This week has been a disaster.
Our first job this week was to do a garden clearance in Beedon near Newbury. When we arrived the poor house owner was trying to clear up the 2 foot of water which flooded off the field and into their house. Despite this, she still wanted us to do the hedges and borders that we had agreed to do a few weeks earlier for the party they had planned for this Saturday - nothing damps the spirit really!
The next few days were a washout, Tuesday we couldn't do anything so I helped the local horse farmer Cliff Percy of Snelsmore Sheltand Ponies collect some hay from Swindon - hay is in very short supply and nothing will be made much this year. As we left Swindon, Cliff noticed there was oil on the back of the car. I couldn't see where it was coming from so we limped home.
Wednesday morning I went to Lancaster Landrover in Thatcham, where I was presented with a bill for £850 for the repairs to an oil seal from the 4WD transfer box. Luckily no other damage found. We did manage to cut one lawn before the heavens opened.
Thursday was rained off once more - my machines have never been so serviced and cleaned!
Friday was good - we managed to cram in about 10 jobs from last week and caught up on a few from this week - I even did my own grass before it got too dark! We did manage a curry with Adam and Emma and Neale and Sam - the ciders did flow as we all had terrible weeks - Adam had his car written off due to flood damage.
Today, I am going fishing - I could work but enough now - time for some relaxation. We haved no kids this weekend so me and the wife Karen will go into town and check out a few bars -maybe go to the Corn Exchange and probably end up in the Madagascan Gin Palace for a meal - get the table ready Richard!!
Next week has to be better - the forecast is for a heatwave over August - I cant wait!!
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Rain DID Stop Play!
Normally, we still do a certain amount of work in the rain, however yesterday was something else - rain on a biblical proportion.
We live about half way down a hill and so would expect not to ever get a problem with rain, floods or anything else like that. There are several springs in the woods above us and many large ditches and water courses which flow from the woods, through the surrounding fields and off to catchment and soak-away pits at the bottom of the hill.
Yesterday morning first thing I had to drive into town to do banking etc and got soaked just walking around the town. When I left home there was a few puddles etc, but on my return at about 10am, it was a different picture all together with loads of laying water and large areas of the road covered.
I was due to pick my daughter up from school at 12:30 and was amazed at the roads. We have 3 ways of getting to our house - the normal way was probably about 4 foot deep and was flowing like a river, the 2nd way has a large dip in the road - also completely full to about 6 foot and the final way is a gravel track through the woods, which without 4WD would have been impassable as this was basically now a fast flowing river too.
Luckily, one of the mums from school gave my daughter a lift to Donnington (which was also under water) and I collected her from there. Meanwhile Daughter nos 2 was stranded also but made her way to a mates house on top of the hill behind us. On arrival, his house was flooded so I spent the next few hours digging out trenches to move the water from his house and ease the flow from the drains.
All roads around us were flooded, the New Oxford Road, the A34 and the B4009. Karen the wife was on a course in Oxford and was stuck on the A34 for a few hours but managed to get off at Wantage and come the back roads - again thankfully she has a 4WD too otherwise she would not have made it through the back roads which were full of abandoned cars.
Now will the government see that people who live in the country NEED 4WD vehicles and stop persecuting us!!
I know people in Thatcham and Newbury suffered a load more than us, but I have never seen anything like this - and hope never to again.
Today its bright sunshine and you would never guess what happened yesterday - whats happening to the world - I think we should be very concerned for the future and our effects on nature.
No pictures unfortunately as my mate was due to return my camera yesterday - I'm glad he didn't even try!
We live about half way down a hill and so would expect not to ever get a problem with rain, floods or anything else like that. There are several springs in the woods above us and many large ditches and water courses which flow from the woods, through the surrounding fields and off to catchment and soak-away pits at the bottom of the hill.
Yesterday morning first thing I had to drive into town to do banking etc and got soaked just walking around the town. When I left home there was a few puddles etc, but on my return at about 10am, it was a different picture all together with loads of laying water and large areas of the road covered.
