Hi Francine,
This was an interesting article - especially for me living here in the heat of Johannesburg ad South Africa sunshine where I am not sure how anyone cleans their chimneys because I need to find a house with one - not to say there aren't any, just that I don't know where they might be! Okay, take a breath. Anyway, I am sure such a service exists here - and who knows, maybe the lucky smudged noses are to be found somewhere in my neck of the woods.
You say
"A job for life, with a closed society, positions handed down from generation to generation with some families going back to the 18th century, and a "chimney sweep monopoly", means new openings are limited and protected."
Also interesting for several reasons - things don't change anywhere, people are people, staying in the 'family business' is a time-honoured practice everywhere.
Where does everybody get the wood to burn in winter? Sustainable forests? For green reasons, is there a large enough supply for future winter-wood? Electricity takes coal and coal is oh so precious, so just interested and asking, especially since many would also use electrical appliances to get and stay warm.
Anyway, send regards and all,
Cheers
