It was a first for us this week when we had Vicki accompany us for a couple of days. Vicki is one of our longstanding customers and has always had wood-burning stoves. Over the years we have helped train as many as 15 male sweeps of varying ability, not all of whom are currently sweeping. One guy notably managed to shut himself inside the mid-section of the van!!

Vicki in the two days she was working with us demonstrated that she was extremely capable, and I would say that she is easily one of the best we have taken out. She seems to have a natural ability for chimney sweeping and took to the work easily in a relaxed and confident way. I was particularly impressed with her physical strength and her strong work ethic. She is clearly a hard worker who has plenty of drive and ambition. I think that proof of this is in part evidenced by her decision to take up chimney sweeping in the first place, which is a physical, dirty job in what is still a male dominated industry. Strength of character indeed!

Vicki has already completed the HETAS chimney sweeping course at Specflue in Sudbury and is developing a solid knowledge base through book learning. Vicki lives close to Bury St Edmunds, so her sweeping activity will be focused in the Bury area. Vicki is hoping to be operational by the autumn just in time for the chimney sweeping silly season. In my humble opinion Vicki has the making of an excellent, profession chimney sweep. Claire and I will obviously give her all the help, advise and support that she requires to ensure that she develops a thriving business. We wish her all the best for the future and will be taking her out for further familiarisation soon.