Old story

Do not look too closely at the photo. I know it is very poor but it is there just to show you how close the sea was to the Army Camp in Hong Kong, well the New Territories really.

I write this because my American friend told me that to live where he does is Utopia as the weather is near perfect.

I think I have mentioned it before but when I had to do my National Service, I was eventually posted out to Hong Kong. Most will not realise this but it is on the Tropic of Cancer line and the weather was generally great. Mind you, I was so young as most of us were. most under 19 virgins and very immature. I wished many years later that I had been a few years older. I would then have appreciated things more.

I arrived in Hong Kong in April 1956. The summer was almost upon us. I do believe that we were wearing Olive Greens (OG). In the winter we wore Battledress as normal. In the summer months morning Parade was about 8.00am. Work then commenced until noon. The afternoon was free. Most either went to the sea, less than 50yds away or we just lay on our beds.we called the beds, pits. The photo just shows you how near the sea was to our Camp. Although the weather did get hot at times, we really never seemed to notice it. All I can remember about the heat was that if you left anything metal in the sun e.g a spanner, after about 5 minutes it was not possible to pick it up without a piece of cloth. There also seemed to be no dangerous insects about although we had to take an anti malaria tablet every day. Every morning we did bang the heel of our boots just in case anything crawled inside them but never heard of anything being caught. Where we were stationed was on the mainland. Hong Kong itself was so small. In 1897 I think G.B leased Hong Kong and the New territories for 100 years. The New territories was part of mainland China. The border was heavily secured by I think 3 lots of barbed wire. I never saw any patrols though. Anyway we were stationed on the Mainland about 17 miles from the Capital of the Mainland called Kowloon. Very Americanised it was. We were at a place called Castle Peak Bay. A lovely place. The South China Sea was as you can see very near to us. The tide hardly moved much at all. The water was very clear and during the summer months very warm. There were no Chinese people at all , whether they were allowed on the beach I very much doubt. It really was almost a perfect climate. Diseases were not common although a rash called Tina which was controlled by the use of Gentian Violet. No need to tell you what colour the cream was. Another irritant was Hong Kong ear. Not serious at all but if you caught it, three or four days out of the sea cured it. The worst was Prickly Heat which a few managed to get. Uncomfortable for those who had it. Thankfully only a few did. All the time I was there which was about 16 months we only had one alert about a typhoon. We put all the lorries and jeeps in a big circle, just like the wagons in those westerns. We tied them down but the next morning all we seemed to have was what we would call here, a gale. The sea was a little rough though. Still that is not bad at all. Yes we had rain but it was seasonal and I did not notice any prolonged dry spells. To be honest taking all into consideration, I think the weather was almost perfect. In the winter it did turn cooler. I know a few lads went into the sea on Christmas Day just to say they had been for a swim on that day. To be honest, I think that perhaps an electric fire would be handy on the coldest of days but I guess it would not be used more than half a dozen times in a year.

Just a little more about the camp. I guess there would be 120 or so guys there we were a squadron so anybody who knows about Armed Forces would know how many there would be. The Camp was adjacent to the main road, which if one looks carefully one can see. Crossing the road led to a dirt path and led to the beach. Most of us didn't wear plimsoll's(the official issue) until the weather got too hot for us to walk barefoot.

About once a fortnight we would go into Kowloon. The cinemas were all Air Conditioned and in the more modern Cinemas the seats would recline. On entering you would be given a synopsis of the film. If you read it, you knew exactly what the plot was and the outcome was written down. So if you read it there was no need to see the film. It was always a funny leaving the Cinema. I always found it a little hard to breathe properly for a minute or so. The difference in temperature was rather large.

I think I have rambled on long enough. really it was only to tell you about the great climate they have out there. Mind you, now in Hong Kong and I guess Kowloon too pollution is a huge problem. Over 50 years ago, no such problem.

This is the last blog of 2010 so I wish all who bother to read my rubbish a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous 2011. More hopefully next year.

