As with quite a few of these tasks in previously unvisited parts of London, I needed help from a kindly neighbour to find the right entrance to Miss B's flat, but once in, it was straight down, or in reality up, to work.

First task was to replace some pieces of her curtain rail that had broken off, as well as rehang the curtain pelmet where some of the clips had come off the rail. I needed to refer to one of the other rails to determine how it all went back together, but after a few downs and ups on the ladder, I had it figured out and all back in place.

With the curtain done, Miss B asked if I could take a look at her kitchen window, whereupon she produced a long pole with an L shaped hook on the end which she has to use to push up/pull down the window as it's way out of reach above her sink.

After a few determined pushes, I got the window to move up and down, and then sprayed all the surfaces with some 3in1 oil to try and make it all run a bit smoother - it felt much better, and at least was now sliding up and down as it should be, but it still needs quite a bit of effort with the long pole. However at least Miss B can now close the window and stop the draught coming in, which is a huge improvement.