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3 simple reasons why you need to book a chimney sweep

James the Sweep is the Master Chimney Sweep for Tunbridge Wells

Colder times have officially arrived now that the season of Autumn is under way across the counties of Kent and East Sussex.

That means your chimney and indoor fireplace are going to be in constant use in the months ahead. Nothing beats the warmth of a fire and the cheerfulness that it brings. That’s something certainly needed during these difficult times with the Covid-19 pandemic!

Here are three simple reasons why booking a chimney sweep ensures that you can safely enjoy a fire indoors this Autumn and Winter.

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Chimney fire safety advice

Chimney Fire Safety Week has recently passed but fire safety is important all-year-round.


When it comes to enjoying woodburners, there are ABC steps necessary for every householder if they are to have peace of mind.

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Enjoy peace of mind in turbulent times – prepare for your indoor fires this Winter

The spike goes down… the spike goes up… this Covid-19 pandemic is tiring when you’re trying to live a normal life!

That’s why it’s important to reach for creature comforts in these turbulent times. Enjoy a simple life and don’t watch the news too much!

James the Sweep has been very busy making sure customers’ chimneys are ready for the Winter. Perhaps you’ve seen Ol’ Sweepy, his van, tootling along the streets of Tunbridge Wells or further afield (he covers most of Kent, from Maidstone to Orpington and even to Crowborough).

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Warning about smoke from your chimney

The sight of smoke wafting from a chimney might cheer you up if you look across the rooftop scene in Tunbridge Wells or another town or village in Kent.

In fact, the smoke may indicate the fire is not being maintained properly. The only time when smoke should emit from a chimney flue is when lighting or refuelling. Smoke can otherwise indicate that the flue needs sweeping, or that you’re not burning wood or other suitable fuel correctly.

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Fighting air pollution together

THE GOVERNMENT continues to push to reduce air pollution, a target given approval by James the Sweep – who sees the benefit for the county of Kent.

An update on progress for the Clean Air Strategy was published this summer under the title:-
‘25 Year Environment Plan Progress Report April 2019 to March 2020’.

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7 reasons why your own woodburning stove saves you money in a recession

Recession. Don’t we all hate the word and what it entails? We live in such difficult times with this coronavirus and the knock-on effect on the economy. Even so, there is a glimmer of hope when it comes to your heating bills. Autumn is just around the corner and NOW is the time to think about saving costs in the colder period ahead.

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Keeping healthy in the coronavirus crisis

The next few months look very uncertain as the cold weather arrives with the coming of Autumn and Winter.

We don’t know how people will be affected by Covid-19 at the same time as the flu season arrives. It’s a nervous time but one thing is very clear: we all need to keep ourselves as fit and healthy as possible.

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Prepare now for the colder season and keep healthy

Autumn is coming… book a chimney sweep now!


The next few months look very uncertain as the cold weather arrives with the coming of Autumn and Winter.

We don’t know how people will be affected by Covid-19 at the same time as the flu season arrives. It’s a nervous time but one thing is very clear: we all need to keep ourselves as fit and healthy as possible.

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Hot ash warning after bedroom fire in Tonbridge


All it takes is a stray fire spark to ignite flammable material – and you have an out-of-control fire.

That’s what happened at a home in Farm Lane, Tonbridge, at 3.30pm on July 27.

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Household insurance and chimneys – some advice

Check your household insurance small print requirements about chimney maintenance

HOUSEHOLD insurance can be invalid if your chimney is not swept properly at least once per year.

That poses a massive problem if you did have a chimney fire because it means you may not be able to claim for damages.

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James is a proven expert in sweeping chimneys in Kent

[Credit: Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps]

Here’s a perfect pic of James the Sweep sporting a bodywarmer for the Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps.

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Changes due for fuel types allowed for indoor fires

It’s understandable that Covid-19 dominates the headlines but we mustn’t forget other important matters at this time.

If you enjoy an indoor fire (woodburner, etc) don’t forget that there are some changes arriving for types of fuel allowed for combustion.

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Aliens have landed in Tunbridge Wells… or have they?

Image by Thomas Budach from Pixabay

LOCAL news reports state that a UFO was spotted hovering over the town of Royal Tunbridge Wells recently – apparently two floating orbs heading towards the moon.

It’s not the first time that unidentified flying objects have been seen whizzing about in the upper atmosphere above parts of Kent. There have been various records of bright lights flying around over the years, with colours ranging from orange to green to yellow to white – and these sightings are recorded at various locations around the county.

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Keep safe as lockdown eases

Don’t take any chances with the coronavirus – or your fireplace!

So… the good news is that the Covid-19 lockdown is definitely easing, allowing our Kentish communities to regain some sense of normality again.

Please do take care though and follow the scientific advice to keep a good distance (unless you have a measuring stick, commonsense applies!), washing your hands frequently, being careful of other people’s coughing habits, cleaning surfaces, etc.

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Carbon monoxide is an invisible killer threatening everyone in your household

Carbon monoxide kills. We know that because of the statistics: 30 deaths per year and 241 injured, on average. And that’s just the known cases, according to the CO-Gas Safety charity.

It’s horrifying that people are injured or die largely because the right safety checks were not made inside the home. CO-gas detectors play an important role in detecting the gas but we must be careful not to over-rely on them. Proper safety inspections of appliances are crucial for safety’s sake.

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Hever Castle’s grounds are now open!

Credit: Hever Castle

GREAT NEWS – Hever Castle has opened its grounds and gardens to the public booking in advance.

The castle is allowed to do so under new Government guideliness for private gardens reopening for folk to spend time outdoors. However, visitors to the castle gardens must book a date and time online in advance. You can find out more here. Take note of all instructions on that web page. The castle is taking certain measures to ensure people’s safety from Covid-19.

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Back to work… slowly!

James the Sweep has returned… slowly because of the Covid-19 pandemic… back to work this past week.

James has been the Master Chimney Sweep for Royal Tunbridge Wells for the past 20 years and it’s been a real joy to get back to the work he loves: sweeping chimneys and keeping consumers safe from the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning and uncontrolled chimney fires.

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Keep in touch with James your chimney sweep!

James Hughes is your local chimney sweep in Kent

Lockdown rules seem to be changing with freedoms being rolled out by the Government now and even more expected in due course after weeks of isolating because of the coronavirus. – James the Sweep is getting back to work this Monday but keeping the situation under review for the welfare of customers.

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5 easy-to-remember safety tips for using your barbecue

Use barbecues safely

Sunny days are here to stay. Well, at least stay until the weather changes. And you never know when that may be. That’s why your chimney needs to be in good condition all year round. To keep your household safe from risks of carbon monoxide poisoning and chimney fires when you use your woodburner.
In any case, despite the restrictions imposed by the coronavirus, no doubt many of us will be wheeling out the barbecue in this warm weather. This is the time for enjoying steak, burgers and sausages sizzled to perfection with a drink or two.
Remember though to keep safe when using your charcoal barbecue. The last thing you want is to end up at Tunbridge Wells Hospital in the middle of this Covid-19 crisis.

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VE Day in Tunbridge Wells

Kent was at the centre of the Battle of Britain

VE DAY celebrations recently were simply brilliant for us residents in Tunbridge Wells – despite the restrictions imposed due to the Covid-19 coronavirus.
The Second World War certainly had a profound effect on folk living in the T Wells area. And what happened during 1939 to 1945, the immense sacrifices made, should never be forgotten.

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