I was in the unfortunate position of being in the wrong place at the wrong time several years ago and was attacked by 4 blokes whilst on the bank. 2 had metal landing net handles - those old green Efgeeco (Frank Goddard and Co) extending ones and 2 had pool cues.
I was made a right mess of. My eyelid had to be stitched back and from the back of my head all the way down to the back of my knees was total bruising despite thick one piece suit covered with a Barbour and Bob Church waxed padded bib and brace.
The last few blows were the pool cue broken over my head and I was left.
Really thought I was going to die during that beating and was left with concussion for a week.
Anyway, that is just a little background as to why this hat was sent to me. The waxed Bib and Brace had only just been released and it was cut up during the beating. I sent it back to Bob Church to see if any repair could be done and explained what had happened - telling him my injured eye was giving me a lot of grief with the cold getting to it whilst outside.
Suffice to say, along with my repaired bin and brace I was also sent a waxed balaclava with one eye and a big Polystyrene ball sewn in to take the place of my injured eye LOL!
First fish after my beating I had to pop the hat on!
Hey ho - who said fishing was always a gentle relaxed pastime?
Sorry about the picture quality it was taken with a print film photographing my projector screen.
Not that you silly sod. The attack, horrible to hear such things happened. Let's hope it's a thing of the past. 