The Mowchak, Stokenchurch, May 23rd 2007

Run Report by Kate

Better late than never!
On a hot and humid evening, me, Amanda, Presso, Dominique, Chris, Steve, Jules, David, Brett, Michael ( can’t remember anymore apologies if I have left anyone out!) met in the car park of the Mowchak. Selwyn was however conspicuous in this absence some legal matter but whatever you do don’t ask Amanda or she will have to kill you! A prompt start, as all were keen to get back for the football at 7.45pm. Instead as in previous years from this pub heading off towards the M40, we crossed the road and ran towards Radnage, very much the preferred option. With the heat of the evening the ‘pack’ became quite spread out, when we did finally regroup, we all lamented the fact that we had not brought water with us. When we once again set out we lost both David and Presso to ‘calls from the pub’ and in all honesty I was quite tempted to join them!
The route finally joined up with the ‘old Wednesday run’ and we were all on familiar territory, Jules, Chris, Steve and Dominique broke off for a further loop, leaving the rest of us the make our way back to the Mowchak. Once back at the pub, we found that JB had managed to join the group, and that Presso and David with pints in front of them had managed to secured a good section of the bar ensuring the all members of the group had a good view of the football.
Amanda using all her negotiating skills ordered some nibbles which were gratefully received, slight fight over the last bowl of popperdoms caused by JB who insisted on having ‘just one more’! Between the eating (without plates), drinking and general chat, some football was also being watched and various theories on Liverpool and their style of play, in comparison the other clubs such as Manchester United were unleashed upon the group and were a cause of much discussion between one or two people. Needless to say I remain quiet at this point and merely thought that Liverpool were wearing a rather nice shade of red, not too bright.
My concentration was wondering at this point, the final score was 2-1 to Milan with Liverpool getting at last a goal in the last few minutes. Against the run of play? The best team won? I’ve got no idea!
This week, tomorrow! Is at The Squirrel in Penn St, at 7pm, many thanks to Chris R who has said he is happy to lead. Heather I suggest you get your stilettos ready, there really is no excuse for this one, as it’s on your door step!
See you all tomorrow
Kate

Grouse and Ale, Lane End, 16th May 2007

Run Report by Steve

“…..so David, are you now living in sheltered accommodation” asked Susie of Mr Abbott regarding his new house. David, momentarily stunned, looked at her, turned to the others in the pub and …

But hey, I’m getting ahead of myself here. I should start the run report from the beginning. However I could not pass up the opportunity to place this outstanding line at the head of my humble report

Jules, Amanda, Kate, John, Fred, Jerome, Richard, David and I assembled at a new venue - the Grouse & Ale in Lane End. The run took us through the centre of Lane End and out towards the shooting ground via Millennium Park – an area of rough grassland that singularly fails to live up to its triumphal name. After Jules taking us down a couple of minor u-turns, it was left to Jerome to read the map the right way up and lead the way along the very pleasant downhill woodland track, past the shooting ground and towards the Piccadilly bend on the Lane End to Marlow road. The shooting ground was in full swing and the group did seem to speed up noticeably once the sound of shotguns got very near.

After crossing the road we headed down across a very pleasant wooded valley, across loads and loads of fields and up to Moor Common. By this point it was raining and we were a bit knackered and so we ran the last half a mile or so back to Lane End on the road (avoiding the last footpath).

As a general observation it would seem that there is somewhat of a cartographical battle being fought in our quest for new routes this year. For last nights run, it seemed there was a definite Jerome vs. Jules thing going on. Jules being the raffish conquistador, intent on ploughing on through vine-infested thickets with the vague promise of hitting a path at some point. And Jerome the wily fox, hanging back a little, surveying the land – assessing the directional options with primeval expertise before making his considered move. I’m not getting involved.

At the pub we were joined by Chris and Susie who had run down from Radnage (or so they said) to join us.

The re-furbished Grouse and Ale (it used to be the very dodgy Clayton Arms) met with great approval from us all and looks to be a firm contender to be the Christmas meal or final run of the year venue.

It was in the pub that we took to discussing David’s new house and the problems he is getting in gaining approval from his elderly neighbours for his erection (ooh!) ……of a Sky dish on his property. Hence the comment from Susie. Amanda also gave us an impromptu demonstration of her extra scary serious legal face

Next weeks run is from The Mowchak at 7pm. I will check beforehand that they have the Champions League on the TV.

Jolly Farmer, Cookham Dean - 9th May 2007

Run Report by Richard

On what was a damp and grey evening Duds, Brett & Sarah, Michael, Chris, Jerome, Kate, Jules & Amanda and myself (sorry if i've missed anyone) met at the Jolly Farmer for a 7pm start. The first half of the run seemed liked the old days with as many stops as you could wish for (not sure why) and no sign of any hills. As always my memory of the run and which direction I was running in is less than clear, I believe Maidenhead was the general direction. After a brief unplanned blip in the route leading up to the Robin Hood pub we were back on course and heading through the woods in the direction of home. Jerome explained to me that he favoured these less hilly runs and made an analogy with a juggernaut. Simply put when the juggernaut is on the flat its unstoppable when on a hill it can only chug along at 3 miles an hour. I followed the unstoppable juggernaut with a smile.

The group then split up for the final push home with the brave few taking on the "steps". I was lucky enough to be with Duds who had discovered a gift for map reading and after passing the turkey farm managed to navigate us directly into the pub's rear garden, legend. Personally I thought the run was excellent.

Usual drinks at the pub with as many bags of crisps as I've seen post run, it was noted that pork scratching's are not available at the Jolly Farmer. (too posh)
The conversation was diverse.......... Amanda was gutted that she'd missed a tv programme called gangs which is based on two rival groups from El Salvador called gang "13" and gang "18". Complex. This is hosted by the guy from East Enders, Wayne Mitchell! But wasn't he a cult hero for Wycombe Rugby club scoring a try in the John Player Cup when Wycombe lost 48-19 to Leicester? No,clearly it was Grant Mitchell - Ross Kemp!! Although Wayne would be good on TV but in something more blue. This then lead to Duds summary of another tv programme called the perfect murder, which is based on how to commit the perfect murder which I still don't know as Duds only described a featured dead man and the size of his "old chap" Lastly Jerome will soon have access to (not sure how) and head up the England Rugby squad, first on his list of priorities would be a change of tour rules and specifically no right hand drinking enforced. Seems the world cup is in safe hands.

Next weeks run is from the Duck & Grouse (or something) in Lane End - by the pond.

Richard

The Hucks, Radnage - 2nd May 2007

Run Report by Rodders



Details of Run/Football are a bit hazy and mixed up but, here goes:
The entire Man U squad met at Jules and Amanda's.
A brief knock around that saw Doug at his dazzling best (twice coming close to getting the ball of Oliver Huck Age 8)
As is traditional on European nights we were accompanied on to the pitch and for the first 50m by two young mascots (Sam and Oliver).
The boy Duds was a real handful early on a number of darting runs and guttural rumblings kept the rest of the field well back.
Ronaldo had a shocker, never really recovered from being court from behind by Jerome.
Things only got worse a up front as Kaka was all over the place and many of the boys got it on their shoes!
All safely back at the Hucks the girls disappeared for a early bath accompanied by Jules! (The advantage of a home tie I guess!)
Much beer and food was severed up by our very generous hosts (Thank you very much)
Next Week (Tomorrow) the run will be from the Jolly Farmer at Cookham!
Going to try and keep the new routes going
a 7pm meet as the days are getting longer.
(Sorry Brett if that is not a good location)
Steve: Sorry the report is so late and I have no pictures