Grumbelbum

Another recommendation for Dave from Down The Drain. Called Dave on Monday to come and unblock our drain because it seemed to be backed up and sewage was leaking out onto the garden path ( Ugggghhh!!!) and we arranged for him to come on Tuesday. Dave was trying to find our house for at least 30 minutes and was calling me to ask for directions but my phone was on mute as I had been in a meeting and forgotten to turn it back on. When I eventually called him back and directed him to the house where my husband was waiting, Dave took one look at it immediately informed him that even though the drain was on our properly, it was shared with next door's drainage and therefore we should call Thames Water and get them to clear it for free. My husband asked Dave to please have a look at the blockage anyway, as he was here and (luckily for us) when Dave pulled up the manhole cover the unspeakable horror that I had seen the night before had drained away and it was pretty clear so no intervention was needed. Dave just said goodbye, got back in his van and then called me to explain what had happened and let me know I had nothing to worry about. So despite spending ages looking for us and then finding he had had a totally wasted journey, Dave cheerfully gave his advice to call Thames Water and get the drains cleaned for free, gave my husband some tips on how to keep the drains clear in general and didn't charge us a penny. A really decent guy, lovely to deal with. As soon as I do have a plumbing/drainage problem that needs attention I will certainly be calling Dave again.

Can anyone recommend a supplier for smokeless coal and/or well seasoned wood? The petrol station stuff is awful and I don't have the space to order the gazillion bags required by the big online coal merchants, so I was hoping someone might know of a good local(ish) supplier. This is our first year of having a multi fuel stove and I would like to treat it to something nice:) ??

Steve and Nicola (Back to Wood floor Sanding) did our hallway, kitchen, hall, living room and study back in June and I, like everyone else here it seems, can't recommend them enough. Professional, hardworking, quick and reasonably priced. Left the flat really clean and tidy at the end of each day. Our floorboards, which were in a pretty rubbish state, came up brilliantly and we couldn't be more please. Steve was also very understanding and moved the dates around for me when my husband became ill and I had to reschedule. They deserve all the praise they get on here.

I would also add my recommendation for the guys from 007 handyman. Victor and his team were just brilliant. Professional, hardworking, nothing to much trouble. They boarded our loft, swopped our doors round and redecorated our stairs and hallway, a 5 day job and everything was spotless when we came home at the end of the day. Lovely guys, friendly and utterly honest about what they can and can't do. Also kind and patient. When my husband told Victor that he really wants to learn more about working with wood to build some shelves in our living room, Victor gave advice and even offered to let my husband come and sit and watch Victor build shelves the next time he had a similar job. I honestly can't recommend them enough and 007 Handyman will always be my first phone call when I need anything done in the future. Victor's mobile number: 07885537463. Thank you 007 Handyman :) P & J