October Minutes
BAHHH Minutes ? October ´99
Intro
The object of making the minutes of the Hash meeting available for everyone is to inject a bit of transparency into how the Hash runs and what the committee is thinking. Obviously, the decisions taken affect everyone, so it is reasonable to expect most people to take an interest. It is hoped that by doing this, people will take a more pro-active role towards the hash and will feel able to express any problems or suggestions they may have that can be used to improve things.
Hash Funds
The only subject that will not be dealt with in detail is the Hash funds. Not very transparent I know, but as the potential source of problems it is best left unsaid. However, the following is a brief summary of the way in which we manage the coffers.
The Hash tries to keep a reserve on which we build upon. This amount is considered sufficient to cover the occasional loss that a Hash may suffer, to pay upfront costs e.g. T-shirts and to cover any unforeseen eventuality. From the $5 that we charge per hash, the breakdown is as follows.
$2 Food
$1.5 Beer, Soft drinks, ice
$1 Others (25-run shirts, 50-run mugs etc)
$0.50 Hash funds
When the Hash funds surpass a certain level, we tend to give the money away in the form of T-shirts, mugs etc. and start all over again.
200th Hash funding
This year we have decided not to give out any freebies and concentrate on subsidising as much as possible the 200th Hash. We are expecting 100 people to take part and are therefore starting to gather funds now. We believe that the Hash in its normal course of business and together with the odd "windfall" charge (e.g. $5 from the Halloween Hash) will allow us to lower individual costs. We are currently looking to boost this amount through sponsorship. One of the ways talked about was a raffle. Consequently, we would be very happy to hear from anyone who feels that they or their company can contribute to the 200th Hash and/or the raffle. It is our hope that the weekend will be a memorable event and not cost more than $100 per person. We are currently looking for suitable locations that fall within these guidelines. The location must not be more than three/four hours away by car and it must be able to house 100 people within a small distance to each other. We have some ideas in mind that need to be researched some more and would welcome any suggestions. The date has been penciled in for the long-weekend of October 14/15/16th 2000.
Meeting Agenda
Having talked about the finances the remaining topics were:
i) Water Stops: With summer rapidly approaching, we feel it prudent to introduce a water stop mid-way through the hash. Probably a good moment would be at the split between the Wimps and the main run, so as to ensure the wimps can head home. This infers some co-ordination between the hares, the probable use of a car and a volunteer (non-runner/Hare) to serve the drinks. It also means the purchase of a greater amount of water (and perhaps beer for the truly dedicated).
ii) Extras: Hares sneaking their breakfast items in with the food bill. Please refrain. We know it is not much money but try and keep the bills separate.
iii) Picnic Box: The introduction of a Hash picnic box. Instead of repeatedly purchasing mayonnaise, chimichurri, plates etc. we have decided to splash out on a frightfully fancy collapsible picnic box. Thus at the end of each hash, the leftovers can be handed over to the next hares and not wasted.
iv) Halloween Hash: It was agreed to charge an extra $5 to put towards the 200th Hash. A small poll of hashers seemed to prefer the one-off charges rather than raising the price of the Hash to $6.
v) Hash Cash: Owing to work commitments, CNN will pass hash-cash fully over to Doggy Style when she is fit and able.
vi) Mugs & Utensils: The committee will continue to stress the necessity of bringing one´s own mug and eating utensils to the hash. Plastic cups are an expensive luxury. We should only be providing cups for the waterstop that can then be used for the down-downs.
vii) Neighbourhoods: Owing to the nature of the Hash it is almost intentional to run through the worst areas possible. However, owing to the fact that the people most vulnerable to being robbed are those that walk or run at the back, we have come up with some suggestions. a) The introduction of a Regroup check (a circle with an R in it). Thus the Hash may not proceed until everyone has caught up with the pack. (b) Keep the wimps out of possible trouble spots. (c) Ensure there are lots of checks to keep everyone together. (d) Leave valuables in a car.
viii) Hash minutes: It was agreed to produce committee minutes on a trial basis in an effort to increase the transparency of the Hash.
General Summary:
We feel that the Hash has progressed well over the last six months on two fronts. Firstly, the constant losses have been reversed and we are showing profits and secondly, the recent spate of out-of-town locations has provided a welcome bit of variety that we think has been appreciated by everyone. With summer coming, the necessity of a pool will restrict movements somewhat, but we are very pleased with the efforts being made by the hares.