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Andy Collins

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Everything posted by Andy Collins

  1. Andy Collins
    Knowing us, both. At some point, we appear to supply all sorts of weapons to which ever side we think may have a future influence on our own interests, whatever they are. Don't forget, the vote of inaction against Hitler by our government of the day led to one of the biggest human tragedies of all time, I honestly don't think we as a nation can ever just sit back and let history repeat itself, wherever it occurs in the world. I'm not saying we have the right to be an International Police, but whenever any atrocity happens, we should stand up against it and protect the civilian population.
  2. Andy Collins
    I thought as much. We Also supplied the cocktail incorporating CS that was used to quell the Waco siege. CS is allegedly harmless in an open environment, but when used with an explosive propellant in a closed environment it have have fatal properties. I understand we had observers from Porton Down on the scene watching the effects as the ATF and FBI took control of the situation. Funny how we now criticise others for repeating our own actions, as it suits.
  3. Andy Collins
    We (Great Britain) have always had a darker side as far as developing, testing and selling such nasties. In fact I may be wrong but I think we were the first to use them in warfare. I haven't googled this, just from memory, so may be a little off the mark.
  4. Andy Collins
    I'd much rather use a small rear handled saw thsn a topper in a hedge on the thicker stems, just a personal preference. As others say, smaller stuff is loppers and hedgetrimmers. Reason I prefer a rear handle, fed up with replacing the breather and chain catcher on the 020s:001_rolleyes:
  5. Andy Collins
    I can echo Deans opinion. Reduce the stress in your life, number 1. Look at your diet, carefully, and remove acid causing foods. Stop smoking, and reduce alcohol intake. I'm not preaching, I've learned more about the workings of my intestinal tract in the last two years than I'd have ever imagined.
  6. Andy Collins
    The Arb-Aid kit is a good kit, I carry one on site every day. It is on the expensive side, but what price if someone is bleeding out? But it is a question of where do you stop? A Defib unit? Before I got the Arb Aid kit, I had a paramedic kit, with a lot of the necessary gear as the Arb Aid kit, but only £26 from recollection. Now i know forces guys are trained to manage very serious injuries with a very portable kit, but we ain't forces, and don't have the back up. All we have to do is stem the flow of blood until help arrives. FTR I won the Arb Aid kit in a raffle, would I buy one? I doubt it, good as it is, I could get all the paramedic kt I have, place it in a Pelican case, and spend the left over money on another 1st aid course (or beer).
  7. Andy Collins
    As world leaders in the development of such nasties of nerve gas and other horrible things at our very own "research" institute, I don't think as a nation we are in much of a position to criticise others PS but its alright coz we only sell it to others to use.
  8. Andy Collins
    Matthew, it does get easier, believe me. It's also good his dad and family came along, helps you all to cope. Ok it may feel like it's opening the wounds again, but it's also part of the coping process. Glad the bench is coming on well.
  9. Andy Collins
    I'm a trustee for a local charity community park similar to yours. We used to mow with the reciprocating mowers, now we have an old tractor mounted finger bar mower for the wild flower meadow, and I use a tow behind Wessex mower for the rough areas, and lower it to do the footpaths. You've probably got some old boy around with an old Fergie and topper, include him in your team, most of them love somewhere to play with their kit!!
  10. Andy Collins
    Why not buy the land off him and keep your site?
  11. Andy Collins
    Had a multitude of cards as I've updated or done new elements, lost or damaged every single card to date. They do not last in a working environment, and I refuse to keep shelling out for more. I carry my certs in a file with me when pricing, along with insurance etc, and keep a copy of these in my phone in case I'm asked. I think I may have been asked once, since 96.
  12. Andy Collins
    Yes, I'd like to add my thanks, it saves.a lot of time for us as your links take us straight to the culprits so we can deal with them.
  13. Andy Collins
    My own personal point of view, as a moderator, is that in general people like Mendiplogs are "good posters". I do not have to edit out swear words for example, or monitor every phrase they write in case it will offend people. It takes all sorts from all walks to make any community, even a virtual community, and tolerance of others is required. I wouldn't like everyone to post like Jon, but then I wouldn't want the forum to be straight-laced and purely informative either, I think it would be dull and tedious. Hardly what we would like really. So it makes the forum look less than professional? Less than homeowners seeking advice and getting knocked back? Less professional than bickering on the forum? Live and let live.
  14. Andy Collins
    It's laziness Dave
  15. Andy Collins
    Cannot confirm it, but I have seen two separate incidents of Rowan looking like this. In the cases I saw, I didn't think it was fireblight, but tbh I didn't consider that either. I'll look closer at the two I have with that in mind and see what I think now.
  16. Andy Collins
    According to my tenancy agreement, I am responsible for gardens shrubs, house interior upkeep, the council are responsible for trees, structure, heating and electrics. Any contractor requires my permission/agreement to enter my property (while I pay rent on it), even council staff. I am entitled to notice of works to be carried out, and am supposed to allow "reasonable access" to contractors. Contractors cannot just blunder in to do works without my consent. Similarly, I cannot instruct contractors to carry out structural works on the property, other than interior decorating, without the councils written permission.
  17. Andy Collins
    If I turned down every tree cos I couldn't climb it I'd be a very poor man. Luckily, I pay someone else to do the job.
  18. Andy Collins
    Why not hire a rigging kit with someone who is familiar with using it?
  19. Andy Collins
    Is this the Happy Ending that all tales should have? Has Silky found True Love? Will they live Happily Ever After? Tune in folks for the next chapter in the life of the Silky Fox.
  20. Andy Collins
    Do not be tempted to rush back to heavy work too soon. The last thing you want is to herniate again. I always practise what I preach, oh yes.
  21. Andy Collins
    I'm pretty much in the same boat as yourself, 3/4 day weeks, subbies as and when needed. And I agree, a top skilled climber or groundie deserves top dollar (well nearly) but someone fresh out of college is not in that league, and will learn and advance and eventually achieve. If someone at the bottom end of the job can earn more stacking shelves, doesn't wish to learn the ropes, then I wouldn't want him around anyway, regardless of pay. Someone like Max, with his attitude, will go on to succeed and earn good money, and that is how things should be....in time.
  22. Andy Collins
    He is entering a vocation which is heavily saturated with many with the same level of training and skills as he has. Which is why I suggested a fair rate given his holiday pay, and other benefits of employment. I also suggested that he should get an increase as his experience and proficiency increases. It's not a case of trying to keep wages down, it's reality. Very few at the beginning of their career have much skill to bring to the job, and in fact more time can be spent supervising them to get them to the level required. Top arbs with all the skills already in place would command top money, not a person fresh out of college. They need to work their way up, or what ambition is there?
  23. Andy Collins
    Don't forget, you'll get holiday entitlements, paid Bank Holidays, and all the perks of employment, so take these into consideration when thinking about what you want.
  24. Andy Collins
    Start at min wage, with agreements for increases as your skills/knowledge/training progresses. When I first started, my day rate increased with each NPTC unit I acquired, then with extra responsibilities.
  25. Andy Collins
    Nice to meet you all. GTR, sorry I didn't know who you were, yet spoke to you a couple of times on the axe throwing yes it was good to meet up with even more people again, Ted of course, and Eggs, and all the rest of you. Thanks most of all to all of you for coming over and participating in the Axe throwing, as always it's in aid of the Children's Trust. I don't know today's total but Friday was around £120. Thanks again.

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