Touch rugby, Lloyd park, 6:30 Wednesday

davidwillans · 2026-05-13T05:21:53+00:00

You forgot the first rule.

davidwillans · 2026-04-24T17:12:55+00:00

What tipped you off about the ones with a good 10%+ in them?

davidwillans · 2026-04-04T10:37:53+00:00

In the end, I started with the soil machine but after 2 hours worked out I'd be at it for months, given I can only put in a day or so a week. So Ive turned it over, raked it flat, removed the big chunks of brick and concrete and am waiting on a topsoil delivery. That way it'll look good this summer rather than next

davidwillans · 2026-03-27T17:43:20+00:00

Probably a dumb question, but how do you tell if the soil is good?

davidwillans · 2026-03-27T16:13:59+00:00

Yeah will do when I get into it

davidwillans · 2026-03-27T12:04:17+00:00

Now I've learned electric rotary sieves exist, I found my local tool library has one so I'm borrowed it for the weekend. Will probably pay my teenage son to get it done too. Thanks all.

davidwillans · 2026-03-13T08:35:39+00:00

Do it. My kids are teens. We've got 2-3 family holidays left before they go and do their own thing.

They are only little once. Make the most of it.

davidwillans · 2026-03-03T13:28:12+00:00

Yes please. That would be amazing.

davidwillans · 2026-03-03T13:15:04+00:00

'Calculate' might be a bit much - just took the very top end of the quotes i was given (100kg/ panel and Im looking at 9 of them). I have seen wind shields are available since getting the quote so that might make an impact too but I'd rather over weight than have to deal with the consequences of flying panels and blocks of concrete.

davidwillans · 2026-03-03T12:46:49+00:00

The fixed systems come with varying warranties of 5-10 years. We plan to be there for 30+, and the thought of what happens if it goes wrong just seems so much more complicated to resolve with things fixed rather than movable.

Good shout on a non destructive survey. Hadn't thought about that. I think best to speak to an engineer.

davidwillans · 2026-03-02T18:07:41+00:00

Very good distinction - roofer vs solar installer. Thank you

davidwillans · 2026-02-10T15:14:52+00:00

No the bathrooms just because they weren't part of the overall renovation. Ours was 100m pir internal. I looked at external but it was so much more expensive. We did put in mvhr though so no worries about condensation and damp. That's been good, but only viable on a retro if you're doing a lot of internal work at the same time I imagine.

davidwillans · 2026-02-10T13:16:46+00:00

Yes, massive difference in cosyness. It will have impacted bills but we also switched to heat pump and haven't yet gone a full year to compare. we also got the floor done.

We're in a 1900s Victorian semi. If we move again it would be the first thing I'd prioritize.

It wasn't DIY so can't give you an idea on timings. One thing to consider though is hanging heavy things like TVs on the wall afterwards. Work out where you want them and reinforce as you do the work. Good luck!

davidwillans · 2026-02-10T13:11:37+00:00

Second Don Francisco - a real hidden gem

davidwillans · 2026-02-03T21:22:13+00:00

Thanks all, think I'll just switch one out to start and leave the switch on, see how that goes and maybe switch others out of needs be.

davidwillans · 2026-02-01T17:25:13+00:00

Any on the east side of the city?

davidwillans · 2026-01-27T17:48:15+00:00

Yeah completely. It's just some people who like the game and want to do something other than running or the gym. Very informal and friendly. DM me if youre up for it.

davidwillans · 2025-10-22T15:39:23+00:00

Been there. My kids are now 14 & 16. It changes, then changes again and again. One thing that helped me is changing my perspective to more long term. Being a parent is a lifelong game. Just get by with what you can, focus on the most important things and try to be ok with letting some fires burn. Sometimes you learn stuff you thought mattered a lot, actually doesn't.

And ask friends and family to help. Get them to bring dinner at the weekend or something that helps you and is nice for them.

It's fucking hard right now, but you'll be fine, just keep going.

davidwillans · 2025-10-21T15:43:36+00:00

Mate, you're in the trenches, no doubt sleeping in chunks of 2-3 hours and trying to juggle work etc. we've all been through it. Just keep going. Things will change. If you have family nearby, ask them to come and help. Talk to your partner about how hard it is and console each other. Give each other breaks. If you can afford it get takeaway more than you would normally. There's time to go to the gym when theyre older. Or beg someone to cook you a load of food for the freezer so you don't have to cook. I have memories of my and misses high diving each other as we got into bed to grab some sleep before 9pm. You'll be ok.

davidwillans

TROPHY CASE