John Hancock

Castlemorton Common? - I was there dude!

Wasn't the AA Show, thats for sure!!

In your next life (and I hope we all get one!) Down-load the assessment schedule from NPTC and just book the test, you’ll save a few £££’s.

No flies on you - Respect! I think its down to the people who are being assessed. You or I would go through quickly muttering/grumbling on about poor value for money. If 6 thick buggers went through, no doubt it would take longer and the instructor/assessors would have to work a lot harder.

I’ve had my NPCT chipper for years but we regularly put staff from the council through the course, as an independent assessment is a requirement if they ever use one in the parks or estates. I don’t think it’s un-reasonable to spend a day on the machine learning the basics and then learning how to change the blades, anvil etc…. I know we all know our chippers intimately, that’s because we use them daily – but the course was designed for people with no, or very little chipper knowledge. Again, to teach 4 chaps how to handle and maintain a chipper in a safe manor in a day is not un-reasonable, in fact I’d say you need a lot longer that that to know the machine well and operate it in a fluid and safe way. I agree that the actual tests can be fairly quick which I think is an indication of the high standard of teaching and the calibre candidates. Its well worth getting the NPTC unit and in my opinion its money well spent. http://arbtalk.co.uk/forum/training-education/5472-pictures-chipper-course-assessment.html

I take your points about how hardy Willows are, however speaking from personal experience; when they reach a certain age they can be prone to catastrophic limb failure. I’ve had two go here in Worcester which I feel could have been prevented by heavy crown reduction (Willows can certainly take this type of abuse). The key I feel is have a good look round the tree for signs reaction growth (under large heavy limbs and also on the main stem) Willows often have internal cracks in the main stem which would also show-up as there is usually an abundance of reaction growth in and around the area. If in doubt, if the tree is over-mature and if there is a target – I’d recommend a heavy reduction, followed by further remedial work three years after that (crown thinning re-growth etc to manage weight/sail area.

Agreed, they are a truly excellent set of ladders. I’m quite attached to them.

Lovely pics fella! Fancy pruning trees for the sake of a view – all those open wounds – all that vigorous re-growth! I keep getting asked to open-up the view of Worcester Cathedral from New Road cricket ground – I keep telling them to stuff it!

:001_tt1:BC 1000 XL Vermeer. Best chipper I’ve ever used. Well built, powerful, under stressed and eats anything your strong enough to lift into that hopper.

We’re half way through a highway contract at the moment – Pollarding Limes back to their original pollard-points. I was all for climbing them all but we’ve brought the MEWP out this week (just to hot). Working hard in the morning but kicking-back in the afternoon – delivering the chippings/logs etc.. Best advice is to pace yourself throughout the day and drink plenty.

Applications close at the end of the week - just in case you wish to change over to the Dark Side (L/A)

Ditto.

My windscreen washer bottle in the Discovery STINKS! Every time I have to use the screen wash I have to wind-up the windows for fear of being infected. What is it? Where did it come from? And How can you get rid of it?

just off out to the pub, and one word springs to mind....... .........Bar.

Great minds think alike! That’s exactly what I thought – What a dreadful name!

I get adds for chuffin hair-restorer on mine!!

Well done that man!

How much was that........? £5?

Thoughts on the AA Trade Fair?? The bar was pathetic for an event of this size. (a friend of mine recently held a party for his 21 year old daughter, even he managed to organise draught beer!) And £2.50 for a can of larger!!?? This event needs proper organized camping facilities. People are travelling 100’s of miles just to attend this show (with pockets full of cash). I know a lot of Arbtalkers were pretty dispersed in and around Gloucestershire, and many had just stay for the one day because of the lack of facilities. I know there was trouble last year, which is why there was a lack of camping for the public, but why not make people accountable, make a charge, get names and addresses for each booked camping plot. Again, the food was below standard. Why is there only one caterer on site? With only one supplier on site they can charge and supply what they like – a little competition would soon sort them out I think. For me events like this are just as much about meeting people than buying gear. I can buy gear and arrange demos any day of the week, but how often do we get the chance to meet up and enjoy a drink together? When we do – the ‘bar’ is shut!! I really do feel that the ‘Premier Arb Event of the Year' needs a little more thought and much better facilities. Rant over.

1 x Stein Jacket from Jonesie, 1 x pair of Arborwear trousers from Honey Bro’s (which are a little tight, have to get out on the bike a bit more me thinks!)

The main man himself…

Well done Frank - over the moon for you!

Good to see you too BBB Here's our Hannah doing some excellent snedding.

In the summer when I'm cycling into work I'm up at 5.30, out on the bike at 6.30. I'm shattered all week, waiting for the weekend so I can recover!