Update

Now to the update or saga of prescriptions.
I heard nothing at all on Thursday, as I said before, I had to go to Hospital to see my Consultant. He really is a great guy and we are friendly, he always calls me by my christian name. Anyway the first thing he said was to wish me a Happy Christmas, then we went into his consulting room. He looked at my latest blood tests told me he was happy as everything was normal. I then mentioned to him that the toxic drug that he originally prescribed was not available to me on a repeat order. He then told me that he had instructed his assistant several months ago to write to each G. P requesting them to be put on repeat. Mind you, I would not pay him in washers, he is only a Specialist Nurse, but he thinks he is the Consultant in charge. I don't rate him at all. Saying that, my Consultant asked me if I would see him the next appointment. I said yes to him. He told me finally that he would remind him to write to the G.Ps. Whether he does write to all G.Ps I doubt it.
Anyway when I arrived home I waited in vain for my order from the Pharmacy. I did not sleep too well on Thursday night because 2 of my medications are almost finished and I would certainly have enough to last me over a prolonged Christmas break. So early Friday morning I rung the Pharmacy, I was put in touch with some woman, who at first told me to re.order. I told her in no uncertain manner that I had ordered the prescription and I had proof. She then told me to wait a minute. Almost immediately I heard my name mentioned the woman then came back and told me that there would be a delivery later that day. I then asked her to find out how many items were going to be delivered as I should have 5. She confrimed that there would be 5. Thank goodness I received my prescription late Friday afternoon so I once again have sufficient.
I wonder just how many people are treated this way? As we get older, I think they try to take advantage of us. Thank goodness I had proof of ordering. Oh well let's hope 2011 will be a better year for all. More soon.

What a performance

The title says it all.
On Monday morning I went into town to make an appointment to see a Dr. No point in phoning as they are generally engaged or do not answer because they are dealing with those wanting to make an appointment. My appointment was for 10.00am. I was surprised because I got there early and the Dr. saw me early. I explained to him that I had a medication that I could not repeat myself. He was very good, explained all to me. The reason being that the prescription was originally issued by the Hospital Dr. They arrange for me to have blood forms and when I have to go for tests. He then informed me that they do not get the results of the blood tests so they do not know if they are doing right with issuing these toxic tablets. He went on the web and then spent about 10 minutes showing me all the rules they are now having to follow. I also asked him to take my B.P as the last time I went for a Blood Test it was high. Unfortunately it was even higher. He told me that he would double the dosage I was on to control my hypertension. He then said to me he would give me 1 months supply of the toxic drug but he asked me to mention the problem to my Consultant when I see him, which incidentally is tomorrow.
He saw me out of his surgery shaking my hand, I then went to the Nurse in the Pharmacy in the Surgery. I explained to her that I now had several prescriptions. She informed me that if I wished I could go to the chemist and collect these new prescriptions now. I told her that I would wait until all were ready. She then told me that I would not get the others as I had not ticked the boxes. I asked her to lend me a pen, ticked the boxes and gave them to her. She told me that she would send them off to the Main Pharmacy and they would be delivered. Yesterday afternoon, Nick the delivery man bought a small package. I immediately said to him "Is that all?" He told me that this was all that was issued. I opened the packet. It was the hypertension tablets, the increased dosage. Now this morning, he came again with another small package. He saw me looking funny and realised that this was not a complete order. I once again opened the package, inside was a repeat of the increased dosage of my hypertension tablets and my toxic drugs. None of the remainder was there. I reminded him what had happened, he left saying he would sort it out. He came back about 5 minutes later saying that the pharmacy had informed him that I had not ordered them. I told him what had happened and he said he remembered me telling him yesterday. I gave him the repeat 5 mg of tablets. He was astounded, I went to fetch what he had delivered to me yesterday, he looked carefully at them, did not know what to say but I told him it was not his fault but they often get things wrong. He was full of apology I told him not to worry. He then told me he would deliver to me tomorrow. I then informed him that I would not be in for several hours as I had an appointment at Hospital. He just told me that he would make sure I did get them. If the people in the Pharmacy was as conscientious as he is then all would be well. I will wait and see what happens.

