No, this is not a hoax, or some attempt to redefine fashion by not having any: there are practical reasons for wearing a hoodie and a dressing gown whilst wielding an angle-grinder. We live close by to a river, near the Penwhirn Reservoir: the midges, which are only about 3 to 4mm in size, are out in full force already.
The batch of cutting discs and grinding discs arrived today, very quick delivery by a couple of firms on ebay: was able to get to work this evening (when the midges were out...) and got rid of more bits of metal around the rear suspension. The plan is to brace around the main points then cut out all but the cross-piece (the bit that was discovered to be lighter). The supports for the suspension springs are just too big: the airflow will be much restricted. Plus, it will be good practice to get better with an Inverter Welder.