Mark Bolam

That brings back memories Paul, my Dad had one of those. Must be more than 40 years back. I like my Buck Redpoint, which is a nice small locker with easy one hand opening. Can never have too many knives! I’m with Stere, though. I won’t spend hundreds when there are so many great knives for tens.

Utter, utter bastards. Really sorry to hear this mate.

Poor lass. You’re right Mark, the hypocrisy is staggering and sickening in equal measure.

Reg, whenever I see you’ve posted a new vid I’m on it like a fat kid on a Smartie. I always learn something, however small. Might just be to do with weather, mood, attitude or whatever, but there’s always something there. Plus the scenery is a dream! I know what you mean about repetition, but I think I speak for all of us when I say we’re not bored yet. No two tree jobs are ever the same after all, even single stem connies. I think you could make topping a 25’ leylandii in a back garden watchable somehow. I really appreciate the effort you go to in putting these vids out. I’ve drawn on them for inspiration many a time when shitting myself up a 50 footer, ‘Come on Bolam, get it together, Reg was 4 times as high as this on a dodgy tree the other week’. It’s your call mate, but I’d be gutted if you didn’t make another vid. Goodbye for now. P.S. Shame about City, like.

Yes, very bored with all this simple shite now mate. Goodbye.

Lawn darts!

I've just used step cuts in these situations with bigger timber, but it's a last resort kind of thing. I know spear cuts as razzing through thinner timber that is vertical-ish so the butt drops before the tips have a chance to start moving. The tips can then give you a damn good thrashing on the way past!

I've always refused outright to deal with insurance companies. I make it clear to the client that they are paying me and it's up to them to deal with insurance companies. I have adjusted phrasing in invoices before to help the client, so a £1000 job might be £990 to cut up a fallen tree and £10 to remove arisings etc.

That’s the thing Pete, you can’t train experience, it’s that simple. So many variables which affect cut choice. I’ve even had timber on the same tree react differently on consecutive days. Training is just a good starting point, nothing more.

You would know mate!

I have a vest you can borrow with 'TREE CLIMBER - AERIAL RESCUE' printed on it. Hi-vis, obviously. You'll be able to spot me, I'll have rigger boots on, and Husky braces.

Nice one mate, glad you like it.

Those Cloggers look awesome Tommy. Will you have them on at the APF so I can have a look?

'These vagabond shoes....' Sorry Edward, I'll get me coat.

I would have a little sign on the bottom log saying ‘Darwinism begins here’, then crack on exactly as you are doing.

Did you get anywhere with this @benedmonds?

I wouldn’t worry too much lads, it’s not like it will happen in our lifetime.

I do try and do things by the (old) book mate!

Badly thought out bullshit by a load of clipboard warriors Matty. If two ropes and two anchors are called for to make any of my jobs safer you can rest assured I'll be using two ropes. If I judge that two ropes will make any job LESS safe, then I'll be using one. It's my arse on the line up there, not some suit who would be better off spending their time prosecuting unqualified and uninsured hackers.

I hope his neighbours like it as much as he does, seeing as how he's forcing them to have about half of it.

300m walk down a narrow footpath for access mate. We thought of messing around with the Tirfor, but decided it would be a lot quicker just to man up and get amongst it.

Money fungus has to be top.

You’ll love it mate! Think of the money you’ll save on trousers!