On a sunny September day it is difficult to believe that we will ever need to light the woodburning stoves to stay warm.  In preparation for the winter Tony, the chimney sweep, came to The Gables today with his vacuum cleaner, pipes and smoke testing kit.  He pronounced the fires “safe and serviceable” although he suggested we have a bird guard fitted to one of the chimney pots.  I certainly don’t like the idea of a bird getting into the chimney stack – not good for me and certainly not for any luckless bird.  The woodburners are now ready but let’s hope that the sun continues to shine for a while.