Yet another carboot sale purchase. I bought myself a long handled pointed shovel. Very common in Ireland and other parts of the world like America. It's also called a Devon shovel and a Celtic shovel.
Many moons ago I was on one of those Community Employment schemes for the Unemployed (we called them "Digger Ditch" schemes) and some wit wrote instructions and swear words on the handles and blades on how to use them!
I bought the shovel and the wife bought some tea towels and a man gave her a vase because he said it was cracked and wouldn't hold water. She brought it home and filled it with water and it didn't leak.
I am quite proficient in using any kind of shovel and don't mind using any of them. The Irish ones are good for digging and for weeding.
Do you remember Eric Olthwaites shovel?
Often on our travels we see council workers leaning on them. Do you think they have occupational health problems like Housemaids Knee, Tennis Elbow or even Council Workers Shovel Handle Nipple Rash?
Shows what a lot of toffs we have living around here, I put a spade out for free and its' been there for ages, nobody wants it. I also put a really large tub of dulux emulsion out and that's still there. This area was normal when we moved here in 1965 but it's gone all yuppy over the the years, lol
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They probably wouldn't know how to use a spade or a paint brush Briony. We went to an antiques fair yesterday and someone was selling a brown 1970s coffee table for 95 Euros. Unbelievable. Thanks!
DeleteI loved Ripping Tarns. Brilliant stuff.
ReplyDeleteDo you remember Trigger's broom (Only Fools and Horses)?
Me too JayCee. I loved it along with Monty Python. Yes I remember Tiggers broom. A bit like Grandfathers axe. It's had seven new handles and seven new axe heads. But it"s still his Grandfather's axe!
DeleteHere we just call a spade a spade, Northsider. But if I called it a Devon or a Celtic shovel, perhaps I would feel like a world traveler while digging in the garden.
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing what a shovel and it's user can do Debby. Much like the wheelbarrow. An ancient Chinese invention which is still in use today.
DeleteThose shovels are the only thing to do serious amounts of digging with. F converted our neighbouring allotment holders by lending out hers. Turning over heavy clay in Spring with a short handled spade is an idiot's task. You've done well there Dave.
ReplyDeleteI once cleared an allotment of weeds and grass with just a t shaped spade and a bucket Tigger. Horses for courses and all that.
DeleteThe T handle you mention on your other shovel we call a "pocket ripper handle" around here!
ReplyDeleteGood name Kev. They keep you fit and like all tools have evolved and made to do the job.
DeleteHandy spade that Dave, I would call it a spade as opposed to a shovel. Good for getting in close to what you want to aim at. A good find and a good buy.
ReplyDeleteThanks Rachel. The point is great for digging and the handle helps you throw the material high if you filling a cart or the back of s lorry..
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