Busy

Recently I have been busy, yesterday morning was taken up by going to the surgery, collecting my State Pension and getting things that I need for the week, namely milk and bananas.
Last night I was on the phone to my friend in Derbyshire, time went by and was talking to him for over an hour. Immediately rung off, the phone went. I thought it was my friend queering some comments that we had been discussing, but no. It was the man who took over my old business. he still keeps in contact with me although it was late 1997 when I sold it to him. Once again talk was long and it was again well over the hour. I finally decided that my blog would wait. Anyway, I have not too much to say anyway.
the weather is the main talking point everywhere you go. It has been so very cold for well over a month. It reminded me of an old Railway Driver who told me this old saying. By the way he told me that it came from an old farmer. "Ice in November to bear a duck, nothing much after but sludge and muck". So much for that old saying. Mind you, to be honest it has been generally a good yardstick in previous years.
Finally an update as to my Securities. I am sorry not to have reported this immediately but last week I disposed of Vodafone and yesterday, I sold National Grid. I made about 10% plus profit on each Security. All I have at the moment are Lloyds Banking Group and Aviva.
To be honest, I think I will just take a back seat for now as I truly expect a correction in the Stock Market within the next few months. All I wanted to do was to earn more than one could get on any savings account. To be honest to get more than 3% with instant access is a very good return so me getting over 10% is satisfactory.
Tonight or tomorrow we may get more snow. I hope not because on Thursday I am due at Hospital for a check up. More soon.

Recent Snow

It is the recent bad weather that bought to mind a story about a young guy. This was around 1973. He was a Young college student, very well spoken, a businessman's son. He used to visit me occasionally. One day he came to see me and told me that he had been turned down by this girl. Incidentally she was a stunner. He told me he could not understand it and asked her why. He then told me she just said to hm "Why does the sun shine", I told him to try to forget her. When he was 17 his father gave him a car, I only saw him on odd occasions after that. Well he went to University and the first Christmas he came home, for two reasons, first to get money from his father and to try again for the girl he wanted. He was successful in one out of two, namely getting money from his father.
Anyway he called to see me over the Christmas vacation, there was snow on the ground and parked his car, came to see me and have a coffee. Eventually leaving, getting into his car, a few minutes later he was back. I asked him what was wrong, he then told me his car would not move. I said to him I would go and see what was wrong. He got in the car, started it then put it in gear tried to move off and his wheels just slipped on the icy snow. I then tapped on the widow. he wound the window down, I then told him to put his car into 2nd gear, do not engage the clutch quickly and gradually put his foot on the accelerator. He did this and away he went. A couple of days later, when the snow had almost gone, he came in to thank me. I just told him that this was the norm. When we were his age, the lads who had cars would pass on any tips about driving, this way we learned many things. I told him also that every winter there should be some weighty things in the boot to help with traction. He took it all in and left. It must be remembered that all cars then were rear wheel driven, all cars were made of steel. any dent in the wing or anywhere else was hammered out and if a filler was required filled then repainted. Every garage had a panel beater or someone who was capable of repairing dents. Tyres were only cross ply and very thin. Anyway I never saw him again.
This is not the end of the story though, it would be, I guess 3 years or so later, two guys who used to hang around with him were in the Restaurant. I heard one of them mention his name. It was an unusual name. Anyway. on hearing his name mentioned, I listened to the conversation. It went something like this. "Did you hear about *****?" No, what about him?" Well, he's in prison for living off immoral earnings". It seems that he had about 3 prostitutes working for him. I was astounded, he was such a quiet unassuming young man. It just shows you, you never know about someone until you live with them, then you do not always know. More useless stuff soon.

