January 2020
04/01/20 18:49
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Hash 2292 26 April 2025
Start and après: Plek café (previously Sonian) car park, Boislaan between the Groenendaal lakes.
Hares: Pascale, Barbara and Peter
The famous Bluebell Hash
What a splendid afternoon. Bluebells welcomed us. The trail was thoughtfully planned, carefully laid and physically testing in parts. The high turnout and fluid group made counting exact numbers a challenge. Participation was close to the halcyon day of Hallerbos.
The sun shone. Our group soaked up the atmosphere of exercise and friendship, smiled, chatted and, later than planned, eventually took their leave. The après had the luxury of wooden tables and seating sur place, with Pascale thoughtfully providing extra garden chairs. Solid and liquid sustenance were plentiful. A bucolic, enjoyable and memorable afternoon.
Thanks to the traditional efficiency of Belgian public works projects (Where have you been for the last 40 years – ed), the werken/travaux on Duboislaan were completed by their scheduled date. This enabled the start to take place at the hares’ original choice. Unfortunately, those works did not include repairing the many water-logged holes in the car park. The Beatles song “A Day in the Life” came to mind.
Hare Pete launched proceedings. He explained why the hares, some four decades after the hash had been introduced to the Hallerbos (See below for Hallerbos Hash History – that HHH seems forced – ed) had decided to move the bluebell hash to a different location. “After many years of struggling with the crowds, difficult parking and omnipresent park wardens we have finally decided to try another venue.” Pascale, who knows this part of the Forêt de Soignes better than anyone, came to the rescue with this alternative part of the forest.
Some things never change. As he sent us off into the unknown, Pete uttered the annual immortal words: “Remember. The more false trails you do, the more bluebells you will see.” Some of us took the advice to heart and were grateful we did.
Off we went away from the café, with the lakes on our right. Some in the group, on the hares’ advice, had sensibly brought walking sticks as useful aids for the occasional steep slopes we encountered. False trails and back checks to the left and right were frequent diversions and gave glimpses of bluebells. Essentially the trail went straight ahead on flat ground, until the flour took us off piste, up a narrow gulley with a slippery climb at the end and we emerged surrounded by bluebells. Now good eyesight was at a premium as we followed the contour and the flour over uneven ground, negotiating trees, dead branches, wild garlic and bluebells before sliding down a grassy bank back on to the original path below us. Here a short trail guaranteed an early home for some, while the long offered further delights.
By now, the trail was well and truly in a special forestry conservation area where an informative sign specified that the authorities did not intervene and let nature takes its course whenever a tree, or parts of it, fell over. But they also catered for human needs, clinically
removing a meter wide slice from any tree that had fallen across a path to allow continued progress.
Now we were on flat packed earth forest paths, conducive to running and walking. A helpful sign from Agentschap Natuur & Bos offered “some tips for an optimal stay in this natural oasis”. They included turning off your phone, no photos, taking off your watch, imagining you are a tree with deep roots letting your cares flow down into the earth, walk slower than you have ever done before (not sure hares would approve of that – ed) and taking a flask of natural tea to finish off your visit (could this catch on – ed).
The second half of the hash gave runners and joggers plenty of chances to stretch their legs on flat surfaces with some lengthy false trails pour encourager les autres. With the London Marathon the following day, the false impression of speed not unnaturally prompted the occasional flashback to previous exploits lost in the dim mists of time. An interesting detour towards the end brought us through a sand quarry we have occasionally run through in the past. It contains a relatively recent addition: an empty wooden chair (see below) on a hillock. Art? Rituals? Fatigue?
There were plenty of checkers to ensure front runners fell into all the hares’ traps and these helped to keep the winding pack together. The bluebells were not as extensive as Hallerbos. It would be almost impossible to match that. But they were sufficiently abundant and pristine to earn their place in our hashing calendar. The absence of crowds, buses, wardens and roped off areas, coupled with excellnt après facilities made the venue even more relaxing and enjoyable.
Many, many thanks to the hares for the new location and the hard work of recceing, laying, organising and arranging great weather.
For the record: Pete said the basic trail was about 4.8km. YHS reckons diligent checkers would probably have done 6.5 to 7km (a good balance for all concerned).
Turnout: 29 + one very well-behaved dog
Weather: sunny, warm, blue skies
Many thanks to David and Mitzi for all photos, apart from the empty chair.