I was due to pick my daughter up from school at 12:30 and was amazed at the roads. We have 3 ways of getting to our house - the normal way was probably about 4 foot deep and was flowing like a river, the 2nd way has a large dip in the road - also completely full to about 6 foot and the final way is a gravel track through the woods, which without 4WD would have been impassable as this was basically now a fast flowing river too.
Luckily, one of the mums from school gave my daughter a lift to Donnington (which was also under water) and I collected her from there. Meanwhile Daughter nos 2 was stranded also but made her way to a mates house on top of the hill behind us. On arrival, his house was flooded so I spent the next few hours digging out trenches to move the water from his house and ease the flow from the drains.
All roads around us were flooded, the New Oxford Road, the A34 and the B4009. Karen the wife was on a course in Oxford and was stuck on the A34 for a few hours but managed to get off at Wantage and come the back roads - again thankfully she has a 4WD too otherwise she would not have made it through the back roads which were full of abandoned cars.
Now will the government see that people who live in the country NEED 4WD vehicles and stop persecuting us!!
I know people in Thatcham and Newbury suffered a load more than us, but I have never seen anything like this - and hope never to again.
Today its bright sunshine and you would never guess what happened yesterday - whats happening to the world - I think we should be very concerned for the future and our effects on nature.
No pictures unfortunately as my mate was due to return my camera yesterday - I'm glad he didn't even try!
Friday, July 20, 2007
The Dreaded Wasp Nest
Yesterday we took on a new contract in Highclere near Newbury for a very large house with loads of grounds. The family moved in about 3 weeks ago and so the grounds have not been touched for some while.
As with all new contracts, the first visit is the worst as you do not know the ground, the grass is long and thick and the edges have been neglected - so it takes ages. The owner had asked me to destroy a few wasp nests around the garden and outbuildings.
We found 3 pretty much straight away as there were high levels of wasp activity around the property - one particularly nasty one at the base of the house, one in the roots of a willow tree and one in the shed.
Rather than gas these whilst we are still working and risk getting stung, we set to work getting all the grass cut, Rick on the Etesia ride on and Pete and I with strimmers. All was going well until Rick went flying past me on the mower and disappeared down the drive at full speed - arms waving about in the air.
I switched off my strimmer, lifted my ear defenders and shouted to him - It appears he found another wasps nest in the orchard - with the mower! Not only did he go over it once but then reversed over it to get a better cut of the grass, hence making the Jaspers even more angry.
As with all new contracts, the first visit is the worst as you do not know the ground, the grass is long and thick and the edges have been neglected - so it takes ages. The owner had asked me to destroy a few wasp nests around the garden and outbuildings.
We found 3 pretty much straight away as there were high levels of wasp activity around the property - one particularly nasty one at the base of the house, one in the roots of a willow tree and one in the shed.
Rather than gas these whilst we are still working and risk getting stung, we set to work getting all the grass cut, Rick on the Etesia ride on and Pete and I with strimmers. All was going well until Rick went flying past me on the mower and disappeared down the drive at full speed - arms waving about in the air.
I switched off my strimmer, lifted my ear defenders and shouted to him - It appears he found another wasps nest in the orchard - with the mower! Not only did he go over it once but then reversed over it to get a better cut of the grass, hence making the Jaspers even more angry.
Wasps do attack - I have no idea how Rick didn't get stung as he also managed to suck up a load in the collector and dumped them on the grass heap too.
Unfortunately I have no pictures or video of this event but it was pretty funny. Needless to say it made my job of wasp control even more difficult as the wasps were highly aggressive and not prepared to have any further invasions.
I did give all the nests a really good treatment and will revisit later in the week to check all the nests are clear.
Unfortunately I have no pictures or video of this event but it was pretty funny. Needless to say it made my job of wasp control even more difficult as the wasps were highly aggressive and not prepared to have any further invasions.
I did give all the nests a really good treatment and will revisit later in the week to check all the nests are clear.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
More Turfing
On Monday, we did a garden clearance and turfing job in Oxford for a good contact of ours, Andy Foulds of 0800 Handyman. If you have never come across 0800 Handyman before, its a really great idea for people who don't have time to do the little jobs around the house like putting up pictures, shelves etc.
