04/01/20 18:49
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Hash 2314: 27.09.25 @ 15.00 - 2025 YPRES HASH Hare/Host: Rory & Judi Start & après: Bandstand in KEMMEL
On a beautiful autumn day, we (YHS + NL popped over the French border to stock up on lekker dingetjes) gathered in the charming village of Kemmel. Arriving early a few of us visited the tourist office and saw a fascinating film out the three years the British, engineers and miners, hand dug tunnels under the German lines. They had to wear felt slippers and speak in whispers as the Germans were listening with stethoscopes. The clay had to be brought out in sacks and then dug into the landscape as the German blimps were on the lookout for piles of this blue clays. Then on one night in 1917 they blew up 24 tunnels… which was the beginning of the end…
Back to the Hash… we were warned that the route would take us up the Kemmelberg and although there were lots of interesting monuments and bunkers to see, some of our group would probably want to take the short cut. As usual this Ypres hash was carefully and thoughtfully laid by Rory and Judi.
YHS was, naturally, one of the short cutters… but Alison S took photos of what we missed and Rory’s preamble (see below) in the invitation filled us in. Actually, YHS + Dutchman had visited the area after last year’s Hash, but by car.
The Kemmelberg is very popular with cycling clubs… dodging large groups of speeding Lycra clad, muscular thighed (mainly men) was a cardiovascular workout in itself.
We regrouped back in Kemmel. As the weather was still clement, we didn’t need to shelter in the bandstand (every village/town should have one) so a picnic table next to the church was soon covered in beer, bread and cheese, Passendale cheese of course. Our curious Belgian art expert popped into the church to find it wasn’t… now a meeting house for the area it has a pink spiral staircase in the middle.
Post après we returned to Ypres to the new restaurant venue Rory had reserved for 13 of the 17 Group. Post meal we strolled to the Menen Gate… the Last Post was supplemented with a brass band playing traditional tunes. Unfortunately, R & J couldn’t join us but although they missed an excellent meal, in a restaurant with delightful staff, they did miss the closed E40 and extra hour to get home.
But even that did not take away from a most enjoyable day/afternoon.
Thanks again to Rory and Judi and on-on to next year’s traditional Wipers Educational Hash.
Berties: :) :) :)
Turnout: 16
Photos by Alison S - go to PHOTOS tab in this website
Rory’s explanation of what we would see… if you missed it…
The trail is hilly as the name Kemmelberg (154 metres high) implies. There will be the occasional short cut, although these miss out the French monument and ossuary.
The trail (roughly 5-6 km) takes in the following:
Tourist office optional: 12 minute film on the Allied sappers who built the tunnels under German lines, exploding 24 massive mines under the German lines between Ypres and Messines on 7 June 1917. Five did not explode. Along with the Battle of Mount Kemmel in April 1918, the Battle of Messines Ridge was the bloodiest in Heuvelland.
First cemetery (Kemmel Chateau British Cemetery): 21 graves with 13 noting: “Known to be buried in this cemetery” as the sappers’ bodies were never recovered.
Second cemetery: interesting correspondence between two brothers, Ernest and Bernard Leamy from Lincoln, and their family back home in early days of the war. Shows what people were thinking at the time. This is in registry holding the names of all 315 Allied servicemen buried there.
De Lork Flemish tourist village: regroup, nice poem, “Rhymes in Kemmel” carved in metal on one of the benches.
Cold War Allied command bunker, the nerve centre of the Belgian armed forces supreme command in the 1950s.
Belvedere: fancy renovated hotel
French monument, “The Angel”: commemorates French forces who fought in the Battle of Mount Kemmel 15-30 April 1918, successfully repelling the Germans’ attempt to break through Allied lines and reach Belgian ports.
French Ossuary: Contains the remains of 5,294 French soldiers. Only 57 were totally or partially identified.
Command dugouts Lettenberg: Completed in Spring 1917, they were the Allies brigade headquarters deep underground. One of the bunkers has a red cross indicating its use as a dressing station.
Calvary Hill and 12 stations of the cross, created after the War: as you enter and leave the path towards the dugouts. Good view from the top of the hill.
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Hash 2311 30.08.25
Hare: Chris, assisted by Harriet
“Eizer?” we said to each other. “Where’s that?” The entertaining aspect of this hash was that I could look it up on a map and think: ”yes, I know where that is”… and yet, when I got there, it was completely unfamiliar. So where is it? Eizer is officially part of Overijse, even if it’s not written “Ijse”, though Hoog Eizer is officially in the commune of Tervuren, albeit Tervuren calls it Ijze. So much (too much?) for spelling. Also: the village of Eizer is not in the valley of the Ijse: it has its own stream, the Nellebeek, and it’s possible the hash went over or around this without particularly noticing it.
On to the hash. It was a lovely day for a cycle through the woods from Brussels and - bonus - we even showed up at the Sint Maria Magdalenakerk nicely on time, to the obvious surprise of the two hares. Early enough to enjoy watching the others struggling to park their cars around the narrow and steepish path by the church: the Germans have a word for this. Then we were off… in all directions as we were checking from the start. I’m never sure of the rules on hashing through a cemetery. If there really are no rules, how come nobody ever does it? Anyhow, the tentative incursion Rory and I made into the cemetery proved to be at the wrong end of life: the trail was picked up in the direction of the Youth Centre and from there, a couple of false trails later, we were diverted off to the right, and Dr John was diverted by his own curiosity into someone’s back garden. Fortunately the owners of the house - still building it and apparently with aspirations to put another box of bricks on the Instagram account of Ugly Belgian Houses” - proved to be cheerful and forgiving sorts.
Up a hill we went, past some chickens, with at the top of the hill a supporters group egging us on. I’m not sure I have ever encountered this on a hash, and very nice of them it was too, even if their tongues may have been in their cheeks. From here across a field, quite possibly into Hoog Eizer, and we found ourselves at a familiar corner of the Tervuren woods, where a bench invited us to enjoy the lovely view over the Ijse (or Nellebeek) valley. Scouting about a check eventually led us to the marvellously-named “Dronkenmansdreef”, along which we charged (it was downhill), scattering Spanish chestnuts as we went. At a dip in Dronkenmansdreef we took a path through another lovely bit of wood that Chris claimed never to have been in before researching this hash. More “I know where I am… or do I?” I don’t remember a lot about this delightful downhill path, since I was (believe me) engrossed in a professional discussion with a partner in a serious accounting firm, as to whether auditing a sample of 10 transactions could ever be representative of anything. Spoiler: we think not.
At the bottom of the hill anyone still running had checked out the false trails so we headed confidently to the left and to the On Home sign.
Waiting for us in a shady spot behind the church were Morag (who had arrived to grace the “Mary” role) and a fine spread of the usual hashing fare, enhanced by the addition of home-grown tomatoes and cucumbers. The small gourd-shaped tomatoes were particularly delicious,
Many thanks to the hare and co-hare for this very enjoyable afternoon. Eizer is now firmly on the map!
Berties - 3
Turnout - 2 co-hares, 12 hashers, 1 Mary
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Hash 2306 26.07.25
(For the purists and for the record, the write up of Jonathan, Pascale and Judi’s hash the following week should be numbered 2307, not 2306, and the subsequent hashes renumbered - done!)
Start and après: Av de Jardins/Bloemtuinenlaan, Schaerbeek
Hare: Katie, ably supported by Wim
The highly enjoyable afternoon may have been well over a month ago, but it remains as fresh in YHS’s memory as if it were yesterday. YHS arrived in a good mood after a morning supping a couple of pints of Guinness in an Irish hostelry with a hashing pal watching the British and Irish Lions narrowly beat Australia, thanks to Finn Russell’s genius (We don’t want national hyperbole in our factual write ups – ed). And the tram worked a treat, ensuring YHS arrived on a high, on time (almost).
The hare gave her usual pithy and succinct instructions. Then we were off, heading uphill and crossing Bvd General Wahis (a close confident of Leopold II and former governor general of the Congo who died in Schaerbeek in 1921. It is unclear how history judges him – Wahis, not Leopold II). The trail went left from the check, taking the pack past 31 Bvd General Wahis where Jacques Brel once lived.
A Schaerbeekois with Flemish parents, Brel (1929-1978) was born in nearby 138 Avenue du Diamant, before the family moved six months later to 55 Avenue des Cerisiers. This was just a few doors down the road from No 65 (otherwise known as ‘the chateau’) which YHS and Peter Coldrick shared between 1977-1983, along with many others, including Rowena, during those six years. It is fair to say we had no idea of our previous illustrious neighbour.
As YHS digresses about Jacques (You mean resort to padding – ed), check out his older brother, Pierre. A competitive motorcyclist for 37 years, he won several Belgian championships and was five times world moto-cross champion in the 500cc category. Aged 58, he gave up the sport, embarked on marathon running and competed around the world, winning many medals, including several time Belgian champion. A lesson to us all: never too late to start.
A right turn at the end of Rue des Pavots brought us to the rather charming Place de la Patrie. This set the tone for the afternoon. At almost every check, there were between 4-6 possible routes as we familiarised ourselves with the Schaerbeek landscape. This did not deter the small dogged group of checkers as the rest of the pack ambled behind. Soon after the impressive Place des Bienfaiteurs – the hare had peeled off home by this point – we edged rightwards and entered Parc Josaphat.
This really is one of the city’s most unusual parks and a hare’s delight with its multitude of paths, nooks and crannies. Families were making full use of its amenities and rewilding was extensive, giving the park an even more carefree feel. Exiting on to Bvd Lambermont, we passed Ave Gilisquet on our left and gradually made our way to the après at Av de Jardins/Bloemtuinenlaan,
On a personal note, YHS would just like to share that the trail went close to his podologist’s practice and the house he lived in four decades ago on Ave Gilisquet. He also unexpectedly bumped into his personal coach’s brother in Parc Josphat. The hare had suggested the trail was 4km. YHS did 6km.
The après was a leisurely affair as we supped, ate and gossiped on benches around a heavily laden table, watching the occasional family play football. As usual, the conversation went off on several tangents. The most surprising was prompted by the presence of hard boiled eggs, but no salt. A male member described this as akin to kissing a man without a moustache. Some female members offered their observations.
Having absolutely no experience or expertise in this area, a clean shaven YHS simply listened with interest. He then left for the tram, still in a good mood.
Turnout: 12 + Wim + one Mary (a neighbour)
Weather: dry and slightly sunny
Berties: 😊😊😊
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Hash 2310 23.08.25
Hares: John and Alison
The long and the short of it, including the long and the short, is that this was an extremely well laid and very enjoyable hash. It was well attended. 17 people came for the start, with 2 "Mary's" arriving at the après.
Access to the departure point was rendered a bit tricky by various road closures and diversions caused by the Overijse Druivenfeest. John had warned us about this, but nobody seemed to have told the lady in the satnav. You'd have thought, at least, she'd have heard it on the grapevine.
In the pre-start briefing, John promised us that the next hash he will lay will take us into areas that were currently inaccessible due to the festival, so we will look forward to this. In any case, the trail took us through pleasant and interesting areas. The on-on from Kaberg led downwards along a narrowish path to a check that proved particularly effective in making the faster runners (Natasha in particular) work hard searching for flour as it kept the pack together.
