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.