IT'S NOT EVERYONE...

...who gives their Heating Engineer coffee and bacon rolls!

This tradition started way back in 2007 when Mark Lewis visited us to install a new boiler and has continued every year since.  When he told his previous customers this morning that he was on his way to have bacon rolls, he even took a photograph to send to her!

This year was no exception, so when he messaged to say he could do our annual boiler service today, and I said I would think about a “bacon butty”, he said that would be good.  He arrived when he said he would and got on with the boiler service, before he and Mr. HCB had their bacon rolls and coffee, but beforehand, there had been a lot of banter between them upstairs!

The main shot shows Mark and Mr. HCB enjoying their breakfast/lunch and going round, the next shot is Mark posing in front of the boiler.  He tries to make out he doesn’t like his photograph being taken, but I always say he gets some free advertising, so that makes him smile - not that he needs more work, he says!

I don’t think I have ever seen the inner workings of our boiler, so took a shot of that - when I said I hoped that the towel on the shelf wasn’t one of ours.  He said of course it was - and he was sure I wouldn’t mind!  He is quite cheeky, but then I give him as good as he gives me!

Mark’s tool box was on the floor and when I took a shot of that, he said the blue towel was his bath towel, so he then ran into the bathroom and came out with it draped round him - he is such good fun and it’s always a joy to have him here.

The last shot was him singing “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” - but I told him not to give up his day job, as he wouldn’t be able to make a living by singing!  

If only all workmen were as happy and jolly as Mark - and his charges are very reasonable too.  We know we always get a good job done whether it’s a repair or bleeding one of the radiators, as I asked him to do this morning in my Quiet Room and it’s no wonder his diary is always full.  Good workmen are hard to come by, so we do look after all those who visit us, from the Washing Machine Engineer to the Fence Man to the Painter and Decorator to Mark - and we know they all appreciate that we pass on their name as a recommendation if anyone asks us.  Mind you, it brings to mind the saying “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” - rather an old-fashioned saying, but it is so true.

So thanks again, Mark - you are a star - and, in the nicest possible way, we hope we don’t see you again until just before next Christmas!  ;-)  

Mr. HCB has an appointment with his GP this afternoon to have his echocardiogram results explained and then we have a couple of Bags of Hope to deliver.  When I was at the Church yesterday afternoon, there were lots of volunteers making up the Christmas Bags of Hope and I believe the total was about 140 - so when you go to the supermarket, please don’t just pass by that large trolley with all sorts of things in it - if you can, please add your donation - it will make such a difference to the lives of so many who are in need this Christmas.