08/09/2024, 21:29 - Messages and calls are end-to-end encrypted. Only people in this chat can read, listen to, or share them. Learn more. 08/09/2024, 21:29 - The Magnolia Group Simon is a contact 08/09/2024, 21:29 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Hi Raymond, thank you for your enquiry. We’d be more than happy to look at your garden. Would you be free for us to pop over tomorrow and have walk through with you or if you prefer you could send images, I am 3 mins from you though on newbridge fields so I can accommodate any time. Regards. Simon 08/09/2024, 21:39 - Raymond Humphreys: Simon - Won't be in much tomorrow before 3:30pm, sorry. If this wouldn't suit you, could we arrange something later in the week. Text rather than phone, please. 08/09/2024, 21:40 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Yes of course. I’m looking at another at around 5:30 so I can be with you around 6:06:30 ? Other than that, let me know a day that suits and I can pop to see you 08/09/2024, 21:44 - Raymond Humphreys: Great. See you around six, then. Raymond 09/09/2024, 17:57 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Hi there, what’s you door number ? 09/09/2024, 17:57 - Raymond Humphreys: 112 09/09/2024, 18:59 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Hi Raymond, Thank you for meeting with me earlier. Pretty straightforward forward one on the stones and bed. Just spoke to my suppliers in relation to the seal on the drive, as there is a particular bounding seal you need to use on that. Quote includes: Removing over ground bed,corner shrubs Digging 2” soil Underlay protection Edging between lawn and bed. Chippings in keeping with the rear. Weed killer treatment Return and use sealing bond on the drive. 2 visits: £580 09/09/2024, 19:22 - Raymond Humphreys: Great. Thanks, Simon. Does the above include trimming of the hedges? You're definitely in the running. I'll wait for a couple of the others and get back to you this week. Raymond 09/09/2024, 19:31 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Yes included 09/09/2024, 19:31 - The Magnolia Group Simon: I’ll mow the lawn too, how’s that. Keep me posted, thanks 09/09/2024, 19:41 - Raymond Humphreys: Will do. 10/09/2024, 13:50 - Raymond Humphreys: Just to let you know, I've now had the second quote and am seeing the third this evening. Soon after that I'll make my mind up and will let you know one way or the other. Raymond. 10/09/2024, 13:55 - The Magnolia Group Simon: No worries Raymond, thanks for keeping me in the loop, I appreciate it. 10/09/2024, 16:15 - Raymond Humphreys: Simon -Just after I sent you tthe text, the bloke from the third company (from Swansea) contacted me to say his current job had been rained off and to ask whether he could call around earlier. His price was very close to yours (the second was appreciably more). Anyway, I've decided that I should go for your £580 for the work on the drive and in the front. So, when can you start and how would you want paying? Better weather is supposed to be coming up over the next few days and I presume I could pay via bank transfer. Tomorrow I have someone coming over in the morning, then I'm going to town for an eye test. In the early evening a friend is coming over for a meal (I'm going to cook for her!) I presume these things wouldn’t be compatible with your nuclear weedkilling? Anyway, you can tell me how these sorts of things sit with your own programme. When you're here, perhaps you'd give me a price for the work in the back garden. Would you be able to give me a price for a regular front garden lawn mowing? A neighbour of mine (not next door) has some work she wants doing and I've promised to recommend whoever does my work, if I find I can. Raymond. 10/09/2024, 16:25 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Hi Raymond, that’s great news, I really appreciate the custom and your transparency. Let’s work through this your questions: I can be with you to do the bed and the new front bed on Thursday, but don’t worry, if you have plans then you can continue, i won’t take up any of your time and full access to your will be there. I will also put down the killer. That can go down damp. I can then return Monday to seal the drive way. We will need to sort the driveway access tho, as it will take some time to seal, maybe I can come in the late afternoon to allow it to seal over night ? We can discuss that Thursday. As far as payment is concerned, yes transfer is absolutely fine… cash is fine, the only think I cannot accept is a cheque as I like to clear my suppliers weekly. I hope that’s okay? And yes, by all means, we can look at the back and I’m more thank happy to help your neighbour ( providing you are happy with my work of course ) 10/09/2024, 16:47 - Raymond Humphreys: Thanks. That all seems ok. Few people use chques these days and I personally don't like to deal in cash. We should be able to sort Monday out with no problem. The only thing you didn't answer was about the lawn, but that's not a pressing issue and we can have a word on Thursday. I'll be going out myself after 10:30 and suppose you'll be here before then. See you Thursday. 10/09/2024, 17:02 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Oh yes apologies, no worries at all. I can pop over every other week. It should be slowing down this time of year though 10/09/2024, 17:19 - Raymond Humphreys: Thanks. You're going to do me a bonus one with this one, but you haven't given me a price for those following yet! I need to know by the weekend to let my current mowers know. 10/09/2024, 17:19 - The Magnolia Group Simon: £10 every other should be fine, is that okay? 10/09/2024, 17:29 - Raymond Humphreys: Fine, Simon, roughly fortnightly. It doesn't even have to be on a regular day, if you're happy to push a note through the door if I'm not in, and let me pay by transfer. I should think that one or two cuts after the included one will be sufficient for this year. 10/09/2024, 18:35 - The Magnolia Group Simon: I agree, and yes of course I will get you over my details, you can send over as you please, well.. not as you please, when the works done and you’re happy haha. Just thinking, you mentioned the back, I have included the back drive way follow through in my price, was that what you meant ? 10/09/2024, 18:44 - Raymond Humphreys: No, i know the drive is part of the job. I'm talking about the jungle of weeds in the back garden. 10/09/2024, 18:45 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Ok, well have a look Thursday 10/09/2024, 18:46 - Raymond Humphreys: Ok 12/09/2024, 12:44 - Raymond Humphreys: Simon -looking good already. Home from Sainsbury now. In for the rest of the day. 12/09/2024, 12:50 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Hi, it’s all done, all sorted. I have sprayed. I’ll be back to do the seal on Monday. I hope you like it 12/09/2024, 13:10 - Raymond Humphreys: Yes, looks good, thanks. Did you have a chance to look at the back? It should be clear what I want, for you to give me a price for this work, but I'll be here for the rest of the day or tomorrow afternoon. I won't be going out for competitive quotes for the work in the back. As long as your price is reasonable, the job is yours. Ditto for supplying and planting the three big pots as we briefly discussed this morning. Good work, both of you. 12/09/2024, 13:48 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Hi Raymond, yes of course… took a look at the back. So the beds all need a tidy, I would personally pressure clean the patio area and put some sealing sand in between the slabs. The bed to the right hand side all needs to come out, but over all, general tidy up I think. If you let me know a type of tree you’d like for the garden. I was thinking a dark slate slab under each, not large ones just for the pots. Maybe a nice olive tree in each ? Or small red acer? Both look great in pots and are hardy? With regards to the rear garden. I can clean, seal and tidy all the beds for you, that would be, £350, I can fit you in next week, unless you don’t want the clean and seal? I was just thinking about future proofing it really, low maintenance. As far as today’s job, I appreciate the majority has been done. I would appreciate payment for today and the balance on completion, just a divide to relevance, if that’s not possible I completely understand and can wait untill Monday, no worries at all today £400.00, £180 Monday ? 