Minotaur

Alex where abouts in the Uk are you? Rupe has it just about spot on re; the employed/self employed situation. Going forward, do your costings as recommended by Beezy, then approach your boss armed with the info, ask for a raise. Wait to see what his response. Remember you are not just asking for a raise, you have to explain why you need it and deserve it. In the meantime and after, you need to be approaching as many companies/estates etc as possible to get more subby work. Also try/think about getting your own work. Good luck

As previous posts, courses will stand you in good stead and give you a fuller understanding of Chainsaw user and maintenance. However, 31 - small trees is def a good course to do, in your position a must! As you plan to use and keep the saw long term, its either a Stihl - 026/260/261 - all developments of the same saw Or Husqvarna 550 or 560 xpg. would all do a job. Do a search here and you will find a fair bit of debate on the ins out outs of the above and similar size models and the manufacturers. Personally I wouldn't buy anything else. Good luck and hope it all pans out

@ Paul, nothing personal there just meant in jest again the organising committee! I honestly can't understand why anyone thinks its a good idea to create anything that is going to increase the cost, particularly to the majority of us one man/small operators. Then you have the question of skills base, what about the guy who has 10, 15, 20 years experience but no tickets except his 30/31? PLenty people out there have never taken an NPTC ticket for chipper, brushcutter/polesaw, reductions, rigging, etc, etc. Yet you seem to indicate that everyone would have to qualify for a level playing field! Its never going to happen - how many chaps on here would be willing to spend their hard earned cash to get a 'brushcutter/polesaw' ticket, or a chipper ticket? If this were to be brought in, who confirms/assesses what we are doing? Our peers? If so who is going to pay them to come and assess us? Most people aren't trained to assess others, so there will be no 'standard'. Any person /company can claim to be unfairly/harshly treated, or someone can do another a favour - you scratch my back etc! Self funding - so this is funded by more money that we have to pay, to gain a tick in the box, to prove that we can, or are able to do, what we are currently doing. I think this whole thing is going too far, it should maybe be roled out for bigger companies: Utility Arb Co.s, larger Forestry Co's, and Contractors llike Glendale etc. Why is it that there are private entities/companies on the 'R2 steering group'? If this is going to be fair level then thee should be no companies or private individuals involved,

Paul in France - where abouts in the GERS are you? My parents have lived down there for 20 odd years, I love it out there, so peaceful and the Basque people are friendly bunch. What sort of fire you got? Open, burner, etc? Is it ocassional orare you relying upon to provide most of your heat during the winter months? Woodworks - good on you for giving it a go, I think we all know what the results will be, but will be interesting to note the % loss.

Some good advice on here, Beezy. At the end of the day everyone has their own comfort levels when dealing with babes/toddlers/kids, and it can take a fair it of getting used to. If the Mrs' has a good/well paid job, then maybe some sort of part time or self employed mix might work for you. Ballymac looks to have a good balance, but as I said, each to their own. What works for one, may not work for you. I think alot of it comes down to temperament and maturity. Where about in Kent are you? How far afield do/can you travel for work? Good luck

I am a qualified HSE First Aid Instructor, Expedition Medic and Community First Responder, so have a pretty good understanding of the pro's and con's of Compression only CPR. As Vermeer said, the reason for the compression only CPR is to encourage more people to step forward and have a go! Many people stand and stare because they are frightened, don't know what to do, etc. However, by encouraging the general public to have a go at compression only CPR, and with VJ as the personality, they are hoping more people will have a better chance of survival. Compression CPR is better than no CPR, however, CPR done at the industry standard: 30 compressions, followed by 2 rescue breaths (good seal around the mouth) watching the chest rise as you do it, 30 compressions, 2 rescue breaths, etc, etc. Is a whole lot better. I have been in the postion of having administered CPR on a number of ocassions and the first time in particular it is very daunting, even when you have had lots of training! There is often, bile, puke, phlegm, spit, blood, etc in or around the mouth, so a face mask of some kind is essential if you are going to give it a go! But, a paper bag or similar with a hole placed over the face will surfice, avoid contact with the eye area if at all possible, but most important are COMPRESSIONS.

Sorry, but I don't think this is going to happen, no disrespect to anyone, but if a company has a choice between an experienced and physically able individual and one less physically so, then they are going to choose the one who can put in the graft. Just makes common sense. Perhaps you should be looking to use the skills of these more mature individuals as Surveyors, trainers and /or Consultants. Or perhaps the AA can employ them!! We live in a competitive world, survival of the fittest! I want to make it clear that I am not a younster at all, turner 47 last week, so know what its like! I have been fit and able all my life, bar a stint at 19 when I had an aggressive Cancer, survived that and have got on with my life, but I am starting to age - don't recover as quickly as I used to from a haed days work, eye sights not 20/20 anymore, etc, etc! The worlds not 'fair', or a level playing field, you just have to work haed and make the most of all the opportunities that come your way. Chris Coombs

About right there cl3525! Nellie or Staying Alive are fine as long as done at a fairly rapid pace 100+ compressions per minute. 30 compressions, followed by 2 rescue breaths, check and repeat if necessary. If others are about get them to help/take their turn doing compressions, because if its for real, you will not last very long! It is knackering!!