We don't normally go as far as Oxford, but as it was Andy we made the exception. Andy did the survey for me to keep costs down of travelling and I must say his measurements were spot on (as you would expect from a tradesman I suppose!).
I was warned it was a little weedy, but with all the rain etc this garden was something else. Anyway, we did a load of hand pulling of weeds - approx 2 cubic meter bags full to be exact, then got stuck in with the rotavator to break down the thick clay soil. The development we were working on was typical of getting as many houses on the estate as possible, then the designers realising that access needs to be made to get into the garden so they put a tiny pathway down the back. This causes major problems with getting equipment and materials to the garden.
Despite this, we got the ground prepared and the turf laid and changed a jungle into a beautiful lawn. Good job the rain has been pretty constant since then as turf needs tons of water in the early days to ensure root growth.
We don't normally go as far as Oxford, but as it was Andy we made the exception. Andy did the survey for me to keep costs down of travelling and I must say his measurements were spot on (as you would expect from a tradesman I suppose!).
I was warned it was a little weedy, but with all the rain etc this garden was something else. Anyway, we did a load of hand pulling of weeds - approx 2 cubic meter bags full to be exact, then got stuck in with the rotavator to break down the thick clay soil. The development we were working on was typical of getting as many houses on the estate as possible, then the designers realising that access needs to be made to get into the garden so they put a tiny pathway down the back. This causes major problems with getting equipment and materials to the garden.
Despite this, we got the ground prepared and the turf laid and changed a jungle into a beautiful lawn. Good job the rain has been pretty constant since then as turf needs tons of water in the early days to ensure root growth.
Monday, July 16, 2007
What did I let myself in for!
Neale James and me (the handsome one) warming up the crowd!
I made a bit of a wise crack on the phone to Neale James of Reading 107fm when I called into the show last week about taking him to open a gig at Wellington Country Park on Sunday as he would probably be too drunk to drive....as it turned out, it was the other way round!
Usually on a Friday night, several of us have a few beers just to end the week off - this week being no exception. Neale and Sam, Adam and Emma and Me and Karen all had a few when Neale suggested that it would be a good idea to introduce a few of the Breakfast show characters over the coming months and it would be a good idea for me to come to the gig and get a feel for it - obviously I said yes (as you do after a few!).
It only really dawned on me on Saturday what I had actually let myself in for - the warm up act for Marvellous 07 in front of a possible 3000 people!
Now I am game for a laugh, but have never been in such an environment before - my role was to be introduced as "Gardener Graham" off the Radio show and help Neale to whip the crowd into a frenzy - me carrying the prize bag whilst Neale did his stuff and got the crowds going.
On the way there, Adam and I had a couple of Ciders just to calm the nerves - Adam was taking the photos for the event for Neale's Blog at 107fm.
When we arrived, the guy in charge, Pete, and Phil the stage manager ushered us into the back to run through what was going to happen and the bands who were to perform - then Phil tried to get me hooked up with a microphone etc - I politely refused his kind offer as you can expect!
Our time arrived and Neale launched into his much practiced and polished warm up routine which drew the crowds to come to the front of the stage - we then went down to the front to ask a few quiz questions so the crowd could dip into the "Prize Bag". The prizes consisted of a swede, leek, carrot, cauliflower and a spud of course!
Unfortunately, our time was cut short as the act Voulez Vous, an ABBA tribute band was ready to go on and we only had chance to get one winner - but never the less it was a brilliant experience, even if it was totally scary.
Big thanks to Neale - you really got me this time!
The expectant crowd
Pictures by Adam from Breathe Pictures
Friday, July 13, 2007
A funny thing happened.....
....on the way home to the office!
Today I was forced to spend a large portion of the day in the office with the accounts. Not the most thrilling thing I want to do on a Friday but these things have to be done.
My Accountant Sheila Tompkins of Summit Office Services and I have had a long standing relationship where we have worked together on both large and small companies and systems and as a Sage person she is fantastic. Over the years we have had quite a few laughs over my attempts to challenge accounting practice and her company initials SOS are usually very appropriate when she has to come in and rescue my accounts.
