The local chimney sweep arrived this week.The trademark brush popped out of our chimney stack like a dirty chrysanthemum. I related the saga of our chimney fire to him as he cleaned the remaining crud out of the stack. Ironically, the fire had burned off most of the residue, and there was only a little left. Which is not to say it won't need doing again next year - although we are not planning to be here for much longer.
It was cheaper and quicker than I imagined, and I soaked up yet more information about wood burners. If and when we have the luxury of buying our next place, (God willing) I will know exactly what to look out for.
Neaton Solutions is a West Oxfordshire based business, and now comes with my personal recommendation; I have his contact details to hand, if anyone in the area is in need of a thoroughly good sweep.