Berties 😊😊😊
Hallerbos Hash History
Steve Blush (Scottish) and his wife Anne-Grethe (Danish) who lived near Dworp, introduced us to the Hallerbos in May 1981. YHS still remembers the totally unexpected delights of that first encounter: the distinctive smell of wild garlic, dazzling bluebells, great running terrain and almost total absence of any other runners or walkers.
The Bluebell Hash quickly became an annual highlight attracting a great turnout. Hugh Burton organised it for many years. In those days, it was possible to drive in and park near a large expanse of green. Hugh would bring a trailer full of chilled beer attached to his car.
John Warren, one of our most enthusiastic and loyal hashers, later picked up the baton and, with his innate joie de vivre kept the tradition going.
Now we are very grateful to Barbara and Pete, Alison and Pascale for continuing, and refining as times change, a great Hash event.
Photos in Bluebells 2025 section!
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Hash 2287 22/03/2025 @15.00
Hare: Chris S & Harriet
Start & après: Henri Caronstraat 18, 1560 Hoeilaart
Another sunny Saturday and a reasonable group of Hashers gathered outside Chris’s apartment in Hoeilaart. As YHS doesn’t follow rugby, I presume games were still being broadcast as we missed some of our stalwarts for the 2nd week. We also noticed a lack of our faster runners and wondered who was going to do all the false trails.
The group had instantly been accessed by the Hares and an announcement was made…
“the original trail (so called Long) had been reccied and laid by the Hares but they decided on reflection after a very steep climb that in the absence of the usual runners (Tim had sent his apologies and Jackie is still in Vietnam) that it might be just too much for the mature (and experienced) pack”.
Chris, on her bike, had re-laid a trail which joined the original one up to Groenendaal station.
From the start the group was held together by many false trails and a bit of confusion. As most were walking (welcome to Peter, a local to the area, who even with a gammy knee promised Chris he would join us) this took us some time to get sorted into a forward direction.
With the forest beckoning, we turned right, and were immediately rewarded with a carpet of wood anemones. Passing the spot where Chris had earlier ushered a pair of mating frogs off the bike trail (apparently it is usual for the much larger female to walk off carrying the busy male). The trail then meandered past woods and lakes back to the road. Taking her environmental protection role very seriously, Chris stopped the traffic so a lustful male (judging by his small size) safely crossed the road.
Unfortunately, before the f….king frogs YHS has to admit she (and the Dutchman) were lead astray by the On-Sec. Tempted by an even shorter path, which turned out to be the way to the home of On-Sec (and past a bakery, our Sunday breakfast was acquired), we lost the group and climbed up and down a knee challenging hill returning to the après much later than the rest of the group.
Meanwhile the real Hash was meandering via the back streets and everyone was grateful to see the On Home sign and a welcome après.
With the usual fare, some additional beers from Sue’s last Hash and Harriet’s signature lemon drizzle cake… we were altogether again.
Turn out: +/- 15
Weather: Perfect
Berties: 🙂 🙂 🙂
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Hash 2286 15.03.2025
Hares: Katie & Wim
Start & après: chez eux
On a bright and breezy afternoon, a stalwart crew assembled outside the 11 storied Challans -Faber apartment. Katie clarified that “flour was always on the right, the trail was not over long, there were only few false trails and in extremis or if lost the furthest distance was only one or two tram stops away, for those of you in possession of Mobib season tickets”.
As these briefings had taken longer than usual to deliver and because we were getting chilled in the northerly wind, we were excused the first false trail and started off across the Blvd Leopold. We were near the home of Roger Wyatt, who was duly reprimanded for not being present, and so we continued with the Hare giving clear and specific commands if there were any significant deviations being attempted by the stalwart six.
We circumnavigated a series of interlocking apartment blocks, including one where we learnt from Christian that his sister resided. As we returned from the quieter residential area and nearer to the taller office blocks close to the Carrefour & Delhaize shops the wind had increased and made oral communication more difficult. However, once across the boulevard once more we found the ‘On-Home’ sign and were able to jog or walk briskly back.
Wim was on duty in the apartment and had hot “bottom-of-the-fridge soup” as described by Katie to dispense alongside a good range of beers, bridge rolls and varied cheeses and spreads.
Katie and Wim shared several of the photos taken at the recent ( 28 Dec) wedding of Ellen Sweet-Escot’s daughter in Norwich Cathedral featuring a range of elegant and creative headdresses and costumes worn by the Brussels’ attendees.