12/09/2024, 13:50 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Magnolia Parkfields S/C 51-81-29 A/N 87824353 12/09/2024, 14:18 - Raymond Humphreys: I should have asked: is that a personal or business account? You use the same bank as me 12/09/2024, 14:22 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Business, apologies, phone was on the side, yes NatWest 12/09/2024, 14:28 - Raymond Humphreys: Thanks. Will pay the first £400 shortly. Will reply on other points soon after, but all looks good. 12/09/2024, 16:19 - Raymond Humphreys: Simon - Have paid the £400. Regarding the back, all you suggest is fine. Next week is, too. I won't be in about 14:00-15:30 on Monday, most of Tuesday, and the later morning of Friday.if But this doesn't matter, does it? Just tell me when you're coming and I'll tell my neighbours. Red Acers, in pots (any you judge suitable) on dark slate slabs for the front, please. Not too large and not too expensive, please. Perhaps you'd give me an indication when you can. The drive sealing can be any time after I'm home at 15:30 on Monday. Presumably you have some sort of warning barrier or tape for the top end of the drive? Thanks. Raymond 12/09/2024, 17:26 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Hi Raymond, sorry for the late response “ a rolling stone gathers no moss” I have just sat down, albeit very muddy and wet! Monday is perfect and yes I will put some tape out incase you have any spontaneous visitors. I can be there Tuesday, because I want to check the resin anyway, I can continue with the rest and really no need for access, I have running water but… do you have power ? Maybe in the garage ? Or could you leave me a lead out a rear window? Acers are a great choice, and I get the plan with the cost and pots. I don’t charge on materials so, I will do that as a favour to you when I go there on Monday. 12/09/2024, 17:43 - Raymond Humphreys: Thanks. That's great. On Tuesday I'll leave the garage door ublocked. There's a power point in there. Perhaps you'd close the door after you? May still be here when you arrive. Not leaving until later morning. My neighbours have just said what a good job you and Alan (right name?) have done on the front. 12/09/2024, 17:46 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Anthony, and thank you. It needs to settle and we’ll decide on if you need more stones. Yes of course, I will happily close up and I’m glad you’re happy with it all, was a pleasure 12/09/2024, 17:48 - Raymond Humphreys: Apologies to Anthony! 12/09/2024, 17:49 - The Magnolia Group Simon: It’s fine, he hates his name anyway 12/09/2024, 17:55 - Raymond Humphreys: Unsolicited testimonial for you and Anthony: 12/09/2024, 17:56 - Raymond Humphreys: They have done a lovely job on it didn't rush took there time 16/09/2024, 09:42 - Raymond Humphreys: Simon - If it's ok I'll give you the £180 in cash for the sealing of the drive. I don't usually have much cash around but I was keeping it for the bloke who was going to do part of the work you and Anthony are doing. Please knock for it. 16/09/2024, 09:45 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Of course, no problem at all. 16/09/2024, 09:45 - The Magnolia Group Simon: I’m heading down to the garden centre this afternoon for your shrubs 16/09/2024, 09:45 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Do you have a budget in mind and how many would you like? 2/3? 16/09/2024, 09:52 - Raymond Humphreys: Let's say max £300 if you can get three of them. I can pay you straight away for them. Not in cash, though! What time will you be coming tomorrow. I' here until about 10:30. 16/09/2024, 11:39 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Hi Raymond 16/09/2024, 11:39 - The Magnolia Group Simon: I’ll be with you before 10 16/09/2024, 11:41 - The Magnolia Group Simon: I am at the suppliers now, they have some acers but I am not happy with the condition to the value. They have some lovely mixed colours which I think will work, how do you feel about bay trees, olives, figs .. anything I should avoid ? 16/09/2024, 11:55 - Raymond Humphreys: Olive or fig are 👍 16/09/2024, 11:57 - The Magnolia Group Simon: I’ve found some nice options. Olive are very slow growing and figs cause an awful mess in the winter. You’ll have to trust me 16/09/2024, 11:58 - The Magnolia Group Simon: What time today did you say I could seal ? Earliest wise 16/09/2024, 12:01 - Raymond Humphreys: Olive sound better, but will leave it to your judgement. I ll defintely be back by 4pm. 16/09/2024, 12:17 - The Magnolia Group Simon: I know, they are great, but I am conscious of your budget and wanted to give you a little variety/ bang for your buck # 16/09/2024, 17:58 - The Magnolia Group Simon: We’re all good and sorted. It’s VERY slippery, please don’t venture out for a few hours. Strong smelling too 16/09/2024, 17:58 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Looks great though 16/09/2024, 18:00 - Raymond Humphreys: I won't! 16/09/2024, 19:21 - The Magnolia Group Simon: £240for the pots, shrubs, pots, slabs, compost feed 16/09/2024, 19:44 - Raymond Humphreys: Thanks. Paid. 17/09/2024, 15:51 - The Magnolia Group Simon: 17/09/2024, 15:52 - The Magnolia Group Simon: 17/09/2024, 15:52 - The Magnolia Group Simon: 17/09/2024, 15:52 - The Magnolia Group Simon: 17/09/2024, 15:52 - The Magnolia Group Simon: 17/09/2024, 15:52 - The Magnolia Group Simon: 17/09/2024, 15:52 - The Magnolia Group Simon: 17/09/2024, 15:52 - The Magnolia Group Simon: 17/09/2024, 15:52 - The Magnolia Group Simon: 17/09/2024, 15:52 - The Magnolia Group Simon: 17/09/2024, 15:52 - The Magnolia Group Simon: 17/09/2024, 15:52 - The Magnolia Group Simon: 17/09/2024, 15:52 - The Magnolia Group Simon: 17/09/2024, 15:52 - The Magnolia Group Simon: 17/09/2024, 16:21 - Raymond Humphreys: Thanks, Simon. That looks good. I'll pay you later this evening. On my way home now. 17/09/2024, 17:29 - Raymond Humphreys: Home now and have seen the garden "live". Thanks. Have paid. Will put a review on the CheckaTrade site tomorrow. Great. The only thing is, the right hand border looks a bit bare now. What would you recommend? Something like a gravel base and a few potted shrubs? Minimal maintenance anyway 🤔 17/09/2024, 17:35 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Yes, I did think that but …. I thought you’d like to enjoy the low maintenance in the form of “nothing”. To answer your question, yes! You could do that, there’s not a lot of ground around, so you could follow it round all the beds, very cheaply. I understand the pots but it’s a great spot, how would you feel about planting a couple of low maintenance shrubs and laying chippings on top to keep the beds down? Save on the pots… 17/09/2024, 17:42 - Raymond Humphreys: Yes. When could you do it? Anytime this month or early October apart from next Thursday. No great rush. Give me an all-in price when you can. 17/09/2024, 17:47 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Yes of course 17/09/2024, 17:47 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Shall we try again for some acers 17/09/2024, 17:47 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Next week I can fit you in 17/09/2024, 17:48 - The Magnolia Group Simon: And Raymond, thank you for your custom, I really do appreciate it. 17/09/2024, 17:58 - Raymond Humphreys: OK. Acers. Any day but Thursday next week. Give me a price when you can. Thank you in return. The garden is a weight off my mind, even if it is one I haven't borne especially heavily😊 17/09/2024, 18:08 - The Magnolia Group Simon: I’m at bnq they have a sale on red acers would you believe. I might get a couple and keep them watered until I come to avoid missing out. 17/09/2024, 19:18 - Raymond Humphreys: Good. As long as the price is reasonable. Will leave it to your discretion. 17/09/2024, 19:20 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Yes… we’ll see.. I have some space next Wednesday. Let me do the maths, I’ll include the shrubs in the price … three would be ideal there, but if you’re happy with slightly smaller, rather than mature shrubs, I am sure we can get it very reasonably 17/09/2024, 19:20 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Reasonable “ 17/09/2024, 19:22 - Raymond Humphreys: OK. Will leave it to you. Weds 25th would be ideal. 17/09/2024, 19:23 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Perfect, please thank your neighbour when you see them, they kindly offered me a drink 17/09/2024, 19:28 - Raymond Humphreys: Good of them. Yes, I'll see them on Friday when we're having a meal, if not before. I take it you man Peter and Debbie next door, slightly up the hill. 17/09/2024, 19:29 - Raymond Humphreys: mean 17/09/2024, 20:12 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Yes, they have a nice acer 18/09/2024, 11:05 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Give me a budget on the rear beds Raymond, I’ve had a cancellation today postponed until Friday …. The joys 18/09/2024, 13:25 - Raymond Humphreys: Let's say around £250-£300. 18/09/2024, 13:31 - Raymond Humphreys: Does this mean you'd want to do it today? You'd be welcome before 5pm. I have a friend coming for meal then. This time I'm not cooking! Sorry to be only just picking up your text. Have been busy this morning. 