Andy Collins

Like many others, I was led to believe that the signs of meripilus in an advanced stage could only mean one thing....to fell the tree. But I have, for the last 6 years or so, been watching a very large beech with Meripilus all around the root plate, it doesnt seem to deteriorating as yet. This tree isnt near property, or in fact any targets at all, so if she fails it will not matter. I am interested to know how quickly the decline occurs, maybe this tree will out-live us all.

I did see a large collection of Clitocybe (geotropa I think) beneath some pines yesterday, and they were certainly a lot larger than others I've seen in previous years. If i'd known they were edible at the time, the pan would have been on the stove with some butter and garlic for an impromptu feast. Also pulled a nice sized puffball for tea, they eat rather well when young. I like this fungus thing, could quite get into it:biggrin:

I've just taken 5mins to read your CV, and it seems interesting and varied. All the best in your quest for employment over here, I hope you dont find things over here too mundane and un-interesting. Good luck:thumbup1:

I know of someone who charges 130quid per 15-20cm standard, with all bits and bobs included.

Good find:thumbup1:

I just found the Stein range, (blonde moment:blushing:) but still cant remember which Nick showed me, or the name of them. Nick, or someone from Fletchers, give us a clue? Linky: Chainsaw protective footwear & accessories | F R Jones and Son

I was talking to Nick Potts at Justins show about these, cant for the life of me recall the name of these, and forgot to ask who are the stockists. I cant see them on Justins site...yet. I've been well chuffed with the durability of my original Steins, but they now let in water so want to get some before the winter.

I must admit, I was cynical about this gadget, but seeing Rob push it down into the paving slab, re-sharpen and cut wood was impressive. But for every day pro-users, i dont think this is worth buying. Yes the occasional diy user would truly benefit, and maybe if you designated a saw specially for the dirty stoney jobs this would be ideal. Its worth watching the demo though, it is that good.

Could also try the Timberwolf forum, as Timberwolfs were Entec before the re-branding.

Sorry its across the border, but I'm sure Ruskin Lifting Equipment | Home : lifting equipment, Ipswich, Suffolk, site inspection and testing, repair and certify, inspection, shackles & rigging, supply hire, inspection, repair and testing of all types of lifting and mechanical equipment, lift can help

Pm me your contact details through, cant personally offer anything at the minute, but I do know of others on the look out for staff from time to time in this area. Havent heard of the Urban Jungle guys either, perhaps you could recommend them this forum too!

On the ariel rescue side of things. I've seen first hand, a situation arise where a fully competent climber/rescuer, with all tickets and experience, years of military training in Bomb Disposal and the International Rescue Corps lost it. A climber had a nasty wound to his hand quite high in the tree. The "designated" rescuer on site got in a real flap, chasing around in circles getting nowhere. I shouted instruction to the climber, basically to hold his hand above his head and descend. I called for another groundie to fetch the 1st aid kit, and bring the truck over ready. As soon as the climber touched down, I unclipped his harness, the other groundie administered 1st aid as the climber passed out. "Rescuer" is like a fart in a trance by now...useless. We get climber into truck and whisk him straight to A&E. Now I'm not knocking the benefits of training and certificates, but none of these can truly prepare anyone for the real life, real world of blood and gore in a typical accident in our work, it can be shocking for the rescuer, and having a victim screaming in agony dripping his claret all over the place is something you cannot realistically prepare for. Perhaps we need a military-style medics course, with fake injuries looking as realistic as possible, to prepare us for te absolute worst case scenario.

Hi Tom,welcome to the forum. Where abouts in Suffolk are you, and who have you been working with?

With so many leaping on the current firewood bandwagon around the Suffolk area, I'm sure you'd be able to hire it out. Saying that, be aware that people never seem to respect other peoples kit!!

Haha, with my memory? I'll forget who to remind:001_rolleyes:

I did say to enjoy your season, thats me being nice....honest:thumbup1: I just dont share your passion for the game thats all

Football pah! When will you lot ever learn, chuckin good money after bad thats all it is! Biggest bunch of under-achieving, over-rated losers on the planet. Enjoy your season footie fans:001_rolleyes:

Now is it Arboriculturalist..... or Arboriculturist? I recall having a lengthy discussion over this title a while back. Apologies for the slight derail.

Cheers Woodworm, I went to this event a few years back, and missed it since (dont think they held the carving championships for a couple) so it would be nice to go and have another looksee:thumbup:

You lifted her skirts nicely there Mr Blair, crackin view too:thumbup:

I wonder what value that timber has now? That Aqua logging guy from Axemen woud have loved this lt, but then again he wasnt too tightly wrapped:biggrin:

Didnt Daniella Westbrook have a deviant septum? Best wishes, glad to see you're getting your Arbtalk fix while your there:thumbup1:

FM transmitter is quite good, probably better than wires everywhere. Any one got any tips on extending battery life, the iPod Touch seems to last about an hour between charges, which is pretty useless for a portable device. I've switched off the bluetooth and even wi-fi in attempt to improve it. When I compare this to my Blackberry which will last 3-4 days between charges with everything switched on, its pretty disappointing.

Mike had quite a nasty accident which has involved him having time off to be at hospital over the last 3 months, so this may explain the difficulty in contacting him.

Excuse my ignorance, but what is the septoplasty op for? Is it to treat snoring? Hope you make a speedy recovery anyways:001_smile: