Routy56 - can you just....

[Routy56]

Rod sounds like hes enjoying it. I used to drive operate everything. Skip trucks. road sweepers. Rubber ducks. Low loaders. Dozers etc. Not a master of any of them but good experience when a job comes up

He certainly is. Sounds like you're a bit like me, having a go at everything mechanical

 

[Monkeybusiness]

No but we managed to roll our trouser legs up
Funny thing is that just before 'lock down' and all the malarky that preceded it we actually had a small meeting.
We had hand sanitisers and loads of hand washing, some of us still shook hands while others simply numbered elbows.
Obviously all such meetings are now postponed UFN, but we often 'meet up, via Zoom or Teams
We are running a 'buddy system' for our vulnerable members and others in the community.
Proud to have been a Freemason since 1987 and will now tell anyone
View attachment 14959
It's bit like any other club or interest for networking. Many of my customers, especially builders, are Freemasons.
Now, I wonder how many of PlantTalk members are 'On the Square"

You mentioned that you used to be a policeman - isn’t it practically mandatory for coppers to be masons?!

 

[TiltyShaun]

Yes it is Graham - when I say 'his lorry' it's owned by Dig Rent Ltd, the company he works for.
You may recall last up until last year he was a self employed 'dry liner'. He had a few problems with that job.
You don't work, you don't get paid etc! The work was starting to 'beat up' his fit body, he'll be 40 later this year
So we had a long chat about his future with my youngest daughter etc. and he said that he actually fancied being a lorry driver.
'Bank of Dad' sponsored him to take his Category C Training and Test
View attachment 14960
That was on 12th July 2019 and he hasn't looked back since then. This stuff will interest @JD450A Rory
Found work easily - he knows building sites so Tipper Work as the way to go
Funny thing is that when he applied for jobs the big operators such as SRC, where I know other drivers and Transport Manager etc.
They messed him about and didn't take him on.
Then he applied to Dig Rent, run by a father and son. They have got loads of brand new tippers, excavators, crushers and other stuff.
On Rod's start day the young boss was supposed to take him to for 2 days.
Didn't happen - other driver had pulled a sickie, so Rod was asked, "Be alright on yer own then?"
He took to it like a duck to water, and he is now their go to man to get things moving.
They quickly got him trained up on lorry loaders for the grab lorry and got him a new one to play with.
They love him because, he'll often jump on a digger to self load at the yard or even at customers premises.
They even have trusted him to run the crusher at the yard, while other driver's have been off furloughed
And yes, I am proud of him and gives me excellent service

Proud of the advice and help I hope!!
My son came out of the army after 4 years, lost his way and we eventually got him to start an evening course in Accounting via Bank I’d Dad. He has preserved and after the first year got a job an Williams F1 in there accounts dept. He spent a year there but as he had to get relevant work experience he moved on to a major building society. His employers where now picking up the fees (fortunately) and he was working full time, had a family and juggled his weekend study commitments to finally qualify ju

 

[Routy56]

job security ... never say no, give anything a go and make yerself indispensable ... virtually guaranteed route to long term employment

Yep he

You mentioned that you used to be a policeman - isn’t it practically mandatory for coppers to be masons?!

Well done for paying attention and reading my stuff
Yes, I served in Essex Police for 30 years (1979-2009) and somehow managed to survive without getting divorced or burnt out
Could write a book(s) on the stuff that I got involved with.....
It is true that many police officers are Freemasons and in the past it would have been kept secret
I remember back in the 1990s as a Sergeant giving a Parade Room full of hairy arse coppers a briefing we all got brown envelopes from HQ.
In the envelopes, was a questionnaire, from HQ requiring us to declare if we was a Freemason - WTF
They all looked at me for guidance - "Well that can go in the bin!"
"We're all with you Sarge" - and they all did the same
I also remember very early on in my career, that I meet my Chief Superintendent at a Lodge meeting. He was like God to many of us.
He simply said to me, "Ah, constable Rout, so this is what you get up to in the evening!" and winked

