People often ask what made me want to become a chimney sweep. It’s not the most obvious career path after working in theatre, television and film.
After leaving school, I moved to London and trained as an actor at The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts. I signed with an agent in my graduating year and I’ve worked professionally across theatre, film, radio and television, performing on stage in both London and New York. In 2016, I joined the cast of BBC1’s Holby City for what was initially meant to be a three-episode guest role. That ended up becoming 90 episodes.
I’m still acting and worked on a short film last summer, playing “Tommy’, a soldier returning from war. The film is due to go to festivals later this year. However, life as an actor is unpredictable, and you never really know when the next job will come along. I had always wanted something else — a job where I could be my own boss and have control over my schedule.
Discovering Chimney Sweeping
After leaving Holby City, I moved back to Norfolk and managed to get myself on the property ladder with a 1930s bungalow just outside Norwich. I wanted somewhere I could renovate and make my own. One of the first things I did was to have a multi fuel stove fitted in what was an extremely cold north-facing living room.
The installer was a chimney sweep, and I found the installation process fascinating. Later that day, while walking around the neighbourhood, for the first time I found myself looking up at chimneys – that was the moment I had the idea and thought perhaps I could be a chimney sweep.
Training and Joining the Guild
After a quick google search, I found the Guild website and was impressed by the professionalism and the training videos for the Masterful Sweeping course. I spoke to Dave Wooffindin over the phone, and he mentioned the Sweep Stuff show was taking place in the next couple of days. Just two days later, I found myself at the show. One of the first people I met was Gavin Cater, whom I recognised immediately from the training videos. The standard of classroom training was excellent and as Gavin was relatively local to me, I completed two on-site days with him as well as my assessment. Being able to join him on his sweeping round was hugely valuable.
Gavin is a top-class trainer and made the whole process both enjoyable and informative. I would also like to thank John Bates from Suffolk, who I spent two on-site training days with and learnt a great deal from.
Something I found particularly valuable during the classroom training was that there was a mix of new sweeps and experienced Guild members attending their 5 year refresher. The questions raised added depth and perspective, and it was useful to learn from those already established in the trade.
Most Memorable Job
My most memorable job to date was being called out on my day off to rescue a tawny owl from a chimney in the grounds of Norwich Cathedral.
Phoenix Birds of Prey Rescue had received reports of a tawny owl calling through the night. Although the bird hadn’t been seen, the sound was distinctive enough for the house occupier to realise what was likely stuck in the chimney.
Using a wire loop, I was eventually able to bring the owl down, although not without several attempts. He’d latch on to the loop, so I could pull him down the flue but as soon as I had him near the fire opening, he flew back up to a bend around the seven meter mark. With a slight change of technique, I hooped the loop over him and managed to bring him down safely and he was handed over to wildlife rescue.
There were no injuries to the bird and after a three-day stay with the rescue team to regain his strength, he was successfully released back into the wild.
What I Enjoy Most
Being my own boss and having control over my schedule is one of the biggest positives.
It’s also a social job. It’s nice to see familiar faces each year and catch up with customers. Meeting dogs is another bonus – woodburners and dogs seem to go hand in hand.
There’s also an inevitable curiosity about the job itself that amuses me. “So how many do you sweep in a day then?” is a very common question and “Do you attend weddings?” is another. Oh, and being asked “Is there much up there then?” before you’ve even had a chance to lay the first floor sheet down.
What’s next?
My next step is to start the NVQ and continue my professional development. I feel very fortunate to have my own business and be able to provide a reliable service and hope I continue to grow the customer base over the coming years.
Advice for other New Sweeps
Look after yourself during the busy months. Use the quieter summer period to prepare – service the van, stock up on essentials, go back to the books and keep learning. When everything runs smoothly and you’re keeping to a tight schedule in the busy season, it’s a very good way to make a living.
Breaking bad news to a customer regarding a dangerous installation can be a tricky conversation to navigate, especially in the early days. But it’s an important one. Trust your training, be confident and take time to explain the issue so the customer has a clear understanding of the problem. It’s very helpful to be able to call my past trainers if I have questions.
Looking Ahead
There are increasing concerns among customers due to some negative and misleading headlines surrounding woodburning stoves in local newspapers. Norwich City Council has begun a consultation on air quality, which includes the idea of extending the smoke control area. Many customers have shared worries about potential bans or fines due to certain articles online. Clear, accurate advice and reassurance will be increasingly important over the coming months.
Outside of work, I’m still renovating the bungalow and looking forward to spending more time on the garden as the days get longer. I take two weeks off every June in Menorca and usually manage a few days in the Lake District as well.
Chimney sweeping may not have been the career I originally planned, but it has given me stability, independence and a real sense of satisfaction – and it’s a trade I’m proud to be part of.
Thank you Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps.
