In the Spotlight – Channel Islands (Guernsey & Jersey)
Hazukashii
In the Spotlight – Channel Islands (Guernsey & Jersey)
By Ed “Hazukashii” Howell
27 May 2024
The Channel Islands are located in the English Channel, off the west coast of France. There are four main islands (Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, and Sark), and various other smaller islands and islets. The Channel Islands are separated into two jurisdictions, under the two largest islands of Jersey and Guernsey. While they are beholden to the British Crown, and with the exception of the German occupation during WWII (the island still has numerous reinforced German bunkers scattered about), they have maintained their own sovereignty since 1066, according to the Encyclopedia Brittanica.
If you are familiar with English history, then you know 1066 was a significant year that began with the death of King Edward, which eventually led to the Battle of Hastings between the Normans and the Anglo Saxons. I got sidetracked for hours reading numerous references to 1066, then remembered this was about the Hash House Harriers, so getting back on track. One thing I did discover, and will be pertinent to the following history . . . Those living on Jersey refer to those living on Guernsey as Donkeys, and Guernsians referring to Jerseyians as Crapauds. Crapaud is the French word for toad, and is pronounced Krappo. As you may infer, there is a bit of light hearted rivalry between the two bailiwicks.
The Guernsey H3 was the first hash club to be established on the Channel Islands and was founded by Sam 'Molar' Marsh on 4 Sep 1978, and he was assisted by Nigel 'Eric' Smith. They are a men’s only club and run every Monday evening. I was able to contact Molar, and asked how things got started back in 1978. He said . . . “There were 14 on that first run, [the pack was made up of mostly of the] athletics club and weight lifters and so always a mixture. Back in the 80’s, the club was highly successful, often with a pack of 60+ each Monday night, the club is still going although now people mostly walk and the numbers are 12+.”
Before returning to Guernsey, Molar was working in Hong Kong. I asked him about hashing with the Kowloon H3, and he said . . . “I don’t recall any Chinese running with us, we were young and pretty fit, the run was important. There were a few “Down Downs” but they were not every week. I seem to recall after the run we stood around, had a chat and went down to Kowloon for a curry, unless the hare could organise a Chinese cafe close to the start.”
I then asked him about the other hash clubs on island, and he mentioned, “Later my receptionist, Pam Rondel with Wendy Ozanne, started the ladies [Guernsey Harriettes] H3, the ladies still get 25+ turn up, again mostly walkers.” Looking at the hash genealogy, the Guernsey Harriettes were founded in Jun 1979. They are a Women’s Only club, but occasionally let male visitors join on their weekly, Wednesday trails. Moving forward a couple decades, the Guernsey Full Moon H3 was founded by Jackanory on 1 Sep 2001, and was assisted by Santa Claus. As expected, they run monthly near or on the full moon. Fast forward a couple more decades, and just recently, the G.O.S.H. (Guernsey Occasional Sunday Hash) was created for special events.
Moving on to Jersey, there are two hash clubs, the Jersey H3 and the Crapaud H3. The Jersey H3 was founded by Sandy Sandford on a Monday, the 13th of Oct 1986. He came to Jersey via the Perth H3 in Western Australia, and was assisted by Richard Lloyd from Guernsey, Dave Stuart, and Glen George. They are a mixed hash running every Monday in the summer, and Sunday in winter.
Chatting with some of the local hashers while there on a recent visit, I was told that the hash on Jersey started out small, but quickly grew to well over 100 hashers participating in weekly trails. This resulted in issues finding accommodation for such large numbers, for both parking at run sites, and finding pubs to serve them for post run libations. So, a second hash club was formed, the Crapaud H3. This is not an uncommon tale for many cities around the globe, among other reasons.
While running with the Crapaud hash that same weekend, I was presented with a book written by Mike ‘Pervey’ Fennell on the history of hashing on Jersey. A splendid composition, it goes into great detail on various other reasons for the split, but I’ll leave that to local legend.
The Crapaud H3 was founded by Dave 'Shiggy' Stuart in Sep 1989, and as previously mentioned, it was a break away from the Jersey H3. Shiggy was assisted by Moira ’Taxi’ Stuart, John ‘Why Bother’ Williams, Sandy Sanford (the founder of the Jersey H3), and Richard Lloyd. They are a mixed hash running on Sunday mornings. Over the years, there have been a number of joint outings, but for the most part, there is little cross pollination between the two clubs.
I thoroughly enjoyed hashing with both the Crapaud H3 (on Sunday) and Jersey H3 (on Monday), as they set excellent trails over the countryside, and were very friendly. After each trail (both were 6 to 7 kms), they had food for all, and cold beer. They were more than happy to answer my many questions, and was also offered a ride back to my hotel each day. Overall, Jersey is a lovely little island that would be an excellent destination for away hash weekends, or just a few days of relaxation on the beach.
For many more articles like this on the history of hashing, check out . . . http://gotothehash.net/history/inthespotlight.html