 

[Routy56]

Proud of the advice and help I hope!!
My son came out of the army after 4 years, lost his way and we eventually got him to start an evening course in Accounting via Bank I’d Dad. He has preserved and after the first year got a job an Williams F1 in there accounts dept. He spent a year there but as he had to get relevant work experience he moved on to a major building society. His employers where now picking up the fees (fortunately) and he was working full time, had a family and juggled his weekend study commitments to finally qualify ju

Definitely, you it's at times like this that you reflect and think that it's so good to be able to help - well done. You too must be proud.
And don't forget that when we are no more, they are gonna get it all anyway

 

[fred]

Yep he

Well done for paying attention and reading my stuff
Yes, I served in Essex Police for 30 years (1979-2009) and somehow managed to survive without getting divorced or burnt out
Could write a book(s) on the stuff that I got involved with.....
It is true that many police officers are Freemasons and in the past it would have been kept secret
I remember back in the 1990s as a Sergeant giving a Parade Room full of hairy arse coppers a briefing we all got brown envelopes from HQ.
In the envelopes, was a questionnaire, from HQ requiring us to declare if we was a Freemason - WTF
They all looked at me for guidance - "Well that can go in the bin!"
"We're all with you Sarge" - and they all did the same
I also remember very early on in my career, that I meet my Chief Superintendent at a Lodge meeting. He was like God to many of us.
He simply said to me, "Ah, constable Rout, so this is what you get up to in the evening!" and winked

can you still fix parking/speeding tickets at the lodge

many many local anecdotes of the goings on with local masons involving councillors, developers brown envelopes, holidays etc etc

Not saying all of it is dodgy but no smoke without fire.

 

[Routy56]

can you still fix parking/speeding tickets at the lodge

many many local anecdotes of the goings on with local masons involving councillors, developers brown envelopes, holidays etc etc

Not saying all of it is dodgy but no smoke without fire.

Yes Fred as you say many anecdotes but very little real evidence
And that's the trouble, we need to challenge inappropriate behaviour whenever it occurs.
Over the years I have seen corruption and criminality - but those involved have gone to prison
As an individual we all have choices to make - personally I try to 'do the right thing'.
Remember the time many years ago as a young Acting Sergeant that I arrested a recently retired DCI for domestic violence.
He tried every angle to stop me from doing this but he was drunk at the time
After a night in the cells, he apologised to me and then faced the music at court - overnight his drink problem was solved
And yes have seen corrupt Freemasons, especially those in charge of money, and they have also gone to prison.
BUT, the vast majority are decent people who do the right thing and enjoy helping others

 

[JD450A]

 

[Routy56]

Interesting and varied week, finishing with a garden make over/landscaping for a neighbour just 4 doors up.
We all have very large gardens and Jenny's veggie plot had become overgrown. Ian is currently stuck at their Farmhouse in Spain
Bordered by telegraph poles - WTF and tons of old bonfire debris blighted the lovely garden

Can you just........pull out these old tree stumps?
There was about 6 in total - used my trust 12" digging but now I wish I had a ripper

Considering that the telegraph poles had been set in the ground for over 20plus years, they were in good condition.
Not required, like a fool a said that I can recycle these
Mr Still assisted in cutting off the rotten ends and Ryan got stuck in....