Old Tale

This story was bought to mind by watching an episode of Poirot on Sky. It was one where he was mistaken for a newspaper celebrity that if a member of the public accosted him with a copy of the newspaper and stated that he was the said man, he would be rewarded with a cash sum.
Well, remember I mentioned the Carnival well in the Carnival Programme it stated something similar. It said something like. If you see Mr Personality carrying a programme and challenge him, you will win £5. It is only the first person to challenge him successfully but it runs for 6 days. Sunday to Friday.
Well this was I think in 1970. The programmes cost 1/- or 5p now.
I employed a young student who was always trying to catch me out. He never did though. I decided to get one over him. I have mentioned the Fish Shop over the road. The proprietor was not particularly friendly. It seemed that everyone who was new to business, they were ignored. It took me about 5 years before they realised that I was there to stay.
Well the Fish Shop sold wet fish on a Friday, I think that was the only day he sold wet fish. I had also noticed that he also wore a straw boater only of course when he sold wet fish.
Well I told this lad, who I got to know well worked with me in the kitchen. I suggested that he buy a programme because I knew who Mr. Personality would be but did not know exactly which day he would be the one. He didn't believe me at first but I convinced him so much that eventually he bought a programme.
I was very serious when I told him who it was. I made him promise me that he would never tell anyone. He agreed. I then told him that when the man in the Fish Shop wore his straw boater, he was then Mr. Personality for that day but he must hurry up because it was only the first person to challenge him successfully that won the £5.
Anyway the day came, a Friday, I told him as soon as I saw the straw boater on the Fishmongers head. He dashed over with his programme. It took me all my time not to laugh, anyway I didn't hear what went on but I saw. The l;ad came back red faced. I asked him if he got his £5. All he would say was that the Fish Shop man told him to piss off and not to be so bloody stupid and stop wasting his time.
I just laughed heartily, mind you he never tried to catch me out ever again.
By the way, yes that was the same Fish Shop man who became very friendly years later. More soon.

Slight Thaw

Just a quick note, today has been a little warmer, the temperature did reach 4c. That was as high as it managed and to be honest, walking was treacherous. My postman called and told me that a Lorry had just slipped off the road a few hundred yard away, I think it made him more careful.
Now to something different. L have had Sky since I came here and before that. As I have been here almost 18 years you have some idea as to how long. Anyway I have had Sky+ for several years but the last few months it has begun to play up. Finally all I had on my hard drive disc was 2 hours of recording time. I think it originally had 80 hours. I have never had a service contract as I do not think they are value for money. Originally it cost £50 a year, my mate's Brother has a contract and it costs him about £90 a year. Anyway I had through the post an offer stating that if I took a self set up. a H.D box would be sent free, also delivery would be free and for a bonus 2 months free viewing but I must sign up for a 1 year contract. As a call out would cost about £95 to repair my Sky+ with no guarantee that it would last, I decided to order the H.D.Box. Yesterday my mate came and set it all up and got it working. All I had to do was ring Sky so that they could authorise the card so that it worked.
Yes now I have H.D. T V. Am I impressed? NO not really, to be honest I can not see much difference at all. Mind you I do not see too good, however the good thing is that I have a new box with a new remote control. Am I pleased that I changed? Yes but whether I carry on after the 1 year I am not sure. I think too much has been made about H.D.T.V. Still it may be me. Perhaps after a few weeks I will change my mind. More soon.

