Unlike Liz, my builder and his ladders turned up today (but not until it was nearly sunset; and he still managed to get a pot of tea in!) The decorations have all been taken down but are now stored, together with all the other attic contents (including four soggy tents and assorted contents) which are slowly drying out after the Xmas eve flood in every available space in the rest of the house.
Still at least there is Whittlesea to look forward too, although I'm not certain that I can cope with the irony of spending too much time in the Bricklayers!