The trail then progressed, with ingenious checks, along Korienstraat, Kleinveldweg and Korteveld, making a "dog-leg" detour before heading into Losweg and then on past the fire station. Plenty of cleverly conceived checks, back-checks and intricate twists and turns brought us, after Egediuslaan, to the short-long divide, providing walkers/runners with plenty of variety in terrain and surroundings before the on-home to Kaberg.
The ambience was delightful. It was a warm summer's afternoon teased by clusters of vigorous-looking shower clouds that moved on without delivering any drops. Hazelnuts in their jackets fell from the trees with a cracking sound as they hit the ground. DIY building-work and hedge trimming was being done in various places. Sudden breezes from thermals and the downdrafts of clouds rustled the trees and bushes from time to time. Shiny festive decorations danced on houses and fences as we passed.
The generous après was relaxed and most enjoyable. Thank you John and Alison for a great hash.
Berties: See above.
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Hash 2308 09.08.25
Hares: Harriet & Christian
As some of the most experienced Hashers, H & C have set up a tradition of discovering new areas for interesting routes. This time we were directed to a car park and picnic area in the Sint Agatha Rodebos*, just south of Terlanen. Almost all of the assembled 18 hashers listened attentively to the fairly complex instructions delivered by hare H - those foolish enough to continue chatting were fixed by a steely stare honed by decades of secondary school teaching. H explained: the basic trail is 4.2 km, but there is a short and a long route, the latter indicated by an L located at the end of a false trail. This caused some consternation especially amongst those Hashers not likely to see any false trails (i.e. the majority nowadays), but assistance was promised.
So off we set, looking for the trail from a check set right at the start. The wood was delightful and cool, with a variety of conditions underfoot – from hard-packed paths to sandy tracks. Multiple false trails and back-checks kept the pack together before we went cross-country a couple of times and arrived at a steep upward slope. Many of us were puzzled, as there had been no particular impression of having run downhill so far; this junction was just next to the start of the ‘long’ route, selected by a small number of keen runners. It turned out to be to be easier than the ‘short’ route as it avoided the steep hill. The pack was a bit spread out after the climb, but we soon joined up and a few more false trails kept most of us in touch, except for Tim, who was by now far ahead of the pack (see below).
The picnic table was, mercifully, still free and H soon had her trade-mark tablecloth installed and covered with a variety of eats, including a very tasty cake made with courgettes. This was accompanied by an excellent selection of beers, including ‘Job’ – a blond beer from the Kroon micro brewery in Neerijse. While we were all busily munching and drinking it became apparent that one of the hashers was still missing – Tim. His spouse opined that he was a big boy and capable of looking after himself, so we continued the festivities, until after some 20 minutes, the situation did become a bit concerning. Eventually some of us walked to the nearest junction with Susan and were relieved to see Tim appearing in the distance along the path home accompanied, to our great surprise, by Caroline!
An explanation was duly forthcoming: on arriving back, well ahead of the pack, Tim had decided to run an additional stretch and set off along the trail again. After a while he came across Caroline who had arrived late (no surprise there) and was trying to join the others. Ever the gentleman, Tim volunteered to accompany her round the trail and so ran it twice that afternoon. The pack, fully restored, continued attacking the food and drink, the cake disappearing rapidly, until finally we felt it was time to let the hares return home, after a very enjoyable afternoon.
Hashers: 19
Mary’s: None!
Berties: :) :) :)
*The name “Rode” signifies a clearing in a forest, rooted in medieval deforestation efforts by the Counts of Leuven, who built a chapel dedicated to Saint Agatha in the 11th century—hence the village name Sint-Agatha-Rode. The nature reserve “Rodebos en Laanvallei” spans approximately 150–171 hectares and features dark beech forests, streams, wet meadows, reedlands, and heathland on the upper slopes. Due to glacial leem (loess) and deposits like travertine, the terrain transitions rapidly from muddy, marshy low areas to drier, heather-covered uplands—yielding a rich mosaic of habitats and rare moss species. (thank you ChatGPT).
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Hash 2305 19.07.25
Hare: David Z
To Zaventem, as has become our habit in July and November, to be hared and hosted by David Z and Mitzi. So engrained is this habit, with 18 visits since July 2015, that it might reasonably be supposed that we had nothing more to discover in Zaventem, having hashed it inside out and back to front. David, however, had promised novelty - and either that or the expectation of an extravagant barbecue secured a good turn-out (above average for the time of year, as they say in the weather forecasts).
The Z, should anyone be wondering, is surely for Zeitgeist. Only five days earlier, the Flemish ministry for mobility had announced its spending programme for the next 15 years. The renovation of the Brussels ring-road has been allocated the biggest amount – €4.8 billion. As anyone who has consulted the website of Werken aan de Ring knows – perhaps to check on the state of the Groenendaal junction, or the Leonard tunnel – it is a many-headed monster. But David had promised his trail would give a particular, localised perspective: how would the work on the interchange between the ring and the continuation of avenue Leopold III to the airport (the A201) improve things for David and Mitzi and - by implication - for the hash?
The prospect of encountering construction work and a motorway is an unusual pitch for a hash, but not every trail can be laid in sylvan groves and it was with a good show of enthusiasm that 17 hashers set off (albeit the walkers were already working out their short-cuts, on the maps that David had thoughtfully provided). Sasha was among the most enthusiastic, so that she soon arrived at David’s first teaching-station: a roosting structure for house-martins. In shape, it looked like a giant bird-table, ie a horizontal square of wood perhaps two metres square, supported on a column three metres high. Artificial nests made of clay had been attached to the underside of the table. For several years now, the Brussels Airport Company has been working with various nature groups to lure house martins away from the immediate vicinity of Brussels Airport to neighbouring sites. The essential problem is that there have been significant colonies of these birds - which are protected species – in and around the airport, where they pose a threat to aircraft and vice versa. The difficulty in moving them is that swallows and martins return to the same sites each year – a bit like hashers - so getting them to change their ways is not easy (hashers idem). This eco-friendly version of Martin’s Hotels is at the junction of Olmenstraat (not an elm to be seen) and Leerlooierijstraat (count those vowels - the name is a vestige of the tanneries that used to stand on this side of Zaventem) - on the south side of the A201 that bounds the airport. The longer-term aim is to get the house martins to join an existing colony on the field behind the Toyota and Exxon Mobil offices on avenue Leopold III.
In addition to the ornithological education, the other benefit of this teaching moment was that it gave a chance for a visiting hasher coming from the railway station to catch us up. Marius was visiting from Neuchâtel and had spent the previous few days in and around the European Parliament. But after only the most perfunctory of greetings, we were off on the trail again, past the Crowne Plaza hotel, along Da Vincilaan. Leonardo Da Vinci, who famously designed a scheme to divert the river Arno so that the city of Florence would no longer be at the mercy of the rival city of Pisa, would have been an appropriate guide for the next teaching station, but instead we made do with David, who explained the plan to open up the previously buried River Woluwe and there, in this most unpropitious spot - the armpit created by an arm of the A201 departing from the body of the Brussels ring-road – to create a park with the Woluwe flowing through it.
Thus fortified, we followed flour round the back of the Da Vinci business park, paused for a false trail under the railway bridge and then headed for the sanctuary of the real Da Vinci Park, where once the Kasteel Ter Brugge stood, on ground that was owned - like so much of Wezembeek - by the de Burbure dynasty. We negotiated our way round the ponds and the accompanying threat of aggressive geese (see hash write-ups passim) and paused to look for a black redstart. Then out of the park more or less the way we had come in - because work to replace the drains of Diegemstraat had put out of action the exit that David had planned on using. The return home had a few agreeable wrinkles – including a new way into the park that surrounds Villa Quitmann (the old gemeentehuis) via the grounds of the basisschool, so that we were pretty well regrouped before we reached David and Mitzi’s.
The après merits a write-up of its own, although as a non-meat-eater I’m not qualified to speak for the barbecue. I can at least vouch for the cheeses and pickles and various dips. Suffice to say, a lot was eaten and a lot was said and it went on a long time – though not as long as the works on the ring. Eventually we took our leave of Zaventem, but – like the house martins – we’ll return.
By the numbers: 19 participants, hares and latecomers included.
Two Berties.
Three years until the opening of the new park. Photos Sasha & Katie
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Hash 2307: 02.08.25 @ 15.00
Hares/Hosts: Jonathan, Pascale and Judi
It had rained stair rods all morning, leaving the brave trail layers (Pascale & Judi) soaking wet, and around 3pm the prospects still weren’t looking good for the 15 or so Hashers sheltering under the porch, waiting to start off; but the sky seemed to be clearing (the fourth law of thermodynamics is that it never rains on a Hash) so Harriet filled in the waiting time with an up-date on the Hash 45th Anniversary proposals, and with a brief “The flour is on the right” from the Hares we were off down Brusselsesteenweg. Expecting to be routed into the woods at the first check, the forest paths were explored, but it was not to be. We were lead even further down the road to the next check and finally entered the woods. In the meantime we learned from Hare P that, sadly, no-one had been found to take over the excellent bakery on the corner after the owner retired, so it was due to close at year-end (a sign of the times?).
Multiple checks and false trails kept the pack together through the woods and despite the earlier rain the flour was clearly visible thanks to some cunning placing by the Hares. By a roundabout route we were lead down the valley, up the other side, emerging finally back onto Brusselsesteenweg via a horse trail adjacent to one of the many stables along the road, and then, with an ‘on home’ turning right, there was a short run back to the house.
The ‘après’ gave us all time to admire Pascale and Jono’s beautiful new garden, now almost completely finished, replete with a splendid ‘swimming pond’ and a very elegant garden shed (actually, ‘pool house’ sounds more appropriate). Hashers had been advised to bring swimming kit and despite the rather cool weather several brave souls took to the water for a few lengths, sharing the pond with half a dozen goldfish who promptly took refuge in the vegetation planted on one side in a shallower area. As the afternoon progressed the weather improved, the warmer temperature tempted others into the water for a swim, and the après continued somewhat longer than usual, with a final generous offer of ‘a G & T’ gladly accepted by some. Altogether a great afternoon in a lovely garden.
Hashers: 15
Mary’s: 4 (Peter Blackie, Martine, Jill, Caroline)
Berties: (damp weather)
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Hash 2304 12.07.25 @15.00
Hare: Tim
Start & après: Entrance to the Tervuren Arboretum
It was a warm and sunny afternoon when four dedicated, well-on-time, Hashers started organising the parking in the, about to be full, carpark by the entrance to the Arboretum. This task was helpful but not always appreciated.
Eventually a sufficient number of Hashers turned up, however, the Hare was not one of them.
We were cool in the shade of the trees and cool because the Hare had volunteered at the last moment to lay a real Hash. We forgave his tardy appearance at 15.16.
The intro was minimalist. But a comment that ,if we found flour on the left we had made a mistake and the mistake was not made by the Hare, hit home (YHS would like you to remember that in 2 weeks time). And so began a classic Tim Hash…
YHS is not one to knowingly do false trails and never actually looks for them, but this Hash was the beginning of a new era.
In the first 40 minutes the nine of us did every single possible false trail, and according to Googly we hadn’t really gone very far. It reminded me of taking a dog for a walk, where the hound runs back and forth doing much more than necessary. Perhaps the Hare was channeling his famous (5) namesake.
Then the Hare arrived and, after checking his hand drawn map, 3 of us took a short short-cut.