Today was no exception - how she finds out the things I have done on this system is a mystery - but thankfully she does, then spends the day putting it all right for me.
Sheila also comes in to sort out the Wife Karen's Accounts for The Best of Newbury and Webbuildpro - Newbury too so she generally spends a whole day with us.
Anyway, today my accounts were finished in good time, so off I went to get some machines from Paul at A4 Hire in Hungerford for a job on Monday. I was just finishing off with the guys, chatting about the Shalfest Beer Festival which seemed high on the agenda this weekend, when the phone went.
It was Karen asking me how long I would be as we had a bit of a problem with Sheila's car. I said I would be home in 10 mins and so set off.
As I pulled into the lane, I was greeted by a very red faced Sheila who whilst reversing out of the drive had hit the accelerator and not the break - ramming her Mini Cooper up the bank and into the hedge!
Now I have to be honest, I did titter -actually I almost manured myself !
Picture shows me getting the car out of the hedge for her - I didnt trust her to try as she would probably take out a gate post as she shot forward!
Luckily, no real damage (only to pride) was inflicted to car or driver - but it did brighten up what was a pretty ordinary day!
Today I was forced to spend a large portion of the day in the office with the accounts. Not the most thrilling thing I want to do on a Friday but these things have to be done.
My Accountant Sheila Tompkins of Summit Office Services and I have had a long standing relationship where we have worked together on both large and small companies and systems and as a Sage person she is fantastic. Over the years we have had quite a few laughs over my attempts to challenge accounting practice and her company initials SOS are usually very appropriate when she has to come in and rescue my accounts.
Today was no exception - how she finds out the things I have done on this system is a mystery - but thankfully she does, then spends the day putting it all right for me.
Sheila also comes in to sort out the Wife Karen's Accounts for The Best of Newbury and Webbuildpro - Newbury too so she generally spends a whole day with us.
Anyway, today my accounts were finished in good time, so off I went to get some machines from Paul at A4 Hire in Hungerford for a job on Monday. I was just finishing off with the guys, chatting about the Shalfest Beer Festival which seemed high on the agenda this weekend, when the phone went.
It was Karen asking me how long I would be as we had a bit of a problem with Sheila's car. I said I would be home in 10 mins and so set off.
As I pulled into the lane, I was greeted by a very red faced Sheila who whilst reversing out of the drive had hit the accelerator and not the break - ramming her Mini Cooper up the bank and into the hedge!
Now I have to be honest, I did titter -actually I almost manured myself !
Picture shows me getting the car out of the hedge for her - I didnt trust her to try as she would probably take out a gate post as she shot forward!
Luckily, no real damage (only to pride) was inflicted to car or driver - but it did brighten up what was a pretty ordinary day!
New Machine added
This week, after lots of investigation and research, I decided to add a new machine to the fleet.
I read loads of articles on the web and also in magazines like NFU Countryside's mag, which features very good reviews on machinery, before finally going to see Neil at Kalehurst Machines in Hermitage near Newbury.
The great thing about going to Kalehurst is they actually know what they are doing - not only for domestic customers but commercial and trade as well.
After spending several hours chatting through requirements, advantages and disadvantages of various machines, I decided that the John Deere X540 was simply not suitable for the type of work we do - even though it is a superb machine and would eat the jobs we have, it is simply too big to go into most of our customer's gardens.
I settled on the Etesia Bahia, which is basically the Hydro 80 commerical machine without lights and a horn (but significantly cheaper!!). I know it looks a little strange and not like a tractor as most machines look like now but its really well built and very strong - essential for us as its on and off a trailer several times a day.
I read loads of articles on the web and also in magazines like NFU Countryside's mag, which features very good reviews on machinery, before finally going to see Neil at Kalehurst Machines in Hermitage near Newbury.
The great thing about going to Kalehurst is they actually know what they are doing - not only for domestic customers but commercial and trade as well.
After spending several hours chatting through requirements, advantages and disadvantages of various machines, I decided that the John Deere X540 was simply not suitable for the type of work we do - even though it is a superb machine and would eat the jobs we have, it is simply too big to go into most of our customer's gardens.
