there was 10 days between digging out the deep trench and filling it in again, i was s****** bricks that the trench would collapse and destroy our neighbours brick paving hence the timber supports (every little helps) anyway, picked up a cement mixer from ebay, had some doubts but in the end a dam fine machine and will save all that hire charges. took delivery of 5t of 20mm ballast and 25 bags of cement, all from a very helpful local company (collier and catchpole) and at a very reasonable price. had a good friend over 4 the day to help (thank god), wanted to make a start before he arrived so knowing it was a 5 to 1 mix i loaded up, ok no one told me i had to put water in the mixer 1st, its a steep learning curve, but managed 2 loads before he arrived, then we started in earnest, 1st load 8.30am and we finished 1.30pm (in time to settle down for the cup final and a bear). each mix was 10 to 2 barrowed around the back and tamped down into the trench. worked out a treat. still got 2t of ballast and 10 bags of cement left over, ideal for the over site. at least that bit is over with. now im skint, got to save up for 240 hard bricks to get me up to dpc and then the building inspector has to come round again to approve the work. im no builder esp brick laying, gave it a try once and condemed it, so i need a local brick layer who will work on a day rate (thats how we are doing the job, bit by bit) once i find someone who will do the job and take delievery of the brick ill carry on, but for now its feet up for a few weeks as we skint.
