commiserations to Richard (handyman)

[citronut]

Richard phoned me this morning to ask if i could finish the welding on his ZX for the MOT,
as the farmer who he rents his unit from called him around 10.30 last night to tell him the farm building were burnt down,

this after noon he called me back to say dont bother as the ZX which was outside went up with the contents of his unit
im sure he will once he has got his head round it be on to clarify

look at the link below


http://www.kent.fire-uk.org/release_15/ ... _list.aspx" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[CitroJim]

Oh dear god, that's terrible

[myglaren]

Any further news on that?

and sincerest condolences Richard.

[citroenxm]

Here here.. my deepest thoughts..

[handyman]

Thanks for your thoughtful comments concerning my losses, I do find it very difficult to comprehend at the moment the extent of the damage, save that everything I had acquired over the last 45 years is now just a pile of ashes, still smouldering.

I keep listing in my head all the stuff that has now gone, which includes my CX, both the Activas, the 1920s C4, my wifes's ZX, all my engineering tools, metalworking and woodworking machines, my timber stores, all my new and refurbished Citroen spares, new tyres, my collection of motorcycles, all those spares, workshop manuals, all my tools both mechanics, woodworking and metalworking, etc, etc. I sit here typing this with tears in my eyes.

In addition to these things that were a big part of my life I have also lost a lot of the family's heirlooms, including antique furniture, books, my Uncles sculptures and all my my early pieces, all my drawings and sketches. I cannot even begin to list these items.

At the moment, I am trying to come to terms with the loss of my livelyhood, as all my work was in that building. The intensity of the fire was such that anything that was not made of steel has gone into dust or been vapourized. Due to the perilous state of the building I am not even allowed into it to try to recover anything that might still be useful.

The fire started in another part of the farmyard complex, well away from my workshop and store, but due to the wind that evening and the nature of the material nearby, spread rapidly. The fire service set up an exclusion zone as there was not only my gas welding equipment but also other oxy-acetylene equipment on the site that they could not locate, so they were forced to let it all burn rather than risk the life of a firefighter. This comment is no criticism of their valiant efforts, as none of it was worth even one human life.

My wife and I are now reviewing where we stand and it would seem our best option is that I now concentrate on my wife's growing artisan chocolate making business, especially as we are now at the threshold of the busy part of the year, the run in to Christmas.

I still have the two Xantia estates, albeit one is unroadworthy and the other is in need of some repair, which Citronut is kindly helping me with, along with the use of his Grottmobile and workshop. Malcolm, I do appreciate your help.

I am now looking for another Activa, along with another car for my wife, like a C4, (no, not a Picasso!) or the Pug equivalent.

Luckily, I still have all my electrical testing equipment as this was at home, along with my laptop Lexia.

Handyman, tearful and scorched around the edges, but still fully functional.

[citroenxm]

Richard..

the best colour for a xantia after black i think..

link might work..

http://item.mobileweb.ebay.co.uk/viewit ... 0944076652" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

R reg s1 maritious blue activa in gloster

[handyman]

Yes, I had seen this and it could be a proposition. I have contacted DOMW with questions. Awaiting a response.

I used to have a W regd version in this colour, with cream leather interior. It got shunted up the backside, ended up with a ripple in the floor and my ex-sister-in-law then sold (stole) it to a car dealer without my permission.

As for colours, Dante Red is the ONLY REAL Activa colour, but I will drive any other ones. Better not to be Activaless.

H

[Chris570]

I was at Jim's earlier when i heard about this. I'm so very sorry to hear about all of this. I hope everything all comes good for both you and your nearest and dearest. There seems a good amount of C4's about at the moment but when you see one with a broken glovebox lid be aware they are a rare part secondhand and dealer prices arent cheap either.

[davetherave]

Really sorry to hear this Richard, that is just awful.

[Citroenmad]

That is really terrible news, what a loss Very sorry to hear that Richard

[red_dwarfers]

Sorry to hear this Richard

[Deanxm]

Not much Help but im sorry to hear of whats happened, i hope you can try and get back close to where you were asap.

Regards
D

[ACTIVE8]

Richard sorry to hear about this.

All the best with getting it sorted out!

[handyman]

Thanks for all your commiserations. It is heartening to see your comments.

It is difficult to quantify how things are progressing as I am trying to get my head around all the parts, tools, personal effects, etc that have now been lost. The next task will be looking for a target for compensation, once the fire report is out next week.

The local fire service have been brilliant, they were called out again as my timber store re-ignited and during their endeavors they found some of my uncle's bronze sculptures that they managed to save and pass on to me.

I would like to find another Dante Red Activa like my pristine late Mk1 and maybe get another S2 CX GTi Turbo. Chances of finding either in the same condition and mileage is probably a dream. If anybody knows of such, I'd be pleased to here from you.

Handyman

[citroenxm]

Try Andrew AndMcit, he is needing to clear a few cars out and if theres a chance to save anything Im sure he be pleased.

By clearing out he hasnt a choice but for the weigh bridge. Which Im trying not to think about, and goodness knows how he feels him self...