John Hancock

It was at the village garage – we lived there and ran the garage since ’76 (Dad sold it years ago when he had the first of his heart-attacks). I believe in supporting the local economy, hence going there….

Sorry to raise this thread up from the dead but I’ve just been and collected the Discovery after having the clutch replaced. I dropped it off last week and asked for the oil and filter to be done while it was there also. Anyway – picked it up last Friday and the damage was £620.00. Does this sound about right to you? The thing that left a sour taste in my mouth (apart from the £620) was the fact that the mechanic broke the centre console near the handbrake while doing the job (he didn’t admit to doing it, left it to me to discover it – which I did as soon as I sat in the thing) I’ve broken the odd flower-pot on domestic jobs – but never hidden the bits and tried to get away with it!

It will also lose you your wife too!

Josh, mail me that pic and i'll have a go at cleaning it up for you. [email protected].

Celebration of Trees 2010. Sponsored by Husqvarna. Friday 23rd April and Saturday 24th April. One of the friendliest and most relaxed of all the Arb shows. Here is the link to the Arbtalk Events Page on Facebook. If you can make it, register - we'll all have something to look forward to over the coming winter months. Login | Facebook

Use Microsoft image resizer Mick. http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/Downloads/powertoys/Xppowertoys.mspx

Bad luck fella, so much of this going on these days...

One word – Don’t expect a lovely posh certificate when you pass the theory and practical! I sent off all my certificates the other week (only 4 years late) and I had the cheapest, most horrid DIY looking certificate come through the post. It’s a lot of work and expense to get all the units required, the least they can do is supply a decent looking certificate.

Pick-up the Silky, instead of the Saw.

Just be careful regarding the fungi I.D’s for Tech Cert. Most photos on here are lovely fresh fruiting bodies in their perfect form. You may well get some dried-up desiccated examples that have been living in someone’s garage for the last 4 years.

Thanks BBW, my master cylinder went on the Discovery today so I might have to redefine the word ‘cheap’!! Looks I’ll be having a week in sunny Worcestershire the way things are going! Thanks again for your kind offer.

I have nothing to say….except buy it!!!

….and how is one supposed to learn about you Mr Bundle Sir? I could say the same about you – at least I have the decency to check-out a persons profile before I launch into an exchange. I checked yours out – there is nothing there! Next time you see me at Barchams or a show, come and say hi; I’d love to meet you!

Good job Mick How many loads was it??

I’ll tip my forelock next time I see you Mr.Bundle, Sir.

Its an excellent course Otty, as stated in a similar thread I did mine years ago and serves as a very good introduction to the world of Arboriculture. If you can, try and get the full qualification (practical units as well) as I’d hold anyone with it in high regard. One tip – If and when you pass, get yourself booked into an ISA Cert Arb exam as the syllabuses are similar and you’ll end-up with two qualifications for the price of one. (more or less) Good-luck!

Its not just opinions is it though, it’s making assumptions on peoples suitability for the job that’s upsetting. Threads like these are excellent as they explore the many possible options regarding tree management. Often in circumstance such as these there is no black or white, just gray; which is possibly why MisterTee posted this thread. To question his suitability for the job just because he’s asked for peoples opinions on this forum is unforgivable. You should be ashamed of yourself.

Hi DBG, and welcome to the forum! I don’t have any particular information on where to take the course I’m afraid but I can offer encouragement to go down the RFS route. I did mine years ago at Newton Rigg (block release, four weeks per year). It’s an excellent course and can highly recommend it. I’m still amazed its only a level 2 but that’s a different story. Go for it!

Dude, clear your in-box.

On a related subject have a look at this link, it was covered in brief at a recent Barchams seminar covering wind-loading and crown reductions. http://www.cba.ufl.edu/purc/docs/presentation_2006Gurley.pdf

We have a lot of Hornbeams around the estates here in Worcester and I’ve known one or two fail (sections ripped out due to inclusions). You’re absolutely correct in that you have identified a recognised potential hazard and you now need to recommend a control measure. Hornbeams do/can have a vast sail area, which could be a problem if the tree is in an exposed location. I suspect it isn’t because it’s already reached maturity thus far without failing. Personally if the tree is staying I would recommend cable-bracing and a reduction (reducing a trees crown will go a long way in making less susceptible to wind loading and damage). The bracing would prolong the trees life and also (should the section fail) reduce the chance of if crashing to the ground and killing half a dozen children. Most schools manage their own maintenance budgets these days which is unfortunate when it comes to tree works. If given the option they would probably favour a fell and re-plant. I would perhaps give two options.. 1. Fell and re-plant a suitable replacement. 2. Cable-brace and crown reduction, plus plant a suitable replacement. John.

Thanks for the info Jack. I must admit when I originally read about the accident I imagined a huge wound to the chaps’ neck. Obviously some major issues to contend with if what you say is correct.

Sad, but thats old news.

Can anyone recommend a nice, cheap, hot place to bugger off to in Europe. My last holiday was Christmas last year and recon I’m overdue. Thanks.

It looks like Chris (one of my main climbers) is going to have to hang-up his chainsaw boots. He’s had continued back trouble for the last three years and has decided enough is enough. He’s done a side-ways move and is now inspecting play equipment here at the council. It’ll be a real shame to lose him; he had natural talent and was a good laugh! Looks like the recruitment process will have to start all over again.