A good hash and après, only diminished by the low turnout on a sunny Saturday soirée: could it possibly be that some Six Nations event was occurring at the same time? ( Surely not, after all TV matches can be recorded whereas each Hash is unique, Ed)
Turnout: six + hare
Distance: 3.75 - 4.15 km depending on very few false trails
Weather: Glorious sunshine, dry underfoot, perfect hashing weather so 3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Berties
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Hash 2284 01.03.25
Hare: Rory
Start & après: Side of Tram Museum, chez lui
Despite an overcast day, it at least promised to remain dry during the Hash, always a bonus in Brussels. Rory was the Hare and from the very beginning his consummate skills as an experienced Hasher were on display.
This Hash is known as The Haggis (and neeps) Hash. A tightly gathered group of around 20 Hashers waited with anticipation at the junction of Rue de Leybeek and Boyenberg. It was a little chilly with many smart enough to have brought gloves. Rory provided the instructions with the economy of a professional. Although, he did leave us a little apprehensive with the news that the “Haggis had not yet been delivered”! Nevertheless, the call went out to “On On”, just a few minutes after 3:00 pm.
As the Hash unfolded, it was clear that Rory had laid a route that was not only well sign-posted, but which took us through a variety of sections that balanced the feel of the forest with that of the back streets of suburbia. One of the many blessing of living in Brussels is the number of venues available to the Hash to have the forest experience so close to the centre of Brussels. This was no exception with the track along the path running parallel to the railway and then sections where we were following ‘off the beaten track’, only to then come out onto paved roads. These paved roads were more like quiet backwaters so that we were never bothered by motorists or other vehicular traffic. Some of the houses along these roads were unusual and I for one had never ventured to this part of Brussels, so it was a rewarding experience. The agility of Rory was also evident as he was towards the front of the Hashers, then what seemed like only a few minutes later he was at the rear checking for stragglers, repeating this effort a number of times.
Using his laying skills, the trail was a balance of On On, false trails and back checks which managed to keep the Hashers relatively close together throughout most of the Hash, a primary objective in laying the track as I understand it. There was a small deviation toward the end of the trail where some of the more energetic Hashers could go the extra 500 yards, while others could choose to head directly downhill to the finish.
The Hash finished at 4:30 pm, which again satisfied one of the conditions that it should be around one and one-half hours in length. I forgot to ask for the distances from those who record these statistics.
Hashers agreed to pose for a photograph at the end of the Hash. This was at my request as I try to put names to faces. The photo and some spaces below the photo are on the next page and you are asked to help me by filling in where there is an underline the missing names and correcting any names which I have got wrong. Please do not be offended by my efforts to identify those whom I do not know by name. It just seems a simple way to identify those folk.
Après
We all managed to make our way to Rory’s with possibly a couple of additional folk joining us at there. Máire had prepared a well laid out table with cheese, pate, bread and biscuits, not to mention a variety of beers and drinks – who knew there are now so many zero alcohol brands available. But it was the smell of the Haggis on the stove which provided a sense of anticipation – thankfully it had been delivered while we were on the Hash. It was served with a mash – I forgot to ask but I did hear someone mention turnip, but the orange colour suggested that it might have been mashed with some pumpkin, but I am prepared to be wrong about that. Second servings were offered and taken up. A fine finish to The Haggis (neeps) Hash.
Photo in section: Photos 2025
Bertie's: :) :) :)
Turnout: 19
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Hash: 2283 22.02.25
Hare: Terrance & Rory
Star & après: Park Terveuren
YHS and an assembled total of 12 hashers and our Hare for the day, Terrance gathered at the notified start in Park Terveuren (opposite the old Bootjes Huis bar and resto). It was sadly somewhat grey and damp, with occasional sprinkles of rain but that did not deter any of us.
First the intros from the Hare:
The trail was laid earlier in the am with the assistance of Rory.
And finally: This coming Saturday, Rory is the hare again, so I hope he will be with us for the run and the promised haggis apres.
On on, JR
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Hash 2282 15.02.25
Hares: Sasha & Jonny
Start & acres: ponds on Duboislaan
We assembled in the car park of the PLEK restaurant, near the Groenendaal lakes on a bitterly cold Saturday afternoon.
I think we were 17 in all - a good number for a freezing day - augmented by 2 visitors from North Carolina and the UK respectively.
