Workshop Window

Had a look round the new Albion stadium other day, it really is superb. It’s been a long time coming, but I think everyone will judge it worth the wait. Well done all concerned, especially Tony Bloom who has put his hand in his pocket for the majority of the near £100 million it cost. Phew!

Inside and out it’s hugely impressive, I liked the concourses where gourmet pies are now on sale, great! Also draught Harveys for those local beer fans. Here’s a shot of one of the warm-up rooms close to the players’ changing area.

I was out at the local racetrack recently, here’s some of the half-time entertainment:

Don’t worry, no one was hurt – amazingly!

Saw these hay rolls in France recently; they don’t look like they’re going anywhere soon, the size of them. I guess maybe the farmer will just cut off a slice if some feed is needed elsewhere. Any UK farmers out there got any comments on this one?

Dickies Redhawk SuperWork trousers

With good quality workwear readily available online and in the high street, it’s not taken the average tradie very long to appreciate the undoubted benefits that purpose made clothing has over jeans and sportswear. As well as being made to a higher, tougher spec, work garments are designed to accommodate kit and tools of every description.

One of the forerunners in workwear clothing is the American Dickies brand (est. 1922), and most of us will likely have worn at least one of their many garments. These workwear trousers are part of the popular Redhawk range, and are a good example of a long-running design refined to optimum effect. Made from a tough polyester and cotton blend, they’re a generous cut with triple stitched seams and fitted with hard-wearing pockets and a classic YKK zipper.

I found them roomy and comfortable even while fitting a kitchen on a warm (ish) summer’s day; the knees are fitted with pouches for removable pads (or off-cuts of carpet underlay), but even empty, the double thickness makes a difference.

If you’re up and down a step-ladder you’ll really benefit from the tool-carrying capacity provided by the many side pockets, and particularly the metal ‘D’ ring sewn into the waistband (took my cordless nailgun with ease). I’m pleased to see that very few UK tradies have adopted the current trend for the half-mast fashion trouser, a practice that would surely end in disaster once the weight of a few tools comes into effect.

Pros:
Good value
Rugged construction
‘D’ ring tab

Cons:
Only available in dark blue or black

Price:
Approx. £18.00 (inc vat)

Well here’s a simple solution to an untidy tree, and one that’s not without a certain amusing charm.

It’s always heartening to see an example of good practice in the construction industry, and these new bay windows are just that. Nicely made and fitted, plus the ply infills both help to maintain the structural integrity of the box frames during installation, and to provide temporary security until the sashes are hung. Nice job.