The Hare gave YHS his car keys so we were able to unpack and set up the après under the trees nearby. Being good people we didn’t start on the very interesting selection of beers (alc and non-alc) and ample selection of nibbles enhanced by Tim’s signature chutney.
The rest of the group had split into two and wandered back with tales of more false trails and a professionally laid Hash.
The après was genial and educational. It is band not group. The Beatles did not steal the identity of Eleanor Rigby, she died in the church and was buried along with her name. The UK passport office is a challenge for married British women. It’s a long hot walk from the nearest bus stop to the Arboretum. The Hash was set on a day that was not to be mentioned however singing was involved.
As you will realise YHS knows much more about the après then the “run” and, as far as I am concerned, that’s what it’s all about.
Turnout: 10
Distance: including all the false trails… YHS has no idea but achieved her step count.
Weather: 24C and sunny and the arboretum made it delightful. All the Berties!
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Hash 2300 21.06.25
Start and après: chez Briggs
Hares: Barbara and Peter
Midsummer Day: a bright sunny day greeted a select crew of hashers to Rue de Cuisiner.
Pete gave us a potted history of why this street is so-named, apparently the Bois de Soignes used to stretch beyond its current edge in Rhode St Genese all the way past Waterloo to include Braine l’Alleud. And in this section of the forest hundreds of years ago there were tracks which have survived, and a soup kitchen was established, hence the name Rue du Cuisiner! The last remnants of the forest can still be seen in the Sept Fontaines area, another favourite nearby location for hashes. We were also briefed to look out for the WWII memorial to an RAF crash site as well as the biggest solar panel expanse in all Wallonia. And then we were off!
We were quickly beyond the Briggs home and into a few suburban streets before we trekked back to the gravelly section of Rue du Cuisiner close to the Water Tower which marks the high point in this area and good views of the Butte de Lion at Waterloo. Off alongside arable fields along an increasingly narrow and steeper trail with many tree roots on one of which Hugh tripped and took a tumble: fortunately nothing broken and only his pride was hurt as he recovered quickly and resumed his stride.
It was a blessing to be in the shade of the woods and we circumnavigated some steep and narrow paths before emerging onto wider tracks and the entrance to the Solar park farm. The sign at the gate listed the various worthies who had been present at the opening but provided no indication of the scale or energy production of these silent slices of modern technology – so we have to take Pete’s word that it is the biggest in Wallonia.
Finally, we returned to the lower section of Rue du Cuisiner, passed the RAF memorial and so On-Home! By which time, most of us were grateful to be back in the shade, save Dr John who preferred catching a few more rays out on the southwest facing terrace.
Après: as usual Barbara and Pete supplied an elegant range of refreshments and possibly the driest IPA I have tasted, apparently from a local brewery. Memorable Hash no 2300, thanks.
Turnout: 12 including hares.
Distance: between 5 and 7km depending on how many false trails completed.
Weather: 25C hot and sunny – so the full 3 ‘Berties’
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Hash 2297 31.05.25
Start and après: Espinette Centrale
Hares: Arthur & Rory
About 15 of us pitched up on a hot, hot Saturday at the end of May at the car park at the Espinette Centrale. Suntan lotion and hats were sorely needed and when we set off from the sunny car park, we were all hoping for shade. These hopes were realised when the two hares took us swiftly off the larger forest tracks, and down narrow pretty paths which were new to most of us and which criss -crossed the forest, allowing us to make the most of the shade. There were plenty of false trails, so many that YHS was called back from at least one uphill trail in order to conserve energy and keep the pack together. We were offered a short and long trail home, after about 4 kms and, despite the heat, a good few opted for the longer route. The hares undersold this a bit, telling us it wasn’t as scenic as the shorter trail - but actually it was perfectly acceptable, especially for those of us dog lovers, since it wended its way through a dog park, full of hot and friendly mutts and their owners- egging us on (the latter)and sniffing the flour (the former).
From there we headed back into the car park and a glorious apres which had been watched over by Sylvie whilst we were out running. The usual array of beers was supplemented by East Anglia’s finest, as we have come to expect from a Pooley hash, and the food was delicious.
Turnout:15 (ish)
Berties: lots
Thanks to Sasha for the photos.
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Hash 2299 14.06.25
Start and après: Clos d'italia
Hares: Jackie & Hugh
We gathered at the entrance to Clos D’Italie, where Jackie was patiently waiting until all the eager hashers had appeared and bicycles were safely chained to lamp posts…
The trail had been laid earlier by Hugh & Jackie, (in the rain) after which Hugh went back to guard the flat and welcome any early returnees.
Jackie went on to supervise the promised 'plenty of shade trail' on a tropical Brussels afternoon when the mercury exceeded 30C.
Firstly, she called us all together and gave her welcoming speech. This included the usual instructions of how to get around the trail and find the après.
Flour would be on the right BUT when the trail was on the left of a road then the flour would be on the right of the trail on the left. Got it? This could result in some confusion and did play a part in keeping the pack running down the false trail on Avenue de la Forêt. The call of "False trail" sent us back to Ave. du Venezuela where an observant hasher spotted flour and called On-On. The pack then turned into Ave. Franklin Roosevelt (which continues to put on a fine display of spring flowers) and progressed to Ave. du Brésil
where the trail crossed the avenue and entered the Bois de la Cambre.
Into the Bois de la Cambre and after a short section on tarmac we followed a roughly clockwise circuit of the park, skirting the famous Chalet Robinson cafe in the middle of a lake and the large rocks recently laid across the tarmac to slow any lycra covered cycling speedsters. Finally back to the FDR Boulevard and the Ave. du Derby and then via a near hidden sylvan glade between the large houses and apartment blocks and home to Clos d'Italie.
We all enjoyed the gloriously green and deliciously cool, leafy green forest which presented us with fabulous views, in every direction.
We trotted and/or walked along soft earthy pathways while the really keen hashers hunted down the trail.
Jackie directed the proceedings with her usual efficiency - giving us generous hints along the way - with the aim of keeping us together, which she certainly achieved. There were the ‘runners’ the ‘walkers’ and the ‘chatterers’ all soaking up the lovely forest atmosphere – which was cool and pleasant on this otherwise hot day.
Back at the Dow’s apartment we enjoyed multiple brands and strengths of Belgian beers along with plenty of other tasty goodies, whilst resting our weary, hot limbs.
Suffice to say a very well organised and enjoyable Hash – as usual – many thanks to the Dows for their kind hospitality.
Hashers included: 2 Kings, 2 Gunns, 2 Briggs (Pete & granddaughter, Chloe), 2 Julians, Judy, and Terrance: 12 in total.
Weather: Hot & humid
Berties : :) :) :)
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Hash 2298 07.06.25
Start and après: Dolce Hotel, La Hulpe
Hares: Tony and Shirley
The hare (he) is precise. The instructions for the start were very clear. Who would have thought that a fancy four star hotel, located on the site of the former IBM property, would have so many car parks? But it does. Hence, he identified the car park to use and how to reach it. In his pre-hash pep talk, he specified the long trail would be 6.18km for anyone who also did all the false trails and back checks. The shorter one would be about 2.5km.
As the hares laid two trails, we also have two YHSs – one for the long, one for the short.
Long
Hare (he) accompanied those that chose this option and we were also grateful to David Z and Ed who did most of the checking. After some rain in the morning, the trail was slippery in a few places. But overall, the paths were very good for running and we came across surprisingly few other people. It makes you wonder whether this part off the forest is seriously underused. For the record, the hares have also laid an earlier hash from the same location.
There was a moderate amount of up hill and down dale and at one point the trail took us down the righthand side of an impressively large green field where we were the only signs of life.
Two main memories from the trail: the luscious green vegetation set off by the splendid trees and the fact that every so often we found the short trail followers ahead of us – and we all finished at the same time. Telltale signs of careful laying.
The après was easily on a par with the standards of the nearby fancy hotel. There was even parsley garnish with some of the offerings.
I will now pass the pen, baton, laptop to my fellow scribe.
Short
Hare (she) led the On-Sec, Dutchman and Scribe 2 (also she) on a mini short-cut to meet up with the main group. This didn’t quite work out but we were delighted to have a tour of the hotel from the inside and the various other buildings from the outside. As we were following the hotel exercise track we also had the opportunity to test some of their rustic outdoor equipment. The hanging bars left the Hare dangling and the Dutchman pretending… and for the record my iWatch says we did 2.82km.
Delicious apres with plenty of veggies, which we were gently encouraged to eat (without double-dipping in the hummus) and the afore mentioned parsley garnish had a second life later on our fish pie.
Turnout: 13 + one Mary who went to the wrong car park, but joined us later.
Weather: dry and overcast after rain in the morning when the trail was laid. Rain started towards the end of the apres but we were sheltered under the trees.
Berties: 😊😊
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Hash 2295 17.05.25
Hare: Ed
Start and après: Parking at Arboretum Heverleebos, Naamsesteenweg, N251, 3001 Leuven.
Just south of where the N251 passes under the motorway.
The hare is a living legend with the annual festive hygge Christmas hashes he and Norma host (has he booked this year’s date yet and when can we see the photos he has taken in previous years? – ed). He also has a very strong line in introducing the hash in warmer months to marvellous woods and countryside within easy striking distance from Brussels and its environs.
(For the uninitiated, Ed(mond) is one of our most committed hashers, ed(itor) is an annoying, but useful for YHSs, Private Eye device).
This hash was no exception. This particular part of the wood was new terrain to everyone, apart from Susan, who, along with husband Tim, also casts her net wide in seeking out new locations. Indeed, she confided to YHS that she had initially considered this very area for her next hash a few weeks later.
The downside of new venues is finding the start can be problematic for those who find maps challenging and are GPS light. This is in no way the fault of the hares or instructions, just a mental block and lack of attention in those who fail to process the information correctly. YHS falls into this camp. Even with a co-pilot/navigator, and it being well before 3pm!, he had great difficulty locating the start until a reassuring phone call with the hare put him right.
Map problems appeared to be catching. Despite laying the trail and having a map in his hand, the hare was momentarily flummoxed at an early check, initially indicating the pack should go left before revising that to right. Flour was on the left, but we were on the right trail. Thereafter, we enjoyed lovely paths, largely deserted apart from the occasional family, a horse rider or two and a peloton of cyclists who thankfully were on a different trajectory.
The Aboretum’s tree collection of 9 hectares was planted in 1930 with mainly exotic species. From 2000 onwards, its custodians have made further improvements, clearing paths, shaping dead trees into sculptures and providing tables and benches. It now contains over 300 different types of trees and shrubs. According to its website, it is especially beautiful in autumn when the American oaks turn a bright red (Not very subtle – ed).
An enjoyable open air après followed with benches for bums and table for bouffe. Many thanks, Ed.
Turnout: 12 + 3 Marys
Weather: dry, warm, slightly overcast
Berties 😊😊😊
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Hash 2294 10.05.25
Start and après: chez Julian O, Boitsfort
Hares: Julian O, Dr John, Pete
A lovely warm, sunny day and a hash for mathematicians. There were three hares, three Marys, two walkers and five hashers. Skip to the bottom for an explanation of the many numerical permutations.
Some of us entered the premises by the front gate, but we all started the hash by leaving via the back. The initial pep talk informed us the trail would be under 5km, but that lots of hills would more than compensate for any shortage in distance. We would also come across the immaculately renovated Alfred Solvay chateau, complete with planetarium. Both statements proved correct.