The hares announced a minimum of mud on the trail, flour always on the right, and only one road to be crossed. All good, and they kept to their word. The trail took us down the side of one lake, up a hilly false trail or two and then crossed Duboislaan to take us back into the forest on the northern side.
These hares are well known for long false trails and cleverly bluffed and double-bluffed a good few hashers into running most if not all of the false pistes. Having taken us north for a while, the trail headed back towards Groenendaal station - another false trail took us up a newly-opened tarmac road - and then back towards the starting point and the aforementioned minimal mud. At this point, some opted to return on the road, but for those who stayed on the trail, there was actually little mud to worry about, as Sasha had explained.
By and large the hash stayed together - the hallmark of a well-laid trail. My Strava was saying 6.5 kms - but I have no sense of direction and did most of the false trails and back checks. All in all, the wiser hashers amongst us will have done around 4.5 I reckon - a perfect length.
Then to the apres - sur place - where a magnificent feast awaited - besides the usual apres favourites, there was homemade bread, chutney, cake, and mulled wine - truly we earn our reputation for being the “Clarat hash” 😀. And we clearly enjoyed it, staying as long as we did in the sub-Arctic temperatures.
All in all, excellent hash and apres, S & J.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Hash 2281 08.02.25
Hare: Julian R
Start and après: chez lui, Sterrebeek
An excellent turnout and great afternoon for hashing. The hare confidently informed the pack that the trail was around 4km (that is what they all say, irrespective of the actual distance – ed), but that anyone keen enough to run all the false trails and back checks would cover up to 8km. For the record, YHS covered 6.1km and another regular checker 6.6km.
The hare was in forceful sergeant-major mode and used his stentorian voice to bring any recalcitrant hashers to heel. He had to make his presence felt almost from the off when the front runners, in their eagerness completely missed a subtle change of direction in the flour and had to be brought back and shown the correct way ahead.
The trail wended its way along some of the surrounding streets and past various dog owners and their pets, not all of them on a lead, and then down the side of Kasteel ter Meeren before crossing the Mechelsesteenweg.
Gradually, we came across broader vistas, sharing the paths with various families, horses and their riders and attracted the noisy attention of two small goats on their little pedestals. As we turned for home, the hare built in an extra loop before taking us back through the Kasteel ter Meeren grounds.
Careful readers will remember that YHS did a huge amount of research on the castle and its Russian oligarch owner Vladimir Scherbakov in the write up of Hash 2228 of 20 Jan 2024. I wrote that Scherbakov was found dead from hanging in the castle on 10 June 2017, in mysterious circumstances. That was not totally correct. In fact, he had purchased the castle, but his demise took place in his property in Waterloo.
For those wishing to learn a little more about this Sterrebeek mystery and the unrelated information that the local church – St Pancratius - contains a priceless early work, Mort de la Vierge, by the French painter Nicola Poussin, I strongly recommend reading: Sterrebeek and its Two fascinating mysteries by Denzil Walton in Discovering Belgium
https://www.discoveringbelgium.com › two-mysteries-o...
Preparations for the après were a sight to behold. Almost every available surface in the main room appeared to be covered in mugs and glasses. YHS’s immediate reaction was that a lot of Marys were expected. The explanation was more mundane. The kitchen was having a total makeover and its normal contents had to find temporary homes. Despite their squatting, there was still ample space for the generous après fare.
Turnout: 20
Weather: dry, fresh and sunny (Those with long memories will recall there was heavy snow on the ground on the
similar January hash in 2024)
Berties: 😊😊😊
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Hash 2292 26 April 2025
Start and après: Plek café (previously Sonian) car park, Boislaan between the Groenendaal lakes.
Hares: Pascale, Barbara and Peter
The famous Bluebell Hash
What a splendid afternoon. Bluebells welcomed us. The trail was thoughtfully planned, carefully laid and physically testing in parts. The high turnout and fluid group made counting exact numbers a challenge. Participation was close to the halcyon day of Hallerbos.
The sun shone. Our group soaked up the atmosphere of exercise and friendship, smiled, chatted and, later than planned, eventually took their leave. The après had the luxury of wooden tables and seating sur place, with Pascale thoughtfully providing extra garden chairs. Solid and liquid sustenance were plentiful. A bucolic, enjoyable and memorable afternoon.
Thanks to the traditional efficiency of Belgian public works projects (Where have you been for the last 40 years – ed), the werken/travaux on Duboislaan were completed by their scheduled date. This enabled the start to take place at the hares’ original choice. Unfortunately, those works did not include repairing the many water-logged holes in the car park. The Beatles song “A Day in the Life” came to mind.
