Sarkings are weatherproof membranes laid over rafters and below battens to draught-proof and weatherproof the roof against driving rain or powder snow that may penetrate the tiles or slates. Traditional sarkings of reinforced bitumen felt have been largely superseded by lighter, breathable sarkings that can be laid to form an effectively draught-proof roof but still allow free dispersal of water vapour to avoid roof space condensation; such mterials generally avoid the need for eaves, ridge and roof slope ventilators. Where they are laid directly over insulation between rafters, or over a permeable sarking board, tiling battens are raised clear of the sarking by 25 x 50 counter battens nailed down to the tops of the rafters.

Scientists are an amusing lot, often with a Monty Python sense of fun. When they say elementary particles such as quarks have charm and strangeness, it's a joke, Joyce.

using some tweezers, she worked the bee sting out of her hand

the main bulk of a nut roast is generally some form of carbohydrate, intended to lighten the load.