The roofing man said to dry the chimney out.

so I took my courage in both hands and lit the stove.  No dramas, no chimney fire, all good.  It’s probably the oldest thing in the house, and is the only thing that worked first time.  I’m blacking it today, and cleaning the glass and hearth tiles.  More pictures when it’s done.  We need a fire surround to tide us over (everything is just to tide us over – I wonder how much of this tiding over will still be in evidence when they carry us out (in either box or straight jacket)).