Andy Collins

If you live in a different area to the usual work catchment, why not offer to promote his company in your area, leaflet dropping at weekends, getting out there meeting people, of course for a fair recompense for your time and effort. You will both get a return from this, the boss will get more work, and you will get increased job security from the extra work generated. Just an idea, may not be at all feasible.

I can never understand a boss allowing the staff to have full access to kit for weekend jobs, surely thats financial suicide? Kit gets damaged, lost or stolen, the job should have been your money in your pocket, thats why you pay them a wage, surely? If they did a shabby job with your trucks all nicely sign-written, then word gets around. I've never seen any good come from this approach, tbh. One company I know of offers an incentive bonus of 5% capped at a max of 50quid for referrals, the lads I know say stuff that when we can earn 150 each for a Saturday using the company gear. It always seems to be the laziest staff who suddenly find the energy to find their own work at the weekends, then cant be bothered all week. IMO!!

Take in your work ppe, and describe it, show em your biggest saw, oh and link your laptop to a big screen and show some of Stevies vids, and DONT SWEAR!!

Nice job tc01, it'l good in a few years time:thumbup1:

According to my local council, a polytunnel is a temporary structure, and as such does not require planning consent (we checked too) I dont think there was a size restriction. Temporary structure means it must not be concreted in place, or connected to mains services.

My dad used to carry a comb tooth off a finger bar mower thing. It was an amazing piece of British engineering...... but God only knows why he carried it around everywhere with him. But he always reckoned it would come in handy one day. Never did:001_rolleyes:

I went out with my cousin one day around London when he was a DR, probably the scariest days biking I ever had!! Hated not being in control, and chopping between traffic at speed was just plain lairy:biggrin: Nice vid

Do you have in interesting tale to tell of your days in tree work? A funny incident, a job that went wrong, a clash with authority? A company I used to work for (before my time) had a job removing large trees on an air base (back before all the H&S stuff), and the trees had to be moved out of the base along a main runway. The boss and his right hand man were felling, and my old chap was tasked with the job of extraction with the big Fiat tractor and Hydrotongs. All was going swimmingly well, tree after tree felled and extracted smoothly, with my dad trundling the trees out. Then there is the sound of multiple sirens wailing above the saws. Down on the runway, one Fiat tractor is happily trundling along with its cargo in tow at 6mph, driver oblivious to the fact that a Hercules transporter is circling to land, so the forces security is racing up the runway, sirens blaring, shouting through loud hailers to "Get off the bloody runway!!" But with ear defenders down, and the Fiat tugging the large trees on full power, the old chap couldnt hear what all the fuss was about, until they pulled across in front of him and explained the desperation of the situation.

I have little sympathy for them, in this case. They started the chain of events that led to their fate, it probably seemed like a fun day out for them. They obviously forgot the 6 P's in their haste. I'll save my tears for someone more deserving.

Theres some fine trees there David, cant wait for the spring. keep having a quick snout into the park when I'm passing every day.

I think its sounds like a brilliant idea, Dean. Its just the sort of thing I would do given the space. I keep thinking every day how much the 1000's of whips I've been putting in have cost. I got the missus a polytunnel for this winter, and she's busy growing plants ready for the spring season, but they are all girly flower things and veg plants for the grow-your-own market. luckily we have our own outlet for the plants too! Go for it:001_smile:

Top quality reduction that, takes a good eye to get that shape:thumbup:

If I were you I'd make sure you budget for a Tracker on the replacement, and even fit an alarm/immobiliser, at least its a deterrent.

I ought to delete it all, but I feel your pain, having had the same model nicked 2years ago. Anyway, I had the 350 fourtrax, good little all rounder for tree work, plenty of grunt and traction.

I know you can be employed and self-employed at the same time, not sure of the ins and outs I'm afraid!

Yes david, time is really flying now!!

Helminghams veterans will be quaking in their boots now:biggrin:

I'll back up what AA Techie said, if your young enough and in the education system already, the mindset is primed for learning. Once you start full-time work, there is always an excuse to put things off til tomorrow. Just do it:thumbup:

I would like to make one further suggestion, if I may? I and quite a few of my acquaintances have been hired in to assist various AAACs over the years on a subbie basis, in particular when they have had a job that maybe was outside of their usual skills (ie the tricky stuff!) This makes me wonder, would it not be possible to run a AAASC (Arb Asscn Approved Sub-Contractor) level. This would then have the same basics as for larger companies, so the small guy is recognised for his skills/paperwork etc, and also lists him/her as a suitable person to be used by AAAC's as and when required. This would not detract from the levels required from AAAC, but should fit in nicely to run alongside at an affordable level for the individual.

In the 1st instance, you must pm Steve Bullman (site owner) with your request

negativity will get you nowhere James. Its been tough for a good many of us out there in the last year or so, but there is always a window of opportunity waiting to be opened. Sitting around wallowing in self-pity doesnt find you work, getting up and going out actively looking for work will reap rewards. I'm working harder now than for a long time to find and win work, its not easy, but keep yourself motivated, and I'm sure you'll find something.

I wrote the poll based on phrases that I've most commonly heard in conversation, and I didnt want to create a never ending list of options to prevent confusion. But I'll have absolutely no objection to your individual points of view, so long as I dont consider them derogatory of the AA or those directly involved with the AA:thumbup1:

It seems to me that the AA has been "in the dark" for several years re: opinions. I believe that is because they can only receive feedback from their membership, and not hear what those on the "outside" think about them, and adapt accordingly. I hope this opportunity to listen pays off.

Sorry, wasnt expecting you to respond:lol:

Could try Deepdale Trees Ltd - Welcome dunno if they have Pride of India, but i am trying them out for some trees at the moment, delivery imminent.