Ryan learning the skills of a 'slinger' seen here getting the balance right. By the end he was more or less spot on

Grass seed time. Yep I know its a bit 'rough and ready' but it's an old country garden following the undulations of the ground

Told Ryan a few weeks ago, "The back of the rake is your friend", and he didn't need to be told today.
Just got stuck in getting the surface smooth and grass seed spread just under the surface
See that old Shed, Jenny kept saying, "Can you just......fix up the tile and guttering for me"
"Nope, I operate an old digger, I'm not a handyman"
Turned out that local trades had quoted her £1000 to fix it up

Viola - one happy customer.
This will blend in with the rustic end of the garden in a few months time.
Jenny has been briefed to keep it watered 🌧

 

[Routy56]

So yesterday was thinking that we have come to the end of currently booked stuff......
.....and got 2 fresh jobs come in for next week
One is for a friend from the Lodge who want his driveway upgrading and enlarging for his 'new camper van'
Chatted to him about SUDS requirement and block pavers, designs and stuff.
Think it's gonna be a site visit and procrastination next week
Then an old business friend who is doing a very large project Farmhouse restoration and Barns conversion phoned to say that his site manager has quit
Did loads of work for them a year or so ago. Now he wants me back on the hurry up.

This was how it looked last winter - WSS

Can you just pull some trenches for electric ducting across a meadow.
Looking forward to this one. Pays well and I think that there will be loads more more work

 

[Jimoz]

I think the guttering is about the best thing on that woman shed! Think I'd want a bag of sand for going anywhere near it too!
Is the new apprentice turning into a profitable addition to your firm?! Do you deduct the board and lodgings from his salary before tax!? ha

 

[Routy56]

I think the guttering is about the best thing on that woman shed! Think I'd want a bag of sand for going anywhere near it too!
Is the new apprentice turning into a profitable addition to your firm?! Do you deduct the board and lodgings from his salary before tax!? ha

I think you are right about the guttering
However, if I was to go anywhere near it, I'd take it all down and fix up some nice brown or black make a neater job of it.
If work gets slow, will no doubt help her out at my special 'neighbours rates'
The new apprentice is paying his way. He's get paid a good rate for real jobs. Then granddad pocket money for stuff here.
Mind you Sharon says that "he's eating us out of house and home" and he like his 'cake o'clock' @3pm every day

 

[Routy56]

Been a busy week so far for me and Ryan, my apprentice. He's still in bed and we doing stuff here today
Monday we sorted out my pile of top soil with Ryan on the dumper as usual.
Spotted a bulge in one of the hydraulic pipes to a drive motor - bugger
Won't take it out on site until fixed.....
Gave Ryan some 'driving lessons' on the old mini - it's amazing when you have to stop an think about what does what.
All in the wrist action apparently

Ryan having a go at shifting me top soil

Then we helped a neighbour by lending him a spare oil tank for a changeover to be done next week.

Tank all cleaned up and valve and filter etc fettled ready for use

Than we did some site visits locally, armed with clipboard and tape measure.

Mate from the Lodge wanted his driveway upgrading and a parking area for a camper van.

Talked to him about breaking up all that lovely concrete, retaining walls, linear drainage, SUDS, etc etc.
After speaking to his wife, he come back with "Can you just......dig up the lawn and put down some grey slate chips to park the camper van"
Now that's an easy job, but he's now thinking about my 'estimate'

So, yesterday, we did some foundations locally for a new Motorhome Shed for the Chair of the local parish council
Easy job, but as usual, Harry kept saying "While you are here, can you just......."
And the plans and measurements were in his head.
Good job I double checked before setting out because, if we had gone with his measurements there would be about 1 metre of motorhome sticking out the end

So, Ryan, had another little practice clearing the top soil

In the end half a days work turned into a short day, Sharon cycled over with our lunch, and Ryan even got a healthy tip from Harry

 

[V8Druid]

Been a busy week so far for me and Ryan, my apprentice. He's still in bed and we doing stuff here today
Monday we sorted out my pile of top soil with Ryan on the dumper as usual.
Spotted a bulge in one of the hydraulic pipes to a drive motor - bugger
Won't take it out on site until fixed.....
Gave Ryan some 'driving lessons' on the old mini - it's amazing when you have to stop an think about what does what.
All in the wrist action apparently
View attachment 15279
Ryan having a go at shifting me top soil

Then we helped a neighbour by lending him a spare oil tank for a changeover to be done next week.

