The tree has always had a bit of a lean to (or fro?) it. But it's ash (a very strong, springy hardwood), and the tree inspectors always declared it healthy.

But unbeknownst to all, the root system was rotting away under the clay soil, and today, after a LOT of rain, it just snapped about 18" below ground.

CRASH!!!!!

So it's gone now, and its mate is also in the chipper.

Just some cleanup left to do .. oh, and eventually some proper repairs to our neighbour's roof. For now, I've made it all nice and weather/rodent proof again, but clearly that's just a temporary fix.

Cheers