Progress During August 2007

    August was mainly spent digging out the two trees at the back; digging the first excavations and having the electricity supply connected.

  • The larger of the two tree stumps. As it was uncovered it became clear just how big it was. Estimated to weigh just over a tonne.
  • To provide access for the chainsaw and there isnt space for a stump grinder the roots have to be unearthed. A very slow process.
  • Rope in an attempt to make it fall in a way which isn't on top of me.
  • Small bridge over the tree so I could still excavate with it in the way. Bit precarious.
  • Man with a bigger chainsaw
  • The blade needed to be sharpened every fourty minutes as stones grow into the bark and can't be seen until the chainsaw sparks.
  • Hot air balloons in the distance
  • Before the next excavations
  • Chris trying out the big persuader
  • Hoarding painted by Rob from the PRSC.
  • Trees cut up enough to roll out of the way. They are no longer balanced just above the next excavation. Bit safer. They will be cut up when I have time.
  • The second excavation starts. It joins the first to give more space to swing the sledge and pick axe....
  • ... but I also have a breaker now!
  • Jon having a go with the breaker
  • Firewood for freecycle
  • Firewood for freecycle
  • Anthony in action
  • Second skip full.
  • Digging up the pavement for the electricity connection
  • Electricity workmen help with the skip delivery which appears at the same time
  • Little bit close to the cars because of some miscommunication. I couldnt watch this.
  • Conduit for power cable under my wall.
  • How to splice a live mains cable to connect the spur for my supply.
  • Joining the new spur on wearing big rubber gloves!
  • First stage install leaves a supply head in the temporary supply cabinet
  • Third excavation starts
  • I fitted a decent consumer unit so that it can be used with the final supply too. Bit of an over kill for a tempoary supply. There is also an 80A isolator and single external socket. It is ready for the 3rd stage of the electicity install.
  • Third stage is for Western Power to fit the meter supplier by SWEB. This was then connected to my isolator switch.
  • Pavement filled in.
  • Sides of the hoarding have been painted by SP/SEPR from the PRSC.