Andy Collins
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Everything posted by Andy Collins
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There maybe something in the vitamin supplement theory. I used to get bitten a lot by these blighters, now I'm on extra vitamins and minerals I seem to not be getting bitten. I mowed a few hectares yesterday, horse flies were landing all over me, but not biting. I don't use Deet or anything else. Of course, it could be cos I'm ginger
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My cousins daughter is following a similar path as your daughter wants Pete. She attends a Dance school in London now, and has taken part in films in Budapest, and Austria amongst others. Lt her follow her dreams, she'll only hate you for not supporting her. What is a "proper" job these days anyway, banking and all the old skool jobs are no more "proper" jobs than anything else. My lad failed business studies at school, and has had his own business for nearly 5 years now, through a tough recession. Careers advice has never been the best advice either, though my advisor told me I'd never amount to anything...bang on right!!!
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All advertising on this forum goes through Arbtrader.
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can all ads go through the Arbtrader section please
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Looking at the dead leaf litter beneath the tree, I wouldn't say that's a main thoroughfare, and it appears only the flags nearest the the stem have raised? I'm in the same camp as the others on this, that tree should ideally be protected. I also understand that if you don't fell it, they'll just get in someone else anyway, but I'd at least give them some different options, ie extending the circle around the stem, move the people back from the tree. I don't think it's really H&S grounds, I think it's just an excuse to get shot of it, too many leaves, squishy fruits, makes the house dark....whatever.
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To be fair, when I had a problem with an Oregon product a couple of years ago, it was replaced with no question, and with a better product.
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And the really tough bit is maintaining a standard, not taking your eye off the ball, so they stay your client.
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I've found that many of my clients accept my prices. Many of them are not looking for budget/cheap rates, but a good honest value for money price. I want to be able to pay my colleagues the best money I can for their skills, I want to cover my costs and turn a bit of profit. In return, I want to give the client the best service I can, across the board. The best advice, the best prunings, the best clear up, and follow up calls later in the year, the whole 9 yards. Many of my clients have been won from others who have have maybe done a very good job of the tree, but a poor clear up, or a poor attitude of staff for example. This is a service industry, cutting trees is the easy bit, getting the rest right for a good rate is not so easy.
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Because, as a site moderator, I am here to try and help keep the forum in some sort of order. Obviously, I'm wasting my time here. -
In Desperate times...My Silky saves the day!
Andy Collins replied to silky fox's topic in The Lounge
How strange...my grandson is called Oscar too -
Tbh this is a job advert, should never be open for discussion. Personally, I think the threads should be closed as soon as the position is advertised, to remove the opportunity to comment. There is absolutely no need for comments, applicants can call or pm the employer.
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"ages away" is never as far away as it seems. I suspect some may be more susceptible to breathing problems due to maybe asthma, or recurring lung infections, than others. One exposure to spores on rare occasion may not prove to be a risk, yet repeated exposure may cause serious problems. What is most important is knowing and understanding the risks, so action can be taken, so staff can be educated, and risk management can take place.
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Nothing wrong with a little bit of ambition. Just make sure the guy you work for is ok with it. If he isn't, ask him for full employment, or proper part time hours and pro rata holiday etc entitlements. You have to think of your future, where you want to be in say five or ten years time. Running your own show with lads working for you maybe? Then they'll want to run off and set up against you too. Circle of Life.
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I remember going on a site years ago wear the blanket policy was to wear safety glasses, over normal glasses, under a visor...the sweat misted up all the lenses making it impossible to see anything. I explained this to the site foreman, and he said to work at a speed that would not encourage perspiration. I returned with the fact that we were working to a price, he said that H&S policy was very clear and should be taken into account when quoting. Thankfully I was only on site for a couple of days in the end. It wasn't my job, I was subbing for another company who had quoted the work.
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I recently quoted and subsequently won a job where the nearest competitor was some bit cheaper on price. I was honest, when I was asked if I would drop to his price I said no, and yet they still went with me. I did under-estimate an oak a couple of years ago, we worked late and the client made the money up to what it should have been. Should I have been proud and stubborn and stuck to my price? Or should I accept the extra? I took the extra, the job turned from breaking even to making a profit. They have since had me back for further work, which I have been more accurate on. Big trees = hard work, charge accordingly.
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I stickied this thread the day after it started. On the smoking side of things, and this is only my clouded ex-smoker point of view, nicotine will tar up the lining of your breathing passages, then pollens, dust particles or maybe fungal spores would be even more likely to clog you up further?
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I stopped wearing a watch for work when I was working for companies. I got fed up With being asked the time, all the time. I'd spent years in a warehouse clocking in, clocking out every time you wanted a pee or a smoke break, or in the end even official breaks. Everything revolved around the clock. It's actually nice to not know the time sometimes. So long as I know the time for appointments, I don't worry unduly the rest of the time.
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Bren, just noticed your in Norfolk, the pig man is from Thetford area.
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It is noted thanks. This is important info, keep the thread on topic please.
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This is a risk to health in the workplace, not a war zone, and as such would be required to be written down on risk assessments etc. Best people are made aware of the hazard, they can then make a choice.
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Chalara fraxinea - die back of ash, in situ
Andy Collins replied to David Humphries's topic in Tree health care
Hadn't seen one tree up till this weekend that I was convinced had Chalara, then I found four in one afternoon!! I've yet to confirm it 100%, but I'm pretty certain. -
I think something like this needs addressing and making others aware of, whether he's employer, employee, lone worker, it affects anyone.
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This is a timely reminder. I was talking to a pig farmer this weekend, one of his men is off right now with Lymes. They removed the tick properly, but the dirty deed was already done, he is now on a strong course of anti biotics, but is very rough.
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I believe ODTS used to be called Farmers Lung, a nasty condition. I think it's caused by the grey mould spores, also found in compost heaps. You're right to be concerned and warning others.
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I'm sure it will be a fitting tribute to a lost friend.
