6
|
3124
|
2
|
| ROCKETEERS |
6
|
4
|
0
|
2
|
2906
|
8
|
| LET EM' DOWN |
6
|
4
|
0
|
2
|
2908
|
8
|
| G.T. TIGERS |
6
|
5
|
0
|
1
|
2912
|
10
|
| TIDAL WAVE |
7
|
6
|
0
|
1
|
3448
|
12
|
| SHIP WRECKERS |
6
|
0
|
0
|
6
|
2141
|
0
|
| LUCKY STRIKES |
6
|
1
|
0
|
5
|
2636
|
2
|
| ZIG-ZAGGERS |
6
|
3
|
0
|
3
|
2816
|
6
|
| CROWIES ROLLERS |
6
|
5
|
0
|
1
|
2915
|
10
|
| LAY EM' DOWN |
6
|
3
|
0
|
3
|
2877
|
6
|
| WIDE A WAKES |
5
|
0
|
0
|
5
|
2233
|
0
|
| WOODPECKERS |
5
|
4
|
0
|
1
|
2385
|
8
|
 |
|
 |
