Ladders are usually used for DIY and construction projects, but there are many other creative uses for ladders out there.  Our favourite story of the month is how a simple step ladder transformed one man’s wedding day.  Groom James Lusted was born with a rare genetic condition, Diastrophic Dysplasia, which causes dwarfism.  At 3’7” he stands a whole two feet shorter than his bride Chloe, but wanted to be able to kiss his new wife at the ceremony without her having to bend down.  The couple had been together for three years before getting engaged in 2014, and are looking forward to their new life together; as devout Christians they have waited for marriage to live together.  James had the four step ladder specially made for the big day and it features in their wedding photographs as well.  What a special way to use a ladder!

The most daring ladder feat we have seen recently comes from stuntman Casey Neistat, who filmed himself on a rope ladder wearing a tuxedo.  That might not sound particularly brave, but Neistat was dangling several hundred feet in the air at the time, as the rope ladder was attached to a helicopter.  The stunt took place in early October in the Hollywood Hills, the sign creating a stunning movie- themed backdrop to the stunt, which would not have been out of place in an action film.  Neistat was not wearing a safety harness or parachute at the time, making this an incredibly dangerous feat which, obviously, should not be attempted at home, even if you do have access to a helicopter.

Many people think of tights when they hear the word “ladder”, but a new development in hosiery technology result in tights no longer laddering.  Couture Ultimate have created a method of weaving the fibres that prevents any small holes or pulls turning into a full on ladder.  The tights are not completely indestructible; they can still snag but any small holes created will not ruin them.  If this new production method takes off then laddered tights could be a thing of the past.

Another area where ladders may be obsolete is the changing of the humble light bulb.  One man decided to try using his drone (and remote control skills) to change his light bulb.  Using the drone and a gripping inverted tripod attachment he managed, after many attempts, to unscrew the bulb from the ceiling, and replace it with a new one.  It took many attempts and resulted in several smashed light bulbs that were dropped by the drone, and certainly honed his flying skills.  We’re not sure this method will take off (pun intended!) any time soon, but it could be common in the future, especially for changing lightbulbs that are on stairs or other high ceilings where ladders are impractical or unsafe to use.   The only drawback is that all those lightbulb changing jokes will have to be adapted; how many drones does it take to change one?

Lastly, a Scottish burglar was thankful for ladders after he got stuck on the roof of the premises he was stealing from.  John McKenzie, 50, had broken into the Penshaw Catholic Social Club and stolen around £100 in cash when the police turned up, alerted by the alarm.  Attempting to evade capture, McKenzie climbed on to the roof of the building, but this turned out not to be the answer as he could not get back down, and had to be rescued by attending police officers.  He admitted the theft when his feet were back on the ground, as he had been caught red handed.

Have you come across any funny or unusual stories involving ladders?  Let us know in the comments below.