it was always a pleasure having Tom do jobs for me.  not only was he totally reliable, and reasonably priced, but he was good company, always cheerful.  some years ago he came to paint my front door.  when he started to sand it down he went right through the door it was so rotten.  but he told me of someone who sold reclaimed doors in Whitminster, so I was able not only to save a lot of money on a new door, but get one that dated from the  same time as my house (1890s) but obviously better cared for than mine.  my door now needs painting again, but it is my memorial to Tom.