18/09/2024, 14:01 - The Magnolia Group Simon: No not today, tomorrow. But again, I won’t disturb you and no machines 18/09/2024, 14:13 - Raymond Humphreys: That's fine. Better than today, in fact. I'll be in all day, just working. Don't worry about disturbing me - I'm not one of those people who need absolute hush. 19/09/2024, 09:36 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Good morning, do you need a watering can ? 19/09/2024, 09:41 - Raymond Humphreys: I do indeed. Early this morning I borrowed Debbie's Tomorrow I was going to buy one in town, but if you have one, I'll be pleased to buy it from you. 19/09/2024, 11:06 - The Magnolia Group Simon: £280 for the materials, so fall it £380 total, if that’s okay. 19/09/2024, 11:10 - Raymond Humphreys: That's fine. I'll pay in a moment. Later, I'll do the review I promised. 26/09/2024, 11:19 - Raymond Humphreys: Hi, Simon. At last I've done the review. According to CheckaTrade, it will be live within 24 hours. Sorry about delay, but I am a busy boy, even if it's not in the garden! You've just had a more spontaneous review than mine. Geoff the Fishmonger, whom you saw briefly last week, was highly impressed. He told me he nearly drove past my house. I have a short break soon, before I go to meet my in-laws from Oz so, if I'm not in when you call to do the lawn, please just do it and send me a text. I'll then pay the £15. I'd rather pay that amount and make your inspection a formal part of our arrangement, even though you won't have much to do most of the time. Raymond 06/10/2024, 13:24 - Raymond Humphreys: Hello, Simon. As I think I told you, I'll be going to meet my Australian relatives this Friday, and we won't be back in Bridgend until later on Monday 21st. You are of course welcome to do your stuff in this period. Just send me a text when you're done and I'll send you £15. Don't forget the watering can! One problem I have encountered is that one tree (that on the left as you face thee house) keeps blowing over in the wind. Perhaps when you're here you'd take a look and tell me what you'd recommend to stabilise things? 06/10/2024, 13:37 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Leave it with me mate, I’ll have a look, I’ll pop over and sort things and please have a great time 06/10/2024, 14:41 - Raymond Humphreys: Thanks, Simon. 17/10/2024, 20:23 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Please don’t think I’ve forgotten, weatherr have been nothing short of shocking, will be over next week for tidy up 17/10/2024, 20:26 - Raymond Humphreys: Ok. I'm in Southsea at the moment. Weather good here. Be home next week but you carry on as you can. 22/02/2025, 11:34 - Raymond Humphreys: Simon - you never did call around to see what could be done about the problem with the potted trees. Unfortunately, the pot of one of them blew over once again and shattered yesterday. I'm afraid the tree will die. Would you please call over to see what can be done? Separate from this, and without going for quotations if your price is reasonable, I'll be after a general tidy up back and front and a second application of sealant before long. There are also two garden construction jobs that I WILL be going for quotes on. I'll need to get them done first: 1] Replacing the fence between me and 114 with a wall (or wooden fence if too dear. [2] Cosmetically improving the old wall between me and 110, and widening the drive. This is not my boundary, so I'd need to get agreement for it to be done. I don't anticipate difficulty. A friend of mine, who used to be a Clerk of Works, is going to help me with the spec for this job. Thanks. 22/02/2025, 13:40 - The Magnolia Group Simon: I’m so sorry Raymond, without making excuses, I had a tough time over the winter, ( kidneys are not functioning correctly) which has been an ordeal. I am back up and running now and would be more than happy to look at the garden. We do fencing, happy to quote you on that also, if you’ll have me 22/02/2025, 13:48 - Raymond Humphreys: Sorry to hear about your kidneys but glad you're in harness. Will tell you when my jobs are out dor quote. Presumably CheckaTrade will also. Will be in most of next week. 22/02/2025, 14:10 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Ok I’ll pop over 22/02/2025, 22:55 - Raymond Humphreys: Let me know when you're coming. I definitely won't be in on Monday afternoon and not all the time in the morning. 23/02/2025, 07:53 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Okay, so just to be clear, looking at the pot/plant, second round of sealing and weeding, and general tidy up quote ? 23/02/2025, 07:55 - The Magnolia Group Simon: I’m not sure I will appear on the fencing quote on check a trade, I think they put it as a separate category that you need to pay for specifically, so I can quote separately, but you can see others we have done for reference on check a trade, appreciate its a competitive market with those. 23/02/2025, 08:19 - Raymond Humphreys: Only the pot tree for the moment. The two quote jobs I'll tell you about so you can quote when I do the spec. You wouldn't be able to do the cleanup part of the job in the front until the wall and drive part of the work has been done. Re the fence/wall, I'm not sure I fancy paying Checkatrade extra for this. I'm already waiting for a quote from the Care & Repair charity for this. They can be a bit pricy for their paid work, so I hear - that's why I'll be seeking other prices. You'll be able to quote for this - it's essentially a separate job. If you remember a watering can was a "footnote" to your work last year. You didn't deliver on this - I understand why now. 23/02/2025, 08:26 - The Magnolia Group Simon: I’ll make things right Raymond and I appreciate the consider for quoting on my part 23/02/2025, 15:05 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Just reading back over this, apologies, I meant that I as a trader need to pay more to check a trade for receiving fencing work. My company do everything internal and external, gardens, patios, fencing, painting etc but if we list each of those trades on check a trade, they would charge me £150 per month for each category, it wouldn’t cost you personally to request fencing companies. We do fencing through existing and word of mouth, social media etc. 23/02/2025, 15:07 - Raymond Humphreys: Thanks for telling me that🙂 25/02/2025, 07:29 - Raymond Humphreys: If you plan to come today, please do it before 3:30pm. I have someone coming for a meal this evening and I'm cooking Please let me know when you plan to come, anyway. I'm often out. I am concerned about the tree in the broken pot. 25/02/2025, 07:30 - The Magnolia Group Simon: No worries, which plant has gone down Raymond.? 25/02/2025, 07:32 - Raymond Humphreys: The bigger one on the corner. Can't remember the species name, sorry 25/02/2025, 07:37 - The Magnolia Group Simon: The red robin, I can bring over a temporary pot for now. I’ll see what I have. 25/02/2025, 07:46 - Raymond Humphreys: OK 13/03/2025, 19:18 - Raymond Humphreys: 14/03/2025, 07:38 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Thanks Raymond, I’m happy to price a nice fence at the rear. With regards to the front. Happy to quote on that too 14/03/2025, 07:46 - Raymond Humphreys: Thanks Simon. There is a third part to the work I told you about and which I told you about. You haven't forgotten about our arrangement for a fortnightly lawn trim, have you? By the way CheckaTrade didn't list Magnolia in the list of companies they'd sent my quote information to. 14/03/2025, 11:13 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Although I am based in Bridgend. I advertise now in Cardiff and Swansea, the market in Bridgend is saturated with people who provide services cheaply and their work represents. I found myself pricing against “travellers” etc, wasn’t practical for me to advertise in the area 14/03/2025, 11:29 - Raymond Humphreys: Ah. So, if you do either job, you won't have to pay CheckaTrade anything! No advertising fee from me, either 🙂 16/03/2025, 13:19 - Raymond Humphreys: 16/03/2025, 13:20 - Raymond Humphreys: of other quotes. Do you want to give me one? 16/03/2025, 14:39 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Yes, again. I am more than happy to quote for a replacement fence, I would like to install a staggered, feather edge between the rear gardens. This would be £560.00 with the disposal of the old and prep. In relation to the driveway, i would be happy to price this for you, more than happy removing the shrubs and rebuilding the wall further over but, it would depend on exactly what we use to widen? Would you like a path, extend and match the existing resin? 