Deere-est

I have to complain about our sofa, it's only a two seater and even this little Hobbit is too big for it!!

Is she? Isn't she the postmaster in Gunnislake?

Shoot me down!

Loving that, Jack. The sides look superb, was it easy to find in the end?

Shall I start a new topic?

New plans on the horizon, Pat?

Alt-J album and the new XX album, jeans, a jumper and a new duvet. Now I can chill out, dress smart and sleep well!!

Popped up to see the 'Log Boss' as I havn't had chance to call in with card and bottle. Had a cuppa there with Traci for an hour then went to Bath and bought a few bits and pieces

So you're the guy who started the Oakley Estate topic back in April right?

Thanks, Stan. Affirming my wish to get one and do a decal change.

Lovely additions, Niels. I do like that Catros, looks like a super smart bit of kit. What do you make if the 8770? I'll be having one I think but I havn't heard too much said about them so far.

Well the camera works, Mark! Fine shots and real nice eye level shots too, I know that isn't difficult for you, nor me!

I think I must have a water pump problem too then!

Paul have you thought abot 1/87 scale farm models to go with your Hornby stuff? Make a superb layout, Richie on here had a Virgin Intercity 125 going through one of his layouts if you remember. We have been buying all sorts to finish of the front bedroom, bedside lamps and ceiling light, curtains and poles, tie backs, bedding, the bed we got.before Christmas at a closing down sale. Tomorrow hopefully we'll get a mattress and pillows and we'll be done!

Many of us have got on pretty well with the models this year buy the looks of things What a load of kids, eh?!

Very nice, Mark. Both look like very nice models to display in a lit cabinet or to make up a diorama.

Yes, 12wks is the maximum you can work in one period for one customer. As for VAT, I am not but all my work expenses are written off against my tax bill anyway so it makes no odds me. Being VAT registered is more advantageous to people who supply as well as work. For example, a gardener who has to buy plants to then sell to his customer, a farmer who sells a machine or buys a new one and so on. As for the working tax credit though, Tim I can see that being a nail in Jordans coffin. Farmers arn't going to favour a chap who says he can't work more than X hours or at weekends if he hits his maximum by Friday during peak seasons when he is most wanted. Jordan it is difficult weighing it all up, there is no single best way to do it. Like Tim said, talk to an accountant first for the legal/HMRC side of things and talk to people who's businesses could work together to share you not those that will all need you at the same time of year!! Definitely take out a sickness and injury plan, look at pensions, look at savings..... Your accountant will explain all sorts of ways to claim expenses or everything, domestic costs, fuel, workwear and so on.

Just a brief note on the tax side of things, I pay a standing order of £200 per month through the year towards my tax bill which becomes due at the end of January. The £2400 I pay through the year is deducted from the total bill - half of which is paid in January, the other half in June I think. It's a great way of doing it an means that you're not handed a great big bill to be paid in one hit. As for the rates, work out how many weeks you intend to have off. It's not good trying to compete with PAYE employees as they get paid on their off days. If you have say four weeks off intentionally, that may mean 50hrs a week on average that you won't get paid. After working out your hourly rate, divide those holiday hours over the remaining 48 weeks of the year and add it on - that way you'll get your paid holiday. This is something I never even thought of and as others will say a week off work is expensive. As well as not being paid, you're also spending so it can be like having two weeks off in a way!!

The tile will be painted and weathered yet though, yeah? It's a lot of work isn't it?! Those tiles I got off of Filius were some sort of clay/cast compound so had all the properties of real tiles - including breaking when trying to cut them!! Took me flipping ages to do that barn with them, never did count the final number on it but I ordered 2000!

I thought the very same thing, Ol and then I thought no, I won't say owt. I'll keep that idea for myself. Then you go and blab all about it!

I'm self employed Jordan and you have to do it for your own reasons and not Mr Griffiths. He wants it all his own way - wants you when he needs you but not all year, nor pay you holiday, sickness and so on. I went self employed as I got in with a contractor and an HGV driving agency and the two went well together. Now, five years in it isn't all so rosie! While I have never been short of work, quite the opposite infact, the lack of paid holiday, bank holidays and so on is a bummer. I didn't look into all this properly when I started out and now I realise this. Think long and hard about it mate, long and hard.

TV has been **** all the way through to be honest, hasn't it mate? We have watched a couple of things, Mrs Browns Boys being one which really was top notch but other than that it has all been a bit crap.

I can only think of vacuum forming? Producing a wooden mould first or something? Not too sure myself but it may jog a few more thoughts from others.

Exactly my thought too, Sean! It was the one out of a few I nearly did by wasn't it?! Must have been intuition not to buy it

Got Mumford on now whilst sipping on a Henney's dry cider, Harry. Monsters of Men going on next though