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Hash 1568 – IVYBRIDGE

Since coming back to hashing, after a bit of a break, I’ve been struggling with a few Hash basics: turning up at the correct location, not getting lost on the hash, locating the correct pub and, finally, avoiding doing the Words at all costs (Ed. alas, a crushing inevitability – just as rain, on any given day of the foreseeable future…). Last week’s hash turned into a bit of a perfect storm – and that’s not even mentioning the biblically damp conditions. First up, I was mildly concerned I had the wrong day/place as I sat in an empty car park outside the library. Luckily, as I checked my diary, Dulux went past, telling me of the two-hour limit in the free car park. “There’s cameras everywhere…”, she hinted darkly. I took her at her word and went and parked at the far end of the industrial estate, where I could prepare myself for the evening’s activities.

For once, I had plenty of time and so was well positioned, well back from the front at the Circle Up, hood up, eyes on the ground – all effective tactics for avoiding being selected as Scribe. This was all to no avail, as my ears pricked up at the mention of a free Mars Bar our generous and honest GM, in his absence was, to donate to one worthy hasher (Ed. ahhhh, such cruel trickery!). I should have known better. (Ed. you should) Failing to hear Gomez’s “it’s a trick!”, I neatly caught the flying confectionary, just as my mind was suggesting there was something not quite right about this. On the bar was stuck the helpful message “The Words”. (Ed. always giving, our esteemed GM,  even in absentia)

I was still recovering as Barbarella told us about parallel lines of flour which would helpfully mark the route there and back, and a precise explanation of where the pub was.

And so, the hash began, typically with the FRBs unable to find their way out of the car park. This was not the first navigational error of the evening, despite the hares having used a generous two bags of flour (Ed. that much?) to mark the trail. We were even sabotaged by Lowt’arse’s dog, Twitch, who helpfully removed the stick the hare had used to mark the check (Ed. well, if you will leave perfectly chewable-sticks just lying around [adjacent to probably hundreds of other less-navigationally-critical stick options]…). The dog theme continued with the novel use of Doggy Do to cross a check at Filham Park (well, there is a copious supply of the stuff in that area).

Having run around the park a couple of times, I can report there were only two marks in the whole place (Ed. assuming, of course, not the same mark twice…). Lost again… this was becoming a bit of a habit. Eventually, I was picked up by the Longs and forced to up my pace. Luckily, I had a giant Mars Bar for a quick energy boost (Ed. shame about the taste of ashes). Anchorman and Whisperer needed the help of the Walkers to get back on route; Overshot was seen to run right over a large arrow (Ed. so out of character!): and Boaty short-cutted, probably using local knowledge rather than putting his faith in the diminished marks. He also showed his chivalrous side by “protecting” Ching Chong, but whether this protection was actually needed, I have no knowledge.

Eventually, everyone got back on track and that was the end of another successful and enjoyable trail. It just remained for me to drive over to the wrong pub (The Imperial) (Ed. we’ve all been there…or somewhere else), but it wasn’t my hash so I can be excused… Unlike Lowt’arse, who decided to go to The Duke of Cornwall instead! (It’s not just me having “senior moments”.) We were both glad not
to have missed (Ed. I believe you…) a lengthy joke about medical procedures and fish suppers (“opportunities”) – delivered with his usual comic timing by RA, Squashed Balls. The theme was continued with SB’s notes helpfully written on the fish and chips box.

Down Downs were awarded to:

• Barbarella & Lowt’arse – Hares (again!)
• Anchorman – Honorary GM for the evening
• Running Late – Various issues (including catching the doom-laden [with Scribing responsibilities…] Mars bar)
• Jyde – Birthday Boy
• Boaty – (alleged hashing chivalry [?])

On on to MORELEIGH

Photo credit: Beefy

🏃 📸 🍻   You can enjoy a smattering more photos from the Ivybridge hash on 4th February 2026 by checking out the Hash 1568 photo album on the SH4 Facebook page. 🏃 📸 🍻

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Next SH4 Hash 🐷👣: 
HASH 1569 –  11th February, 2026 

CIRCLE UP 7.25pm

Outside the New Inn, Moreleigh, TQ9 7JH
Https://what3words.com/presenter.shunts.window

ON DOWN:
Inside the New Inn, Moreleigh, TQ9 7JH

Hares: Ching Chong & Squashed Balls

Very limited parking at the pub; arrangements being made for additional parking at Moreleigh Village Hall (TBC).

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🍛 Hash Food 🍛

Special Hash menu (below), but pub also offering food off the main menu, too.

No need to pre-order before Wednesday – you can order on the night before the hash.

For more info, please see the Hash 1569 event page on the SH4 Facebook Group.

Add your photos of how the evening went down (on Weds 11th February, 2026) to the Hash 1569 photo album  on SH4’s Facebook page.

📝 If you are the lucky Scribe at MORELEIGH on 11th February, please submit your edition of The Words to thewords@sh4.org.uk by Sunday evening (15th February, 2026) – TVM! 📝

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SH4 ‘EALTH & SAFETY

Please make a note of the SH4 hash phone number and add it to your phone:

🌟 SH4 hash phone number: 07922 103701 🌟

Use this number to call for assistance if you come ‘unstuck’ out on the trail, or need to get a message to ‘base camp’ (On Down) during the run.

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  Don’t forget to see Rusty Bottom before the hash to log you out on trail using the new-fangled checking-out/checking-in app (developed by our very own digital-wizard, Whisperer).

Don’t forget to also check back in with Rusty once you’re safely back. 

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SH4 MercHASHdise 

Show your love for SH4 and wear your membership proudly with a bespoke SH4 car sticker!

Available exclusively to SH4 members (and, to be fair, anyone else who wants one…) for the bargain sum of £0.50 ea., you can afford one for every vehicle in your fleet! 😊

See a member of the committee at the next hash meet to get yours.

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