I am very cynical about these self appointed organisations. As I see it this is another group of self appointed organisations/companies/individuals/etc, creating 'their' industry standard, that will benefit them more than any other and bring them income, but cost the Tree Operatives in member fees, training fees, CPD fees, etc, etc. If this is for Utility Contracts, LA Contractors etc, thats one thing, but to enforce this upon the industry as a whole, ie domestic and small companies, at this time - when so many can't find work, pay bills, etc, etc, etc. Is wrong Whats the benefit to TWO? I just see this as an extra cost, most of the 'bad apples' will carry on as they please, because its not worth the time of the authorities - HSE, Police, Legal system etc, to do anything about them. Also who is going to pay all these peers to come along and assess individuals? My opinion, but if one of the steering group members can explain all the ways this would benefit us then I am happy to be persuaded.

Liking that Renault!

Snow socks are only to be usd on snow, if you drive on tarmac with them they will break up very quickly. Onve they get a tiny hole or tear, its game over.

Beware of using any Alcohol/spirit/petrol or chemical products on your skin, it breals down the skins natural protection. Your can also get become allergic to it at any time with no prior warning. Any knowledgeable Dr, particularly Oncologists or Haematologists will give you an instant NO, on any contact with the skin. Also the fumes can similarly cause CANCER. So please be aware. A good friend of my fathers, an exceptionally talented mechanic, suddenly got extreme, Contact Dermatitus, his hands literally starting falling apart. Sadly he was affected so badly with very little medical help, not so much known about it back in the 90's, that he took his own life! Use natural cleaners, nbarrier creams and gloves whereever possible.

Would love to come along,, will keep an eye on the date Chris

We put food out through autumn and winter, and in this weather, quite a bit extra: wild bird feed, suet and fat balls - some bought abd soe home made, nuts, seed, bread and biscuit. The garden has been awash with birds of all shapes and sizes. Love sitting there with a drink, watching the interaction between the different birds. Happy days!

Mk 6 Hilux, current shape since 2005 is stated as being able to tow 2250kg by Toyota in their blurb, however, if you check the Plate it comes in at 2900kg.

Bought a 1.8 Petrol Freelander from a family friend, 3 years old, very careful lady owner, full history, services every 3-5000 miles. Blew the head gasket 3 months later. Land Rover refused to have anything to do with it or make any contribution in any way, shape or form. Do NOT touch a 1.8 petrol version, the engine is not up to the job. If you want it and its good cond etc, look at the possibilty of dropping a TD4 in it. Other wise walk away if price is more than scrap value.

Foley Specialist Vehicles - Folysv.com Agricultural & cross country vehicles - exmod.co.uk Nene overland - nene-overland.co.uk A few I know of that regualerly stock/sell, and prep Land Rover Defender tippers

Quote - Lynecombe Climber: " No tickets but lots of experience with saws from 12 - 24." How did you buy a New MS201 without a ticket??? Plus you can't legally use saws 'commercially' without tickets!???

If I was you I would make a written complaint to the head of planning or Chief Executive, stating that if this happens again you will sue the council for loss of earnings!

Got 10 days away over kids half term, middle of Feb. Skiing for 5 days with the wife and 2 kids, 10 & 8. Its the kids first time, they are loving the dry slope lessons, so hopefully it will be a winner! Our first time in the Pyrenees - my parents have retired to the Gers region of France and the Pyrenees are only a couple of hours away. Found a well priced apartment, owned by a Brit couple, who have been helpful in arranging English speaking instructor for the Kids etc. Really looking forward to it. Then back to my parents for 5 days, which includes 2 or 3 days paid tree work for me. Win win situation. Happy days! Enjoy!!

Love mine! Until it was taken on a family camping weekend - 4 adults, 4 kids - either on of the adults or kids pushed the cork in as it was on the boil, the pressure obviously built up and popped the cork, boiling water jetted out the top, just as the boys walked by! Friends son took the full force, side of face and torso, luckily I had a large container full of fresh cool water to hand and dowsed him in about 5 gallons. He had quite severe burns, but thankfully the local hospital was closeby and were very efficient. He took about 6 months to fully heal! So,please, be very careful to ensure the cork is out or very loose!

Superb attitude Deeco, your drive and determination will take you a long way. I imagine that all goes well in Majorca, on e of the problems will be working in the heat in your PPE. Might be work looking at chaps type trousers, as they would be a fair bit cooler. Good luck!

I got turned over for about £2500 worth of kit end of last year, however, I wasn't insured as the premiums have gone up and up and excesses are over £1000 so reckoned I would save a few quid!! Told of at least three robberies at knife point in South East London in the lead up to Christmas! Two of robberies that took Saws etc, the third they took the van, chipper and saws! These scum are more prolific and getting bolder, someone will end up severely injured or dead sooner or later!

I have a had numerous Land Rovers and Land Cruisers, here in the UK and in Africa, still like both! But would have an 80 or 100 Series Cruiser any day over a Land Rover. Quite simply a 4.2Litre 6 Cylinder Jap built diesel, pisses all over a 2.5 Land Rover lump all day long. All vehilces go wrong from time to time, but I'd prefer to take my chances on the possibly higher LC bills than the constant hassle of a LR. If you have an LC and need advice or probably the best LC mechanic in the UK contact Julian at Overland Cruisers in Ledbury. Chris

Heal well, heal soon!