16/03/2025, 16:32 - Raymond Humphreys: Thanks, Simon. I am also thinking of a wall, brick or brieze block, as an alternative to a wooden fence now. Would you be able to quote for this? I realise it would cost more! With regard to the drive, I see no great need to exactly match the resin in looks. Something like flat stones of roughly the same colour as the shifted 'lawn wall' would be fine - as long as they are the same height for driving over, together with the resin drive. Think of it as a path alongside the existing drive if that's easier to visualise. What about the 'cosmetic' resurfacing of the tatty boundary wall with number 110? You're welcome to come and have a look, whether I'm here or not. If you tell me when, I'll let Peter and Debbie at number 110 know. Tomorrow morning I'll be out, but will be home from 1pm. Raymond 16/03/2025, 17:57 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Okay, I’ll pop over in the afternoon. 19/03/2025, 13:17 - The Magnolia Group Simon: 19/03/2025, 13:18 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Raymond, how are you? just looking at ideas to replace the wall in the front, without breaking the bank, I think wood is a great idea, softer and looks great with chippings 19/03/2025, 13:29 - Raymond Humphreys: Would it be preserved with some sort of coating? Otherwise it may not last too long. I'm open to the idea but maybe as a £this or £that alternative. 19/03/2025, 13:30 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Yes, all the wood is weather treated, we'd stain it and it would have a membrane on the rear to avoid direct contact with the soil. lIt's specifically designed for this purpose (Pictured) 19/03/2025, 13:31 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Ok, let me work a little more detail on this as there are a number of options. 19/03/2025, 13:36 - Raymond Humphreys: Ok. I'll be out this evening so no need to rush with your 24 hour quote deadline. Sometime tomorrow would be fine. I like the idea of £options. 19/03/2025, 13:36 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Okay: I will be over tomorrow with my "builder" he's going to have a look at the wall re-build and then the rear possibility. We'll just havea 10 min walk through so I can provide you with that option. I will work on the wood side (he works for me so it will all be under my company if you ever did decide to proceed with that. 19/03/2025, 13:38 - The Magnolia Group Simon: For now, the driveway, tidy, planting and the clear and re-seal the driveway is, £410.00 the rear fence is £560 and the wall clear, de weed, repair and paint is £540.00 ill provide options with the front after tomorrow. 19/03/2025, 13:45 - Raymond Humphreys: That's fine. I have friend coming round in the afternoon but that doesn't stop you or your builder having a look. Don't forget the wall alternative to the fence. Your provisional price seem ok so far. 19/03/2025, 14:16 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Of course, I won’t disturb you, if you’re happy for me to walk down the side 19/03/2025, 14:28 - Raymond Humphreys: Yes; you carry on. 22/03/2025, 09:27 - Raymond Humphreys: I saw you in the garden yesterday. Are you now able to give me firm prices? 22/03/2025, 09:30 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Hi Raymond, yes that was my builder, he’s getting back to me asap, hopefully this morning 22/03/2025, 09:33 - Raymond Humphreys: Thanks. 24/03/2025, 10:49 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Hi Raymond, so the quote has come in from the builder for the walls. This is just for the wall rebuild after the work at the front, and the wall at the back, the back would be the stone style block you already have and that would be £4570.00 that’s not including the actual work at the front expanding, and laying chippings and a path. 24/03/2025, 10:50 - The Magnolia Group Simon: For me widen, put chippings and a slab pathway, remove the soil and provide a nice treated wood option would be 2300.00 24/03/2025, 10:58 - Raymond Humphreys: Don't forget the tarting up of the wall with number 110. You previously quoted £540 for this. I presume this is included in your £2300? 24/03/2025, 11:04 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Wood, although cheaper that the wall is expensive when treated, personally I think it looks better. The wall was not, as that’s a good 2 days, Cement and paint in itself a task, however, I can do this at material cost if you proceed with the wood rather than the brick (£200 additional) Personally, I think the brick work is steep for what you require, the wall at the rear requires footings etc which will be a messy expense, it’s all your choice 24/03/2025, 11:13 - Raymond Humphreys: OK. I'll probably take your advice. I was thinking of durability as much as price, but I do have to say the old wooden fence has served me well. Please give me a revised quote with a breakdown so I can see where I am and I'll probably go for it. Thanks, Simon. 24/03/2025, 12:24 - The Magnolia Group Simon: 24/03/2025, 12:24 - The Magnolia Group Simon: 24/03/2025, 12:25 - The Magnolia Group Simon: This is the treated timber. Great, thick and well treated, we can also stain it a colour you prefer for additional. But we’ll be putting something behind to avoid contact. 24/03/2025, 12:25 - The Magnolia Group Simon: This message was deleted 24/03/2025, 12:26 - The Magnolia Group Simon: we can also add lights to it as well pull power from the property to light up the steps, again this would be up to you and budget 24/03/2025, 12:35 - The Magnolia Group Simon: 24/03/2025, 13:13 - Raymond Humphreys: Thanks. We'll go for it, then. All we need now is the dates. 24/03/2025, 13:17 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Week 3/4 April 24/03/2025, 13:18 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Perfect, Send me your address, i'll pop over some official paperwork 24/03/2025, 13:20 - Raymond Humphreys: 112 Merlin Crescent, CF31 4QN 24/03/2025, 14:54 - The Magnolia Group Simon: 24/03/2025, 15:15 - Raymond Humphreys: Thanks, Simon. That's fine. I'm out at the moment but will be home soon and will send you the deposit later this afternoon. 24/03/2025, 15:21 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Perfect, enjoy your outing 24/03/2025, 16:06 - Raymond Humphreys: Have sent the deposit. My only planned outing next week will be on Thursday, 3rd April. Going to Bristol. I'll be leaving here at about 9:15am. So, if you arrive after that, you just carry on. I won't be home until 7-8pm. If there's anything I need to avoid stepping on when I return, please send me a text. I will be here on Friday 4th. 24/03/2025, 16:11 - The Magnolia Group Simon: All received and it’s all fine, only the seal but we’ll do the same as before, evening. 03/04/2025, 11:51 - Raymond Humphreys: Simon - In Bristol today as I mentioned. Debbie next door tells me you're not in 112 yet. Any reason? 03/04/2025, 11:51 - The Magnolia Group Simon: 112? 03/04/2025, 11:51 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Your place ? 03/04/2025, 11:52 - The Magnolia Group Simon: 03/04/2025, 11:53 - Raymond Humphreys: Yes: 112 Merlin Crescent 03/04/2025, 11:53 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Week 3 week 4 April 03/04/2025, 11:53 - The Magnolia Group Simon: 😂 there’s been a break down in communication 03/04/2025, 11:55 - Raymond Humphreys: Yes. I read it as 3rd and 4th April 😮 03/04/2025, 11:56 - The Magnolia Group Simon: I’m so sorry. 03/04/2025, 11:56 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Is that an issue 03/04/2025, 11:57 - Raymond Humphreys: Not really. Will be in touch 🤭 06/04/2025, 18:01 - Raymond Humphreys: Interesting failure of communication. We won't seek to attribute blame, especially since I suspect most of it may fall my way🤭 Do you have specific dates in mind yet? I'm going to Portsmouth next Wednesday and will be back on 14th. Not that this is especially relevant. 06/04/2025, 19:55 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Hi Raymond, let me get my diary updated and I’ll give you a specific date tomorrow. Please don’t worry about your plans … I can send you images of the “fluffy stuff “ slabs and chippings, before we sort those. You’re a busy man, nice to travel and get around 06/04/2025, 20:16 - Raymond Humphreys: Yes, I'd rather be busy than not. I'll be contactable by WhatsApp when I'm in Portsmouth, so no rush to reply. 21/04/2025, 11:36 - Raymond Humphreys: Hello Simon. Hope you're having a good Easter. By my reckoning, this is now week 4 of April. Do you now have specific dates in mind for the work at 112 Merlin Crescent? 