I settled on the Etesia Bahia, which is basically the Hydro 80 commerical machine without lights and a horn (but significantly cheaper!!). I know it looks a little strange and not like a tractor as most machines look like now but its really well built and very strong - essential for us as its on and off a trailer several times a day.
This 80cm cut machine is perfect to go through normal sized garden gates, but definitely man enough to cope with long and wet grass. We opted for a collector type mower, rather than a mulcher as most of our customers want the grass collected.
Yesterday, we tackled a lawn which we had to cut a few weeks ago with a tractor and swipe. The weather has stopped us getting back on this lawn until yesterday. When we pulled into the drive yesterday I did think that the swipe would be required again as the grass had grown to about 6 - 8 inches long.
As we unloaded the mower, I thought it best to tackle the shortest area first, but Ric just put it in gear and ploughed straight into the main area - I was mistaken as the Bahia simply ate the grass and popped it straight into the collector. During the whole day we never had a single grass jam - most impressive on such long and wet grass.
The customer actually called me later in the day to say how impressed she was with the finish - she never believed her lawn would ever look good considering the mess it was in - another happy customer!
So far I have managed to use it once (on my own lawn actually) - the guys simply wont let me near it and squabble amongst themselves as to who will be using it!
Big thanks to Neil at Kalehurst for his advice and his team for getting it ready so quickly for us.
Yesterday, we tackled a lawn which we had to cut a few weeks ago with a tractor and swipe. The weather has stopped us getting back on this lawn until yesterday. When we pulled into the drive yesterday I did think that the swipe would be required again as the grass had grown to about 6 - 8 inches long.
As we unloaded the mower, I thought it best to tackle the shortest area first, but Ric just put it in gear and ploughed straight into the main area - I was mistaken as the Bahia simply ate the grass and popped it straight into the collector. During the whole day we never had a single grass jam - most impressive on such long and wet grass.
The customer actually called me later in the day to say how impressed she was with the finish - she never believed her lawn would ever look good considering the mess it was in - another happy customer!
So far I have managed to use it once (on my own lawn actually) - the guys simply wont let me near it and squabble amongst themselves as to who will be using it!
Big thanks to Neil at Kalehurst for his advice and his team for getting it ready so quickly for us.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
A Great way to start your day!
Over the years I have listened to many breakfast radio shows on the way to work.
There are several things that are important to me: news, weather (not more rain!), traffic jams etc but most of all to get you energised for a long day digging or mowing.
I have tried national and local - but over the last few months I have been listening to Reading 107 fm.
Whilst reception in Newbury can leave a lot to be desired, I am willing to live with the cracking and occasional loss of signal so I can listen to Neale James's show. It's hilarious.
There are several things that are important to me: news, weather (not more rain!), traffic jams etc but most of all to get you energised for a long day digging or mowing.
I have tried national and local - but over the last few months I have been listening to Reading 107 fm.
Whilst reception in Newbury can leave a lot to be desired, I am willing to live with the cracking and occasional loss of signal so I can listen to Neale James's show. It's hilarious.
Me and the wife have know Neale and lovely wife Sam for a few years but have never really seen the alter-ego broadcaster (well only after a few Magners or Brandy and Cokes!).
We call in to the show most mornings depending on our final destination, but as we do quite a bit of work in Reading we usually get him for long periods whilst sat on the M4 carpark. We generally chat about the places we are going that day - or relay a funny story - but most of all to guess the mystery year - which we pretty much get most of the time!
I keep trying for the money quiz but never seem to get through on this - come on Neale I need to money and I get most of the questions right!!
The new Reading 107 website has allowed Neale to create a page to outline the shows characters - mine is Gardener Graham and the Spuds - we have our own tune "Can you dig it".
I urge you to give the show a try - 7am - 10am Monday to Friday - contribute and email or phone in to the show and try to get a character for yourself.
Sunday, July 08, 2007
Garden Clearance like no other....
Picture: Spot the madman on the tractor!We try our best to help customers out. We move heaven and earth to fit in jobs which must be done for one reason or another. This weekend was no exception.
