Milngavie run and social

Balloon Trouble Bursts JD’s Bubble!

Wednesday night saw the Hutchinsons hosting their annual run and social event…well, the Hutchinsons minus John! Fiona put on a marvellous evening for 18 running Westies and 4 helpers, aided in no small part by Margaret’s sterling work in the kitchen.

But first, the run – a "guess the time" competition with a short or a long course around the reservoirs and past Baldernock church before taking the chosen route back to Milngavie. Maps were issued, string was placed along the intended route, and random numbers were then generated to represent the runners’ estimated times. Watches and gizmos were surrendered before the headtorch army set off on the dark and sometimes icy roads to test their pace judgement.

The added complication came at Baldernock Church where I was stationed with a balloon and party hat for each competitor (or team, as many chose to pair up or run in packs). These items were to be conveyed intact to Fiona, and all were….except for JD’s balloon. The pleas to the judge cut no ice, so despite being close to their estimated time, JD and Matt couldn’t be the winners.

Pauline and Helen saved the need for any argument, being closest to their estimate (only 1 minute out, according to Drew and Charlie’s timing) and were the only people to run within their estimated time for the night. Captain Chris made the best estimate of the solo runners, at around 5 minutes outside his intended time.

Despite a few Westies planting their posteriors on the icy roads (Niall, James…), all returned safely to mountains of food and plentiful drink, and prizes for all.

Great to see such a large turnout of active Westies old and new, and once again, a huge thanks to Fiona and John for their work in planning and hosting this excellent event.