After a brief false trail, we rushed (le mot juste? – ed) back to the start and down a perilously steep cobbled road. The usual faffing around followed before we entered a delightful little park, which rarely features in our Boitsfort hashes. It stretches alongside the main thoroughfare, Ave Delleur. on which an impressive edifice inspired Hergé to draw Professor Tarragon’s residence in The Seven Crystal Balls. Please click on the link to see our very own Mrs Clarkson. We were delighted Jill joined us for the afternoon and animated the après.
The park’s custodians are taking great care of their charges and giving them any physical support they might require (See photo below). Others take note.
After the leisurely stroll through the park’s green delights, it was back to the hard grind as we battled uphill, with various degrees of enthusiasm, on the road leading up to the imposing entrance to the Parc Tournay-Solvay, one of the Brussels Region’s most beautiful. It is named after Thérèse Tournay-Solvay, daughter of Alfred Solvay, younger brother of better-known Ernest, and widow of Émile Tourna.
Inside the park, the trail took us round to the left so we could pay homage to the replica of Olmec Head No 8 discovered in the Mexican village of San Lorenzo. As our readers will know, but it bears repeating, the Olmec civilisation developed in the lowlands of southeastern Mexico between 1500 and 400 BC and is one of six cradles of civilisation worldwide.
The next landmark was the Flemish neo-Renaissance style villa Alfred Solvay had built in 1878. Destroyed by fire in 1982, it was left to rack and ruin until it was recently lovingly restored to its former glory. The flour, with various back checks and false trails, led us through the park’s many delights – two ponds, a rose garden, allotments and impressive trees (Canadian hemlock, copper beech, Lebanese cedar and giant redwood) – before bringing us out on the edge of the forest.
The trail descended Chemin des Silex and past the peaceful Etang de Boitsfort. While most of the pack headed straight across the main road, aware of the most direct route home, YHS, followed by a single hare muttering encouragement, successfully hung a right past the International School which was hosting a boisterous European University Fair.
The next check was somewhat disconcerting and prompted a slight sense of schizophrenia in one whose initials are RW. The two letters were marked out in flour, each pointing in a different direction. Nonplussed by the unfamiliar signs, the pack drew to a halt and regrouped. Hare No 1 explained they stood for Runners and Walkers (what is wrong with S and L? – ed). When further clarification revealed R could involve more than one hill, we all became Ws.
The final stage took us up Rue de Buis past the cemetery and home, but not before we had made our way along a narrowish street where YHS was intrigued by the notice pictured below. It does make you wonder what happened on all the other days and whether anything at all had happened anywhere on 17/4/1891. After weeks of research, which is why the write up is so delayed, YHS discovered the only noteworthy event was the signing of a Treaty between France and Moréah, whereby the latter granted the former large tracts of land to build a railway through the French Congo. The rest, as they say, is history.
During the delightfully relaxed and well-stocked après, three Marys joined us. As one was preparing for a marathon swim and another had risen at 4am to participate in a charity walk, their decision to conserve energy was totally understandable.
As for the other numbers: after Hare No 1 had requested help in laying the trail, two Bikers (one hairy, one not so) answered the call; Barbara and Jill enjoyed their own walk; the rest of us followed the flour.
Turnout: 13
Berties: 😊😊😊________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Hash 229? 24.05.25
Hare: Susan D
Steenokkerzeel
A soggy and flour covered Hare called order at 3.10 promptly. Despite the cold and rain, it was a significantly sized, chatty and optimistic group which congregated in the carpark next to the picturesque Hinkaertplein. Hinkeartplein translates as Hop Square, or Hops Along square, according to Googletranslate. I prefer the latter.
Such was the buoyant mood and chatter, no-one seemed to be in a hurry to be off. However, there was a hash to be done. Flower would be on the right, other than where for health and safety reasons it would be on the left. Even then it might not be very healthy or safe as that was likely to be where there was no pavement at all (risky business, the Hash) – watch out for a “long” stretch (i.e. no complaining please) and be assured that this was not, NOT a long hash.
Duley informed, the assembled party made off at a jog, trot, stomp, stroll (choose your own speed) in search of the first blob of flour, which we found bravely hanging in there under the attack of snails and rain. We were quickly out in the fields around Zaventem, which were cloaked in an atmospheric mist, broken occasionally (but not very noisily) by the undercarriage of a fast approaching plane.
One field had a fine crop of peas, which the chemist amongst us explained was an important source of nitrogen for the soil, so used in crop rotation. We were told, knowledgeably, that the peas were probably for cattle, so no point picking your own as we went.
The party were kept together by a plethora of false trails, always a sign of fine hare-er-y.
At one point YHS was searching in vain for the next trail when an apparently friendly young man washing his car out the front of his house pointed confidently in the opposite direction. Was he an observant chap who had watched the trail being laid some hours earlier? Was he planted by the hares? YHS followed his advice, and he was wrong of course – clearly just thought he’d have a bit of fun too.
As we approached the end of the agricultural section of the hash, Supporting hare pointed to what looked like a pheasant huddled amongst the neatly sown crops. Then the Lapwings took off, soaring above the fields, with their distinctive rounded wings and easily recognisable- YHS was informed by the supporting hare – spectacular wobbling, zigzagging swoop. The lapwing is relatively common in Belgium, according to birdsrusonlinegenericsource, and they like that particular field above all others in the area, explained Supporting hare.
We tootled up and down Bruyneelstraat, but not a brown eel was in sight, we criss crossed Zoetwaterweg (fresh water a plenty from the skies), searched in vain along Kleinmolenveldweg and hit a wall at Steenokkerzeel. We almost missed the grand battlements of Kastelweg as Rory was so far ahead that he had done the false train before we puffed into sight.
Cries of “We need to head for the church” started up after the 7th kilometer (of the 5 kilomter hash). The Church, whilst in sight, was illusive. The path wove in and out of the narrow pathways hidden between the houses which stood between us, the church and Hops Along Plein. Kindly located backarrows kept us on track in the latter stages. We were not far away!
As we emerged from the housing estate YHS hunted high and low for her sense of direction, which failed to materialise, but Christian, like a homing pigeon/beacon in red, appeared at exactly the right moment to show the way On Home
The chosen spot for the après was already populated by local youths. We could have joined them, but there was some concern they might make inroads into the excellent bread, cheese and fine homemade hummus. Had we shared with them, we might have ended up in even more of a bunfight than we did over the pleasing locally brewed Zinne beer. The youf actually seemed to have their own beer, so ours may have been safe. A good portion of the assembled hash opted for the under the car boot après, the close proximity of others providing warmth and a chance to have a really good chin wag out of the rain.
A marvellous trail through the fields and suburbs of Steenokkerzeel with a fine spread for the après and great company all round. It brightened up a soggy day that would have been wasted sat on the sofa. Thank you Hare and Hare in support!
Hare: Susan, with Tim in ornithological supporting role
Turnout: 18
Marys: 0
Berties – 😊 😊 😊😊😊 because we needed the rain!
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Hash 2290 12/4/2025
Hare: Wolfgang
Start and après: bei ihm, WSL
A warm balmy afternoon greeted us. Sprawling in the sun with a cool drink was tempting. But never giving in to temptation at 15.10 on Saturdays, off we went.
The temperature meant that checking was fairly lethargic. The hare had laid an interesting and varied trail in a part of Brussels we do not use very often. Along with not particularly busy communal roads, we navigated many narrow alleyways, rough paths, woods and playgrounds. There were occasional short cuts for the less energetic.
As usual, YHS, despite successfully completing a four day hike in the Cairngorms for his Queen’s Scout Award almost 60 years ago, still has no sense of direction and had little idea of where we were most of the time. That failing and the hare’s cunning made for fun hashing. He did, however, clock running past the Woluwe European school with its immensely high protective walls, and along Hof ten Berg, basically because it is such a memorable name.
Further research revealed that parts of Hof ten Berg are recognised in the Brussels Region’s Inventaire du patrimoine architectural for their distinctive artistic, aesthetic, historic, technical and urban features. Its bosquet marécageux is the remains of the Woluwe valley’s previous humid ecosystem. And the area houses International Montessori schools in a restored original farmhouse dating back to 1751. The things we learn on Saturday afternoons!
Back at the après, YHS was puzzled. Like much missed BBC reporter Brian Hanrahan during the Falklands War, “I counted them all out and I counted them all back.” But in my case, the numbers did not tally. I was certain 13 had set out, but only 12 seemed to have made it back safely. Was I losing my mathematical marbles? Thankfully for both him and me, Ian appeared some 20 minutes later. He had early on become detached from the group and had spent the afternoon hashing on his own. (That is why shouting is important – ed).
Legacy
Many thanks to Wolfgang and Irene for a lovely relaxed après on their terrace. As always, there was much varied and interesting conversation.
But on this occasion a new subject cropped up: the Hash Legacy. If in the dim and distant future there are not enough hashers to make our activities viable, what, apart from turning off the lights, should the few remaining members do with our collective Healthy Hash History (You are trying too hard – ed) of 45 years and growing? I have loads of photos, membership lists, t shirts and documentation people have handed on to me over the years to stir memories. I’m sure many others have similar items.
Intrigued by the question, Sue volunteered to the Committee (? – ed) to look into this and has already begun doing so. Should we even care? All ideas/input gratefully received.
Turnout: 13
Weather: very hot and sunny
Berties: 😊😊😊
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Hash 2288 29/3/2025
Hare: Alison S with assistance from Caroline
Start and après: Warandestraat (not far from Everberg Stonemanor)
A late change of start venue, due to concerns the original car park departure point had been commandeered for other purposes, did not deter a good size group from turning up – even though most were aware they would be getting an hour’s less sleep as the clocks later went forward.
The start in a leafy glade on the edge of the woods was a check. Not unprecedented, but rare. The logic was impeccable with over half a dozen paths to choose from. Why not go for it? As the pack fanned out, David Z, back from his travels, was the first to eventually find the flour.
The trail followed various woodland paths before crossing Kruisstraat not far from a café where Mariette many years ago had once organised an enjoyable beer stop. Then it was into open countryside where we had occasional horses in fields for company. After a leisurely canter (Tim and David) and gentle trot (the rest of us), we crossed Kruisstraat again and found ourselves at the Kortenberg sports centre. This had been the intended starting venue. Lo and behold, there were parking places aplenty. You win some, you…
Stopping briefly to admire a game of football (more likely to get a breather – ed), we soon found ourselves in the splendid Oude Abdij park. Families were enjoying the sun and the grass. A magnificent magnolia tree was in full flower. Adults were loitering over a drink on the terrace. A pop-up repair shop was offering its services. A great Spring scene.
The final furlong of the trail took us through woods which on Mariette and David’s hash at the end of last year had been turned by lashing rain into the worst of Flanders Fields slippery mud. A few months later, the going was firm, largely dry and sparkling with swathes of wood anemones.
Back to the leafy glade for a sumptuous après (a far better location than a sports club car park). The pièce de resistance was a home-made cake, whose recipe, I understand, has already been widely shared. More than one passer-by glanced enviously at our well-catered for group.
Turnout: 16
Weather: dry, fresh, sunny with, in the shade, a slight nip in the air (Apologies to Spike Milligan and John Betjman)
Berties: 😊😊😊
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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!