21/04/2025, 11:50 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Yes, we’ll be making a start the week. Due to the rain last week, I would have liked to be well into your but unfortunately the rain set me back a good few days, I’be worked over Easter to catch up. 21/04/2025, 11:55 - Raymond Humphreys: Ok. I'll be indoors for much of this week. Not that this much matters. Don't forget, you owe me the watering can from last year. It doesn't need to be a shiny new one. 25/04/2025, 08:00 - Raymond Humphreys: It's now the last day of Week 4. I'm out today but you know what's to be done and can start. I do need this work at 112 Merlin Crescent to be done now, Simon. 25/04/2025, 09:17 - The Magnolia Group Simon: We’re starting Saturday, continuing on from there. On time, just 25/04/2025, 09:18 - Raymond Humphreys: OK 26/04/2025, 10:25 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Are you home ? 26/04/2025, 10:25 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Need power from the garage 26/04/2025, 10:32 - The Magnolia Group Simon: null 29/04/2025, 08:21 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Can you unlock the garage for me please 29/04/2025, 08:55 - Raymond Humphreys: Going up to shower now, so if you need anything beyond access to the garage, I'll be down iin about 30 minute. 29/04/2025, 09:09 - The Magnolia Group Simon: No I need to collect some wood and I’ll be fine from then on. 30/04/2025, 07:17 - Raymond Humphreys: Let me know if you intend to come today, please, Simon. Otherwise, I'll lock the garage door. 30/04/2025, 07:58 - The Magnolia Group Simon: I’m collecting materials etc today mate. I won’t need power either way, keep it locked 30/04/2025, 07:58 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Finished the fence yesterday 30/04/2025, 08:02 - Raymond Humphreys: Yes, I saw the fence. Do you have a definite programme in mind for the rest of the work, especially for completion? 01/05/2025, 11:13 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Definite program will be completion, 7/10 days from yesterday, I am wanting to hit it all with 2 men, as not to leave a mess in between. I need the soil removed. Wall next 01/05/2025, 11:13 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Apologies for the patchy, I’m juggling my son, off school with my wife 01/05/2025, 12:30 - Raymond Humphreys: OK 02/05/2025, 08:06 - Raymond Humphreys: Hello, Simon. I'll be going to town fairly early this morning. I should be back before 11:00 but if you'd like me to unlock the garage before I go please let me know before 08:30. 02/05/2025, 08:07 - The Magnolia Group Simon: No you’re good today we’ll be cracking on tomorrow with the front. 08/05/2025, 21:08 - Raymond Humphreys: I'll be leaving here at about 10:15 tomorrow and will be back sometime on Monday afternoon. But you can carry on, if you arrive. 09/05/2025, 06:44 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Okay Raymond 09/05/2025, 06:44 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Have a nice weekend 12/05/2025, 13:29 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Hi Raymond, I am very sorry to say, we have an issue. Not something you like to hear on your return but an issue that needs to be discussed/addressed (I will attach images at the end of the message so you can see). As we know, the resin driveway was an absolute sham of a job, no preparation, so weed protection and no stabilisation, they have simply spread it on top of your block paving but the issue is with your block paving, as this has been layed to the same standard as the resin. They should have had layers of different grade sub base to stabilise and they should have inserted boundary supports, yet it seems they simply laid the block paving on soft sand, no cement and no support. this has basically means that by us taking away the wall, the drive simply slides off, breaks and is no longer supported! Your wall should not have been the boundary support. Us repairing and replacing is not an issue but what is an issue is the support going forward. Your garden is sloping in the direction of the path we are creating, so by us simply filling the area with slabs and stones will offer no support to the edge of your driveway. I do not want to do that now, it wont work and is maybe the difference between your last 2 contractors and myself. We can repair the resin, that's a simple job but we need to secure the boundary and some to ensure there are no more collapses, due to the poor preparation on your initial block paving. I want to do it right and do a good job. I am conscious of budget, time and aesthetics. 12/05/2025, 13:30 - The Magnolia Group Simon: null 12/05/2025, 13:30 - The Magnolia Group Simon: 12/05/2025, 13:30 - The Magnolia Group Simon: 12/05/2025, 13:30 - The Magnolia Group Simon: 12/05/2025, 13:30 - The Magnolia Group Simon: 12/05/2025, 13:30 - The Magnolia Group Simon: 12/05/2025, 13:30 - The Magnolia Group Simon: The last image is the old block paving demonstrating the old resin falling off it with ease. 12/05/2025, 13:31 - The Magnolia Group Simon: We adapt and overcome. 12/05/2025, 13:33 - The Magnolia Group Simon: What I suggest is, we edge the driveway with a stone or metal support and now fill the complete channel we have dug with cement to ensure support for the edge. we then leave around 2/3 inches from the top of the support and have a shallow layer of chippings and stone as planned. but sitting on a bed of concrete. I can match the resin and re apply to the areas. 12/05/2025, 13:34 - The Magnolia Group Simon: 12/05/2025, 13:53 - Raymond Humphreys: I think I follow what you're saying. The old block paving was done 15 years ago. The big questions in my mind are of course money and when. I'm assuming your recommended action would look ok. I presume you'll be back after lunch? I haven't had my shower yet. Will postpone until I hear from you. 12/05/2025, 15:17 - Raymond Humphreys: I don't now know whether you're coming or not. I'll go for my shower in 30 minutes or so. Tomorrow, I'll be out from about 10:30 and on Wednesday the young woman who does my cleaning will be here at 09:00 and then I have someone calling on private business at abot 10:00 and will be out later for much of the day. Let me know when you want to discuss the way forward with my drive. 12/05/2025, 16:15 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Sorry Raymond, we’re on stop, until we get that sorted, could get worse. It will look the same as discussed but we need to add a support to the side and support the whole channel with cement or it will crumble into the new chippings. We will get a mixer etc there right away and back fill, money is a talking point but either way, it needs to be done, so if you do not have the funds, I will do the work and we can settle another time. I think the additional work will be around £350 for the materials, we’ll get it sorted. It’s scary how it just falls, all of it is sitting on sand 12/05/2025, 16:15 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Apologies for the late response, I have been sourcing a cement mixer and pricing the materials. 12/05/2025, 16:22 - Raymond Humphreys: An extra £350 or so is fine. Please let me know as soon as you can when you'll be restarting. No need for a discussion. 12/05/2025, 17:22 - The Magnolia Group Simon: As soon as I pick up the mixer, I’ll be right over.. be done this week 12/05/2025, 17:28 - Raymond Humphreys: Excellent. 14/05/2025, 09:05 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Any preference on wall paint colour ? 14/05/2025, 11:52 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Can you unlock the garage 14/05/2025, 11:52 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Need power 14/05/2025, 13:20 - Raymond Humphreys: Won't be home for an hour or 90 minutes. 14/05/2025, 13:20 - Raymond Humphreys: Are you in Ray? They need to use your garage for the electric.. No worries. If not, they can use ours with extension lead ... 14/05/2025, 13:25 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Sorted 14/05/2025, 13:25 - The Magnolia Group Simon: It’s fine 14/05/2025, 14:26 - Raymond Humphreys: Great. Be home in 20 minutes or so. 14/05/2025, 14:29 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Leaving the posts set will be done tomorrow 14/05/2025, 17:06 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Hi Raymond, hope all is well, would you kindly send over £200 for the support materials for the drive addition. We’ve puchases the others to complete, just need a few additional items which were not added to the original work, hope that’s okay 14/05/2025, 21:56 - Raymond Humphreys: Just sent £200. Home all day tomorrow. Geoff the Fish calls around 10:30. Hope he can get in. 16/05/2025, 13:31 - Raymond Humphreys: Hello Simon. I take it you won't be here today? If you are and you need power, let me know before 2pm because I'll be out from then until about 3:30pm. I'll be in all weekend but out from before 10:00 to about 13:00 on Monday. 