Dogs

No! I haven't gone to the dogs, well I don't think so but this is about dogs. A friend will understand.
Now as anyone who reads this blog will realise that I am on toxic drugs. This means that I have to have regular blood tests. At first it was every 14 days then gradually to every month now after about 2 years I am allowed to have a blood test every 3 months. I tell this because I used to get the same Nurse to take my blood. We became friendly and eventually she would talk of other things. I take her tomato plants each year. She told me about her Parrot. She was upset because she had only bought the parrot less than 6 months. The cost was £1000. Well she decided to buy another young Parrot. Her husband started to train it to talk with the odd expletive but she was and is thrilled that the bird is talking and very much a part of the family. Again this cost £1000. She bought photos to show me, she had an old Labrador and a young poodle . I remarked that it looked like an Apricot Poodle, she confirmed to me that it was. I remarked that they were not common at all.
Well early this year, she told me that her husband and her had discussed whether to let her dog(bitch) have a litter of pups. She knew of a dog Poodle which was Apricot. Now remember I am now not seeing her too often. The next time I saw her, she had took her bitch to the dog, she told me the first time her bitch was not cooperative at all but the next time she laughed and told me she could not get to the dog soon enough. She told me the coupling was good and although a second meeting was advised, she was sure that it had been a success. The cost she told me was £50. If tit was a blank, no refund was given.
I was angry because I went to see my Consultant at Louth Hospital and he wished me to have a blood test immediately. I went back to my local surgery but my regular nurse was not available. I saw another who I knew well. I was telling her about the other Nurse and her Poodle, she then told me that she had been with her Granddaughter to see the pups. 9 originally but 2 died. She then told me that her Granddaughter was disappointed because the Parrot did not talk. I told her that it was perhaps just as well as the parrot sometimes swore. We laughed.

Now luckily enough the other day I went for a blood test. Yes it was with my old Nurse. She gave me all the information and showed me the photos. They looked cute. She had 7 surviving dogs 5 bitches and 2 dogs. Originally when we discussed the cost of the pups. The woman whose dog was used told the Nurse to advertise them on the Internet and charge £700 each. She told me that she didn't think they would sell. I told her about my younger Sister. She wanted a Chihuahua, I told her I called it a glorified rat but everyone to their taste. I could not remember just how much she paid but it was well over £200. This was about 6 years ago. Now my Sister lives in Scotland and I told her she came to Wragby to get this dog, they called it Wragby after the place it was purchased. That cheered her up a bit.
Now she told me that she advertised them on the Internet. Young bitches £750 and the dogs £700 for each one. She told me that for a week, nothing then they were inundated with enquiries. She told me that she had 2 left. One dog was sold and would be collected shortly and she was keeping one for herself. Now she had to register them with the Kennel Club. She told me this was costly. I never ask anything about price so I do not know how much it costs. She told me that there is an annual fee but it was not too expensive. I asked her if she was going to put her bitch to a dog again, she told me that it was highly unlikely but the young bitch she is keeping will perhaps be put to a dog eventually.
Finally this brought to me a good colleague who passed away several years ago. He used to come in to my place every weekday, he was a window cleaner but never charged me at all as I always gave him his morning tea, we used to have a little get together putting the world right, there would be about 6 of us. Anyway one day when we were alone, he told me that him and his wife was going to make a fortune. I asked him with what and it was sometime before he told me. He was going to breed dogs. Now they had a Pekineses bitch, he had shown it a couple of times. He told me a judge went over to see them and told them they would not win until they had been showing for about 6 months, the bitch was a beautiful dog and would certainly start to win regular. When he told me this. I told him that if he made any money, I would pull my hair out by the roots. Well unfortunately they spent a fortune preparing everything but unfortunately did not have Internet access so they failed dismally. Mind you I did not realise just how much money some folks will pay for pedigree dogs. I hope my friend from the Peak District is taking notice. Enough of this for tonight. More soon.