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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: 🙂 🙂 🙂
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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 2314: 27.09.25 @ 15.00 - 2025 YPRES HASH Hare/Host: Rory & Judi Start & après: Bandstand in KEMMEL
On a beautiful autumn day, we (YHS + NL popped over the French border to stock up on lekker dingetjes) gathered in the charming village of Kemmel. Arriving early a few of us visited the tourist office and saw a fascinating film out the three years the British, engineers and miners, hand dug tunnels under the German lines. They had to wear felt slippers and speak in whispers as the Germans were listening with stethoscopes. The clay had to be brought out in sacks and then dug into the landscape as the German blimps were on the lookout for piles of this blue clays. Then on one night in 1917 they blew up 24 tunnels… which was the beginning of the end…
Back to the Hash… we were warned that the route would take us up the Kemmelberg and although there were lots of interesting monuments and bunkers to see, some of our group would probably want to take the short cut. As usual this Ypres hash was carefully and thoughtfully laid by Rory and Judi.
YHS was, naturally, one of the short cutters… but Alison S took photos of what we missed and Rory’s preamble (see below) in the invitation filled us in. Actually, YHS + Dutchman had visited the area after last year’s Hash, but by car.
The Kemmelberg is very popular with cycling clubs… dodging large groups of speeding Lycra clad, muscular thighed (mainly men) was a cardiovascular workout in itself.
We regrouped back in Kemmel. As the weather was still clement, we didn’t need to shelter in the bandstand (every village/town should have one) so a picnic table next to the church was soon covered in beer, bread and cheese, Passendale cheese of course. Our curious Belgian art expert popped into the church to find it wasn’t… now a meeting house for the area it has a pink spiral staircase in the middle.
Post après we returned to Ypres to the new restaurant venue Rory had reserved for 13 of the 17 Group. Post meal we strolled to the Menen Gate… the Last Post was supplemented with a brass band playing traditional tunes. Unfortunately, R & J couldn’t join us but although they missed an excellent meal, in a restaurant with delightful staff, they did miss the closed E40 and extra hour to get home.
But even that did not take away from a most enjoyable day/afternoon.
Thanks again to Rory and Judi and on-on to next year’s traditional Wipers Educational Hash.
Berties: :) :) :)
Turnout: 16
Photos by Alison S - go to PHOTOS tab in this website
Rory’s explanation of what we would see… if you missed it…
The trail is hilly as the name Kemmelberg (154 metres high) implies. There will be the occasional short cut, although these miss out the French monument and ossuary.
The trail (roughly 5-6 km) takes in the following:
Tourist office optional: 12 minute film on the Allied sappers who built the tunnels under German lines, exploding 24 massive mines under the German lines between Ypres and Messines on 7 June 1917. Five did not explode. Along with the Battle of Mount Kemmel in April 1918, the Battle of Messines Ridge was the bloodiest in Heuvelland.
First cemetery (Kemmel Chateau British Cemetery): 21 graves with 13 noting: “Known to be buried in this cemetery” as the sappers’ bodies were never recovered.
Second cemetery: interesting correspondence between two brothers, Ernest and Bernard Leamy from Lincoln, and their family back home in early days of the war. Shows what people were thinking at the time. This is in registry holding the names of all 315 Allied servicemen buried there.
De Lork Flemish tourist village: regroup, nice poem, “Rhymes in Kemmel” carved in metal on one of the benches.
Cold War Allied command bunker, the nerve centre of the Belgian armed forces supreme command in the 1950s.
Belvedere: fancy renovated hotel
French monument, “The Angel”: commemorates French forces who fought in the Battle of Mount Kemmel 15-30 April 1918, successfully repelling the Germans’ attempt to break through Allied lines and reach Belgian ports.
French Ossuary: Contains the remains of 5,294 French soldiers. Only 57 were totally or partially identified.
Command dugouts Lettenberg: Completed in Spring 1917, they were the Allies brigade headquarters deep underground. One of the bunkers has a red cross indicating its use as a dressing station.
Calvary Hill and 12 stations of the cross, created after the War: as you enter and leave the path towards the dugouts. Good view from the top of the hill.
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Hash 2311 30.08.25
Hare: Chris, assisted by Harriet
“Eizer?” we said to each other. “Where’s that?” The entertaining aspect of this hash was that I could look it up on a map and think: ”yes, I know where that is”… and yet, when I got there, it was completely unfamiliar. So where is it? Eizer is officially part of Overijse, even if it’s not written “Ijse”, though Hoog Eizer is officially in the commune of Tervuren, albeit Tervuren calls it Ijze. So much (too much?) for spelling. Also: the village of Eizer is not in the valley of the Ijse: it has its own stream, the Nellebeek, and it’s possible the hash went over or around this without particularly noticing it.
On to the hash. It was a lovely day for a cycle through the woods from Brussels and - bonus - we even showed up at the Sint Maria Magdalenakerk nicely on time, to the obvious surprise of the two hares. Early enough to enjoy watching the others struggling to park their cars around the narrow and steepish path by the church: the Germans have a word for this. Then we were off… in all directions as we were checking from the start. I’m never sure of the rules on hashing through a cemetery. If there really are no rules, how come nobody ever does it? Anyhow, the tentative incursion Rory and I made into the cemetery proved to be at the wrong end of life: the trail was picked up in the direction of the Youth Centre and from there, a couple of false trails later, we were diverted off to the right, and Dr John was diverted by his own curiosity into someone’s back garden. Fortunately the owners of the house - still building it and apparently with aspirations to put another box of bricks on the Instagram account of Ugly Belgian Houses” - proved to be cheerful and forgiving sorts.
Up a hill we went, past some chickens, with at the top of the hill a supporters group egging us on. I’m not sure I have ever encountered this on a hash, and very nice of them it was too, even if their tongues may have been in their cheeks. From here across a field, quite possibly into Hoog Eizer, and we found ourselves at a familiar corner of the Tervuren woods, where a bench invited us to enjoy the lovely view over the Ijse (or Nellebeek) valley. Scouting about a check eventually led us to the marvellously-named “Dronkenmansdreef”, along which we charged (it was downhill), scattering Spanish chestnuts as we went. At a dip in Dronkenmansdreef we took a path through another lovely bit of wood that Chris claimed never to have been in before researching this hash. More “I know where I am… or do I?” I don’t remember a lot about this delightful downhill path, since I was (believe me) engrossed in a professional discussion with a partner in a serious accounting firm, as to whether auditing a sample of 10 transactions could ever be representative of anything. Spoiler: we think not.
At the bottom of the hill anyone still running had checked out the false trails so we headed confidently to the left and to the On Home sign.
Waiting for us in a shady spot behind the church were Morag (who had arrived to grace the “Mary” role) and a fine spread of the usual hashing fare, enhanced by the addition of home-grown tomatoes and cucumbers. The small gourd-shaped tomatoes were particularly delicious,
Many thanks to the hare and co-hare for this very enjoyable afternoon. Eizer is now firmly on the map!
Berties - 3
Turnout - 2 co-hares, 12 hashers, 1 Mary
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Hash 2306 26.07.25
(For the purists and for the record, the write up of Jonathan, Pascale and Judi’s hash the following week should be numbered 2307, not 2306, and the subsequent hashes renumbered - done!)
Start and après: Av de Jardins/Bloemtuinenlaan, Schaerbeek
Hare: Katie, ably supported by Wim
The highly enjoyable afternoon may have been well over a month ago, but it remains as fresh in YHS’s memory as if it were yesterday. YHS arrived in a good mood after a morning supping a couple of pints of Guinness in an Irish hostelry with a hashing pal watching the British and Irish Lions narrowly beat Australia, thanks to Finn Russell’s genius (We don’t want national hyperbole in our factual write ups – ed). And the tram worked a treat, ensuring YHS arrived on a high, on time (almost).
The hare gave her usual pithy and succinct instructions. Then we were off, heading uphill and crossing Bvd General Wahis (a close confident of Leopold II and former governor general of the Congo who died in Schaerbeek in 1921. It is unclear how history judges him – Wahis, not Leopold II). The trail went left from the check, taking the pack past 31 Bvd General Wahis where Jacques Brel once lived.
A Schaerbeekois with Flemish parents, Brel (1929-1978) was born in nearby 138 Avenue du Diamant, before the family moved six months later to 55 Avenue des Cerisiers. This was just a few doors down the road from No 65 (otherwise known as ‘the chateau’) which YHS and Peter Coldrick shared between 1977-1983, along with many others, including Rowena, during those six years. It is fair to say we had no idea of our previous illustrious neighbour.
As YHS digresses about Jacques (You mean resort to padding – ed), check out his older brother, Pierre. A competitive motorcyclist for 37 years, he won several Belgian championships and was five times world moto-cross champion in the 500cc category. Aged 58, he gave up the sport, embarked on marathon running and competed around the world, winning many medals, including several time Belgian champion. A lesson to us all: never too late to start.
A right turn at the end of Rue des Pavots brought us to the rather charming Place de la Patrie. This set the tone for the afternoon. At almost every check, there were between 4-6 possible routes as we familiarised ourselves with the Schaerbeek landscape. This did not deter the small dogged group of checkers as the rest of the pack ambled behind. Soon after the impressive Place des Bienfaiteurs – the hare had peeled off home by this point – we edged rightwards and entered Parc Josaphat.
This really is one of the city’s most unusual parks and a hare’s delight with its multitude of paths, nooks and crannies. Families were making full use of its amenities and rewilding was extensive, giving the park an even more carefree feel. Exiting on to Bvd Lambermont, we passed Ave Gilisquet on our left and gradually made our way to the après at Av de Jardins/Bloemtuinenlaan,
On a personal note, YHS would just like to share that the trail went close to his podologist’s practice and the house he lived in four decades ago on Ave Gilisquet. He also unexpectedly bumped into his personal coach’s brother in Parc Josphat. The hare had suggested the trail was 4km. YHS did 6km.
The après was a leisurely affair as we supped, ate and gossiped on benches around a heavily laden table, watching the occasional family play football. As usual, the conversation went off on several tangents. The most surprising was prompted by the presence of hard boiled eggs, but no salt. A male member described this as akin to kissing a man without a moustache. Some female members offered their observations.
Having absolutely no experience or expertise in this area, a clean shaven YHS simply listened with interest. He then left for the tram, still in a good mood.
Turnout: 12 + Wim + one Mary (a neighbour)
Weather: dry and slightly sunny
Berties: 😊😊😊
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Hash 2310 23.08.25
Hares: John and Alison
The long and the short of it, including the long and the short, is that this was an extremely well laid and very enjoyable hash. It was well attended. 17 people came for the start, with 2 "Mary's" arriving at the après.
Access to the departure point was rendered a bit tricky by various road closures and diversions caused by the Overijse Druivenfeest. John had warned us about this, but nobody seemed to have told the lady in the satnav. You'd have thought, at least, she'd have heard it on the grapevine.
In the pre-start briefing, John promised us that the next hash he will lay will take us into areas that were currently inaccessible due to the festival, so we will look forward to this. In any case, the trail took us through pleasant and interesting areas. The on-on from Kaberg led downwards along a narrowish path to a check that proved particularly effective in making the faster runners (Natasha in particular) work hard searching for flour as it kept the pack together.
