News Category
Sweep Buddy
02 February, 2021
This article was first published in ‘Sweep Stuff’ magazine – Dec 2020. Guild member David Sudworth, of Mr Soot Chimney Sweep, talks about how shadowing other sweeps is important for Continual Professional Development… There’s an old saying that ‘once...
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Bees in chimneys
01 February, 2021
Bees nesting in chimneys can be a problem and traditionally an insecticide would be used if they need to be removed. But it’s possible to remove the whole nest and save the bees. Bee and chimney expert Keith Mitchell...
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A new chapter – The Federation of British Chimney Sweeps
03 June, 2020
Over the last year or so the main UK chimney sweep trade associations have engaged in discussions on industry governance, formal qualification and training. As you’d expect, the Guild were involved from the very start, working hard with colleagues...
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Online Refresher Course
03 June, 2020
Another first – 19th June 2020 This course is open to any sweep and is for experienced sweeps only. We have re-structured the 5 year Refresher course to enable candidates to attend online. It’s a one day live interactive...
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Dinner, raffles and more prizes
02 June, 2020
Lawson Wight reflects on a great finale to a great weekend. What do chimney sweeps do when they are not working? Well once a year many of them get together, spend a lot of money on tools, food and...
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Government action on coal and wet wood.
01 June, 2020
On Friday 21st February while munching your cornflakes, trying to contain your excitement about the fast-approaching Guild Trade Exhibition, you may have seen some headlines referring to a government “coal and wet wood ban”. They announced plans to phase...
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Guild Exhibition 2020
01 June, 2020
On February 28/29, the Chesford Grange, Kenilworth again hosted the 2020 Guild Exhibition. This event was kindly sponsored by Rodtech UK, and as well as welcoming Guild members, stove / fireplace installers, and other trades, the Exhibition attracted many...
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Best Van Competition 2020
01 June, 2020
Congratulations to Glenn from Howat’s Chimney Sweeping who won £250 and the Best Van trophy at this year’s Guild Trade Exhibition. Dave O’Donnell from Essex & Suffolk Chimney Sweeps came a very respectable second and won £100. Torrential rain...
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Teamwork delivers record breaking campaign
01 June, 2020
A few (long) weeks ago the first “National Bird Guard Week” was launched at the recent Guild members AGM. The idea was to mobilise the power of many sweeps doing a little bit and raise consumer awareness of the...
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First live video presentation – Digital booking and databases
01 May, 2020
The Guild of Master Chimney staged its first live video presentation yesterday. Around 50 members logged in to see presentations on digital booking and management systems by industry experts Thomas Wiggins and Martin Lewis. Guild chairman Lawson Wight hosted...
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Nomination, voting and election procedures 2020
14 January, 2020
Dear member, The Guild members will elect a new board director at the next AGM on 29th February 2020. The process of nominating, voting and electing board members is very important. In order to increase the voice of members and...
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Our Future – The Professional Chimney Sweeping Industry
14 January, 2020
The letter below was mailed to all Guild members and circulated to sweep associations and the wider sweeping industry in July 2019. Dear Guild member You may have read, or heard, recently about proposed and emerging changes in the...
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Dying for a sweep
14 January, 2020
It was October, I knew I was tired, well we are all tired in October, right? I just didn’t know I was that tired. Thanks to the skill of the other driver I wasn’t T- boned when I pulled...
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Sascha hangs up his brush
14 October, 2019
Sascha Meding is hanging up his brush to become the future CEO with the European steel chimney manufacturer, Eka. He’s been a well known and well liked member Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps for over 15 years and served...
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Cut and store your own wood? – essential information
10 September, 2019
Norwegian Wood by Lars Mytting Chopping, stacking and drying wood the Scandinavian way Have you read it? I love this book. It contains truly excellent information for anyone with an interest in sourcing, storing and processing wood for fuel....
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Chimney Fire Safety Week
05 September, 2019
Please see this excellent short article on preventing chimney fires and what to do after a chimney fire. The article is great for sharing to consumers. Remember, the advice given by professional sweeps to help prevent chimney fires is...
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Day trip to Charnwood
07 August, 2019
FANCY a trip to a stove factory? Who wouldn’t! A few weeks ago 10 intrepid Guild members visited the Charnwood factory (AJ Wells) on the Isle of Wight. Charnwood is the UK’s longest running stove manufacturer and is now...
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The luckiest bride in the world?