Hare Pete launched proceedings. He explained why the hares, some four decades after the hash had been introduced to the Hallerbos (See below for Hallerbos Hash History – that HHH seems forced – ed) had decided to move the bluebell hash to a different location. “After many years of struggling with the crowds, difficult parking and omnipresent park wardens we have finally decided to try another venue.” Pascale, who knows this part of the Forêt de Soignes better than anyone, came to the rescue with this alternative part of the forest.
Some things never change. As he sent us off into the unknown, Pete uttered the annual immortal words: “Remember. The more false trails you do, the more bluebells you will see.” Some of us took the advice to heart and were grateful we did.
Off we went away from the café, with the lakes on our right. Some in the group, on the hares’ advice, had sensibly brought walking sticks as useful aids for the occasional steep slopes we encountered. False trails and back checks to the left and right were frequent diversions and gave glimpses of bluebells. Essentially the trail went straight ahead on flat ground, until the flour took us off piste, up a narrow gulley with a slippery climb at the end and we emerged surrounded by bluebells. Now good eyesight was at a premium as we followed the contour and the flour over uneven ground, negotiating trees, dead branches, wild garlic and bluebells before sliding down a grassy bank back on to the original path below us. Here a short trail guaranteed an early home for some, while the long offered further delights.
By now, the trail was well and truly in a special forestry conservation area where an informative sign specified that the authorities did not intervene and let nature takes its course whenever a tree, or parts of it, fell over. But they also catered for human needs, clinically
removing a meter wide slice from any tree that had fallen across a path to allow continued progress.
Now we were on flat packed earth forest paths, conducive to running and walking. A helpful sign from Agentschap Natuur & Bos offered “some tips for an optimal stay in this natural oasis”. They included turning off your phone, no photos, taking off your watch, imagining you are a tree with deep roots letting your cares flow down into the earth, walk slower than you have ever done before (not sure hares would approve of that – ed) and taking a flask of natural tea to finish off your visit (could this catch on – ed).
The second half of the hash gave runners and joggers plenty of chances to stretch their legs on flat surfaces with some lengthy false trails pour encourager les autres. With the London Marathon the following day, the false impression of speed not unnaturally prompted the occasional flashback to previous exploits lost in the dim mists of time. An interesting detour towards the end brought us through a sand quarry we have occasionally run through in the past. It contains a relatively recent addition: an empty wooden chair (see below) on a hillock. Art? Rituals? Fatigue?
There were plenty of checkers to ensure front runners fell into all the hares’ traps and these helped to keep the winding pack together. The bluebells were not as extensive as Hallerbos. It would be almost impossible to match that. But they were sufficiently abundant and pristine to earn their place in our hashing calendar. The absence of crowds, buses, wardens and roped off areas, coupled with excellnt après facilities made the venue even more relaxing and enjoyable.
Many, many thanks to the hares for the new location and the hard work of recceing, laying, organising and arranging great weather.
For the record: Pete said the basic trail was about 4.8km. YHS reckons diligent checkers would probably have done 6.5 to 7km (a good balance for all concerned).
Turnout: 29 + one very well-behaved dog
Weather: sunny, warm, blue skies
Many thanks to David and Mitzi for all photos, apart from the empty chair.
Berties 😊😊😊
Hallerbos Hash History
Steve Blush (Scottish) and his wife Anne-Grethe (Danish) who lived near Dworp, introduced us to the Hallerbos in May 1981. YHS still remembers the totally unexpected delights of that first encounter: the distinctive smell of wild garlic, dazzling bluebells, great running terrain and almost total absence of any other runners or walkers.
The Bluebell Hash quickly became an annual highlight attracting a great turnout. Hugh Burton organised it for many years. In those days, it was possible to drive in and park near a large expanse of green. Hugh would bring a trailer full of chilled beer attached to his car.
John Warren, one of our most enthusiastic and loyal hashers, later picked up the baton and, with his innate joie de vivre kept the tradition going.
Now we are very grateful to Barbara and Pete, Alison and Pascale for continuing, and refining as times change, a great Hash event.
Photos in Bluebells 2025 section!
