The St. George’s Day Hash, by Chris ‘Mad Hare Leanback’ Brown

23^rd April, St George’s Day, saw an impressive array of knights and ladies of the garter (and many other strange items of clothing) gather at the hallowed fields of Metrogas for a special hash in honour of England’s Patron saint. 

For those who have not participated in the ancient sport of hashing, it is a variant of the old hare and hounds theme, except that participants follow a pre-laid trail of flour, taking in false starts, dead-ends and fishhooks (where the ten leading runners have to turn back and start again from the last runner). 

If it all sounds very complicated, that’s because it is. And hence even more impressive that a field of around 50, the majority being NEJers and family members, augmented by Russell Grant’s Mash Hash stalwarts, took part on a fine Wednesday evening. Resplendent the majority were too, in a larey and garey selection of red and white comprising England football shirts and other costumes reminiscent of former glories.   

How these fine men, women and children ran themselves ragged around Avery Hill and South Parks will be etched on the minds of observers for, oh, minutes to come. And at the end of the trail they participated in ye olde tradition of ‘Down Downs’ – drinking back a pitcher of ale in one whilst fellow yeoman sang in their honour.  Grown men were seen to weep. 

The grand evening concluded with fish and chips from the nearby Greek chippie – truly an appropriate end to a fine evening

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