philmayfield

That isn't me by the way, Margie, but I've pulled loads of stumps out using exactly that method. I've never had a disaster and your stump is tiny compared with his. If you can borrow one from a farming friend I'd give it a go - it really is very easy and there's nothing more annoying than tree stumps in the lawn. Like wisdom teeth they should be pulled out. If you lived closer I'd come and do it for you!

I’d dig round that to expose more trunk and then get a rope around it. Connect to a high lift farm jack (you can hire one or buy for about £50). Stand the jack on a piece of wood so it doesn’t sink into the ground and pull it up. It might snap off or you can saw the exposed trunk. I’ve successfully pulled out many tree stumps that way.

We had lads at Mellish back in the 50’s who came from that part of the world. Couldn’t understand a bloody word they said. How they managed a GCE in English I will never know!

The main thing is Ben, can they understand you?

This is the problem with hiring stuff. I borrowed a two stroke post hole borer recently and spent half the morning getting it to work by stripping the carb and retuning it. I once hired a mini digger and a dumper truck. The truck, being diesel, was difficult to turn over and wouldn't start. Just then the vicar turned up and asked if he could help. "Get on your knees and pray whilst I turn the handle" I said. He did just that; I swung the handle and it started! We were both surprised and he almost had a convert!

Just been chatting to Derek on the ‘phone this morning. Had a beer with him yesterday evening as I do every Monday. He’s 86, fit and well and goes to the gym twice a week. An example to us all!

It looks like they were putting in drainage run offs. I don’t know why because water never puddled on that road. A few years ago the council would come round with a JCB and gouge out gaps along the grass verges for the same reason. This, of course, made the roadside extremely dangerous. There are some blithering idiots who run local authorities.

I used that road daily at one time. For most of the distance, due to the traffic, it was impossible to even reach 30. Officials do love putting up signs though. Derbyshire is almost 50 everywhere now. I got rid of my sports car last week. There’s virtually nowhere now that you can do 180 without getting caught!

All these ornithological terms. Are you a bird fancier Barrie?

You’ve got a seagull that’s cheap? Are you sure it’s not a budgie?

At the end of the day it's all about money. Money doesn't buy happiness but it permits you to be miserable in comfort.

The people in my village who've installed panels have all been 'oldies'. Some have died already and some are going that way. They never reap the benefits. Take the payback time quoted by the salesman and multiply it by two. Look at the actuarial tables to see how long you've got to live and then work out if you'll ever get into positive territory financially - probably not!

I've not watched the ladies play. I didn't want to be accused of voyeurism!

Charlie Pearce used to live at the top of Catfoot Lane, just off Mapperley Plains, in a bungalow called The Lighthouse. The miniature lighthouse is still there in the middle of the front garden. He emigrated to South Africa around early 60's. His name is still visible from Ilkeston Rd. on the old factory roof.

If that’s the tradesman's entrance you should see the front door!

It’s the words ‘Manning School’ over the entrance which removes all of the guesswork!

I think they evolved to keep the rain and sweat out of our eyes. The older you get the faster they seem to grow!

It’s a sign that someone is talking about you!

My mental age is 65 but my biological age is 56. Do you believe this rubbish?

I did a mental age on line test and it puts me at 65. Not sure to be pleased or not about that!

Three unshaven Corbyn wannabe lookalikes. The tramps round here look less scruffy.

I'd never heard of him until Top Gear. I'm not quite sure what he's supposed to be. Certainly not a comedian. I don't want the programme to be a comedy show. I want to be informed. If I want comedy I come on this site!

When Clarkson and Co were on the programme it was a huge money earner from all around the world. I would imagine, since they have gone, the receipts are much less.

I've not been invited to join the royal family - I'm too common!

I'd like to see Guy Martin with someone else to keep him in check!