19/05/2025, 07:58 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Open the garage please 19/05/2025, 07:58 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Sorry for the late reply, I’ve been in hospital all weekend with my kidneys etc, all ok today 19/05/2025, 08:05 - Raymond Humphreys: Sorry to hear that, Simon. You sure you're ok? I'll open the garage door now. Will be out, about 10:00-13:00. 23/05/2025, 12:46 - The Magnolia Group Simon: null 23/05/2025, 12:46 - The Magnolia Group Simon: 23/05/2025, 12:46 - The Magnolia Group Simon: 23/05/2025, 12:46 - The Magnolia Group Simon: 23/05/2025, 12:47 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Hi ray, we’re all done here mate, little time in the right mix to come for the drive. They’re getting the match. But all tidied, cleaned and sealed. If you wanna hold £200 for the drive. Sort the rest that would be great, need some cash to get rid of the waste see matey 23/05/2025, 13:33 - Raymond Humphreys: All done includes getting rid of the waste, of course. But from the pictures it looks to be shaping up. I'll have a look when I return and, yes, we'll agree a figure I can pay you on account until the whole job is done. Thanks for soldiering on through what must have been a tough time for you personally. 23/05/2025, 13:47 - The Magnolia Group Simon: It’s fine ray, I’ll get it cleared bow this afternoon as I need to get the payment to pay the boys and I’ll send pics, driveway repair was an extra, so we can settle on leaving the £200 for that, would that be ok? 23/05/2025, 13:48 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Appreciate you’re away, I just pay the team on Friday 23/05/2025, 13:52 - Raymond Humphreys: I understand about the £200. Don't forget the debris inside the garage etc. 23/05/2025, 13:57 - The Magnolia Group Simon: We’ve cleared the garage and the back just have some on the grass we’ll do now then I’ll take pics, will we be good for payment then ? 23/05/2025, 14:09 - Raymond Humphreys: Yes. The paper copy of the invoice is at home and the wifi on the train is a bit wobbly so, just in case, quote the amount when you send the pictures, please. 23/05/2025, 14:14 - Raymond Humphreys: It's ok. I've managed to retrieve your copy invoice for £2429 23/05/2025, 15:03 - The Magnolia Group Simon: null 23/05/2025, 15:03 - The Magnolia Group Simon: 23/05/2025, 15:03 - The Magnolia Group Simon: 23/05/2025, 15:03 - The Magnolia Group Simon: 23/05/2025, 15:10 - The Magnolia Group Simon: We did it ! Thank you for pushing us! It’s been a tough week and would have caused hassle. Clearing, it’s good to seee it all clear and looking good. I was deadheading the red robin, it’s come back. I’ll look after it 23/05/2025, 15:10 - The Magnolia Group Simon: null 23/05/2025, 15:10 - The Magnolia Group Simon: 23/05/2025, 15:10 - The Magnolia Group Simon: 23/05/2025, 15:10 - The Magnolia Group Simon: 23/05/2025, 15:11 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Perfect thank you 23/05/2025, 15:18 - Raymond Humphreys: All looks ok from the photographs. I'll do a proper visual check tomorrow. Thanks. Feet up for you this evening. 23/05/2025, 15:20 - The Magnolia Group Simon: I wish have to go to two other jobs and sort the boys … maybe at 7pm 23/05/2025, 15:29 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Have a nice night let me know when you’ve sent it, I’ll sort the lads out cheers ray 23/05/2025, 15:32 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Don’t worry just seen 23/05/2025, 15:32 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Thank you 23/05/2025, 15:32 - Raymond Humphreys: The money is in your account now......ah, right. 29/05/2025, 11:34 - Raymond Humphreys: Simon - there are a few things I'd have talked to you about before paying you: * there are some gravel stones from the top left on the path under the window. * there are some planks left at the side of the garage. * there is a gap between the lawn and the wooden edging (I know you intended to deal with this after our dry spell, but when please?) Also, I know these are separate small jobs , but when do you plan to do the drive repair and first lawn mowing? I'm off to Romania on Wednesday. You probably won't be surprised when I tell you that Dan worked hard and steadily throughout. You have a good one there. 29/05/2025, 11:47 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Hi Raymond, let me respond • gravel, well brush it, mush have been the blower. • ⁠the planks are full treated board, I will collect them but did have a plan elsewhere with planters, they’ll keep the weeds down for now. • ⁠the lawl will be levelledown, I will do this next week. • ⁠the driveway, it’s a complicated situation ( all in control). You’ve probably noticed over the road, the two driveways that were just finished with the same. I asked the company to look at yours for a colour match, they basically said it’s not the correct material, it should have been a UV treated gravel, not what you have, so they said it’s not going to be easy to colour match. When you purchase it, it comes individually, then it’s mixed together, you may have seen the process. We found a similar match, but the minimum order is 4 sq meters. So we have a friend who is going to look at it as it’s his profession, he said he’ll match and make small batch. The guy who game to look unfortunately said to me he would advise getting it sorted long term as he noticed a few dips and bumps further down the drive and near your gate, he said to expect cracking, something about the UV protection or lack of, I digress. I’ll be over next week ( with the watering can). With regards to Dan, he’s great, when he shows up, which he hasn’t for 4 days, so I’ve had to let him go… sad, he’s a good boy but o can’t rely and with my kidneys, I need reliablility. 29/05/2025, 12:05 - Raymond Humphreys: Thanks. I'll be in until early Wednesday morning, except for about 90 minutes on Monday afternoon. *The gravel, lawn and wooden boards, ok, as long as the boards are not there long. *The drive - I might not be interested in its longer term future. I'll speak to you next week. Shame about Dan. 11/06/2025, 07:31 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Been rained off last week, trying to catch up mate, I will get to you and sort out .. the bonding wind take on damp ground. 11/06/2025, 10:36 - Raymond Humphreys: On my way home. One flight down, Two to go. Need to sort this soon, Simon. 11/06/2025, 11:09 - The Magnolia Group Simon: We’ve had rain for a while now, we’ll be over when I’ve caught up ray wont be long 13/06/2025, 07:21 - The Magnolia Group Simon: I’ll come and collect the wood today mate and drop your key off, needs to dry out, but maybe tomorrow morning we’ll have a chance 13/06/2025, 07:34 - Raymond Humphreys: I have to go to the eye clinic this morning for the second and lesser part of my annual checks but you go ahead. Thanks, I would appreciate it if you could finalise things tomorrow morning. I'll be here but will be away in Shropshire on Monday and Tuesday. The first "normal" lawn mowing is now due, but you can do this anytime, whether I'm here or not. 👍 13/06/2025, 07:35 - Raymond Humphreys: Drop the key through the letter-box if you like. 13/06/2025, 07:49 - The Magnolia Group Simon: It’s not for the want of trying, it’s just not right with the weather, I’d rather keep upsetting you and do it correctly, than do things for the sake of it and you having to rectify further down the line when it’s not been done correctly 13/06/2025, 09:18 - Raymond Humphreys: I do understand. Weather is crucial in your work and, although we had long spells of good weather earlier, I know it was utterly crap here while I was away. It was 31-35°C wall to wall sunshine in Galaţi, where I was. Another factor has now come to the fore from my point of view at this time, making the late finalisation of the work a real issue. Remember week 3/4 April? Have picked the key up. Thanks. 13/06/2025, 15:12 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Yes, agreed but we didn’t cater for the driveway, when was not lyed correctly, the actual gravel you have is incorrect and not made for outdoors on the drive, so is impossible to match. The hot weather makes the ground harder. I have a company working on a custom mix for your drive, will not be perfect, but I have a minimum order of 10sw meters, which I will have to obsorb the cost on £300 and I will finish the garden without the addition funds pending. Gardens and drives are not easy… especially when things happen like that, I could come and do the lawn etc but wanted it to be all done at once 13/06/2025, 15:12 - The Magnolia Group Simon: I am sorry though, really I am 13/06/2025, 15:17 - Raymond Humphreys: Yes, I am aware of your efforts at a difficult time for you personally, with health and other matters being a trial. 