I had a call late Thursday from a customer who we have a large garden clearance job booked with us in a few weeks time. This customer manages some very large properties in the Newbury area and most are, or are about to be renovated.
Anyway, the call went along the lines of "Can you pop and see a really urgent job for me - we need to get the Walled Garden cleared before next week". So I was given the address and off I went Thursday evening. Now I am pretty good at finding places, but this one was a challenge - luckily the local gamekeeper was passing and pointed me in the right direction.
As I pulled into the drive of this massive house, the Walled Garden was easy to spot as it was surrounded by a 10 foot high wall - hence the name I suspect! I walked over to the gate and pushed - nothing happened - so I pushed harder and it slowly moved a few inches, just enough for me to see a wall of brambles and nettles at least 8 feet high!
A feeling of dread washed over me as I squeezed in. I have never seen anything like it. I beat a retreat and walked around the side, where luckily there was a full sized gate. Nothing short of a serious tractor and brushcutter would cope with this.
So Friday morning I sorted out a tractor and swipe from the guys at A4 Hire in Hungerford for collection later in the day.
The picture above shows me on the tractor during my first pass - the area itself was about 1 acre - full of Horse Flies, wasps, mosquitoes and other nasty flying objects and the ground was littered with rocks, branches and tree stumps - driving blind on unknown ground is very scary as many people turn tractors over when swiping - so progress was slow.
I don't think I have every been stung and bitten so much.
Anyway, job done, customer sorted and area restored to normal.
Friday, July 06, 2007
Fencing Marathon Ends in Hungerford
The Morgan Project is completed.
The really great thing about a large project is the before and after pictures are really radical.
During the job, you don't have time to sit and look too much - you are focused on making sure you are on time and doing the best job possible, overcoming the myriad of problems that get thrown at you, making sure the materials are on site (and correct!) etc etc.
I often puzzle at some tradesmen. When I have had work done at my house by electricians or plumbers etc, they seem to spend most of their time at the wholesalers getting parts and bits. These are not generally "odd bits" but the run of the mill stuff like switches, tee joints, elbows etc - every day bits that you must have to do any job - a real mystery. Most tradesmen have a large transit van or the like - surely a bit of on board stock would be better rather than a ton of rubbish which generally fills them?
This would drive me mental as I do not want to leave site to get materials. I always plan and get everything delivered to my office - or have them ready for collection the night before or at least early in the morning on the way to the job. Sometimes you have to leave site if you run into a problem, but generally you make a plan.
The only problem we faced with materials was a few hinges believe it or not! I tried 2 suppliers and couldn't get any - so Nigel popped down the town and found some for me whilst we carried on finishing off.
The before and after pictures were kindly supplied by Nigel - I hope you agree the new fence makes a big difference to the look of the garden.
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
Day 3 of Fencing project in Hungerford
Today was our final day at Nigel Morgan's home.
Having really gained time yesterday, we hoped to be away in good time today, however I jinxed the job by wearing my summer shorts, and so we had bad weather - rain, thunder and high winds - as well as finding every conceivable problem we could at every turn. The only thing we didn't find was a UXB! (Un-exploded bomb for those who didn't know!) but I did think we probably would.
As part of my fencing team, my Dad really loves to do the tricky work. He is quite a character and always has the "During the war" type stories and always says things like "You don't want to do it like that" and "When I was a boy" which has the lads rolling about. I do like working with him and so do the lads - cheers Dad you are a Diamond Geezer.
On our last job, he managed to rip one sole off his boot and had to tape it all up etc - he looked a right plonker - that was until the other sole fell off too and he had to walk around with two sole-less boots for the day - classic!
Nigel provided the bacon sarnies again, but this time saved some for himself - he is a quick learner - and also kept us supplied with tea and cakes all day:
Note to other customers, the precedent is now set and my terms and conditions now reflect bacon sarnies and cakes for every job in the future......!
Anyway, this job was finally completed - on time allowed and within budget - despite a few minor "additions", but the results are quite stunning - both Nigel and wife Diane are very pleased - and so are the neighbours too by all accounts.
