On Tuesday the bricklayer came and bricked up the first 6 "courses" that is bricklayer speak for 6 layers!! That takes the bricks to the DPC or dampproof course! or to ground level. Two rows of bricks with a cavity inbetween for the insulation.

And then when the bricks had set a layer of "crushed hardcore" was put in the big hole in the middle, which will eventually be the floor of my porch........