This morning Tony and Cole of Solent Scaffolding erected the scaffolding to the western gable end of our house in readiness for refurbishment that was even needed when we bought it.
They were very happy to be photographed at work, the intense concentration required for this precise and potentially dangerous task somewhat belying their friendliness and humour. It was a pleasure to watch them and to learn the intricacies of what I thought of as adult Meccano to which Cole added Lego.
There was so little room beside the house for their equipment that it
was necessary for their van to be parked next door in North Breeze’s drive, and for
Cole to carry the poles and pass them to Tony over the dividing fence, where the confined space was negotiated.
The couplings (probably not their technical term) were carefully attached to the poles at their required joins, every section carefully
measured with a tape measure and tightened by Tony.
The topmost level was managed by Cole,
who also set the signage in place.
Tony
walked the planks in a last examination.
Their labour was made more difficult by the extreme humidity of the day on which they had two more jobs to carry out.
This evening we all dined on Jackie’s wholesome shepherd’s pie; firm broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots; tender runner beans, and tasty gravy, with which she drank Hoegaarden and I drank more of the Nerello Mascalese.
Are you having the paint refreshed? The guys seem very happy to be photographed!
Yes and yes, John. Thanks very much
Nice, fresh paint is good.
Scaffolding is skilled work. I admire the speed at which competent scaffolders can work when the consequences of a mistake can be so serious.
Absolutely, Tootlepedal. Thanks very much
I’m impressed with the qualify and care of most of your workmen. Beautiful job.
Thank you very much, Pat. We are blessed with them
Quite a job. I never thought of a business of putting up scaffolding before.
Thanks very much, Merril. Something easily taken for granted
It is!
You seem to have made an excellent choice in having Tony and Cole undertake this potentially dangerous refurbishment.
Thanks very much, Rosaliene. Nick, the decorator arranged it. He was recommended by Barry, the chimney sweep – that is how we get the best.
That must have been a very tricky proposition to erect safe scaffolding in such a confined space.
Yes. Tony said they have had much worse. Thanks very much, Liz
You’re welcome, Derrick.
Thumbs up! and YAY! to these two brave, wonderful, knowledgeable workers! Bravo to Cole and Tony!!
And you captured it all in your superb photos, Derrick!
(((HUGS))) ❤️❤️❤️
PS…I like to watch men work. (wink)
Thanks very much, Carolyn 🙂
Aerial artist at work Derrick …
Absolutely, Ivor. Thanks very much
Interesting perspectives. Tony and Cole certainly seem to know what they’re doing. Now, they are famous!
Thanks very much, JoAnna. They certainly inspired confidence
Your photos gave me an idea of the work done by Tony and Cole. Thank you.
Much appreciated, Lakshmi
I love work. I could watch it all day. 😉
Thanks very much, Chrissy
Meccano, now there is a big memory nudge. My overriding memory was never having enough parts to complete a planned project.
Thanks a lot, Andrew
Putting up scaffolding is certainly a very exact science, and with good reason!
Thank you very much, John
Obviously no one here has a fear of heights
Actually Tony told me many of them have to learn to conquer it. Thanks a lot, Sheree.
Interesting
I am always amazed at the speed that scaffolders erect the poles and platforms.
Thank you so much, Sue. I’ve never really studied it before
The fresh paint should be drying quickly due to the heat we’ve all been having!!
Thanks very much, GP
They appear to be hard workers. Good luck with the renovations.
Thanks very much, Eugi
You’re welcome, Derrick.
Three cheers for brave and competent souls. You’ve captured a terrific portrait of Tony, Derrick. I imagine the keeper of their website would welcome several of your interesting photos. Nicely done.
Thank you so much, Alys
Wow – This is a fascinating look at a job I had never even knew existed. To have to put these things up and then feel confident to let others walk upon them is quite a task. You must need nerves of steel and to not be afraid of heights (obviously). And then to have to do TWO more in the summer heat. That’s quite a day’s work!
Clever lads 🙂 … not an easy task getting all those bits in the right place at the right time. 🙂
Thanks very much, Widders
A real photoshoot 🙂
Thank you very much, Ribana
How nice to have jovial gents work on one’s house. Tony looks like quite the character!
indeed. Thanks very much, Dale
Quite a job to do on a humid day!
Indeed. Thanks very much, Aletta
That is good, solid scaffolding! I am sorry the humidity was so high. That is hard to work in.
Thanks very much, Lavinia
You took some great portraits here, Derrick. I always enjoy the interest you take in people working at your home. I am impressed with the amount of work you two have had done there. A constant project.
Thank you so much, Crystal