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Thatched roof surveys, Thatching talks, Thatch demonstrations Over 40 years of thatching experience available to you without any bias as I am not looking for work myself or acting as an agent for any one, No Sales pitch, just passionate about fair standards and free information. Now semi retired, and only thatching very small items. I may however be able to assist you with thatch related questions or problems you may have, contact details are at the end of this page Experienced in Long Straw, Combed Wheat, Norfolk Reed and Sedge and other more exotic materials working for house owners, museums, breweries, exhibitions display and local authorities in the UK and Abroad Some of the 'thatched roof surveyors' either know little or nothing about thatch or are thinly disguised Thatch salesmen. One thatching firm will do it for you for £250 on a pre printed tick box form. They will also arrange the thatching you will be surprised to learn! Ask for a quotation for the survey before agreeing and ask if they can do the work that they will inevitably say is needed! Any advice I give is based upon what I would do if your property was mine.
I have been thatching since 1963, Served a traditional indentured 7 year apprenticeship followed by two years as a journeyman and have continued as a master thatcher in my own right since, including training young thatchers. Attending residential courses supplied by the then CoSIRA (now the Countryside Agency) and many other seminars. I have been an executive member of both of the national bodies representing thatching. Currently the chairman of the R&LMTA and a (founder) member of the steering committee for formulation of National Vocational Qualifications with CITB and City & Guilds. I have surveyed many properties in the UK and abroad and arbitrated on disputes, so far without recourse to any expensive legal action. My approach is simple and direct, like this site An opportunity to get an unbiased opinion of your roof, or that on a house you may be thinking of buying
Talks on thatching Can be given in the form of a power point LCD projected presentation on my own 4 foot screen, or using your own screen or equipment. Plus samples of thatching materials, tools and a 1/12 scale model. A professional informative display. Approximately 1 1/2 hours duration - £20 plus 40p per mile, estate agents surveyors schools and architects among others have found this invaluable. Talks targeted to your requirements.
Thatching demonstrations and tool/materiel displays at shows and events are also undertaken - distance no object
Steam rallies and conservation groups among others attended, even inside events (large brush required!) Sharps are barricaded or out of reach for safety! £2,000.000 public liability insurance coverage. Enquire early, limited dates. Usually set up Friday and go early on Monday as it takes a long time to arrange and load, I have managed to re organise so I can do it now in one trip so I can set up a display like this for 40p a mile plus £20 a show day for your event, I have to re coup the public indemnity insurance costs, damaged materials used demonstrating and fuel. I do not sell items other than my book and even this is very discrete, this display is for the information and entertainment of the public and is a hobby of mine, basic bee skep making, spar and ancient cord making included. Email me your event address for a firm booking & quotation with no obligation Outside 'pitch' minimum 30 X 20 Feet or bigger (see photo's) caravan and awning used in display, extra space for 1 car would be appreciated Dates for 2008 already booked. Provisional means I have attended last year and may be wanted this year but not yet finally booked May 3-4-5 Rushden Cavalcade http://www.cavalcade.org.uk/ confirmed May 31 Not available July 5-6 Hollowell Steam www.hollowellsteam.com Confirmed July 12-13 Birdingbury festival http://www.birdingburyfestival.co.uk/ Confirmed July 26 Leighton Linslade Festival http://www.leightonlinslade-tc.gov.uk/events.asp?cat=1113 Confirmed August 23-24-25 Earls Barton Rally http://www.earlsbartonrally.co.uk/ Confirmed September 6-7 Woodworks www.marstonvale.org/woodworks/ Confirmed October 25-26 Harrogate Showground countryside live http://www.countrysidelive.co.uk/ Provisional November 8-9 Newark Show Ground Vintage tractor show http://www.newarkshowground.com/nvts_home.htm Provisional
TUITION CAN ALSO BE GIVEN ON YOUR OWN OR A COMMUNITY PROJECT, INCLUDING WORKSHOPS, THIS IS NOT AN OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN THATCHING AS A CAREER, IT IS ONLY APPLICABLE TO A PARTICULAR ROOF USING A PARTICULAR MATERIAL AND IT WOULD PROBABLY BE CHEAPER / QUICKER EMPLOYING A SKILLED THATCHER TO DO THE WORK FOR YOU THAN DOING IT YOURSELF. QUITE HAPPY TO DISCUSS YOUR NEEDS THOUGH Hands on help, teaching, material acquisition for your project, distance no object, Spain, France, Czech Republic, Madeira, Sweden, Slovenia, Scottish Highlands and of course the rest of the UK covered so far. Warmer countries in our winter welcome! a full example at http://www.hollowellsteam.com/dome.htm Not a project for dreamers, It can be hard and dirty and is time consuming, It may be possible however and particularly suitable for the out of the way places using strange local materials, my costs are that - at cost, as ever you will be quoted for them as soon as your requirements are known. I may also tell you it is impractical, thatching is not rocket science but it can have a steep learning curve
SURVEYS As well as a survey of the roof, assistance with insurance claims / assessment / planning consents and general information can also be given. If you know of a local trusted thatcher they may well be able to assist you for less or even free. This very modest outlay now may save you thousands of pounds in unforeseen or unnecessary thatching bills, or at least set your mind at rest. For example a recent roof viewed by me involved an architect quoting to arrange thatching for £80,000, the actual cost was £20,000 Email free! most enquiries are resolved this way. If needed a site visit and verbal report will cost you £20 plus 40 pence a mile car travelling expense plus ferry - air costs if applicable Usually within 7 days including weekends, frequently even next day. Located centrally near the M1 M6 A14 intersection to help you with rough pricing. I will email you back an accurate firm quote with no obligation. In addition, if a written comprehensive report/survey is required (see sample report) suitable for mortgage, planning, and insurance assessments, this can be supplied at an extra £20 plus costs as above Full cost will be confirmed with you for any services that requires my presence before any visit and is inclusive, no hidden 'extras' any excess over my costs help keep this site independent Initial contact is
preferred by email, it is constantly monitored and also gives me a
chance to be prepared Telephone Leo Wood 01858-575-782
Mobile 077-25-05-95-15 (I get poor to zero reception at home,
voice messages may not be answered for days) SKYPE for free
worldwide 'Nuthatch' 16 West End, Welford, Northampton, NN6 6HJ, United Kingdom Dates when I will be unable to answer queries are 16 - 31 May
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