13/06/2025, 15:32 - The Magnolia Group Simon: I’ll make it right ray! 19/06/2025, 09:23 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Message to all customers: After 2 months with my new van in the garage being sorted, it returned and has the same issue. I want to apologise to you all for the delays. I am working on another temporary solution to get back out. I sincerely apologise, this is not something I have ever experienced, especially with a van under warranty but I will get to you and will put it right as soon as I can. Thank you for your patience. 20/06/2025, 07:50 - Raymond Humphreys: The time for long, apologetic texts is now past. I've been patient, probably too much so. Now I have to enlist the aid of, at least, Trading Standards Enforcement. 20/06/2025, 08:01 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Raymond, that’s a terrible, view. Your driveway was done by cowboys, the resolution doesn’t exist, you insisted on removing and because it was done by cowboys it failed and will continue to fail. I told you the advice from the company over the road was to remove completely and I am left with the duty of creating a manual solution. The type of floor you have is incorrect, it’s not made for out doors and thus does not exist. I should have advised this and walked away but instead I offered to do it for 1% of the cost it should be and have been left with this admin to resolve. I personally do not have the funds to resolve this as it wills cost me £600+ to repair your driveway, on advice from professionals and it still won’t match, and will still continue to fail. Whilst I sympathise, I cannot see why the attitude you’re firing towards me was not mirrored with the “two” and it was two, as the block paving was a complete sham installation prior to your latest drive, companies who ruined your driveways. I have gone above and beyond with your work and have explained the reasons for delays so…. I will come tomorrow, I will sort your lawn, trim your hedge, backfill and seed. I will re boarder the front bed. I have not received a penny for the driveway repair. So I will leave that for you to resolve and we can both part ways. Please do not threaten me with escalation. I am a good person with a great reputation, you are clearly taking the previous failings out on me. All my last projects with you have been left to the dogs which is your right, but I care about the work I do and my customers, which is why I have a 9.5 rating out of ten. You haven’t once even offered me or my staff access’s to bathrooms, even a cold drink or running water. Please Raymond, leave me clear the front and well part ways and you will see how serious your previous installations have ruined your garden. See you tomorrow w 20/06/2025, 08:07 - Raymond Humphreys: No more words. Just get on with it tomorrow. 21/06/2025, 10:18 - Raymond Humphreys: Why am I not surprised by your absence this morning? You know what you quoted for, and what you have already been paid for. I do expect, at the very least, a cosmetic repair to the damage you have done yourself (the name "Dan" is still inscribed there). I have some friends from Hertfordshire coming today and we're going for lunch. If you do deign to come to Merlin Crescent today you have my permission to get on with it. Overall, naturally I am considering what action to take. 21/06/2025, 10:26 - The Magnolia Group Simon: I’m actually on my way, I have to collect soil and seed and another labourer and by my calculations, I have another 1.5 hours to arrive when agreed ? 21/06/2025, 10:33 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Raymond, i can only apologise for Daniel’s writing, he’s let me down more than once. The driveway is a big issue, it’s not outdoor resin, it’s not protected, it’s failing and we need to find a solution, which won’t cost the world. I am coming to do everything else. This is not a good place for me to be in either, not my comfort zone and I’ve never in my life worked for anyone with bad taste, this is hostile now and I don’t like it, it’s not who I am. I was the senior service manager for a national retailer, this is not in my blood. I’m sorry you feel I’ve let you down, but I’ve kept you up to date, I’m working 7 days a week to keep others I’ve let down up to speed. I’ll do what I can today to make the place better. We’ll touch base after and I hope you have a nice lunch with your friends today 21/06/2025, 10:36 - Raymond Humphreys: Out about 12:15. I'll be home by 15:00. 21/06/2025, 10:37 - The Magnolia Group Simon: We’ll be there in 30 mins 25/06/2025, 14:28 - Raymond Humphreys: I am hardly surprised not to have heard from you. Do not imagine you can simply walk away from your responsibilities at 112, Merlin Crescent, Bridgend, CF31 4QN by remaining silent. Can we please leave the emotion and excess verbiage out of this? You know what you quoted and have been paid for, and what you have actually done (including leaving your employee’s name inscribed on my drive and some damage to the drive surface.) I do not want to hear any more of you blaming everybody and everything else for your shortcomings – including those you term ‘your staff,’ your lack of funds, ‘Checkatrade,’ those who have previously carried out work for me, my failure to provide refreshments, and even problems your vehicle leasing arrangements. I simply want this matter to be brought to something that resembles a satisfactory conclusion. As I have already told you, if this is not done, I intend to take action. I have already wasted far too much time, as well as money, on what should have been a straightforward garden construction job. I did think such action would have to be against you personally, Simon Alexander Brooks of 100 Parkfields Road, Bridgend, CF31 4BL. However, my preliminary investigations inform me that Magnolia Parkfields Ltd is a Limited Liability Company registered with Companies House on 16th June 2024 (registration 15783215). Also, I am informed that, as at today’s date of 25th June 2025 Magnolia Parkfields Ltd has not been declared insolvent, and you are not at present disqualified from acting as a company director. I must therefore advise you that, if you do not give me your written proposals for concluding this matter by 12 noon on Thursday, 3rd July, Magnolia Parkfields Ltd will be served with formal notice that the necessary action is proceeding. If it helps, let me advise you that I do not expect you to, indeed do not I have the faith in your ability to, carry out the overall remedial work you claim should be done on my drive. Please do not assume you can simply turn up at this address when it suits you. Any agreed work is to be carried out by appointment. Let me advise you now that an appointment will not be possible on Monday, 30th June 2025 or Wednesday, 2nd July 2025. Raymond Humphreys 25/06/2025, 14:29 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Raymond, you’re wrong 25/06/2025, 14:29 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Again 25/06/2025, 14:36 - The Magnolia Group Simon: The gardening work is complete. The additional cost to repair your sham of a drive way was )250 to which you didn’t pay. You paid a small deposit to obtain concrete, which was used to stabilise your driveway. The company is not insolvent, functioning fine. Not sure where that information has come from. I assume you’re sitting at your desk scrolling away. I’m sick of your bullying me , when I have done nothing wrong. This work was private, not listed on check a trade. So you cannot use that against me. I said I will lay some more concrete to cover up the wording but on professional advice you need to get the driveway sorted in its entirety. You should have done this much research on the cowboys who fitted it and then we wouldn’t be in this mess. I am qualified in trading standards and consumer laws. Represented national retailers in court many times against individuals like yourself. I have no issue telling you that you are factually incorrect, and if you carry on threatening legal action then I will ensure your driveway is perfect, this will mean removing it all and laying it correctly, and then I will seek the funds on completion for the work. 25/06/2025, 14:36 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Insolvent indeed. 