Carnival

This was reminded to me by my American friend whose blog is well worth a look. Far better than mine.
Anyway, when I first started my business in the late 60s early 70s there was what was called a Carnival Parade. This had been going on for quite a few years before I started. It was always the case, most locals moaned stating that the Carnival, which ran for a week was not of any use to the youngsters as they were at school. It was also known as the last week of the season. It was originally started to prolong the Summer Season another week. Carnival week started the first Monday in September, the children going back to school on the Tuesday. The Parade itself was on the following Saturday. This day was a little better than the preceding 5 because they were of little or no use at all.
In those early days, most Holiday Camps closed their door at the end of September, the last 2 weeks were reserved for owners only. There were a couple of private sites that closed on October 15th. It was then a long winter.
Over the years though Holiday Camp sites changed hands and the season was extended to the end of October. This did make the season last although in general, it was only at the week ends that trade was brisk. The Parade which was always on the last day was altered. It was then decided that the Carnival would be in I think early August and the Parade was on the Sunday, really starting the Carnival week.
Over the years, there were many regulars who came to take part. I remember one in particular. A fellow dressed up as Old Mother Riley. He was very good. He used to come in and have lunch every season. It was as I was nearing my lease end that he told us that reluctantly this was to be his final appearance as it was getting too much for him. I decided to give him the meal and a thank you for the pleasure that he had given so many, and of course the monies that he had helped to generate for charities.
The most complaints we had was the distance that the Parade took. Many were children of tender years and to march. or rather walk for about 90 minutes was too much for them. It was really well supported though.
Unfortunately the last few years, I lost contact as I was on the sea front with my business so missed the Parade.
I will tell you this though, there was one display of a Spitfire, it was to fly past the playing fields. As I was on the sea front, I had a perfect view. It was brilliant as it did 2 fly pasts. I can not just remember how much it was but the organisers told me that the insurance was astronomical and it was definitely a one off. I managed to see it for free. a sight I will never forget. I guess this was in 1994 or thereabouts. More soon.

Record Temperatures

What a few days we have had here in the U.K. On Friday morning the temperature at 11.00am was minus 4c. do believe this is about 24f. Today has been even colder, I went out for my State Pension at 9.30am and the temperature was minus 6c. 21f. I was not fortunate enough to get all of my State Pension as the Post Master informed me that he had not had a delivery since last Wednesday so he had to restrict everyone because there was a shortage of money. I have never known anything like this at the seaside and I have lived here over 40 years.
Yesterday my postman called, he told me that it was the first day he had delivered mail to me since Wednesday last week. On Thursday and Friday, the sorting office was instructed not to venture out at all, on Saturday the country deliveries were suspended but the town deliveries went ahead. So it seems as if most things ground to a halt.
I did manage to get out on Sunday though to get some fresh mil a d bananas. I planned today that as I was going to the dentist, I would call on at the local shop and get some vegetables. Unfortunately the veg shop was closed. To be honest, I thought it might be as they sell produce from their Son and Daughter's small holding near Boston.
I eventually went to the Dentist, he told me that the temperature this morning when he set off was minus 15c about 5f. He then told me that he had about 2ft of snow where he lived and could not get to work until yesterday. I guess we have to be thankful for living near the sea as all we had was about 6" After all of that he finally extracted my loose tooth, he told me that he thought it was broken but he was not going to dig the root out, this suited me. He then suggested to me that I wait for an addition to my plate because he could not guarantee the plate would be returned before Christmas. I agreed so I have another appointment in early January.
My mate who lives in Skegness informed me that his Mother is not well. To be honest, I just don't know how she has lived for so long. The last time I saw her she was very frail. Anyway, all this means is that I do not know if he will be calling to see me this week. I have been fortunate really as he comes about once a fortnight and brings me what I have ordered. All I do is feed him and if there are any jobs I want doing he readily does them for me. It may be that I will have to go to visit him myself if he cannot get to me. I have told him, he must not leave his Mum alone for long. More soon.

