Unfortunately the branches are hinged on the trunk and don't come off. It may push up against the wall, but the weight of branches against the wall may make it unstable. I thought of the dining room, but it's a bit smaller. It might fit at the back of the hall, but that would block the understairs cupboard. I've fetched it down from the loft, and I'll perhaps put it up and measure the spread. It may not be such an impossible fit as I think. I think the problem I have it that the process has slowed just now, my daughter and her family are on holiday this week, so I haven't got Freya - and I am at a loose end. The weather's horrid and wet at the moment, and I can't get into the garden to sort that.

The chimney sweep rang to cancel - a "tummy bug" - he got nearly to my house and then rang me, saying he realised he needed to be rather close to "facilities". He's coming on Saturday now.

Andrea