About Hashing
Often new members wonder why we are called a hash group - well, we are not weed toking, illicit high seeking hippies - the name is all to do with how the sport was originally founded back in the day. It's a great story, and you can read it on http://www.hhh.org.uk/ AH3 was formed in 2009 by Andean Sexbeast and Poisonous Pussy - and forms part of the happy threesome of Quorn H3, Mickleover H3 and Ashbourne H3. Basically a hash consists of three main parts: The Run (aka Trail). One or two hashers, called the hares, lay a trail. They mark their trail with flour and chalk arrows and the rest of the hash (the Harriers, Harriettes, hounds, or pack) set off in pursuit of the trail. The idea is to keep the pack somewhat together and this is achieved by setting false trails, cunning checks, and sneaky loops. The fitter front runners (FRBs – front running bastards) will often run twice as far as the more slothful members (the social pack), yet still finish the run at the same time as the rest of the pack. The length and difficulty of the run depends on the hare and the terrain but will typically be 5 miles, or about an hour of running with checks, false trails, and shortcutting. The Circle (aka Religion). At trail's end hashers
gather to drink beer and observe religious ceremonies . . . which consist of
drinking more beer, this time ritualistically. Circles may be led by the hash
Grandmaster or Grand Mattress, the Religious Adviser, or by a committee of
mismanagement. Traditions (and the degree of rowdiness) vary from hash to hash,
but in general the Circle consists of awarding "Down-Downs" for
misdemeanors real, imagined, or blatantly made up, and the recipients will most
likely have been dobbed in by their fellow hashers. Visitors are always given a
Visitors Down-Down, as are Virgins (first-time hash runners) and anyone else
who comes to the attention of the Circle. The Circle can last a couple of
minutes or half the night depending on the level of religious fervor of the
hash. With changing times drinking has lost some of its importance and most
clubs now modify their ceremonies to cater to non-drinkers and those naive
enough to think that hashing can improve their health. Kids enjoy their own
down-down ceremony with coke. Brown coke. |
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