19 July, 2019
IS Penny Robins the luckiest bride in the world? Probably, and not just because she’s been swept off her feet by new husband Murray. Penny is a chimney sweep. She runs her own business, Penny Poppins, from Southend in...
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New licences for killing of wild birds issued by Defra
17 July, 2019
Update 14th March 2021: The links in this article have been updated and are current 14/3/21. Always refer to the latest government updates. These updates are from Defra and apply to England. Differences may apply in devolved administrations. Jackdaw...
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Charity raffle – new record £1905
05 May, 2019
WHAT can we say? The Guild 2019 charity raffle was a great success and a new record amount raised. Twenty fantastic prize donations from stoves and rods to Flame Genies and fireside accessories. Dust Control, Digital...
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How do you create a ‘viral’ social media post?
27 April, 2019
THIS is such a big subject and there’s no A to Z tick-list for perfect results. However, there are some definite commonsense rules to follow if you want to attract people to a SM post. Firstly, what do we...
Read MoreGuild of Master Chimney Sweeps AGM 2019 – points to remember
02 April, 2019
Lawson Wight updates the Guild members Members will receive a full set of meeting minutes soon. In the meantime Christopher Eyte reports on some key points from this year’s AGM. EXCITEMENT about the future of the Guild of Master...
Read MoreGolfer? Top quality sweep logo golf balls
23 March, 2019
You can really stand out with these top quality Vice Pro Plus balls. The unique trademark stick man sweep logo makes them instantly recognisable. We know how important a good ball can be so please do check out the...
Read MoreValiant has a winner in Jamie ‘good service’ Downes!
23 March, 2019
GOOD SERVICE is a key mantra for a Guild chimney sweep whose dedication to his customers has won him a top prize at the recent Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps trade exhibition. Jamie Downes , who runs Quality...
Read MoreTrade Show finale – smooth mousse, a Bond-style casino & superb funky dance moves!
17 March, 2019
‘FUNKY’ is possibly not the first word that pops into a customer’s mind when he or she turns the door handle to find a cheerful Guild sweep giving a friendly salutation on the threshold of their home....
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‘Your van is your shop window’ – All the Best Vans from the competition
17 March, 2019
Emma Roddy won best van. It was even equipped with ….. choc biscuits! GONE are the days when a local chimney sweep would be seen cantering across town in a horse-and-cart or whistling on a bike with his brushes....
Read MoreWhat an amazing trade exhibition!!!
13 March, 2019
THANK YOU to the many Guild members, exhibitors and sweeps from other trade associations who have just enjoyed the Guild Trade Exhibition 2019 last weekend! What an incredible event it was! We’ve never had so many visitors to...
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Breaking bad news to customers
06 March, 2019
NOBODY likes to break bad news to customers about the state of their chimney, their fire or stove – but sometimes you just have to do it. Chimney sweeps will be fully aware of the type of problems...
Read MoreThe Guild AGM is democracy in action
26 February, 2019
DEMOCRACY is at the heart of the community known as the Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps. Each Guild member is valued and his or her opinion matters a great deal. That’s what really drives us – that overwhelming...
Read MoreGet your brushes ready! The Guild trade show has finally arrived!
22 February, 2019
Well, this is it. It’s here. Get your brush ready, your van nice and tidy, and don’t forget your tuxedo. Because the most popular annual event in the chimney sweeping industry’s calendar is here! We’re just days away...
Read MoreShow Time – what, when, where.
17 February, 2019
Dinner, Casino, Raffle & Band – an outstanding evening awaits – Read More FREE seminar presentations: NVQ and BurnRight – Read More Best Van Competition – Open to all, first prize £250 – Read More Win an NVQ...
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Prizes galore for sweeps at the Guild Charity Raffle!
16 February, 2019
Actress and lawyer Olivia Murray of CO Gas Safety received the cheque from the charity raffle last year from David Wooffindin, the Guild’s educational director. Olivia stayed at a friend’s house, as a teenager, and needed urgent medical...
Read MoreDaily round-up of activities at the Guild Trade Exhibition 2019
14 February, 2019
THE CHIMNEY sweeping industry’s premier annual event is nearly here – the Guild trade show! Here’s a useful breakdown of what’s happening during the weekend at the Chesford Grange Hotel, Kenilworth, Warwickshire (CV8 2LD). Free prize draw –...
