EPISKOPI HASH HOUSE HARRIERS CYPRUS

The Episkopi Hash is one of the last gentlemen only hashes left in the world. Why gentlemen only? Well, initially when founded in 1967 by three military types from Episkopi base that was the norm for hashes. Now most of our members are of retirement age and are driven out of the house each Tuesday to give our Harriets time to themselves. How many marriages we have saved is incalculable !!

We are these days very much an informal group of mates who meet every Tuesday afternoon for a little exercise and socialising afterwards. We are, of course, always eager to meet new mates who fancy a bit of exercise.  We run, jog or walk in the beautiful Cyprus countryside for around 5 km. Following a pre-laid route, known as a trail, and this is designed for most levels of fitness – shortcutting is allowed and indeed encouraged by the hares who control the run. 
The run or walk takes about 45 mins. In the summer and an hour in the winter but is rarely on flat terrain as we avoid like the plague, any tarmac or built up areas.
Hashing as it is known began in the 1930’s amongst ex-pats in the Far East who decided that they needed to take some exercise and so began the phenomenon which grew into 3000 clubs worldwide.  Essentially it is a paper chase and you might have done one at school or seen it like me in "The Railway Children". However to make it non-competitive and ensure that it caters for most levels of fitness hares go out the day before the hash and lay 2 trails one for the runners, joggers and plodders and one for the walkers. Then the participants (hounds) follow one of these trails, with guidance (shortcuts) being given as required by the hares.

The whole emphasis of a Hash is to exercise in an informal way without any competitive pressures and then to relax afterwards with mates over a nice cool beer or soft drink. After a suitable time of taking refreshments at the end of the run/walk we always go to a taverna for a local meal to round off the day. Being such a social club, we throughout the year, have a range of events that include our Better Halves be they on the beach (we know many deserted ones) or up in the hills. These events are either catered or we bring picnics.

Tis' the Season to be Hashing!

Fal a lah lah lah, lah lah lah lah!

 

 

 

I thought an update is due as we have been very active over the last three months. They have been fun, and quite busy, but without you, the members of Epi Hash none of this would be possible.

Ben has taken over as Runmaster, and is performing a sterling job, On-On Ben.

 Paul has settled into his role as Hashcash, and despite having been volunteered (perhaps even railroaded ) he appears to be enjoying the position – at least he’s always smiling. On-On Paul.

Jim as Beermaster is keeping our thirst sated throughout this hot summer. It has not  been made any easier for him with boat trips, summer runs and sundowners to supply. A lot of organization is required to keep the beer flowing. Jim, a hearty On-On from all the hash for your sterling work!

The website is running nicely with Peter keeping us all updated in a timely manner (well as timely as the hares provide the information) and Hash-Flash (Tony) providing a record of our weekly antics! On-On

Please speak to Mike J. for new haberdashery, orders can be filled quickly if stock is not available.

The Latchi boat trip was a great success (thanks Jimmy). A full boat and a wonderful Friday  was had by all.  The first Summer open run on Melanda Beach was well attended, with all enjoying a cool sea breeze to help with the heat, Simon thank-you for the floating bar. The first Sundowners was enjoyed, not as an official run but a great get together on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Thanks to Jim & Tina for putting an enjoyable walk together, just sufficient to create a thirst. Max’s BBQ souvla appeared to go down well. Rumor has it that some people nearly stayed long enough for sunrise and breakfast! Do check out the website for some photos of these events

Kyrenia weekend is fast approaching with a great turnout expected. It is shaping up to be a lot of fun. Thanks to Jim B. for organizing “The Hideaway” and probably a short run.

But the Summer is not yet over; we have another Sundowners planned for beginning of September and a final Open Beach Run for end of September.

It has been great catching up with hashers visiting during the summer, and even guests who are returning each year to run with us. My thanks to those stalwart group who stand-in to lead the Crit when I am away, my only regret is that I’m not there to enjoy their wonderful oratories.

Planning for the winter is underway, Christmas Party, and the traditional end of year runs so still lots happening!

 On-On