Minotaur

I agree with much of the above, however, David I don't think your damage was caused by dogs, it was more likely casued by the mindless moron chav himself - nothing better to do! I live on a quite moddle class estate in Kent, and this happened to about 20 trees on the green outside my front door. I asked around, but guess what? No-one saw a thing!! Things that might help, are some explanation to these idiots at school about the planet, global warming, emissions and the good that trees do. Etc, etc. Also, Pitbulls and anything that is closely resembling one, or any other type of fighting dog should be put down. A couple of years ago I was working in Bethnal Green, London doing a garden clearance and some tree pruning. The garden backed on to the local church yard and there was not side acess to the house. Spoke to the Church - permission granted to drop bagged rubbish over the wall, and drag out via the gates. Anyway, threw a load of bags over the wall and just about to jump down with them, when a Pitbull in full leather harness charged up. The animal was absolutely psychopathic! The drug dealer who owned it had chained the gate into the wall church yard to stop anyone getting in. If anyone had entered or got in to the chaurch yard the dog would have ripped them to pieces, it was scary, seriously. Animals like that should be destroyed, preferably along with their owners!! Rant over

Agree with Silky, must be very satisfying. Really enjoyable thread

Agree with Silky, must be very satisfying. Really enjoyable thread

Hi Kev/Kedi First and foremost if Arb is what you want to do, then investing some of your own time and money shows commitment and is a sound investment. On top of that, the value of the course is fantastic. The cost of CS30/31/38/39 alone come to more than that, and you will learn so much more besides. Make sure you are fit, you will then gain the most from the climbing opportunities you have. Read and take on board as much Arb related info as possible. Network with all the other students on your course, and any courses already running - the more contacts you have the better. Get you name and cv in front of as many local Tree firms as possible - also consider the Forrestry side of things. Offer to do work for a reasonable days money on a trial basis - but don't do it for nothing - your work will always have a value, even if you are only valued as a 'Brash dragging monkey'! Your mechanical skills and maturity should also stand you in good stead, but do not let anyone take the piss. Good luck Chris

Hi Kev/Kedi First and foremost if Arb is what you want to do, then investing some of your own time and money shows commitment and is a sound investment. On top of that, the value of the course is fantastic. The cost of CS30/31/38/39 alone come to more than that, and you will learn so much more besides. Make sure you are fit, you will then gain the most from the climbing opportunities you have. Read and take on board as much Arb related info as possible. Network with all the other students on your course, and any courses already running - the more contacts you have the better. Get you name and cv in front of as many local Tree firms as possible - also consider the Forrestry side of things. Offer to do work for a reasonable days money on a trial basis - but don't do it for nothing - your work will always have a value, even if you are only valued as a 'Brash dragging monkey'! Your mechanical skills and maturity should also stand you in good stead, but do not let anyone take the piss. Good luck Chris

Great looking wrap, it will certainly get you noticed!

Great looking wrap, it will certainly get you noticed!

Will D4d run on bio diesel?

Come on then details, details........please!

One of the most emotional things that can happen to you and your partner, probably the best feelingin the world ever! As Stubby says appreciate it and make the most of every second, as it goes so quickly. Most of all - ENJOY Congratulations. Chris

Hi john will be in touch tomorrow Chris

I am after a bit of advice: I am quoting to remove a tall thin Chestnut that has been hit by a car. The tree is right next to the road in a small Kent village. The culprits insurance will be paying - hopefully! Would a coupe of guys holding the traffic 25 metres either side be sufficient as each section comes down, or would it be best to get proper traffic control? I do not have Chapter 8. So options: 1. Wing it, 2. Traffic Control. 3. Are there any other Kent based firms that do have the necessary's, near Leeds Castle area, who would be interested in helping out? Thanks Chris

I'm in Kent - would be interested in doing a course too.

When I did my cS38/39 one of Glendales guys was on the course with me. He had been with Glendales for a first few years, and he was the lead climber on his team. To say he was dangerous, inept and a liability was an understatement! He was given loads of chances/second chances by the assessor, but was eventually told to get out of the tree. Needless to say he failed!

First of all, I must say that I am a Stihl tool buyer through and through. Until recently I had an SH86 hand held blower/vac and a BR480, owned the backpack unit for about 5 years, yes its bulky but an awesomely powerful piece of kit. Then bought the hand held about 3 years ago, great bit of kit and much less bulky. My backpack blower has taken a back seat for a while, but pulled it out for a new job and it has constantly played up. SO about the third to back to the repair shop and all fixed. Locked it on the back of the van and back to the job, came out a coupke of hours later, and some thieving little scroat has cut the cable an dnicked it! Now my hand held as started playing up - turns out I have broken the fins on the shredder part of the hand held vac unit - they are plastic! This unbalanced the machine and ultimately the vibrations shook loose some bolts and one of them jammed in the motor and seized it! Got a message to say its ready for collection - hopefully repaired and not Fubar'ed. Would say that when they were working both were great bits of kit! Infa86ct just purchased another hand held - Stihl SH

I've got one I bought to help with CTS, it does work but to a limited extent. Soon get bored of the Powerball too! However, I might dig it out and give it another go. Good luck

Can't leaving us hanging like that - pray do tell!

Silky you are an inspiration to us all. Well done to all the guys who offered work. I look forward to the next instalment of 'Silky Fox - the travelling Arborist'

Come on Charlie - where are the pictures?

LR 130 tipper - 2.65m long x 1.85m wide - all measurements of bodies are only applicable to that builder

When I looked at buying a Hilux a few years back, I got different answers from every dealer I went to along with No answer from Toyota GB! If its plated at 2800KG's then it can tow that legally! A friend has a 3.0 Invincible DC, he buillds Horse jumping/eventing courses, so shifts a large Ifor trailer loaded with earth, timber, etc. He said he regularly hits the limit and off the public hiway often exceeeds that, without any problems!

From your description it could be Fireblight - have a good look, then consult this DEFRA page - it is a reportable disease! http://www.fera.defra.gov.uk/plants/publications/documents/factsheets/fireblight.pdf

Just for fun!

Dismsntled a few over the last couple of years in South East London and Kent. Doubt drought or lack of water a responsible - they grow happily in Australian desert like conditions.

Good to hear it went quite well, hope it continues. Hand and mouth hygiene are paramount. Also avoid Salt as must as possible. I was on a pretty massive dose of steroids but had no known side effects - effects were massive appetite, gave energy and fought the weight loss. Stay well and keep positive. Happy to chat anytime you like Chris