The trail then progressed, with ingenious checks, along Korienstraat, Kleinveldweg and Korteveld, making a "dog-leg" detour before heading into Losweg and then on past the fire station. Plenty of cleverly conceived checks, back-checks and intricate twists and turns brought us, after Egediuslaan, to the short-long divide, providing walkers/runners with plenty of variety in terrain and surroundings before the on-home to Kaberg.
The ambience was delightful. It was a warm summer's afternoon teased by clusters of vigorous-looking shower clouds that moved on without delivering any drops. Hazelnuts in their jackets fell from the trees with a cracking sound as they hit the ground. DIY building-work and hedge trimming was being done in various places. Sudden breezes from thermals and the downdrafts of clouds rustled the trees and bushes from time to time. Shiny festive decorations danced on houses and fences as we passed.
The generous après was relaxed and most enjoyable. Thank you John and Alison for a great hash.
Berties: See above.
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Hash 2308 09.08.25
Hares: Harriet & Christian
As some of the most experienced Hashers, H & C have set up a tradition of discovering new areas for interesting routes. This time we were directed to a car park and picnic area in the Sint Agatha Rodebos*, just south of Terlanen. Almost all of the assembled 18 hashers listened attentively to the fairly complex instructions delivered by hare H - those foolish enough to continue chatting were fixed by a steely stare honed by decades of secondary school teaching. H explained: the basic trail is 4.2 km, but there is a short and a long route, the latter indicated by an L located at the end of a false trail. This caused some consternation especially amongst those Hashers not likely to see any false trails (i.e. the majority nowadays), but assistance was promised.
So off we set, looking for the trail from a check set right at the start. The wood was delightful and cool, with a variety of conditions underfoot – from hard-packed paths to sandy tracks. Multiple false trails and back-checks kept the pack together before we went cross-country a couple of times and arrived at a steep upward slope. Many of us were puzzled, as there had been no particular impression of having run downhill so far; this junction was just next to the start of the ‘long’ route, selected by a small number of keen runners. It turned out to be to be easier than the ‘short’ route as it avoided the steep hill. The pack was a bit spread out after the climb, but we soon joined up and a few more false trails kept most of us in touch, except for Tim, who was by now far ahead of the pack (see below).
The picnic table was, mercifully, still free and H soon had her trade-mark tablecloth installed and covered with a variety of eats, including a very tasty cake made with courgettes. This was accompanied by an excellent selection of beers, including ‘Job’ – a blond beer from the Kroon micro brewery in Neerijse. While we were all busily munching and drinking it became apparent that one of the hashers was still missing – Tim. His spouse opined that he was a big boy and capable of looking after himself, so we continued the festivities, until after some 20 minutes, the situation did become a bit concerning. Eventually some of us walked to the nearest junction with Susan and were relieved to see Tim appearing in the distance along the path home accompanied, to our great surprise, by Caroline!
An explanation was duly forthcoming: on arriving back, well ahead of the pack, Tim had decided to run an additional stretch and set off along the trail again. After a while he came across Caroline who had arrived late (no surprise there) and was trying to join the others. Ever the gentleman, Tim volunteered to accompany her round the trail and so ran it twice that afternoon. The pack, fully restored, continued attacking the food and drink, the cake disappearing rapidly, until finally we felt it was time to let the hares return home, after a very enjoyable afternoon.
Hashers: 19
Mary’s: None!
Berties: :) :) :)
*The name “Rode” signifies a clearing in a forest, rooted in medieval deforestation efforts by the Counts of Leuven, who built a chapel dedicated to Saint Agatha in the 11th century—hence the village name Sint-Agatha-Rode. The nature reserve “Rodebos en Laanvallei” spans approximately 150–171 hectares and features dark beech forests, streams, wet meadows, reedlands, and heathland on the upper slopes. Due to glacial leem (loess) and deposits like travertine, the terrain transitions rapidly from muddy, marshy low areas to drier, heather-covered uplands—yielding a rich mosaic of habitats and rare moss species. (thank you ChatGPT).
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Hash 2305 19.07.25
Hare: David Z
To Zaventem, as has become our habit in July and November, to be hared and hosted by David Z and Mitzi. So engrained is this habit, with 18 visits since July 2015, that it might reasonably be supposed that we had nothing more to discover in Zaventem, having hashed it inside out and back to front. David, however, had promised novelty - and either that or the expectation of an extravagant barbecue secured a good turn-out (above average for the time of year, as they say in the weather forecasts).
The Z, should anyone be wondering, is surely for Zeitgeist. Only five days earlier, the Flemish ministry for mobility had announced its spending programme for the next 15 years. The renovation of the Brussels ring-road has been allocated the biggest amount – €4.8 billion. As anyone who has consulted the website of Werken aan de Ring knows – perhaps to check on the state of the Groenendaal junction, or the Leonard tunnel – it is a many-headed monster. But David had promised his trail would give a particular, localised perspective: how would the work on the interchange between the ring and the continuation of avenue Leopold III to the airport (the A201) improve things for David and Mitzi and - by implication - for the hash?
The prospect of encountering construction work and a motorway is an unusual pitch for a hash, but not every trail can be laid in sylvan groves and it was with a good show of enthusiasm that 17 hashers set off (albeit the walkers were already working out their short-cuts, on the maps that David had thoughtfully provided). Sasha was among the most enthusiastic, so that she soon arrived at David’s first teaching-station: a roosting structure for house-martins. In shape, it looked like a giant bird-table, ie a horizontal square of wood perhaps two metres square, supported on a column three metres high. Artificial nests made of clay had been attached to the underside of the table. For several years now, the Brussels Airport Company has been working with various nature groups to lure house martins away from the immediate vicinity of Brussels Airport to neighbouring sites. The essential problem is that there have been significant colonies of these birds - which are protected species – in and around the airport, where they pose a threat to aircraft and vice versa. The difficulty in moving them is that swallows and martins return to the same sites each year – a bit like hashers - so getting them to change their ways is not easy (hashers idem). This eco-friendly version of Martin’s Hotels is at the junction of Olmenstraat (not an elm to be seen) and Leerlooierijstraat (count those vowels - the name is a vestige of the tanneries that used to stand on this side of Zaventem) - on the south side of the A201 that bounds the airport. The longer-term aim is to get the house martins to join an existing colony on the field behind the Toyota and Exxon Mobil offices on avenue Leopold III.
In addition to the ornithological education, the other benefit of this teaching moment was that it gave a chance for a visiting hasher coming from the railway station to catch us up. Marius was visiting from Neuchâtel and had spent the previous few days in and around the European Parliament. But after only the most perfunctory of greetings, we were off on the trail again, past the Crowne Plaza hotel, along Da Vincilaan. Leonardo Da Vinci, who famously designed a scheme to divert the river Arno so that the city of Florence would no longer be at the mercy of the rival city of Pisa, would have been an appropriate guide for the next teaching station, but instead we made do with David, who explained the plan to open up the previously buried River Woluwe and there, in this most unpropitious spot - the armpit created by an arm of the A201 departing from the body of the Brussels ring-road – to create a park with the Woluwe flowing through it.
Thus fortified, we followed flour round the back of the Da Vinci business park, paused for a false trail under the railway bridge and then headed for the sanctuary of the real Da Vinci Park, where once the Kasteel Ter Brugge stood, on ground that was owned - like so much of Wezembeek - by the de Burbure dynasty. We negotiated our way round the ponds and the accompanying threat of aggressive geese (see hash write-ups passim) and paused to look for a black redstart. Then out of the park more or less the way we had come in - because work to replace the drains of Diegemstraat had put out of action the exit that David had planned on using. The return home had a few agreeable wrinkles – including a new way into the park that surrounds Villa Quitmann (the old gemeentehuis) via the grounds of the basisschool, so that we were pretty well regrouped before we reached David and Mitzi’s.
The après merits a write-up of its own, although as a non-meat-eater I’m not qualified to speak for the barbecue. I can at least vouch for the cheeses and pickles and various dips. Suffice to say, a lot was eaten and a lot was said and it went on a long time – though not as long as the works on the ring. Eventually we took our leave of Zaventem, but – like the house martins – we’ll return.
By the numbers: 19 participants, hares and latecomers included.
Two Berties.
Three years until the opening of the new park. Photos Sasha & Katie
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Hash 2307: 02.08.25 @ 15.00
Hares/Hosts: Jonathan, Pascale and Judi
It had rained stair rods all morning, leaving the brave trail layers (Pascale & Judi) soaking wet, and around 3pm the prospects still weren’t looking good for the 15 or so Hashers sheltering under the porch, waiting to start off; but the sky seemed to be clearing (the fourth law of thermodynamics is that it never rains on a Hash) so Harriet filled in the waiting time with an up-date on the Hash 45th Anniversary proposals, and with a brief “The flour is on the right” from the Hares we were off down Brusselsesteenweg. Expecting to be routed into the woods at the first check, the forest paths were explored, but it was not to be. We were lead even further down the road to the next check and finally entered the woods. In the meantime we learned from Hare P that, sadly, no-one had been found to take over the excellent bakery on the corner after the owner retired, so it was due to close at year-end (a sign of the times?).
Multiple checks and false trails kept the pack together through the woods and despite the earlier rain the flour was clearly visible thanks to some cunning placing by the Hares. By a roundabout route we were lead down the valley, up the other side, emerging finally back onto Brusselsesteenweg via a horse trail adjacent to one of the many stables along the road, and then, with an ‘on home’ turning right, there was a short run back to the house.
The ‘après’ gave us all time to admire Pascale and Jono’s beautiful new garden, now almost completely finished, replete with a splendid ‘swimming pond’ and a very elegant garden shed (actually, ‘pool house’ sounds more appropriate). Hashers had been advised to bring swimming kit and despite the rather cool weather several brave souls took to the water for a few lengths, sharing the pond with half a dozen goldfish who promptly took refuge in the vegetation planted on one side in a shallower area. As the afternoon progressed the weather improved, the warmer temperature tempted others into the water for a swim, and the après continued somewhat longer than usual, with a final generous offer of ‘a G & T’ gladly accepted by some. Altogether a great afternoon in a lovely garden.
Hashers: 15
Mary’s: 4 (Peter Blackie, Martine, Jill, Caroline)
Berties: (damp weather)
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Hash 2304 12.07.25 @15.00
Hare: Tim
Start & après: Entrance to the Tervuren Arboretum
It was a warm and sunny afternoon when four dedicated, well-on-time, Hashers started organising the parking in the, about to be full, carpark by the entrance to the Arboretum. This task was helpful but not always appreciated.
Eventually a sufficient number of Hashers turned up, however, the Hare was not one of them.
We were cool in the shade of the trees and cool because the Hare had volunteered at the last moment to lay a real Hash. We forgave his tardy appearance at 15.16.
The intro was minimalist. But a comment that ,if we found flour on the left we had made a mistake and the mistake was not made by the Hare, hit home (YHS would like you to remember that in 2 weeks time). And so began a classic Tim Hash…
YHS is not one to knowingly do false trails and never actually looks for them, but this Hash was the beginning of a new era.
In the first 40 minutes the nine of us did every single possible false trail, and according to Googly we hadn’t really gone very far. It reminded me of taking a dog for a walk, where the hound runs back and forth doing much more than necessary. Perhaps the Hare was channeling his famous (5) namesake.
Then the Hare arrived and, after checking his hand drawn map, 3 of us took a short short-cut.
