Two coaches departed from Lincoln at 18-30hrs and arrived at RAF Digby and everyone was processed through the security by 19-00hrs when the Free Bar opened in the Silver Maple Club. It was announced that due to lack of space in the club the buffet would be served in the Airmen's Mess next door. At 20-00hrs everyone was invited into the Airmen's Mess to a superb buffet. The tables had been beautifully laid out in the bright cheerful mess, decorated with Menu cards (which the school had produced complete with a Rigger's Toast), wine etc. It was hard to believe that there were only two Chefs on duty as everything ran so smoothly. Matt and Jo did us proud. And no-one had to wash their mug and irons afterwards.

The evening then progressed onwards with an imprompu raffle of donated prizes in aid of the Help for Heroes charity which raised £220. It might well have been more but we ran out of raffle tickets. Our Help for Heroes fund will remain open until the 31st December in case there are any more members wishing to make donations.

Five riggers from No. 10 Radio Fitting Party who were last together in Aden 1962/63.
Left to right - back row - Geoff Gard - Geoff Sowerby - Roy Woodman.
Front row - Phil McCristall and Terry Eckersley.

There were buckets of sand and lamps swinging all over the room and the noise near the bar was deafening. Everyone was enjoying themselves. Cheerful Charlie Morrison did look a bit miserable as he had failed to win the crate of Tiger beer but as he commented to me in a letter shortly after the reunion. "If it seemed to a few people that I wasn't enjoying myself because I only moved from my seat to the bar and back, I can assure them nothing could be further from the truth. I had made a conscious decision that unlike the last 'Doo' I was at in 2005, this year I was going to be on my best behaviour. I, perhaps succeeded more than I had intended to do, as seen by the relay team of serving riggers wives who came over to my table to cheer me up when to be honest I was quite content to sit there and soak up the ambience, respect and affection riggers have for one another. This is not to say I didn't enjoy the attention I got from the young ladies and would like them to know that for a wee while they made an old man very happy. Charlie".

A new innovation for a riggers' reunion was a Karaoke machine!!!! This wonderous bit of modern technology, supervised by Wayne Eves to ensure it was not damaged or mis-used, was very popular with some of the younger riggers. The quiet area became very popular and somewhat crowded with old hairys seeking sanctuary!!! Everyone was enjoying themselves and it was great to have so many younger riggers with us. The Free bar, funded by a number of donations and all the money left over after the bills were paid, lasted out for most of the evening.

All too soon it was 01-00hrs and time for the coaches to return to Lincoln. A great night out in excellent company. The Aerial Erector School staff did a fantastic job in setting it all up and making sure us old Hairys had a good time.
Our grateful thanks go to John Summerson, Wayne Eves and all the staff at the School for really making our day.

Ex-Riggers  Jack Holman,  Baz White,  Paul Bennett  and   Dave Faulkner enjoying a quiet chat.

The bar staff were very fast, efficient and pleasant. At one of the earlier reunions which shall be nameless,the bar staff all looked as though they were doing community service, rather than serving customers.
The Free bar worked well and with Sergeant's mess prices the free beer fund lasted all evening and the small amount left over when the bar closed at 01-00hrs was donated to mess charities.
I have written to Noel Jones the mess manager passing on our thanks for the superbly organised function he and all his staff laid on for us.
A highly successful and nostalgic reunion, Roll on 2009.

The reunion took place at The Atrium in Lincoln University on the 3rd September 2005. Full details of the "Doooo" will be sent out to all members in the next Update.Some details will be omitted to prevent embarrassment to certain members.
A dummy run of the reunion took place in the Marriott Hotel on the Friday evening when a large group of riggers was discovered lurking in the bar. It was 01-00hrs before the barman was allowed to close up.

The congregation assembling.

The event proper commenced at 18-30 hrs when the Free Bar opened, funded by several very generous donations and the money left over after all the bills had been paid. In all £600 was handed over at the start of the evening and as the prices were very reasonable, lasted longer than expected. Having draught keg Bitter and Lager this time proved a big hit.
The food was excellent and the serving arrangements were brilliantly organised by the gentleman in charge. He proved to be Ex-RAF but sadly not a rigger.
Unfortunately the PA system which we had requested did not arrive making it necessary to shout out the messages etc. Not everyone was able to hear what was said.
Chick Denson and his wife Daphne brought along lots of photographs and information about their Patuwatha Project. A number of our members have now signed up to sponsor a Patuwatha child.
At Pete Morris's suggestion (who also gave a major prize) a raffle was organised, aided and assisted by many of the wives, which raised over £390 for the project.
The Orderly Officer, F/O McGivena, and the Orderly Sgt. visited all the tables but no complaints were received. The Orderly Cpl, Cheerful Charlie Morrison, was put under close arrest as he was too drunk to carry out his duties, having consumed a whole case of Tiger which he had won in the raffle. Breakfast in the Marriott Hotel and the University Dining Room next morning, I'm told, was rather a sombre affair. Although numbers were down this time, all reports received so far indicate that it was another very good reunion and thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended. Roll on 2007.