The lads are knackered, but on to the next job - tomorrow we are cutting 9 lawns and digging a few borders - weather permitting of course!
I have done my second Pod-cast and I must admit it is really powerful and effective - I have had a few calls from readers and mates who really like the idea and want to know more about it - Nigel has got this off to a fine art now and once my camera returns, I will be doing some more - yes I am hooked!
Please see Podcast attached - any comments would be appreciated
Having really gained time yesterday, we hoped to be away in good time today, however I jinxed the job by wearing my summer shorts, and so we had bad weather - rain, thunder and high winds - as well as finding every conceivable problem we could at every turn. The only thing we didn't find was a UXB! (Un-exploded bomb for those who didn't know!) but I did think we probably would.
As part of my fencing team, my Dad really loves to do the tricky work. He is quite a character and always has the "During the war" type stories and always says things like "You don't want to do it like that" and "When I was a boy" which has the lads rolling about. I do like working with him and so do the lads - cheers Dad you are a Diamond Geezer.
On our last job, he managed to rip one sole off his boot and had to tape it all up etc - he looked a right plonker - that was until the other sole fell off too and he had to walk around with two sole-less boots for the day - classic!
Nigel provided the bacon sarnies again, but this time saved some for himself - he is a quick learner - and also kept us supplied with tea and cakes all day:
Note to other customers, the precedent is now set and my terms and conditions now reflect bacon sarnies and cakes for every job in the future......!
Anyway, this job was finally completed - on time allowed and within budget - despite a few minor "additions", but the results are quite stunning - both Nigel and wife Diane are very pleased - and so are the neighbours too by all accounts.
The lads are knackered, but on to the next job - tomorrow we are cutting 9 lawns and digging a few borders - weather permitting of course!
I have done my second Pod-cast and I must admit it is really powerful and effective - I have had a few calls from readers and mates who really like the idea and want to know more about it - Nigel has got this off to a fine art now and once my camera returns, I will be doing some more - yes I am hooked!
Please see Podcast attached - any comments would be appreciated
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Day 2 of Hungerford fencing project
Picture: It's just stopped raining on day 1Today we were back in Hungerford working on Nigel Morgan's mammoth fencing project. As projects go, it been a really nice one - a virgin fence IE no digging out old posts etc and just digging new holes on our line rather than trying to follow "Blind Pew's" existing fence.
The great thing about virgin fencing is that it looks amazing from the before and after shots and really gives a huge impact to the overall look of the garden. The other good thing is you can easily use a hole boring machine.
These machines are fearsome. You need to be totally alert and "feel" what you are drilling - or it will throw you about like a rag doll. Believe me I have the bruises to prove it - especially where you don't want to have bruises.
One of my guys, Rick, is pretty small in stature, but very strong and so goes into battle with the dreaded hole borer on virtually every fencing job we do. I liken it to David and Goliath. Today Goliath had his revenge. It was spectacular and so funny I almost had an accident.
Nigel had just persuaded me to do my first Podcast and I must admit I am not a lover of video, but I am always prepared to listen and learn from my marketing guru, so went along with it. I dispatched the boys to the furthest corner of the garden so they would not distract (or worse take the mickey!) and did it on the first take.
The great shame is that Nigel had just gone in and missed Rick's tango with Goliath - which would have been far more entertaining to watch! Basically, Rick pulled the starter cord and the machine literally jumped into action - throttle wide open and off it went - with Rick holding on to the starter cord dancing around the garden - this thing has a 9" auger drill which revolves really quickly and jumps about all over the place. I couldn't do anything for laughing - the look on his face was legend!! Finally it fell over and Rick dived on the stop switch - but how funny was that - if only it was on video we could have got £250 from You've been Framed without question!
Today we had gourmet bacon sarnies - Nigel just appeared with them and I must admit they were very good - shame he used all the bacon on us and forgot himself - live and learn mate!
Tomorrow is our last day and its just the fiddly bits to do and finish - these are the important bits that make the difference between a good and a great job - we pay a lot of attention to this as its so important to us the customer is truly happy - and it gets us our money quicker too as well as good referrals to other customers.
