Simon is wearing a vest, short sleeve cotton shirt, cashmere jumper (Johnstones of Elgin), second jumper (from Aviemore), English Arts Chorale fleece, brushed cotton jeans, knee protectors and Clarks shoes (holey reliable).

After a few hours walking on battons your arms get longer and swing like an orangutan.

Roofing in bad weather is tough. I am siding with Wat Tyler and should be at St Pauls protesting about credit default swaps on Greek Debt made in my name by my bank. The copper clouts and rivets have caused my lips to crack and its we haven't yet reached November - only about 800 tiles to go.

I am out of touch but is there anyone concerned about Jeffrey Archer handing back the the throne of England to the RC church. What's this bit of sea for? What's the Tower of London for?

As I watch the harvest moon rise over the sea I consider the soreness of my bum - only a weekend biking in the black mountains is comparable to tiling, notwithstanding the bath mat I have stuffed down my shorts.

"I was now heavier than the barrel, and half way down I met the barrel coming up, receiving a severe blow upon the shin". Fortunately this is a lightweight pulley made from the washing line - suitable for carrying lunch but not much more, though I did walk into it and saw stars for a day.

After the first week I have just over a quarter of the tiles on but am gradually getting faster.