BOMB DIGGERS BASH.

We Have Met Again.

On Saturday 18th September 2004, at approximatley 19:30 alarm bells rung out in Chatham nick. Phone reports were coming in from the public, skinheads were converging on Chatham High Street. Observation posts were set up, reinforcements called for from the rest of Kent, the tension grew, then it happened STAND DOWN, its that bunch of ex EOD lads having a get together, bald heads shinning in the street lamps and beer bellies swinging in unison.

The first of this sites Bomb Diggers Bash's was underway. Eight of the old and bold returned to the scene of their crimes, prison records for the culprits added below, accompanied by four of their partners. I know had to invite the other half to get my pass signed for the night.

The venue The Rendezvous Chinnese Resturant, old EOD habits die hard, £14 a head eat as much as you want, in our case eat as much as you can. Anyhow, it was hard finding a eatery that would have us, were still barred from most. Stevie Wong the owner was soon pulling his hair out, as plate after plate of food was served up, well there went his profit margin for the night.

A pleasant evening was had by all, old photo's passed round, damm good them old box brownie camera's, stories retold and characters assasinated and that was just from the ladies, bet some ears were burning round the country that evening.

Deefa (Dave) Praulins.

Deefa, travelled down from sunny Tidworth, the posting we all avoided at all costs, so it comes as some suprise that Deefa, voluntarily moved there as a civvy, STRANGE. Deefa is now instructing in our old trade, hope his dropped them bad habits we taught him.

Also we can report his table manners have improved from those above.

Spike (Mafioso) Martin.

Great to see Spike has got over his operation, yes the sunglasses have been removed, next on op, coming soon the leather jacket goes.

Pleasing to see that he arrived without drowning his wheels:

 

Or doing anymore mini alterations, yes you know the ones Convertables.

Dave (Smudger) Smith.

The international man of mystery,

????

Dave spent his time with the Reg, hidden away in the servicing bay, with Chris and Bob our civvy fitters, i thought Dave was a civvy as well, shows how wrong you can be. Interestingly it took Dave and Steggers all night to realise they used to share a lift home to Bristol, all those years ago.

Stegg (Gary) Nash.

Action man

 

Thankfully Stegg's has found some clothes, they come with a nice shiny fire engine, yes he's joined the fire brigade, so all those who live in Medway can sleep easy in their beds. OOP's no offence meant mate, red spot appeared on my chest, yes Steggs has continued with his shooting interest and is doing bloody well, cor thanks mate, sighting spots gone.

Fossil (Pete) Markham.

As for me, still laid back as ever,

 

When, does this dam bar open? The Fos has put a few pounds on and got less hair, but looks younger every day, believe that and you'll believe anything.

Being a old git has its advantages, young women give their seats up for me on the bus and after 9 i can use my bus pass, so i'll have some respect from you young buggers.

Nim (Andy) Hartman.

Our resident bright spark

Nimble's persuing a new career and undertaking teacher training, so he can educate the next generation of electricians, GOD HELP US. who says you can't teach old dogs new tricks,. If id known you were coming down earlier, i would have got the gear so you could have wired the conservatory.

Skelley (Mark) Skelding. 

Mark's now working for Southern water in Gravesend:'

 

Skelly, i told you it was a water main not a pipe mine?

No only jealous mate, your the only one sill looking young (ish), not bad for 50.

No please don't cut my water off!!!!

Ginge (Kev) Purves.

I think we need to drastically rethink the Ginge bit, OLD BALDY (OB) sounds more apt, don't worry mate, we will have a whip round for the polish, to keep that cromed dome shiny.

 

Who's the man on the right with hair?

Anyhow OB's now finished building his stables to keep his horse in and ready for more commisions as a builder, anyone hear of work, let OB know.

Well thats the end of the insults, sorry lads just had to be done. First gathering over, looking forward to the next, any volunteers or ideas, we will try to have it elswhere in the country, next time. So keep a eye on the site for details.

Lastly but by no means least, it was nice to see some wives and girlfriends come along, a sterling bunch not one nodded of through our stories. Thank you ladies for putting up with us all.

Best wishes to all

The Fossil.