I am going to try and post my Podcast and a few pictures of the job for you. Ps Nigel has put it on his blog too www.morganpr.blogspot.com if I get it wrong!
The great thing about virgin fencing is that it looks amazing from the before and after shots and really gives a huge impact to the overall look of the garden. The other good thing is you can easily use a hole boring machine.
These machines are fearsome. You need to be totally alert and "feel" what you are drilling - or it will throw you about like a rag doll. Believe me I have the bruises to prove it - especially where you don't want to have bruises.
One of my guys, Rick, is pretty small in stature, but very strong and so goes into battle with the dreaded hole borer on virtually every fencing job we do. I liken it to David and Goliath. Today Goliath had his revenge. It was spectacular and so funny I almost had an accident.
Nigel had just persuaded me to do my first Podcast and I must admit I am not a lover of video, but I am always prepared to listen and learn from my marketing guru, so went along with it. I dispatched the boys to the furthest corner of the garden so they would not distract (or worse take the mickey!) and did it on the first take.
The great shame is that Nigel had just gone in and missed Rick's tango with Goliath - which would have been far more entertaining to watch! Basically, Rick pulled the starter cord and the machine literally jumped into action - throttle wide open and off it went - with Rick holding on to the starter cord dancing around the garden - this thing has a 9" auger drill which revolves really quickly and jumps about all over the place. I couldn't do anything for laughing - the look on his face was legend!! Finally it fell over and Rick dived on the stop switch - but how funny was that - if only it was on video we could have got £250 from You've been Framed without question!
Today we had gourmet bacon sarnies - Nigel just appeared with them and I must admit they were very good - shame he used all the bacon on us and forgot himself - live and learn mate!
Tomorrow is our last day and its just the fiddly bits to do and finish - these are the important bits that make the difference between a good and a great job - we pay a lot of attention to this as its so important to us the customer is truly happy - and it gets us our money quicker too as well as good referrals to other customers.
I am going to try and post my Podcast and a few pictures of the job for you. Ps Nigel has put it on his blog too www.morganpr.blogspot.com if I get it wrong!
Rain doesn't stop play!
Yesterday we started a major fencing job in Hungerford for Nigel Morgan of Morgan PR.
We finally got the long awaited panels after close on 8 weeks, and with jobs building up, the start dates were fixed in stone for this week - come hell or high water.
The rain was torrential virtually all day - we did enjoy the 15 mins of sunshine which just gave us enough hope to carry on.
Nigel made the customary offer of help - the sort of offer we all make when you see anybody struggling against the odds - but I would not subject any normal person to this kind of abuse. This is reserved for the slightly deranged, or the clinically insane - I am not sure yet which category we fall into!
Big thanks to my intrepid crew who carried on all day with hardly a complaint - and of course to Nigel for the tea and cakes throughout the day, which we consumed under the gazebo which acted as shelter during the heaviest downpour.
Nigel did take "before, during and will take after shots" (once completed) so I will get those in due course - and I am sure he will do a blog on this too http://www.morganpr.blogspot.com
Despite the weather, the job has gone extremely well - a bit slower than normal due to the rain but a vast improvement on the previous fence.......will update on progress as it happens.
We finally got the long awaited panels after close on 8 weeks, and with jobs building up, the start dates were fixed in stone for this week - come hell or high water.
The rain was torrential virtually all day - we did enjoy the 15 mins of sunshine which just gave us enough hope to carry on.
Nigel made the customary offer of help - the sort of offer we all make when you see anybody struggling against the odds - but I would not subject any normal person to this kind of abuse. This is reserved for the slightly deranged, or the clinically insane - I am not sure yet which category we fall into!
Big thanks to my intrepid crew who carried on all day with hardly a complaint - and of course to Nigel for the tea and cakes throughout the day, which we consumed under the gazebo which acted as shelter during the heaviest downpour.
Nigel did take "before, during and will take after shots" (once completed) so I will get those in due course - and I am sure he will do a blog on this too http://www.morganpr.blogspot.com
Despite the weather, the job has gone extremely well - a bit slower than normal due to the rain but a vast improvement on the previous fence.......will update on progress as it happens.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