Weather

The cancellation of Lincoln Christmas Market reminded me of a story my Accountant gave me many years ago. To put you in the picture as to my Accountant's mind worked I will just say this. He once told me that he could not save me any money at all as I was single. However if I had a house full of kids he could save me lots. I remarked that if I had a houseful of kids, I would not be in business.
Not to the story. He always called to see me on Boxing Day every year. This Boxing Day, I guess it would be around 1983, he came in and we were having a drink of coffee when he said to me that I was in the wrong trade. I asked him to explain more. He then said something like this. " You know the new Lincoln Market?"I said yes although I did not know of it's existence. He went on" This man who is a one man band went there to sell the Father Christmas hats. I guess you have seen them, they are all the rage." I must admit that they were seen in abundance so I said I had seen them. He then went on to say " He bought them at 25p each and sold them at 50p each and made £5000 profit." I asked him in how many days did he take to sell them. He retorted, that this was in a day. I immediately said to him " Never on your life, it is impossible to take that sort of money being a one man band especially as the Market was only open for about 5 hours and I think at the time was only a 2 day Market" He told me that he was only there for a day, I then started to work things out. I told him that to make £5000 he would have to sell 10,000 hats. he readily agreed. I then suggested to him that to make things easier to work out, I would say that he worked for 5 hours a day for 2 days making a sale of 1000 hats on an average in 1 hour. I reminded him that this would mean about 1 hat every 4 seconds maximum. I suggested to him that he could not give the change to the customers in such a short time as everyone would not have a 50p piece handy. I then reminded him that this was for 5 hours continuous serving, not taking into consideration as to how the hats would be packed. I presumed in boxes of 144. This would mean over 30 boxes to be stored and of course opened when more were needed. I told him it just was not possible to do as a one man unit, and this was giving extra time to what he had been told. Anyway after about 2 minutes of silence, he looked at me and then said, " You are right, if you put it that way it is definitely not possible." I then said to him ,"What other way can one put it?" He then said to me that on reflection it was a silly thing he had been told and told me to forget it.
I mentioned this to my best pal, he told me that most Accountants worked on figures and not logic. Just put a lot of figures in front of them and they will work out all sorts of permutations he told me. He also told me that there are 3 necessary evils in this world. Estate Agents, Solicitors and Accountants. I just said to him, I wonder if I was the biggest fool for employing him. Unfortunately, all Accounts had to be presented to the local Tax office by an Accountant. At that time, most towns in England had a local Income Tax office. The nearest one to me was about 20 miles away. Anyway I didn't try to sell any Father Christmas hats. More soon.

Windows part 2

As I had to wait until I had enough money to have built an extension instead of the conservatory it was 2 years but was well worth it, apart from the John Carr windows. Eventually I decided to have one front window taken out and French Doors in UPVC fitted in the place where the window was. I also had a front door fitted in UPVC. I had originally an entrance lobby, small but it was draughty. It certainly stopped much of the draughts. Then one by one I had all the other windows replaced. By now the local Council had jumped on the band wagon and insisted that all new replacement double glazing had to be inspected by one of their representatives, at a cost to anyone who has had them fitted. I can't remember just how much it cost but they send a certificate stating they comply with Building Regulations. Anyway I had them all done with the exception of my garage window and door. My mate has an account with a UPVC windows and doors firm so he ordered a new door and window, he did the fitting and I was just the labourer. As it went well he suggested, about 4 years ago that we could replace the soffits fascia barge boards and guttering. This, he said would finally complete the whole bungalow.
We started the work in November, it was cold but he knew what he was doing, we stripped everything down except the gable ends. It took us about 3 days to complete, his brother took the old guttering away. I kept the main barge boards for the edging to a path. The only snag we hit was when we came to fit the guttering on. It started to rain, it is surprising just how much water runs off the roof. We both were soaked but we did finish it.
By the way, the whole lot cost us less than $1000. oop. Quotes were around £4500 and all they would do is attach the plastic to the existing wood. Anyway all I have is one door that is not connected to the property, whether I will change that I doubt very much. The best of it is, now all I have to do is wash the plastic down occasionally and it still comes up like new. Much cheaper and far less work than painting.
Had a phone call today from the Dental Surgery, I have another appointment date, next Tuesday. He was not at work again today, the receptionist told me that there was 14" of snow where he lives. More soon.