Read MoreFamily outings at the Guild trade show
12 February, 2019
THE GUILD trade exhibition is the most popular event in the chimney sweeping industry calendar – and people of all ages enjoy attending the weekend. Yet just in case your wife/husband or children get bored with brushes...
Read MoreFree seminars at the Guild trade show
09 February, 2019
IF YOU want to know the latest news about training and education in the chimney sweeping industry – come alone to the seminars being held this March, at the...
Read MoreDigital Brochure for Trade Show Exhibition 2019
09 February, 2019
GUILD members and Exhibitors should have received printed copies of this year’s Guild Trade Show brochure. [If not – please contact us!] You can also access the 48-page digital version online by clicking here. It may sound like...
Read MoreA casino, slap-up meal and a lot of groovy dancing!
09 February, 2019
TRY and get plenty of sleep now before the Guild Trade Exhibition 2019 – because the non-stop entertainment at the year’s top event in the chimney industry will definitely blow your brush. The Guild has organised fantastic activities...
Read MoreGet ready for the Guild Best Van Competition!
09 February, 2019
ARE YOU feeling nervous? Of course you are, and you have every reason to feel a bit jittery because it’s that time of the year again: the Guild’s best van competition. As usual, the competition...
Read MoreTips on admin for your successful chimney sweeping business
03 February, 2019
RUNNING a local business takes a lot of your time and energy but it’s very exciting too! If you’re a chimney sweep there’s a lot to think about – keeping up-to-trade on Guild training courses, making sure...
Read MoreSave P&P – Click and collect BurnRight brochures at Guild trade show!
01 February, 2019
YOU can order your BurnRight brochures and flyers for collection at the Guild Trade Exhibition in March. You can collect at the show IF you order by February 14 (easy to remember – place your order by Valentine’s Day!)....
Read MoreDinner and Lunch booking Information 2019
27 January, 2019
To book online please go to Dinner and lunch booking information You must book by 19th February Or call David or Nina on 01226 242357 (office hours) or email info@guildofmasterchimneysweeps.co.uk Gala Dinner Menu @ £39.00* per person This price...
Read MoreYou’re not alone! Join one of the Guild’s Regional Meetings!
20 January, 2019
This photo by Paul Blinny shows a recent festive get-together by the Guild East Midlands and South Yorkshire group at Ranby village in Nottinghamshire. Some 19 sweeps enjoyed a meal, plenty of laughter, and a raffle, which raised £360....
Read More“Stove ban?” – woodburning? Customer questions about news reports
16 January, 2019
Q&A: Clean Air & Solid Fuel Appliances Many of you will have seen the media reports claiming there will be a ‘ban’ on stoves and open fires. Of course, we know this is incorrect, but many of your customers...
Read MoreNew Year’s resolutions from the Guild to members
15 January, 2019
EVERYONE makes New Year’s resolutions at this time of year (to state the obvious). So take a moment to read three resolutions made by the Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps. Actually, ‘resolutions’ may not be the correct term...
Read MoreCarbon Monoxide Protocol – Actions and Guidelines for Sweeps
13 January, 2019
As a Solid Fuel industry leader, the Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps recognised there was no protocol for what a sweep should do if they are advised of or if...
Read More‘Tis the season to be marketing
20 December, 2018
THIS FESTIVE and New Year season (2018 – 2019) offers a fantastic opportunity for chimney sweeps to market their services to new customers. Chimneys are in the forefront of popular culture at the moment. Not only do we...
Read MoreYoungest ever sweep for training and assessment
14 December, 2018
A TEENAGER has become the youngest ever chimney sweep to pass assessments set by the Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps. Charlie Ross, aged 17, from Dunfermline in Fife, drove himself to the Surefire centre in Ripley, Derbyshire at...
Read MoreNew ‘Findachimneysweep’ website launched
06 December, 2018
A BRAND new website for ‘Findachimneysweep’ has been launched to benefit the businesses of members of the Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps – findachimneysweep.co.uk The site has a new sweep search function making it easier for prospective...
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Guild Facebook – making the most
22 October, 2018
Do you use Facebook? Help us help you. There are some things you can do which will benefit you, your customers and your fellow Guild members. The Guild now promotes four pages. Consumer page – We use this...
Read MoreLatest News 22nd October 2018
15 October, 2018
Eschfoe report 2018 Read More Government fuels consultation – now closed – Read More Regional Meetings report Read More Tony Spanton appeal Read More Buying / selling a sweep business part 1 Read More Thatch advice – heat transfer testing Read More New Van...
