Perhaps the tiles by the window had become cracked. Perhaps one of the cupboard doors had parted company with the cupboard. Perhaps the kitchen worktop was damaged in places. Perhaps it all looked tired after more than 20 years of use. Or perhaps we wanted to support local industry. In early March we went and chatted to Jodie of Magnet about getting the kitchen redone. We didn’t in the end see other possible suppliers - wishing to have a new kitchen was easy, but measuring it then making appointments and avoiding potholes going to places then talking to salespeople was taxing. Jodie gave us a sufficiently warm feeling to continue.

It was impressive seeing a 3D panorama of what the new kitchen might look like. Being able to spread the cost with an interest free loan was good. So we signed up with Magnet and started fixing dates. Magnet only did the fitting (we had a wet fitting so they also ensured the sink and cooker worked afterwards). We also booked up a tiler they recommended to do the tiling. It took four visits to different tile places to settle on tiles for the new kitchen - in the end we got teal tiles from Topp Tiles but by that stage Virginia and I were happy to settle on something.

Another preparation needed for the makeover was clearing the garage for what Magnet threatened to deliver. The new units came pre-assembled so quite a bit of space was needed. I made numerous trips to the tip but there was only just enough room when they did deliver on the 19th of June! Masses of moving stuff around that week as we prepared for life without a kitchen. Poor Jasper got taken to Cozy Pets for a week as no way he could have been around for the work being done.

Our capable fitter Andy arrived on the 23rd, we were expecting at least two fitters but it was just one. Virginia had made sure there were plenty of mugs ready for the team we had been expecting. But Andy did it all himself, moving fridges and pipework and cupboards alone. He did a very good job. Getting one of the cupboards into the kitchen was a very tight squeeze, there was a millimetre gap as it was persuaded into the lounge from the front hall. A Hippo sack skip filled up on our front drive - a SW tree care guy helped himself to the old oven after checking he could. Reduced the waste pile at least.

We survived on takeaways (Pizza Hut and the local village fryer and KFC ). Camping out in the lounge was awkward, and we had to move the couch for stuff to come in from the garage each day. By the end of the first week the new kitchen was taking shape, there were surprises like an extra hole in the wall for the hob to vent through. Jasper returned on the Friday only to be sentenced to another week away on the Monday this time at Fordham. A bit further away. By the 1st of July Virginia had a working kitchen sink!

Andy finished on the 2nd of July (we had a takeaway from the Golden Dragon) then tiler Chris came on the 3rd. An issue had already raised its head - the new cupboards are smaller than the old meaning the kitchen will need repainting. Also the number of tiles I had got were enough for the old area tiled not really the new area! Ah well.

Chris returned on the 4th to polish up - tiles come with a wax surface for protection which is messy to clean up. We were left with screws loose for one of the power sockets, and remnants of duct tape where a protective cover had been taped to the kitchen floor. Otherwise all ready for the return of the cat!

A slight sting in the tail with this saga. Andy presented us with an invoice for extra work done to the tune of £300! I wasn’t expecting quite so much!