Held at the University of Lincoln.

The day started out with our excursion to the Aerial Erector School and to Stenigot Tower. Everyone started to assemble outside the Marriott Hotel at 12:30hrs and by 13:00 the last detachment led by two colonials who had been prized out of the Horse and Groom pub after being forced inside to sample the real ale!

When we arrived at R.A.F. Digby, we were escorted to the Aerial Erector School for a fascinating visit exploring all the classrooms, offices and even the stores. Members of the School staff were in every room to explain all the various equipment now in use.

After other tours around the Station, we were headed off to Stenigot. On arrival, we were given a quick talk on Safety and Working at Heights in the R.A.F. Today before those who wished to were issued with safety helmets and allowed to climb up to the 50/60ft Platform. I think most of us including several wives or 'significant others' made it up there with a certain amount of huffing and puffing. There were a lot of very happy riggers up there. It was a great afternoon out, and we were all treated 'right royally'. everyone was reluctant to leave, so there was a frantic dash back to Lincoln to get ready for the evening bash.

Grateful thanks go to Paul Robbins, Mark Hartley, Martyn Clayton, John Summerson, Mark Austin and Woo Davies and everyone at the School for making our day.

For the dinner, there were 145, although a few last minute people hadn't got any places, but they just waited at the bar - would you believe! they were then joined by the Aerial Erector School Staff whom we had invited along for a later part of the evening.  At one point, the bar almost ran out of beer! Until further supplies arrived, but we did manage to drink them out of tonic water.

Everyone had a great time, and the 2005 DOOO will be very difficult to top this one!

The day was attended by 25 serving and ex-serving Riggers, all eager to display their prowess on the golf course.

The morning round was a fun team Texas scramble game plated on the 6 hole course. Names were drawn out of a hat so the groups were different to the afternoon event.
Once lunch was finished and people had had the opportunity to justify their Bandit high handicaps it was onto the main Stableford competition.
The weather was bright and dry with a stiff breeze which made for a good days golf.
The feedback I have received was very positive with everyone saying they'd enjoyed the day

This years winner of the Riggers Open was Cpl Gary Hobbs.
Gary seen above being presented with the Winners Cup and Green Jacket.
Gary had an excellent round of golf coming in with a score of 42 points.

2nd place went to Archie Stoddard with 37 points beating Chris Salmon on count back placing Chris 3rd also with 37 points.
Longest drive went to Paul Worrell and nearest the pin was won by Dion Sutherns.

There was however a small group who stayed over at RAF Wittering on Friday night and enjoyed the generous hospitality of Mick Purvis in the Golden Fleece, Stamford. The evening followed the usual rigger route with many a pintv sunk and tall tales told and Chris can personally testify that a most enjoyable evening was had by all.

2016 RIGGERS OPEN GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP.
Friday 8th July.
Rutland County Golf Club.

The Event was once again organised by WO Doc Foster and this year he was being assisted by Dave Crooks.

The 2016 Riggers' Open Golf Champion is Phil Hughes.

I have been unable to obtain the Full Results of this Event.

2015 RIGGERS OPEN GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP.
Friday 31st July.
Rutland County Golf Club.

This year the event was organised by Flt Sgt Doc Foster and some 40 participants took part.
The day was simply superb, with great weather certainly helping matters. Doc would like to put it on record that this was planned and no fluke!
The Rutland County Golf Club also helped make the day the success it was and may well be a location worth considering for future events. The course was in great condition and suited the event needs perfectly.

The Assembled Congregation.

Following Coffee and Bacon rolls there was the usual Morning warm-up event, a 9 Holes Texas Scramble with the first tee-off at 09-00hrs.

The Texas Scramble winning team Tez Pead, Phil Crebbin (Guest and current Rigger Sqn Commander.) Darren Smith and Ray Hobbs.

The Scramble was followed by a light lunch, sandwiches and chips.