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New BurnRight van stickers
15 October, 2018
A couple of months ago we reported that a very rare BurnRight van sticker had been spotted for the first time in the UK. Some hard working volunteers quickly started a captive breeding programme from a secret location at...
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Heat transfer and thatched properties update
15 October, 2018
There has ben some significant testing carried out by the Fire Protection Association on behalf of Historic England and NFU Mutual Insurance. They have updated the information on heat transfer from chimneys in thatched properties. Point number one in...
Read MoreWhat I did, why I did it.
15 October, 2018
Starting, growing and selling my sweeping business by Jessica Hayes – Part 1 I came to Chimney Sweeping after a process of elimination. My ex husband had suddenly stopped paying maintenance for our 3 children. Whilst I knew he couldn’t...
Read MoreMay’s Regional Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps Meetings
15 October, 2018
What a result! – over 150 Guild Members throughout the country gave up some of their free time to attend one of the 15 Regional Meetings organised by Regional Officers during the month of May. We think this turn...
Read MoreESCHFOE 2018
15 October, 2018
INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS OF CHIMNEY SWEEPS By Sascha Meding – our man in Transylvania From the 22ndto the 26thAugust 2018 chimney sweeps from all over the world gathered in the well know Romanian region of Transylvania. The participants of the...
Read MoreLatest News 2 September 2018
02 September, 2018
Wood as Fuel – Sweeps Information Read More For many years the information in this document has proved invaluable to sweeps and their customers. Delivered correctly, this information brings excellent repeat and referral business Chimney Fire Safety Week Read More Guild...
Read MoreBurnRight update 2:09:18
02 September, 2018
Environmental Protection Scotland August newsletter – Click here to read
Read MoreLatest News 19 August 2018
19 August, 2018
The Latest News from Guild, Guild Members and Trade Partners Can I remove a flue pipe to sweep the chimney? What about replacing a register or closure plate, fitting ventilation or replacing a hearth? Guild Technical Director Steven Howard...
Read MoreMugs game?
19 August, 2018
Mugs game? Of course not. The Guild is 25 years old this year. If you’d like one of these highly desirable commemorative mugs, please email your Name, address and phone number to training@guildofmasterchimneysweeps.co.uk £3.50 + £2.80 p&p = £6.30...
Read MoreUnderstanding CE Designations
19 August, 2018
One of the key features of the European Standard for system metal chimneys is a user-readable classification system that designates the features of the product. A label showing the classification must go with each flue component. Understanding the classification...
Read MoreDead Bird Scam
19 August, 2018
We have been contacted by a distressed customer from London. She was visited by two men calling themselves “chimney sweeps”. They had quoted her £45 to sweep the chimney. They called her to the room with the fireplace and...
Read MoreUnprecedented results using the new BurnRight brochures
19 August, 2018
Chimney sweep James Hughes has had some unprecedented results using the new BurnRight brochures as his customer reminder card. Following his initial success with the first hundred, James has now posted out around a thousand. James said “I’ve been...
Read MoreTo Notify or not to Notify
19 August, 2018
Work which is not notifiable under Schedule 4. Schedule 4 to the Building Regulations sets out types of work where there is no requirement to notify a Building Control Body (BCB) that work is to be carried out. These types...
Read MoreEntirely new species spotted in Essex
19 August, 2018
This unique photo of a BurnRight van sticker was spotted by eagle eyed David O’Donnell from Essex. Experts believe it may be an entirely new species and it’s certainly the first one of its kind seen in the UK....
Read MoreGovernment consultation update
19 August, 2018
Thanks to all of you who submitted a response to Clean Air Strategy consultation. It’s closed now. I can’t stress enough what a difference each response makes. To give you some idea how much each reply matters there were....
Read MoreYour response helps shape your industry
19 August, 2018
The Government Clean Air Strategy consultation ends next Tuesday, 14th August. The Guild has submitted a response on behalf of it’s members. Now it’s your turn to submit a personal response. Download your response here Any sweep / anyone...
Read MoreAct now! Have your say on solid fuel
16 February, 2018
Guidance for chimney sweeps on the government’s “call for evidence” Major changes are taking place in the solid fuel industry. The Government is currently undertaking a ‘Call For Evidence’ on domestic burning. It’s important that, as a professional chimney...
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