25/06/2025, 14:38 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Stop blaming me and my company for the poor workmanship of others. You regret not hiring professionals, and now you’re trying to get me and my company to pay for your mistakes in the past. My rating with check a trade is 9,6 / 10 ! You don’t get that from being a cowboy… 25/06/2025, 14:38 - The Magnolia Group Simon: You’re the issue, you’re getting out of hand and I will be forced to take action against you. You have not paid for the service 25/06/2025, 14:39 - The Magnolia Group Simon: 25/06/2025, 14:44 - The Magnolia Group Simon: You can hide behind your educated words and your poor online research, but laws are there to protect us both, I will put a small layer over the wording in the concrete, for that I am sorry and then, I suggest you hire a company, off check a trade to remove the whole drive way and do it properly. A contract is legally binding, secured by finance and paperwork. As such no finance has been received and further advice has been given, also, as there has been no “time is of the essence” agreement in place, on the contract, we are also under no timescale obligation. If you were to contact check a trade or any other platform in relation to this work, which was obtained outside of their platforms, without respecting their process, then I will seek damages for slander. I wish this was through them, because they protect trades as well as customers. 25/06/2025, 14:45 - The Magnolia Group Simon: I spent 8 years fighting casing and writing contracts. I’m not your everyday trades person and I won’t be bullied on this. Cement over the silly initials and we part ways 26/06/2025, 09:38 - Raymond Humphreys: Please note that I do not wish to hear from you again, other than in the form of your written proposals, by 12 noon on Thursday, 3rd July 2025, for concluding the matter of the abandoned work on the garden in the front of 112 Merlin Crescent, CF31 4QN, I should like to correct one of the factual inaccuracies in the series of WhatsApp messages you sent yesterday, before you start to believe it yourself. I did NOT say that Magnolia Parkfields Ltd was in liquidation. In fact I said the opposite: ‘… I did think such action would have to be against you personally, Simon Alexander Brooks of 100 Parkfields Road, Bridgend, CF31 4BL. However, my preliminary investigations inform me that Magnolia Parkfields Ltd is a Limited Liability Company registered with Companies House on 16th June 2024 (registration 15783215). Also, I am informed that, as at today’s date of 25th June 2025 Magnolia Parkfields Ltd has not been declared insolvent, and you are not at present disqualified from acting as a company director ...’ Raymond Humphreys 26/06/2025, 09:43 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Raymond, nobody is abandoning your job, these things happen. You were completely misguided on two occasions, all I have don't is struggle to find a resolution to the matter. Whether you believe this or not, that your right all I can do is advise, make my mistakes right and try and do the right thing. the reality of all of this is that on 2 occasions, you have been a victim of poor workmanship, and the one honest individual who comes along is bearing the brunt of it. By the way, your backfill has been seeded, I know the weather is in favour now, but please water the area to ensure the grass seeds take. 26/06/2025, 09:49 - Raymond Humphreys: I will inform when the legal action has been put into effect against your company, after 12 noon on 3 July, 2025. 26/06/2025, 09:52 - The Magnolia Group Simon: Your case will not be processed unless you can demonstrate a clear outline of the issues you have put for resolve and show evidence of refusal or failure, to which I have not been informed, simple terms..... what exactly are you saying is outstanding ? the cover up of the wording or the complete repair of an illegally installed drive to which there is no repair? please state your grounds so I can understand 26/06/2025, 09:53 - The Magnolia Group Simon: With all due respect, I will seek my own damages for costs and time put into your case also, so we both understand exactly what it is you're claiming 26/06/2025, 09:53 - Raymond Humphreys: Stop bothering me. 26/06/2025, 09:56 - The Magnolia Group Simon: failure to disclose claim ? you're lost before it started there. sorry it's upset you Raymond, but you're clearly well educated and capable of following process, I would like to make it clear not and in writing on this threat that you are not stating the issues you want resolved and have requested I "stop bothering you" making it impossible to assist you further or complete work at your property. no more contact made. Please address any further correspondence to my address in writing addressed to my wife Elizabeth who is a qualified solicitor and represents me also with any legal matters. regards 26/06/2025, 15:22 - Raymond Humphreys: Yet another long-winded text from you. Please don’t pretend you don’t know what needs resolution. You were only here days ago. To assist you, I am sending a photograph of the top end of the drive. From this, you’ll be reminded that your scrawl needs to be removed and the broken part of the drive surface (which you broke yourself) needs to be repaired. I am aware that you have been advised that the present drive surface is not of your recommended type and that a perfect match might not be achievable, but you haven’t yet shown me what would be possible. As I’ve told you several times before, I am NOT looking for replacement of the existing wider drive surface at this time. If I was, I certainly wouldn’t entrust such work to you. A quick check of the Law Society’s Rolls of Solicitors (all I had time for today) informed me that the only solicitor named Elizabeth Brooks is one based in the offices of Slater & Gordon in Merseyside. I assume this is not your wife, although there is a lot of remote working these days, or your wife could be registered under some other name. However, my dispute is with Magnolia Parkfields Ltd. You are the sole director of that company, and I have no intention of writing to anyone else about it. If you need to consult your wife, then you can do this yourself. My intention was to write to you after 12 noon on 3rd July 2025 if and when the legal claim was in the hands of the Courts’ Service. I was going to do this purely out of courtesy; the Service itself would provide you with details of the claim. However, since you clearly have no intention of offering a resolution to our dispute and instead keep wasting my time by bombarding me with pointless and sometimes offensive messages, I see no purpose in waiting until next Thursday. Instead, I intend to make my claim as soon as I can put the details together. This won’t me take long, once I can find the time to do it. Raymond Humphreys 26/06/2025, 15:25 - Raymond Humphreys: 26/06/2025, 15:43 - The Magnolia Group Simon: I don’t think you understand the point I am making which is making this convoluted. We agreed to repair (prior to understanding the existing issue with previous installation) You paid me For the materials to stabilise the area, this was done with the cement pictured above. I then advised that the resin option was not possible, which is still the case, it won’t join, it won’t match and it will crumble away. So, as you had not paid me anything for this step, I advised to leave it there. I am happy to put another small layer of concrete over the top of the wording, that’s our fault and my issue, but if you want me to find another solution beyond that, then you will need to pay me the remaining balance from the original repair quote. Because another option, matching or not, is not something you have paid me for to date. As of this point, you have paid and I have provided the service. So I am not in debt to you, you are not in debt to me, I just have advised that we are unable to offer a solution which will resolve this issue. You instructed me to remove the wall, you are expected to know if your driveway was laid correctly and now you have put me in this situation, where I am trying to repair an impossible issue. If you’d like me to put something else there, then you need to provide me with options, because there is no professional solution, you are asking me to provide an unprofessional, ill advised option. Once I have covered over the wording, then we have no contract or issue to resolve, I am simple refusing the additional solution. 26/06/2025, 15:44 - The Magnolia Group Simon: In simple terms, you haven’t paid me for the solution yet, so I am under no obligation 26/06/2025, 15:46 - The Magnolia Group Simon: I’m impressed by your research, we can all use the internet, understand your books are more recent from your council career, which lasted 30+ years. We can all do research on each other, some more than others, but all this research is irrelevant. 26/06/2025, 15:46 - The Magnolia Group Simon: No more words. I will skim the writing and our contract and my obligation is over 26/06/2025, 16:23 - Raymond Humphreys: Your obligation is not over. You will next hear from the Courts Service. No more now.