Another Oops!

Following the grocery delivery for the week, we were just putting everything in its proper place when there was a knock at the door.

The somewhat shaken delivery driver announced that he had knocked the stone cap from the gate pillar.

After 178 years the cap was lying upside down on the pavement and his delivery truck was more than a little battle scarred.

It did not help when we pointed to the other gate which would be much better for his turn left.

This happened yesterday afternoon, and the rest of the day was spent mollifying the driver with the required 2 metres and masks between us at all times.

Pat then called the descendants of the stone masons who built the building and wall 178 years ago, to ask if they could move the stone from the pavement to the garden.

This morning, first thing, two directors of the company (both related) came and moved the stone. No easy task as it must weigh about 250 Kg.

Quotes have been emailed for repair and replace with new. These will be sent to the delivery firm today.

This is the second pillar that has just had the house name carved onto it, but luckily the carving work has not been damaged.

With my "Surveyor To The Fabric" hat on I have now examined the damage and determined it may be better to have the existing cap repaired and put back into place.

Making a new one is easily done but it will be identical to the cap as it was in 1841. It would look very obviously new in 2020.

And so, the equivalent of a day has been expended on sorting out this "accident" so far.

Our main concern remains for the welfare of the driver.

The Blipfoto shows the cap in its current resting place.