Mark Bolam
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Everything posted by Mark Bolam
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Had me. Belter!
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I've given him a couple of your business cards......
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Damage from yesterday, nicked hand with running down chain after a snap out in a skinny crack willow. The amount of blood is a bit theatrical, the cut is not that bad, but it was hot and I was pumpin'! Totally my fault (and I wasn't even one-handing). Lessons - Don't rush because it's hot and you can't wait to get your shorts on. Bailing out quickly is really important. That cut took 10 minutes under cold water with compression to stop bleeding with help from customer and groundie. Fat little black labradors are handy to have on site for cleaning up blood from boots, patios etc. Crack willow is very brittle (but you knew that). Every cloud has a silver lining. Obviously going to learn from this, and the customer gave me a brand new large first aid kit from his company (he is a funeral director?). Sweet. Climb safe.
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Say that her husband has been in touch, and says the same about her. You won't get your money, but you'd have a smile on your face every time you thought about it!
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Good news. He has a 4-month trial as a trainee climber! His feet never left the ground here, but if they can find a big enough harness fair play!
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Not yet. He is struggling to get permission from the neighbour at the top of the cliff. Might have to do it Ninja style with a grappling hook!
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Big tree! Did the timber get used for anything, or was it shot?
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They are trying it on mate. I always explain, politely and nicely, that if they don't pay for the work done, the arisings still belong to them, and they better have them back (because you don't want to get done for theft), tipped as near to the tree as possible. This even worked on a firm of solicitors. Rough? Hold your arms out dead wide and shout 'My dads that big'. Rough idea of how to pay people for a fair days graft, more like. Hope you get it sorted, pal.
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Larry my man! If its really minging, rub it in butter (honestly!) and leave it in the bath for a bit, then stick it in the washing machine with non-bio on a 40 degree cycle. I have never stuck it in a pillow case, but it couldn't hurt. I have the rope coiled in an electricians braid to avoid kinks, and let it dry naturally. See you at the show!
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Someone obviously hasn't tried it then....
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You're not really helping me get rid of my Blaze are you lads? Need the cash for some Poison Ivy or Imori!
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My old groundie has an interview with Asplundh in Auckland tomorrow. Any tips advice from you Kiwi guys, or anyone with relevant experience would be appreciated. Thanks.
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Joshs Sweden thread . . and a bit or Norway
Mark Bolam replied to josharb87's topic in Picture Forum
You are such a liar, Josh. You said your Swedish was improving. I've seen the job sheet and the spec was for a 12.45% crown reduction. Here we are - Oake tre next tu hoose - 12.45% krowne rejuice You should be bloody ashamed of yourself. For Gods sake man, it looks like one of mine! -
I never believed velcro would hold you tight enough, but Jon Turnbull, champ climber persuaded me on Honey Bros. stand a few years ago, so I bit the bullet and bought some carbon fibre Geckos. Great move. Most of my work is on spikes, and I can wear them all day with no discomfort at all. The alloy Bashlins look good as well, and I'm pretty sure you can get velcro top-wraps for them. Don't by cheapo Forrest Gump spikes. You will hate them and buy more expensive ones anyway!
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I don't get you Arbgirl. I'm 41. TBH, I think some have-a-go heroes have started it, trying to save a few quid, then realised just how likely to die they are and given up. It's starting to sprout regrowth now, and those ladders have been up for ages. You can spot it from miles off, on the east side of Rye. It wouldn't take much to just drop it for them, perhaps they are waiting till logging season when someone will 'do it for the wood'.
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Dog damage?
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Watch out for that power line John......
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I thought he lived in Faversham mate!
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What all the lads have said. So sad. Take comfort from the fact she had a great life, and wouldn't want to suffer. Sorry mate.
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I loved the whole idea of reduced weight, less bulk etc., and 11mm moves around a crown really well. For me, though, I found it too hard on my knackered old hands, and gave me a lot of forearm pain. If you want to try before you buy and are going to Jonesies show next week I have 40m of Blaze, single spliced eye, little used that you can have. If you like it you can send me the dollars (very good deal available!), if you don't you can post it back. Let me know mate. I've put that much weight on recently I'll be on 15mm soon....
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Read the small print Ady! One of my biggest ever jobs came from a (very poor) £15 ad in a Parish magazine. More luck and good timing than great business sense. Leaving a few good quality flyers or business cards with each customer (to hand to neighbours, friends and family) is a better way forward IMO.
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You do jest mate, surely?
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Leaflet drops will generate work, but they will also put certain potential customers off. Those customers, and you can call them snobby if you like, may well be the richer ones with more tree work! It's a good short term fix if you have no work, but I think you could be damaging your credibility and reputation in the long run. I never use any services that introduce themselves with flyers through my door. Mind you, I am dead posh and snobby.
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This pop has been left like this for at least 6 weeks in Rye, East Sussex. 20 foot ladder, platform, 20 foot ladder, old fashioned block and 3-strand, huge tear on 12" diameter stub. I'm wondering if these guys realised their lives are worth a bit more, and left the job. Not a DIY tree by any means. Must be 70' to the tip. Question is, would it be wrong to pop one of Plippys business cards through the letterbox?
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Look on the bright side Andy. At least she doesn't want a horse.
