Family Hearth

When we extended the house about 25 years ago, we got rid of the gas fire in the front room and replaced it with this wonderful Parkray coal fire.

However, it is still running perfectly but needs new fire bricks, which are fairly hard to get now. And Parkray (name emenates from the Park Foundry in Derby) is one of those British manufacturers that has gone the journey.

So, we've decided to replace "Parkie" with a new multi-fuel stove. With one made by Esse - a British manufacturer who has been making wood and/or coal burning stoves and solid fuel range cookers (my gran had one) in Lancashire (oh well, you can't win 'em all) since 1854.

Here's hoping. At least it should last longer than a new shower.