The Loot.
Left to right:- Archie Stoddart, Dave Crooks and Doc Foster inspecting the prizes closely watched by Darren Smith.
The Riggers Green Jacket can be seen draped over the chair behind Darren.

The main event, the Riggers Open, was the usual 18 hole competition, utilising the Stableford scoring system, with the first tee-off at approximately 12-00hrs.

Tez Pead.
Riggers Open Golf Champion 2015.

Congratulations to Tez Pead on winning this years Riggers Open with a great score of 39 points. His birdie at the last green helped to ensure Ash Howe was relegated to second place on count back. Guest player, Dave Thompson, a former Rigger CO from the Sealand days, came third. John Mitchell, complete with a broken finger, regained his wooden spoon, to the surprise of....no one!! Well done John, one day you'll hit double figures!

Above on the left Darren Smith is presenting Ash Howe with the runner up trophy and other prizes. Above to the right Darren is presenting Dave Thompson with the 3rd place and the longest drive prizes.

The presentations were followed by single course Bar Meal (ham, egg and chips). Everyone then dispersed to prepare for the evening social event in Stamford.
Doc would like to extend his huge thanks to all who attended, with massive thanks to Big Jim O'Connell for taking some great action shots. The following link will take members directly to them:- http://bit.ly/1KHp5qj.
Thanks also to Paul Topping for stepping in to take the presentation photographs and for his general help throughout the day. Hats off to Darren Smith who took on the role as compere.
The event was again, kindly sponsored by Spanset, who sent along three representatives laden with American Golf vouchers and merchandise. Nice one fellas, yet again we are hugely grateful.
The money raised from the nearest to the pin and longest drive has been paid in to the Cancer Research charity. £150 may not be ground breaking but every little helps, so take a bow people.
A final thanks must go to Mick Purvis, for his expert hosting, during the evening. He invited all who were up for it, to his pub, The Golden Fleece, in Stamford. Not only did those attending receive a warm wecome from Mick and his family, they were also treated to free food and fabulous entertainment. Mick, you are a true gent and it is most appreciated.
Doc has one or two slightly different ideas in mind for next year's event, but is happy to hand over the baton to anyone who wishes to act as the 2016 organiser.

RIGGER'S OPEN GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP 2014.
Welton Manor Golf Centre.
Friday 22nd August.

This year the event was organised by Cpl Garry Hobbs with 28 people entering the competition.
The format for the day was a 9 hole Texas Scramble (reinstated by popular demand) in the morning. Following lunch the handicaps were sorted out, it is a joy to behold how riggers can barter for a handicap based on (A) how many rounds they've played this year or (B) how many rounds they've had over lunch, the main 18 hole Open Championship commenced.
After many hours of golf the scores started to roll in, would the initial favorite Doc Foster stay true to form and walk away with the title or would another bandit pip him to the prize?

The New Riggers Open Golf Champion is Andy Turner with 41 points.

John Judge presenting the Trophy and Jacket to Andy Turner.

Congratulations to Andy Turner who clinched this year's title with an excellent return of 41 points made possible by a stunning back nine and playing off a 15 handicap.

In Second place was Stew Turner with 39 points (on countback), who only a few months previously was a frequent visitor to Shanksville Tennessee.
Third place went to Ash Howe with 39 points.
Longest drive was made by Gordie Wilkie with a cracking drive off the 5th hole.
Closest to the pin was used on the short par 3, 18th hole in front of the clubhouse for added pressure and was won by Glenn Sutton. He hit a lovely shot to within 3 feet to walk away with the prize, just a shame he 3 putted from there which kind of took the shine off it.
Al McAllister was last with a score of 15 points. It must be said how well Al played considering it was his first time and had never held a golf club in his life before this competition.

Gaz Hobbs says; Finally, a massive thanks from myself to everyone that took part in this year's competition. The reason the event continues to be a success is down solely to yourselves. A special mention to Neil Pinder and the guys at SpanSet for kindly sponsoring the competition for a second year in succession, not only does it help with vastly improving the prize fund but adds an air of grandeur to the event. Finally, to the star of the day, the golf course. Welton Manor was a perfect venue to host the Riggers Open, short enough to keep the occasional player interested and tricky enough to provide a challenge for the more seasoned player. Thanks to everyone at the club for being so accommodating.
Lastly, I had the pleasure of going round with Glen Sutton during the competition and he seemed to have the ability of being able to talk to trees. Countless times the Tree Whisperer hooked or sliced his ball into the woods only to find his tree friends had kindly placed his ball back on the fairway for him. A two shot deduction will be applied next year to counteract this.