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I am currently
Travelling
My next destination:
United Kingdom - from Jun 2023 until Dec 2024 View allDescription
Hi, I'm Jon.
For months now I’ve been enjoying life in London big time – cafes, art galleries, bookshops, garden squares and busy streets.
But now it’s time to see more of the country, especially the English countryside - let's go.
Mature with loads of experience on board – life has taught me lots of valuable lessons.
Am a self-starter, am totally open to learning and work very efficiently unsupervised and just get things done.
So, teamwork or solo, count me in . . .
Give me something to do, I’ll go do it and show you when it’s finished.
Always take real pride in whatever I do.
In my travels I have seen chances to help and improve and stayed at places where I could make a difference.
While ago I assembled a bed, repaired kitchen furniture, oiled hinges, repaired a gate latch, weeded gardens (a favourite), tidied yards, pruned plants.
Latest gig involved:
outdoors - repairing fencing, rebuilding fences, replacng fence posts, paving stone work, shed repair / waterproofing, repairing compost bin complex, careful pruning work, major garden tidy, plumbing repair work, other landscaping work;
indoors - repairing, resurfacing, repainting walls, same for door frames x8, fire surround renovation, help installing kitchen fan, various home improvements.
Elsewhere:
outdoors - major landscaping, esp preparing plot for artificial lawn laying, building new garden edging, building / installing garden edge fencing, making / installing garden gates, soil imprvement, installing summer house on concrete base, plus insulating and waterproofing it, designing and laying out new garden plots / beds, sowing seeds, planting new plants, erecting multiple trellises, yard work, overall outdoor improvement work, renovation of front house garden beds, replanting, soil improvement, proper pruning work;
indoors - built entire wardrobe unit using repurposed materials, put up shelving, wall repair / repainting, extensive remodelling of bathroom, fixing roof leaks, building kitchen shelving, general home improvements.
Skills acquired over time are in woodworking, good gardening practice, construction, renovating, painting, general repair work, working sensibly with nature, plus am good with power tools where safety always comes first.
Always ready to get my hands dirty and apply my knowledge where needed.
Active participant in conservation, waste-avoidance, recycling, repurposing, composting and good land stewardship.
I have a keen eye for design and construction, alternative and creative ways of getting a result and enjoy making a difference by improving whatever needs it.
I believe in doing the right thing by nature and people, contributing well and leaving a light footprint on the earth.
As a person: respectful, considerate, clean, vegan, non-drinker, non-smoker, no drugs, no loud music, very cat-friendly.
Intelligent, classical music, literature, movies, coffee, bookshops, theatre, concerts, opera, more coffee.
Private personality, widely read, appreciate design, architecture, great art, good people.
Am uncomplicated, friendly, balanced, no baggage, appreciative of what's good in the world.
English native, plus I speak French and German.
Terrific at backgammon, cryptic crosswords . . .
Interest in philanthropy, consciousness, world affairs and love to learn.
Brilliant sense of humour, just brilliant . . .
If you think I could be an asset to you and we might get on well, it would be great to hear from you.
Cheers, JonInterests
NatureVegetarian or veganWritingTechnologySustainabilityPerforming artsMusicLanguagesHistoryGardeningBooksArt & designArchitectureLanguages spoken
German: Fluent
French: Fluent
Spanish: IntermediateSkills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn
I'm interested in:
Eco ProjectsSome knowledge of:
GardeningDIY and building projectsHelping around the houseAnimal CareHospitality/TourismArt ProjectsHelping with Computers/ InternetAble to teach about:
General MaintenanceLanguagesTeachingMore details about your skills
Woodworking, good gardening practice, lawn mowing and skilled pruning, construction, renovating, painting, fencing, landscaping, creative repair work; design, writing, editing, translating, tutoring
Age
71
What else ...
I enjoy meaningful convo, playing and teaching backgammon, same for cryptic crosswords.
Some more information
Smoker
Driver's licence
Allergies
Special dietary requirements
Vegan
Feedback
Excellent experience staying and working at Fin's.
Variety of jobs gave me choice, and offered an indoor / outdoor balance to cope with weather changes.
Working solo suits me well and I simply went through the list, with frequent chats to ensure I was on point, with the right tools and materials always in place.
Fin's meals are high-quality,… read more
Plenty to do in home improvements, house help and painting and repairing.
Highlights included seeing the Somerset countryside on planned trips to villages near and far.
First time ever inside Salisbury Cathedral - a major thrill.
Ongoing conversations with an intelligent and… read more
Warm comfy room, terrific country views, outstanding meals, intelligent conversation, engaging visitors and charming co-workawayers.
Not to mention meaningful work tasks: repair, yard work, painting, bathroom restoration, blind installation, general… read more
Friends
Feedback
Excellent experience staying and working at Fin's.
Variety of jobs gave me choice, and offered an indoor / outdoor balance to cope with weather changes.
Working solo suits me well and I simply went through the list, with frequent chats to ensure I was on point, with the right tools and materials always in place.
Fin's meals are high-quality,… read more
Plenty to do in home improvements, house help and painting and repairing.
Highlights included seeing the Somerset countryside on planned trips to villages near and far.
First time ever inside Salisbury Cathedral - a major thrill.
Ongoing conversations with an intelligent and… read more
Warm comfy room, terrific country views, outstanding meals, intelligent conversation, engaging visitors and charming co-workawayers.
Not to mention meaningful work tasks: repair, yard work, painting, bathroom restoration, blind installation, general… read more
Really enjoyed the work, the meals, the family time and the socialising.
All four are intelligent, communicative, warm people and are simply great to be around.
Being accepted genuinely from day one really made my stay; this family knows how to host and host well.
Will be back when I can.
Many… read more
She gave me free rein for the garden and grounds, allowing me to be entirely efficient and creative when applying my experience to building and improving especially.
Great mix of conversation and privacy, plus a very comfortable room and bed.
The animals are delightful and add to the family… read more