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Hash 2287 22/03/2025 @15.00
Hare: Chris S & Harriet
Start & après: Henri Caronstraat 18, 1560 Hoeilaart
Another sunny Saturday and a reasonable group of Hashers gathered outside Chris’s apartment in Hoeilaart. As YHS doesn’t follow rugby, I presume games were still being broadcast as we missed some of our stalwarts for the 2nd week. We also noticed a lack of our faster runners and wondered who was going to do all the false trails.
The group had instantly been accessed by the Hares and an announcement was made…
“the original trail (so called Long) had been reccied and laid by the Hares but they decided on reflection after a very steep climb that in the absence of the usual runners (Tim had sent his apologies and Jackie is still in Vietnam) that it might be just too much for the mature (and experienced) pack”.
Chris, on her bike, had re-laid a trail which joined the original one up to Groenendaal station.
From the start the group was held together by many false trails and a bit of confusion. As most were walking (welcome to Peter, a local to the area, who even with a gammy knee promised Chris he would join us) this took us some time to get sorted into a forward direction.
With the forest beckoning, we turned right, and were immediately rewarded with a carpet of wood anemones. Passing the spot where Chris had earlier ushered a pair of mating frogs off the bike trail (apparently it is usual for the much larger female to walk off carrying the busy male). The trail then meandered past woods and lakes back to the road. Taking her environmental protection role very seriously, Chris stopped the traffic so a lustful male (judging by his small size) safely crossed the road.
Unfortunately, before the f….king frogs YHS has to admit she (and the Dutchman) were lead astray by the On-Sec. Tempted by an even shorter path, which turned out to be the way to the home of On-Sec (and past a bakery, our Sunday breakfast was acquired), we lost the group and climbed up and down a knee challenging hill returning to the après much later than the rest of the group.
Meanwhile the real Hash was meandering via the back streets and everyone was grateful to see the On Home sign and a welcome après.
With the usual fare, some additional beers from Sue’s last Hash and Harriet’s signature lemon drizzle cake… we were altogether again.
Turn out: +/- 15
Weather: Perfect
Berties: 🙂 🙂 🙂
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Hash 2286 15.03.2025
Hares: Katie & Wim
Start & après: chez eux
On a bright and breezy afternoon, a stalwart crew assembled outside the 11 storied Challans -Faber apartment. Katie clarified that “flour was always on the right, the trail was not over long, there were only few false trails and in extremis or if lost the furthest distance was only one or two tram stops away, for those of you in possession of Mobib season tickets”.
As these briefings had taken longer than usual to deliver and because we were getting chilled in the northerly wind, we were excused the first false trail and started off across the Blvd Leopold. We were near the home of Roger Wyatt, who was duly reprimanded for not being present, and so we continued with the Hare giving clear and specific commands if there were any significant deviations being attempted by the stalwart six.
We circumnavigated a series of interlocking apartment blocks, including one where we learnt from Christian that his sister resided. As we returned from the quieter residential area and nearer to the taller office blocks close to the Carrefour & Delhaize shops the wind had increased and made oral communication more difficult. However, once across the boulevard once more we found the ‘On-Home’ sign and were able to jog or walk briskly back.
Wim was on duty in the apartment and had hot “bottom-of-the-fridge soup” as described by Katie to dispense alongside a good range of beers, bridge rolls and varied cheeses and spreads.
Katie and Wim shared several of the photos taken at the recent ( 28 Dec) wedding of Ellen Sweet-Escot’s daughter in Norwich Cathedral featuring a range of elegant and creative headdresses and costumes worn by the Brussels’ attendees.
A good hash and après, only diminished by the low turnout on a sunny Saturday soirée: could it possibly be that some Six Nations event was occurring at the same time? ( Surely not, after all TV matches can be recorded whereas each Hash is unique, Ed)
Turnout: six + hare
Distance: 3.75 - 4.15 km depending on very few false trails
Weather: Glorious sunshine, dry underfoot, perfect hashing weather so 3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Berties
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Hash 2284 01.03.25
Hare: Rory
Start & après: Side of Tram Museum, chez lui
Despite an overcast day, it at least promised to remain dry during the Hash, always a bonus in Brussels. Rory was the Hare and from the very beginning his consummate skills as an experienced Hasher were on display.
This Hash is known as The Haggis (and neeps) Hash. A tightly gathered group of around 20 Hashers waited with anticipation at the junction of Rue de Leybeek and Boyenberg. It was a little chilly with many smart enough to have brought gloves. Rory provided the instructions with the economy of a professional. Although, he did leave us a little apprehensive with the news that the “Haggis had not yet been delivered”! Nevertheless, the call went out to “On On”, just a few minutes after 3:00 pm.