The Hare gave YHS his car keys so we were able to unpack and set up the après under the trees nearby. Being good people we didn’t start on the very interesting selection of beers (alc and non-alc) and ample selection of nibbles enhanced by Tim’s signature chutney.
The rest of the group had split into two and wandered back with tales of more false trails and a professionally laid Hash.
The après was genial and educational. It is band not group. The Beatles did not steal the identity of Eleanor Rigby, she died in the church and was buried along with her name. The UK passport office is a challenge for married British women. It’s a long hot walk from the nearest bus stop to the Arboretum. The Hash was set on a day that was not to be mentioned however singing was involved.
As you will realise YHS knows much more about the après then the “run” and, as far as I am concerned, that’s what it’s all about.
Turnout: 10
Distance: including all the false trails… YHS has no idea but achieved her step count.
Weather: 24C and sunny and the arboretum made it delightful. All the Berties!
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Hash 2300 21.06.25
Start and après: chez Briggs
Hares: Barbara and Peter
Midsummer Day: a bright sunny day greeted a select crew of hashers to Rue de Cuisiner.
Pete gave us a potted history of why this street is so-named, apparently the Bois de Soignes used to stretch beyond its current edge in Rhode St Genese all the way past Waterloo to include Braine l’Alleud. And in this section of the forest hundreds of years ago there were tracks which have survived, and a soup kitchen was established, hence the name Rue du Cuisiner! The last remnants of the forest can still be seen in the Sept Fontaines area, another favourite nearby location for hashes. We were also briefed to look out for the WWII memorial to an RAF crash site as well as the biggest solar panel expanse in all Wallonia. And then we were off!
We were quickly beyond the Briggs home and into a few suburban streets before we trekked back to the gravelly section of Rue du Cuisiner close to the Water Tower which marks the high point in this area and good views of the Butte de Lion at Waterloo. Off alongside arable fields along an increasingly narrow and steeper trail with many tree roots on one of which Hugh tripped and took a tumble: fortunately nothing broken and only his pride was hurt as he recovered quickly and resumed his stride.
It was a blessing to be in the shade of the woods and we circumnavigated some steep and narrow paths before emerging onto wider tracks and the entrance to the Solar park farm. The sign at the gate listed the various worthies who had been present at the opening but provided no indication of the scale or energy production of these silent slices of modern technology – so we have to take Pete’s word that it is the biggest in Wallonia.
Finally, we returned to the lower section of Rue du Cuisiner, passed the RAF memorial and so On-Home! By which time, most of us were grateful to be back in the shade, save Dr John who preferred catching a few more rays out on the southwest facing terrace.
Après: as usual Barbara and Pete supplied an elegant range of refreshments and possibly the driest IPA I have tasted, apparently from a local brewery. Memorable Hash no 2300, thanks.
Turnout: 12 including hares.
Distance: between 5 and 7km depending on how many false trails completed.
Weather: 25C hot and sunny – so the full 3 ‘Berties’
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Hash 2297 31.05.25
Start and après: Espinette Centrale
Hares: Arthur & Rory
About 15 of us pitched up on a hot, hot Saturday at the end of May at the car park at the Espinette Centrale. Suntan lotion and hats were sorely needed and when we set off from the sunny car park, we were all hoping for shade. These hopes were realised when the two hares took us swiftly off the larger forest tracks, and down narrow pretty paths which were new to most of us and which criss -crossed the forest, allowing us to make the most of the shade. There were plenty of false trails, so many that YHS was called back from at least one uphill trail in order to conserve energy and keep the pack together. We were offered a short and long trail home, after about 4 kms and, despite the heat, a good few opted for the longer route. The hares undersold this a bit, telling us it wasn’t as scenic as the shorter trail - but actually it was perfectly acceptable, especially for those of us dog lovers, since it wended its way through a dog park, full of hot and friendly mutts and their owners- egging us on (the latter)and sniffing the flour (the former).
From there we headed back into the car park and a glorious apres which had been watched over by Sylvie whilst we were out running. The usual array of beers was supplemented by East Anglia’s finest, as we have come to expect from a Pooley hash, and the food was delicious.
Turnout:15 (ish)
Berties: lots
Thanks to Sasha for the photos.
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Hash 2299 14.06.25
Start and après: Clos d'italia
Hares: Jackie & Hugh
We gathered at the entrance to Clos D’Italie, where Jackie was patiently waiting until all the eager hashers had appeared and bicycles were safely chained to lamp posts…
The trail had been laid earlier by Hugh & Jackie, (in the rain) after which Hugh went back to guard the flat and welcome any early returnees.
Jackie went on to supervise the promised 'plenty of shade trail' on a tropical Brussels afternoon when the mercury exceeded 30C.
Firstly, she called us all together and gave her welcoming speech. This included the usual instructions of how to get around the trail and find the après.
Flour would be on the right BUT when the trail was on the left of a road then the flour would be on the right of the trail on the left. Got it? This could result in some confusion and did play a part in keeping the pack running down the false trail on Avenue de la Forêt. The call of "False trail" sent us back to Ave. du Venezuela where an observant hasher spotted flour and called On-On. The pack then turned into Ave. Franklin Roosevelt (which continues to put on a fine display of spring flowers) and progressed to Ave. du Brésil
where the trail crossed the avenue and entered the Bois de la Cambre.
Into the Bois de la Cambre and after a short section on tarmac we followed a roughly clockwise circuit of the park, skirting the famous Chalet Robinson cafe in the middle of a lake and the large rocks recently laid across the tarmac to slow any lycra covered cycling speedsters. Finally back to the FDR Boulevard and the Ave. du Derby and then via a near hidden sylvan glade between the large houses and apartment blocks and home to Clos d'Italie.
We all enjoyed the gloriously green and deliciously cool, leafy green forest which presented us with fabulous views, in every direction.
We trotted and/or walked along soft earthy pathways while the really keen hashers hunted down the trail.
Jackie directed the proceedings with her usual efficiency - giving us generous hints along the way - with the aim of keeping us together, which she certainly achieved. There were the ‘runners’ the ‘walkers’ and the ‘chatterers’ all soaking up the lovely forest atmosphere – which was cool and pleasant on this otherwise hot day.
Back at the Dow’s apartment we enjoyed multiple brands and strengths of Belgian beers along with plenty of other tasty goodies, whilst resting our weary, hot limbs.
Suffice to say a very well organised and enjoyable Hash – as usual – many thanks to the Dows for their kind hospitality.
Hashers included: 2 Kings, 2 Gunns, 2 Briggs (Pete & granddaughter, Chloe), 2 Julians, Judy, and Terrance: 12 in total.
Weather: Hot & humid
Berties : :) :) :)
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Hash 2298 07.06.25
Start and après: Dolce Hotel, La Hulpe
Hares: Tony and Shirley
The hare (he) is precise. The instructions for the start were very clear. Who would have thought that a fancy four star hotel, located on the site of the former IBM property, would have so many car parks? But it does. Hence, he identified the car park to use and how to reach it. In his pre-hash pep talk, he specified the long trail would be 6.18km for anyone who also did all the false trails and back checks. The shorter one would be about 2.5km.
As the hares laid two trails, we also have two YHSs – one for the long, one for the short.
Long
Hare (he) accompanied those that chose this option and we were also grateful to David Z and Ed who did most of the checking. After some rain in the morning, the trail was slippery in a few places. But overall, the paths were very good for running and we came across surprisingly few other people. It makes you wonder whether this part off the forest is seriously underused. For the record, the hares have also laid an earlier hash from the same location.
There was a moderate amount of up hill and down dale and at one point the trail took us down the righthand side of an impressively large green field where we were the only signs of life.
Two main memories from the trail: the luscious green vegetation set off by the splendid trees and the fact that every so often we found the short trail followers ahead of us – and we all finished at the same time. Telltale signs of careful laying.
The après was easily on a par with the standards of the nearby fancy hotel. There was even parsley garnish with some of the offerings.
I will now pass the pen, baton, laptop to my fellow scribe.
Short
Hare (she) led the On-Sec, Dutchman and Scribe 2 (also she) on a mini short-cut to meet up with the main group. This didn’t quite work out but we were delighted to have a tour of the hotel from the inside and the various other buildings from the outside. As we were following the hotel exercise track we also had the opportunity to test some of their rustic outdoor equipment. The hanging bars left the Hare dangling and the Dutchman pretending… and for the record my iWatch says we did 2.82km.
Delicious apres with plenty of veggies, which we were gently encouraged to eat (without double-dipping in the hummus) and the afore mentioned parsley garnish had a second life later on our fish pie.
Turnout: 13 + one Mary who went to the wrong car park, but joined us later.
Weather: dry and overcast after rain in the morning when the trail was laid. Rain started towards the end of the apres but we were sheltered under the trees.
Berties: 😊😊
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Hash 2295 17.05.25
Hare: Ed
Start and après: Parking at Arboretum Heverleebos, Naamsesteenweg, N251, 3001 Leuven.
Just south of where the N251 passes under the motorway.
The hare is a living legend with the annual festive hygge Christmas hashes he and Norma host (has he booked this year’s date yet and when can we see the photos he has taken in previous years? – ed). He also has a very strong line in introducing the hash in warmer months to marvellous woods and countryside within easy striking distance from Brussels and its environs.
(For the uninitiated, Ed(mond) is one of our most committed hashers, ed(itor) is an annoying, but useful for YHSs, Private Eye device).
This hash was no exception. This particular part of the wood was new terrain to everyone, apart from Susan, who, along with husband Tim, also casts her net wide in seeking out new locations. Indeed, she confided to YHS that she had initially considered this very area for her next hash a few weeks later.
The downside of new venues is finding the start can be problematic for those who find maps challenging and are GPS light. This is in no way the fault of the hares or instructions, just a mental block and lack of attention in those who fail to process the information correctly. YHS falls into this camp. Even with a co-pilot/navigator, and it being well before 3pm!, he had great difficulty locating the start until a reassuring phone call with the hare put him right.
Map problems appeared to be catching. Despite laying the trail and having a map in his hand, the hare was momentarily flummoxed at an early check, initially indicating the pack should go left before revising that to right. Flour was on the left, but we were on the right trail. Thereafter, we enjoyed lovely paths, largely deserted apart from the occasional family, a horse rider or two and a peloton of cyclists who thankfully were on a different trajectory.
The Aboretum’s tree collection of 9 hectares was planted in 1930 with mainly exotic species. From 2000 onwards, its custodians have made further improvements, clearing paths, shaping dead trees into sculptures and providing tables and benches. It now contains over 300 different types of trees and shrubs. According to its website, it is especially beautiful in autumn when the American oaks turn a bright red (Not very subtle – ed).
An enjoyable open air après followed with benches for bums and table for bouffe. Many thanks, Ed.
Turnout: 12 + 3 Marys
Weather: dry, warm, slightly overcast
Berties 😊😊😊
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Hash 2294 10.05.25
Start and après: chez Julian O, Boitsfort
Hares: Julian O, Dr John, Pete
A lovely warm, sunny day and a hash for mathematicians. There were three hares, three Marys, two walkers and five hashers. Skip to the bottom for an explanation of the many numerical permutations.
Some of us entered the premises by the front gate, but we all started the hash by leaving via the back. The initial pep talk informed us the trail would be under 5km, but that lots of hills would more than compensate for any shortage in distance. We would also come across the immaculately renovated Alfred Solvay chateau, complete with planetarium. Both statements proved correct.