View attachment 15283
Tank all cleaned up and valve and filter etc fettled ready for use

Than we did some site visits locally, armed with clipboard and tape measure.

View attachment 15281
Mate from the Lodge wanted his driveway upgrading and a parking area for a camper van.

Talked to him about breaking up all that lovely concrete, retaining walls, linear drainage, SUDS, etc etc.
After speaking to his wife, he come back with "Can you just......dig up the lawn and put down some grey slate chips to park the camper van"
Now that's an easy job, but he's now thinking about my 'estimate'

So, yesterday, we did some foundations locally for a new Motorhome Shed for the Chair of the local parish council
Easy job, but as usual, Harry kept saying "While you are here, can you just......."
And the plans and measurements were in his head.
Good job I double checked before setting out because, if we had gone with his measurements there would be about 1 metre of motorhome sticking out the end
View attachment 15282
So, Ryan, had another little practice clearing the top soil

In the end half a days work turned into a short day, Sharon cycled over with our lunch, and Ryan even got a healthy tip from Harry

keep up the tuition and it'll be you still in bed at 8.45 and Ryan out doing

Nice pile of topsoil

 

[Bri963]

Yes Fred as you say many anecdotes but very little real evidence
And that's the trouble, we need to challenge inappropriate behaviour whenever it occurs.
Over the years I have seen corruption and criminality - but those involved have gone to prison
As an individual we all have choices to make - personally I try to 'do the right thing'.
Remember the time many years ago as a young Acting Sergeant that I arrested a recently retired DCI for domestic violence.
He tried every angle to stop me from doing this but he was drunk at the time
After a night in the cells, he apologised to me and then faced the music at court - overnight his drink problem was solved
And yes have seen corrupt Freemasons, especially those in charge of money, and they have also gone to prison.
BUT, the vast majority are decent people who do the right thing and enjoy helping others

One question, if it’s all so good and wholesome, why the secrecy and swearing of dodgy oaths?

 

[Routy56]

One question, if it’s all so good and wholesome, why the secrecy and swearing of dodgy oaths?

The best of it is that there are no longer secrets and the oaths are founded on the stuff for over 300 yrs ago
If you want to find out about it - its all out there on the InterWeb
However, if you are interested then don't look and enjoy an Initiation founded on Ancient History
This process, like actors in a play, become bonded in friendship
BUT, we all have a belief in God which embraces ALL religions .
Even we laugh at the myths and rituals
Handymans Lodge
So, it has changed, shall I send you a form

 

[Bri963]

The best of it is that there are no longer secrets and the oaths are founded on the stuff for over 300 yrs ago
If you want to find out about it - its all out there on the InterWeb
However, if you are interested then don't look and enjoy an Initiation founded on Ancient History
This process, like actors in a play, become bonded in friendship
BUT, we all have a belief in God which embraces ALL religions .
Even we laugh at the myths and rituals
Handymans Lodge
So, it has changed, shall I send you a form

Thank you for the kind offer, but if you embrace all religions, you embrace all gods. I’ve already accepted Jesus as saviour, that’s enough for me.

 

[fred]

Thank you for the kind offer, but if you embrace all religions, you embrace all gods. I’ve already accepted Jesus as saviour, that’s enough for me.

my man wotan is in charge, or was it thor. Nope was zeus!

The particular god people choose to believe in is largely a result of where in the world they were born.

 

[Bri963]

my man wotan is in charge, or was it thor. Nope was zeus!

The particular god people choose to believe in is largely a result of where in the world they were born.

I’d almost agree, the god people are brought up to believe in is largely a result of where they grow up and what their parents believe, but many do have a rethink as they get older. Some reject any faith (though believing there’s no God at all is a faith in itself) and some risk their lives to make a free decision to choose a new path.

 

[JD450A]

Reincarnation is where it's at.... Buddhists are wrong though. No way anyone who leads a good life deserves to come back as a human