As the Hash unfolded, it was clear that Rory had laid a route that was not only well sign-posted, but which took us through a variety of sections that balanced the feel of the forest with that of the back streets of suburbia. One of the many blessing of living in Brussels is the number of venues available to the Hash to have the forest experience so close to the centre of Brussels. This was no exception with the track along the path running parallel to the railway and then sections where we were following ‘off the beaten track’, only to then come out onto paved roads. These paved roads were more like quiet backwaters so that we were never bothered by motorists or other vehicular traffic. Some of the houses along these roads were unusual and I for one had never ventured to this part of Brussels, so it was a rewarding experience. The agility of Rory was also evident as he was towards the front of the Hashers, then what seemed like only a few minutes later he was at the rear checking for stragglers, repeating this effort a number of times.
Using his laying skills, the trail was a balance of On On, false trails and back checks which managed to keep the Hashers relatively close together throughout most of the Hash, a primary objective in laying the track as I understand it. There was a small deviation toward the end of the trail where some of the more energetic Hashers could go the extra 500 yards, while others could choose to head directly downhill to the finish.
The Hash finished at 4:30 pm, which again satisfied one of the conditions that it should be around one and one-half hours in length. I forgot to ask for the distances from those who record these statistics.
Hashers agreed to pose for a photograph at the end of the Hash. This was at my request as I try to put names to faces. The photo and some spaces below the photo are on the next page and you are asked to help me by filling in where there is an underline the missing names and correcting any names which I have got wrong. Please do not be offended by my efforts to identify those whom I do not know by name. It just seems a simple way to identify those folk.
Après
We all managed to make our way to Rory’s with possibly a couple of additional folk joining us at there. Máire had prepared a well laid out table with cheese, pate, bread and biscuits, not to mention a variety of beers and drinks – who knew there are now so many zero alcohol brands available. But it was the smell of the Haggis on the stove which provided a sense of anticipation – thankfully it had been delivered while we were on the Hash. It was served with a mash – I forgot to ask but I did hear someone mention turnip, but the orange colour suggested that it might have been mashed with some pumpkin, but I am prepared to be wrong about that. Second servings were offered and taken up. A fine finish to The Haggis (neeps) Hash.
Photo in section: Photos 2025
Bertie's: :) :) :)
Turnout: 19
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Hash: 2283 22.02.25
Hare: Terrance & Rory
Star & après: Park Terveuren
YHS and an assembled total of 12 hashers and our Hare for the day, Terrance gathered at the notified start in Park Terveuren (opposite the old Bootjes Huis bar and resto). It was sadly somewhat grey and damp, with occasional sprinkles of rain but that did not deter any of us.
First the intros from the Hare:
The trail was laid earlier in the am with the assistance of Rory.
- Rory was, however, unavailable for the Hash itself due to prior commitments (ie the Rugby - Wales vs Ireland followed by England vs Scotland – we will not dwell on the results of either). A.pparently Hugh D was doing the same but his delectable wife had chosen the Hash instead.
- The Hare had remembered to bring beer, bread and 1 packet of crisps but, in his haste to meet us all at the start, had left all the meat and cheese at home.
- We were given a length explanation that essentially boiled down to the fact that we were likely to find flour on the left and right at some points but we just needed to remember that we just needed to follow in the direction of what was laid on the right (and worry about what was on the left later on, when it would be on the right).
- So off we set with gay abandon and flourish; meandering through the park and into the wooded areas. It is fair to say that Tim, Sue and Jackie probably did most of the false trails; some of which were a little long. However, they never seemed any the worse for it. Mind you, I was at the back for the most part and so never did any false trails at all, so what do I know?
- Eventually, we reached the so-called “arches” at the back of the park (though there is no actual arch) and from there we could see flour to the left as we arrived (on the right side – if you get my drift).
- Tim and others duly set off in said direction (why wouldn’t you after the instructions we were given at the start?) only to be called back by our illustrious hare and told that we could not go that way yet!
- So across the woods and into the deep forest we went (well after about 5 -10 mins of absolute confusion as to what we were doing. We effectively did a loop of some 2 – 3 km I think and finally back to the Arches and then we could go left (well by now it was right, but who cares really?). By this juncture the pack was well spread; though thankfully Jackie was there to guide me in the right direction; though even she ran off and left me and so I had to find my own way home (and of course lost the trail because I went straight on and not left at the wrong point), but I got home and there was still beer (but all the crisps had gone).
