Can't see the state of the brickwork Hank - need a closer shot. Also this one's on its side on my screen.

I magnified the picture, even though its sideways - what's the white patches - are they remains of paint from when it was painted white? I don't envy you that job, Hank... you're doing well though.

Sorry Sue, I will try again tomorrow, and get it the right way up. I've got a lot more ivy off now but finding it very difficult. And the base of the ivy has a 4 inch diameter - a friend is going to bring his circular saw round to tackle that. ( he doesn't know yet but he is - as he wants a boundary wall building very soon !)

Hello B, yes it's the paint and it did a great job, making the ivy stick to that instead of the brickwork. Getting the ivy off would have been far more difficult without it

Lol Hank!

Well, that's a bonus anyway - you can always repaint it afterwards.