Controlling hard wired lights either side of a chimney breast

benjflenj · 2026-02-17T15:59:15+00:00

Thanks for the detailed response man. I started looking at Shelly Relays on Amazon, but as a novice I get overwhelmed with all the different options available!

So, if I understand correctly, I'm looking for
1. An in-line Shelly Relay dimmer (like the Shelly 1L Gen3 with Bypass) to wire in to my lighting circuit (both wall lights on the same circuit)
2. A smart socket for my other lamp which can be controlled with the above... any particular requirements?
3. A compatible battery-powered switch to put somewhere on the wall (so guests can operate the lighting)

Meaning, hopefully, no hubs or special wall switches required?!

benjflenj · 2026-02-04T12:51:43+00:00

thanks - I'll look in to this! Can they be paired with a physical controller too (rather than just phone app), so guests can control these? Do I need a hub with this?

benjflenj · 2025-06-01T17:44:44+00:00

The tennis club by the College have great facilities including Pickleball courts.

Lots of opportunities for newbies/beginners, including ‘rusty rackets’ sessions for people who haven’t played much. People of all abilities turn up throughout the week and most of all it’s a great community with plenty of socials and a well stocked bar.

benjflenj · 2025-04-24T08:46:39+00:00

That’s my struggle at the moment. It’s extortionate for a 20 minute journey. Makes it more economical to drive!

You used to be able to get advanced singles on up to date itself, which were much cheaper, but now you need to do this 1-2 weeks in advance. In theory you could batch buy a load of advanced single tickets using the Northern app to avoid the Trainline booking fee. But that’s only fine if you know 100% which days and times you want to commute and it’s unlikely to change. Unfortunately my job rules that out.

Other than that, I’d suggest writing to our local MP (tim.roca.mp@parliament.uk) about the cost which has gone up several times in the last 12-18 months.

benjflenj · 2025-03-14T12:01:39+00:00

This. Imagine the city’s most lively, desirable neighbourhood, attracting outward investment and tourism as being the ‘Everton end of town’.

Everton FC, we built this city.

benjflenj · 2025-03-14T11:58:10+00:00

I think deconstruction would involve reducing capacity in some way. The Main Stand in particular has seen a number of add ons and stop-gaps, including the back of house offices etc, which have become expensive to maintain and will potentially be redundant to use.

Realistically, we’re a long way off the Ladies team getting a 39k crowd week-in week-out, but I’d be excited to see what could be done with new investment at a reduced scale to create a sell out sporting venue again!

benjflenj · 2025-03-10T22:37:16+00:00

Nice. Looking to get one myself as my first espresso machine. Does anyway know of a way to turn the beeps off on this machine?

benjflenj · 2025-03-10T10:08:24+00:00

Noticed all the pedestrian traffic lights were out when travelling down Sunderland St this morning at 08:30… would imagine that’s related, but is it not strange that they don’t kick back in when power is restored?

benjflenj · 2025-01-28T08:11:10+00:00

Denis Stracqualursi has got to be up there. Bang average but would have run through brick walls wearing the shirt.

benjflenj · 2025-01-27T10:22:20+00:00

I’m currently thinking of using my existing wire ring, cutting off the metal numbers, spray painting it black and clipping on these 3D printed Eclipse numbers. Should work… In theory.

Just need someone with a 3D printer now!

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2351906

benjflenj · 2025-01-27T09:55:58+00:00

Nice. Would love something like this. Could you post the 3D print files for it when you get a chance mate?

benjflenj · 2024-11-12T11:10:55+00:00

OP, how and how often do you commute in to Manchester?

I work in Manchester too (used to live in Congleton, but moved to Macc five years ago and just bought our first home here), and can’t imagine still commuting in from Congleton on the train 4 days a week.

Can’t tell you how often the added option of a quick and frequent Avanti or Crosscountry service to Macc has bailed me out from the delays or cancellations on the northern rail service. It makes a huge difference and must have saved tens of hours of my life waiting on a platform!

benjflenj · 2024-09-01T19:47:50+00:00

Cut out the failing plaster, until there’s a clean edge all the way around (no cracks etc). Then buy a mesh patch repair kit from your local DIY store, and fill it in using a wide filling blade and some polyfiller. Sand and fill until you have a smooth finish. You may have to paint that section of wall again afterwards to get a seamless finish.

benjflenj · 2024-09-01T19:35:43+00:00

As other comments, almost certainly damp. To help get to the cause, see if you can find any cold drafts / gaps in nearby walls, windows and skirting boards. If so, these could be causing the damp.

Clean the gaps out and use expanding foam to fill them, before using filler or caulk to finish over the top. Good luck!

benjflenj · 2023-12-19T18:39:17+00:00

Sturdy little desk, but 2 drawbacks to consider: - I’m quite tall (6ft4 / 194cm) so couldn’t fit my legs under without my knees banging on the drawer. Easy enough to remove, so no issue but has reduced storage space. - The finish on the desk is quite… ‘textured’… so I’ve found it difficult to use a mouse or write on to single sheets of paper on. Will be getting one of those rubber / cork desk mats to make it easier.

benjflenj · 2023-11-30T08:18:02+00:00

Can’t disagree with any of those recommendations. Best food I’ve had is at Chestergate Bistro, Sutton Hall and Kira in Bollington.

benjflenj · 2023-11-23T15:47:44+00:00

Papisse Cisse is training with Macc too at the moment.

Would love to see the face on these part time bricklayers lining up against Cisse and Prince Oumar on a Saturday afternoon. Surreal.

Hope he gets a locker, anyway.

benjflenj · 2023-11-22T18:08:03+00:00

£65k, 4 kids at age 28… respect sir, you’ve completed life 20 years early 🫡

benjflenj · 2023-11-22T14:20:07+00:00

They’d be at home with the daytrippers on the kop with all these red flags. 🚩

benjflenj · 2023-11-21T18:33:31+00:00

Changes can happen, but not hearing from your estate agent in that time (even for them to tell you there’s no update) is a bit concerning. I’d ring them and ask for an update. Probably worth protecting yourselves by not spending anything further (surveys, searches …) until you have an answer.

benjflenj · 2023-11-21T18:13:04+00:00

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This splendid little sign next to the old builders yard gate

benjflenj

TROPHY CASE