- It was nevertheless an excellent hash and by and large it stayed dry for the run and we were sheltered for the apres.
- Well done and thank you to Terrance (and Rory). Looking forward to the next one (at La Hulpe I heard whispered).
- As for how many Berties – I would say at least :) :)
And finally: This coming Saturday, Rory is the hare again, so I hope he will be with us for the run and the promised haggis apres.
On on, JR
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Hash 2282 15.02.25
Hares: Sasha & Jonny
Start & acres: ponds on Duboislaan
We assembled in the car park of the PLEK restaurant, near the Groenendaal lakes on a bitterly cold Saturday afternoon.
I think we were 17 in all - a good number for a freezing day - augmented by 2 visitors from North Carolina and the UK respectively.
The hares announced a minimum of mud on the trail, flour always on the right, and only one road to be crossed. All good, and they kept to their word. The trail took us down the side of one lake, up a hilly false trail or two and then crossed Duboislaan to take us back into the forest on the northern side.
These hares are well known for long false trails and cleverly bluffed and double-bluffed a good few hashers into running most if not all of the false pistes. Having taken us north for a while, the trail headed back towards Groenendaal station - another false trail took us up a newly-opened tarmac road - and then back towards the starting point and the aforementioned minimal mud. At this point, some opted to return on the road, but for those who stayed on the trail, there was actually little mud to worry about, as Sasha had explained.
By and large the hash stayed together - the hallmark of a well-laid trail. My Strava was saying 6.5 kms - but I have no sense of direction and did most of the false trails and back checks. All in all, the wiser hashers amongst us will have done around 4.5 I reckon - a perfect length.
Then to the apres - sur place - where a magnificent feast awaited - besides the usual apres favourites, there was homemade bread, chutney, cake, and mulled wine - truly we earn our reputation for being the “Clarat hash” 😀. And we clearly enjoyed it, staying as long as we did in the sub-Arctic temperatures.
All in all, excellent hash and apres, S & J.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Hash 2281 08.02.25
Hare: Julian R
Start and après: chez lui, Sterrebeek
An excellent turnout and great afternoon for hashing. The hare confidently informed the pack that the trail was around 4km (that is what they all say, irrespective of the actual distance – ed), but that anyone keen enough to run all the false trails and back checks would cover up to 8km. For the record, YHS covered 6.1km and another regular checker 6.6km.
The hare was in forceful sergeant-major mode and used his stentorian voice to bring any recalcitrant hashers to heel. He had to make his presence felt almost from the off when the front runners, in their eagerness completely missed a subtle change of direction in the flour and had to be brought back and shown the correct way ahead.
The trail wended its way along some of the surrounding streets and past various dog owners and their pets, not all of them on a lead, and then down the side of Kasteel ter Meeren before crossing the Mechelsesteenweg.
Gradually, we came across broader vistas, sharing the paths with various families, horses and their riders and attracted the noisy attention of two small goats on their little pedestals. As we turned for home, the hare built in an extra loop before taking us back through the Kasteel ter Meeren grounds.
Careful readers will remember that YHS did a huge amount of research on the castle and its Russian oligarch owner Vladimir Scherbakov in the write up of Hash 2228 of 20 Jan 2024. I wrote that Scherbakov was found dead from hanging in the castle on 10 June 2017, in mysterious circumstances. That was not totally correct. In fact, he had purchased the castle, but his demise took place in his property in Waterloo.
For those wishing to learn a little more about this Sterrebeek mystery and the unrelated information that the local church – St Pancratius - contains a priceless early work, Mort de la Vierge, by the French painter Nicola Poussin, I strongly recommend reading: Sterrebeek and its Two fascinating mysteries by Denzil Walton in Discovering Belgium
https://www.discoveringbelgium.com › two-mysteries-o...
Preparations for the après were a sight to behold. Almost every available surface in the main room appeared to be covered in mugs and glasses. YHS’s immediate reaction was that a lot of Marys were expected. The explanation was more mundane. The kitchen was having a total makeover and its normal contents had to find temporary homes. Despite their squatting, there was still ample space for the generous après fare.
Turnout: 20
Weather: dry, fresh and sunny (Those with long memories will recall there was heavy snow on the ground on the
similar January hash in 2024)
Berties: 😊😊😊
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________