After a brief false trail, we rushed (le mot juste? – ed) back to the start and down a perilously steep cobbled road. The usual faffing around followed before we entered a delightful little park, which rarely features in our Boitsfort hashes. It stretches alongside the main thoroughfare, Ave Delleur. on which an impressive edifice inspired Hergé to draw Professor Tarragon’s residence in The Seven Crystal Balls. Please click on the link to see our very own Mrs Clarkson. We were delighted Jill joined us for the afternoon and animated the après.
The park’s custodians are taking great care of their charges and giving them any physical support they might require (See photo below). Others take note.
After the leisurely stroll through the park’s green delights, it was back to the hard grind as we battled uphill, with various degrees of enthusiasm, on the road leading up to the imposing entrance to the Parc Tournay-Solvay, one of the Brussels Region’s most beautiful. It is named after Thérèse Tournay-Solvay, daughter of Alfred Solvay, younger brother of better-known Ernest, and widow of Émile Tourna.
Inside the park, the trail took us round to the left so we could pay homage to the replica of Olmec Head No 8 discovered in the Mexican village of San Lorenzo. As our readers will know, but it bears repeating, the Olmec civilisation developed in the lowlands of southeastern Mexico between 1500 and 400 BC and is one of six cradles of civilisation worldwide.
The next landmark was the Flemish neo-Renaissance style villa Alfred Solvay had built in 1878. Destroyed by fire in 1982, it was left to rack and ruin until it was recently lovingly restored to its former glory. The flour, with various back checks and false trails, led us through the park’s many delights – two ponds, a rose garden, allotments and impressive trees (Canadian hemlock, copper beech, Lebanese cedar and giant redwood) – before bringing us out on the edge of the forest.
The trail descended Chemin des Silex and past the peaceful Etang de Boitsfort. While most of the pack headed straight across the main road, aware of the most direct route home, YHS, followed by a single hare muttering encouragement, successfully hung a right past the International School which was hosting a boisterous European University Fair.
The next check was somewhat disconcerting and prompted a slight sense of schizophrenia in one whose initials are RW. The two letters were marked out in flour, each pointing in a different direction. Nonplussed by the unfamiliar signs, the pack drew to a halt and regrouped. Hare No 1 explained they stood for Runners and Walkers (what is wrong with S and L? – ed). When further clarification revealed R could involve more than one hill, we all became Ws.
The final stage took us up Rue de Buis past the cemetery and home, but not before we had made our way along a narrowish street where YHS was intrigued by the notice pictured below. It does make you wonder what happened on all the other days and whether anything at all had happened anywhere on 17/4/1891. After weeks of research, which is why the write up is so delayed, YHS discovered the only noteworthy event was the signing of a Treaty between France and Moréah, whereby the latter granted the former large tracts of land to build a railway through the French Congo. The rest, as they say, is history.
During the delightfully relaxed and well-stocked après, three Marys joined us. As one was preparing for a marathon swim and another had risen at 4am to participate in a charity walk, their decision to conserve energy was totally understandable.
As for the other numbers: after Hare No 1 had requested help in laying the trail, two Bikers (one hairy, one not so) answered the call; Barbara and Jill enjoyed their own walk; the rest of us followed the flour.
Turnout: 13
Berties: 😊😊😊________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Hash 229? 24.05.25
Hare: Susan D
Steenokkerzeel
A soggy and flour covered Hare called order at 3.10 promptly. Despite the cold and rain, it was a significantly sized, chatty and optimistic group which congregated in the carpark next to the picturesque Hinkaertplein. Hinkeartplein translates as Hop Square, or Hops Along square, according to Googletranslate. I prefer the latter.
Such was the buoyant mood and chatter, no-one seemed to be in a hurry to be off. However, there was a hash to be done. Flower would be on the right, other than where for health and safety reasons it would be on the left. Even then it might not be very healthy or safe as that was likely to be where there was no pavement at all (risky business, the Hash) – watch out for a “long” stretch (i.e. no complaining please) and be assured that this was not, NOT a long hash.
Duley informed, the assembled party made off at a jog, trot, stomp, stroll (choose your own speed) in search of the first blob of flour, which we found bravely hanging in there under the attack of snails and rain. We were quickly out in the fields around Zaventem, which were cloaked in an atmospheric mist, broken occasionally (but not very noisily) by the undercarriage of a fast approaching plane.
One field had a fine crop of peas, which the chemist amongst us explained was an important source of nitrogen for the soil, so used in crop rotation. We were told, knowledgeably, that the peas were probably for cattle, so no point picking your own as we went.
The party were kept together by a plethora of false trails, always a sign of fine hare-er-y.
At one point YHS was searching in vain for the next trail when an apparently friendly young man washing his car out the front of his house pointed confidently in the opposite direction. Was he an observant chap who had watched the trail being laid some hours earlier? Was he planted by the hares? YHS followed his advice, and he was wrong of course – clearly just thought he’d have a bit of fun too.
As we approached the end of the agricultural section of the hash, Supporting hare pointed to what looked like a pheasant huddled amongst the neatly sown crops. Then the Lapwings took off, soaring above the fields, with their distinctive rounded wings and easily recognisable- YHS was informed by the supporting hare – spectacular wobbling, zigzagging swoop. The lapwing is relatively common in Belgium, according to birdsrusonlinegenericsource, and they like that particular field above all others in the area, explained Supporting hare.
We tootled up and down Bruyneelstraat, but not a brown eel was in sight, we criss crossed Zoetwaterweg (fresh water a plenty from the skies), searched in vain along Kleinmolenveldweg and hit a wall at Steenokkerzeel. We almost missed the grand battlements of Kastelweg as Rory was so far ahead that he had done the false train before we puffed into sight.
Cries of “We need to head for the church” started up after the 7th kilometer (of the 5 kilomter hash). The Church, whilst in sight, was illusive. The path wove in and out of the narrow pathways hidden between the houses which stood between us, the church and Hops Along Plein. Kindly located backarrows kept us on track in the latter stages. We were not far away!
As we emerged from the housing estate YHS hunted high and low for her sense of direction, which failed to materialise, but Christian, like a homing pigeon/beacon in red, appeared at exactly the right moment to show the way On Home
The chosen spot for the après was already populated by local youths. We could have joined them, but there was some concern they might make inroads into the excellent bread, cheese and fine homemade hummus. Had we shared with them, we might have ended up in even more of a bunfight than we did over the pleasing locally brewed Zinne beer. The youf actually seemed to have their own beer, so ours may have been safe. A good portion of the assembled hash opted for the under the car boot après, the close proximity of others providing warmth and a chance to have a really good chin wag out of the rain.
A marvellous trail through the fields and suburbs of Steenokkerzeel with a fine spread for the après and great company all round. It brightened up a soggy day that would have been wasted sat on the sofa. Thank you Hare and Hare in support!
Hare: Susan, with Tim in ornithological supporting role
Turnout: 18
Marys: 0
Berties – 😊 😊 😊😊😊 because we needed the rain!
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Hash 2290 12/4/2025
Hare: Wolfgang
Start and après: bei ihm, WSL
A warm balmy afternoon greeted us. Sprawling in the sun with a cool drink was tempting. But never giving in to temptation at 15.10 on Saturdays, off we went.
The temperature meant that checking was fairly lethargic. The hare had laid an interesting and varied trail in a part of Brussels we do not use very often. Along with not particularly busy communal roads, we navigated many narrow alleyways, rough paths, woods and playgrounds. There were occasional short cuts for the less energetic.
As usual, YHS, despite successfully completing a four day hike in the Cairngorms for his Queen’s Scout Award almost 60 years ago, still has no sense of direction and had little idea of where we were most of the time. That failing and the hare’s cunning made for fun hashing. He did, however, clock running past the Woluwe European school with its immensely high protective walls, and along Hof ten Berg, basically because it is such a memorable name.
Further research revealed that parts of Hof ten Berg are recognised in the Brussels Region’s Inventaire du patrimoine architectural for their distinctive artistic, aesthetic, historic, technical and urban features. Its bosquet marécageux is the remains of the Woluwe valley’s previous humid ecosystem. And the area houses International Montessori schools in a restored original farmhouse dating back to 1751. The things we learn on Saturday afternoons!
Back at the après, YHS was puzzled. Like much missed BBC reporter Brian Hanrahan during the Falklands War, “I counted them all out and I counted them all back.” But in my case, the numbers did not tally. I was certain 13 had set out, but only 12 seemed to have made it back safely. Was I losing my mathematical marbles? Thankfully for both him and me, Ian appeared some 20 minutes later. He had early on become detached from the group and had spent the afternoon hashing on his own. (That is why shouting is important – ed).
Legacy
Many thanks to Wolfgang and Irene for a lovely relaxed après on their terrace. As always, there was much varied and interesting conversation.
But on this occasion a new subject cropped up: the Hash Legacy. If in the dim and distant future there are not enough hashers to make our activities viable, what, apart from turning off the lights, should the few remaining members do with our collective Healthy Hash History (You are trying too hard – ed) of 45 years and growing? I have loads of photos, membership lists, t shirts and documentation people have handed on to me over the years to stir memories. I’m sure many others have similar items.
Intrigued by the question, Sue volunteered to the Committee (? – ed) to look into this and has already begun doing so. Should we even care? All ideas/input gratefully received.
Turnout: 13
Weather: very hot and sunny
Berties: 😊😊😊
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Hash 2288 29/3/2025
Hare: Alison S with assistance from Caroline
Start and après: Warandestraat (not far from Everberg Stonemanor)
A late change of start venue, due to concerns the original car park departure point had been commandeered for other purposes, did not deter a good size group from turning up – even though most were aware they would be getting an hour’s less sleep as the clocks later went forward.
The start in a leafy glade on the edge of the woods was a check. Not unprecedented, but rare. The logic was impeccable with over half a dozen paths to choose from. Why not go for it? As the pack fanned out, David Z, back from his travels, was the first to eventually find the flour.
The trail followed various woodland paths before crossing Kruisstraat not far from a café where Mariette many years ago had once organised an enjoyable beer stop. Then it was into open countryside where we had occasional horses in fields for company. After a leisurely canter (Tim and David) and gentle trot (the rest of us), we crossed Kruisstraat again and found ourselves at the Kortenberg sports centre. This had been the intended starting venue. Lo and behold, there were parking places aplenty. You win some, you…
Stopping briefly to admire a game of football (more likely to get a breather – ed), we soon found ourselves in the splendid Oude Abdij park. Families were enjoying the sun and the grass. A magnificent magnolia tree was in full flower. Adults were loitering over a drink on the terrace. A pop-up repair shop was offering its services. A great Spring scene.
The final furlong of the trail took us through woods which on Mariette and David’s hash at the end of last year had been turned by lashing rain into the worst of Flanders Fields slippery mud. A few months later, the going was firm, largely dry and sparkling with swathes of wood anemones.
Back to the leafy glade for a sumptuous après (a far better location than a sports club car park). The pièce de resistance was a home-made cake, whose recipe, I understand, has already been widely shared. More than one passer-by glanced enviously at our well-catered for group.
Turnout: 16
Weather: dry, fresh, sunny with, in the shade, a slight nip in the air (Apologies to Spike Milligan and John Betjman)
Berties: 😊😊😊
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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!
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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: 🙂 🙂 🙂
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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: 😊😊😊
