Welcome to Newsletter No 31…  Happy Reading!

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Thatch Advice Centre Newsletter No 31

Hello Everyone!

In this Newsletter

Our Newsletter Sponsors – Heritage Insurance
Website Updates/Articles
Picture Competition Winner Announcement
Issue with SPAB information – Update
Apprenticeship Development – The Final Stages
Interesting enquiries received
Test it Tuesdays
Our New and Longstanding Thatch Directory Associates.
Rebuild costs and Insurance
Thatch Supply – Update
Heritage Wheat
Rethatching of Listed Properties
Irish Update
Wooden Thatching Ladder
Flashback Fridays
Social Media Interest
Let’s be Social
Thatch Tale – Blakes Cottage
New Picture Competition
On the Roof – A Thatchers Journey
Roof Inspection Reports
News from our Associates
Fire Safety Reminder
Donate Button
Thatch Thursday (of the Month)
Next Time
And Finally

Our Newsletter Sponsors – Heritage Insurance

“As a family run, independent firm established for 40 years, we pride ourselves on taking the time to get to know your thatch household.
With access to specialist advice and services designed exclusively for your home, including CCTV surveys and rebuild cost assessments, we pride ourselves on providing expert wisdom from our well-established team of underwriters and advisers.
From quotes to questions, advice to answers, please give a colleague a call today. We endeavour to make insurance work for you.”

Website Updates

Our website definitely doesn’t stay the same! We are always tweaking, improving and adding to the information and pictures. Here are the main updates since the last Newsletter: –

Picture Competition Winner Announcement 

Congratulations to the Winner of our Thatching in Progress Picture Competition  V. Coleiro.  Prize is on its way.

What a fantastic number of entries this year, showcasing a great variety of thatched roofs and thatching work.  Thank you to everyone who emailed us in your pictures.  You can see them all on the fabulous gallery on our website.
 
Many thanks to Jeremy Sargent of Hampshire Property Photography, our esteemed and appreciated judge.  The high standard and plethora of pictures meant it was not an easy task for him to make a final decision.  His comments were “Was a tough choice indeed, but I really liked this one, it is really well composed”.
 
See further down this Newsletter for details of our next Picture Competition!

Issue with SPAB Information

Last time we let you all know about the confusion caused by SPAB information on their website (this information has been confirmed incorrect to us by Historic England). It said:

“Having been told that SPAB were dealing with Historic England (HE) technical enquiries etc we had presumed that those doing so were up to speed and giving out the correct information verbally and on their website, especially with regard to fire safety.

After the money spent by Historic England and NFU as well as all the of the expensive research/work done by the Fire Protection Agency, seeing the comment “Flue temperatures with these appliances can be high enough to ignite thatch even through a completely sound, lined chimney.” on the SPAB website was beyond comprehension.”

We understand that SPAB have been asked to update their information to include the FPA research results e.g. regarding heat transfer. At time of writing nothing has changed. Their non response nor dealing with this (and other areas needing improvement) shows a lack of understanding and respect for previous progress made on important topics. We don’t want to waste precious time monitoring things which should have been checked and done correctly from the start by those who are paid to do so. Perhaps we are the thatch police! but we don’t want to be!! We want to work together for the good of thatch.

That being said, we will chase them again for an update on the situation in the hope that we can assist them in moving forward with the most up to date information available. We need them to realise the importance of correct, clear and consistent fire safety advice when it comes to thatched properties, e.g. knock on effect for insurance etc

Click here to read the accurate and up to date information on the HE / NFU funded FPA research. Please read our Thatch Fire Safety leaflet and understand and reduce the proven risks.

Apprenticeship Development – The Final Stages

Great progress indeed.

• The funding is approved
• A great College is on board with the facilities to accommodate
• The Assessing Organisation is 90% sorted
• An Awarding Body finalisation is now imminent.

The importance of sustainable, fit for purpose training for thatchers cannot be overrated. Many of the older thatchers previously trained via the old apprenticeship scheme (which then sadly slipped through the bureaucratic net) have more knowledge and skills than they realise.

Moving forward with a standardised and comprehensive training programme, covering all three main materials, is important for maintenance of our thatched properties. A qualification, recognised by others e.g. Historic England and homeowners, showing the competence and understanding of those in the care of our heritage, or who are building new thatch, should help give peace of mind.

TO ALL EXPERIENCED, GOOD THATCHERS

The apprenticeship team are looking for Thatchers, with knowledge and experience, who are interested in being Trainers or Assessors (paid role) for the new Government Apprenticeship. We already have some great candidates on the list, so opening this option to all thatchers is imperative to make it inclusive and as sustainable as possible moving forward. Building a strong and resilient team for the future. Training will be given.

If you are a competent thatcher, keen to help, please get in touch by email with your name and contact number and join the interested thatchers to find out more about passing on skills and expertise. Thatching is not a dying art but thriving craft needing a constant supply of new thatchers in training. It’s not a skill learnt overnight but over years.

To get a group of competent thatchers trained as Trainers and /or Assessors will help move this apprentice forward in the final stages. A sustainable training programme designed by thatchers for thatchers.

For those who have already signed up, watch this space (your inbox or phone).

THE IMPORTANCE OF AN APPRENTICESHIP

Sadly, in the last few years, we have received enough complaints regarding thatching work (concerning both independent thatchers and those members of organisations) to say that this apprenticeship (and further updates planned) are necessary.

It will form part of the future care and repair of our thatched properties. Maintenance costs involved mean that property owners deserve to have some form of satisfaction that those working on their roofs can provide a well thatched roof, maximise its longevity and preserve our heritage appropriately, in the right material, correctly applied.

Maintenance of our thatched properties, including historic ones, requires knowledge and skill. In the same way as building new thatched properties. The lack of thatchers (competent or otherwise) is apparent in the time property owners are waiting for thatchers to attend their roofs. Thatching can provide a great living for those with the aptitude. It is a physically (and even mentally) demanding, unregulated trade. As a nationally recognised and approved apprenticeship scheme, it will be seen as a great start in giving clients more confidence that those working on their roofs are competent.

Furthermore, an apprenticeship allows those in training to meet others on the same path. Historically such friendships remain and build a stronger trade of like-minded craftsmen who continue to learn, share and support each other moving forward…. The trainers and assessors of the future.

Per recent discussions, it may also save an unregulated craft from regulation by keeping up appropriate standards.

Huge thanks to those who have given so much of their time to get the apprenticeship to this stage and we look forward to hearing from thatchers (even if you have just retired!) who want to be part of safeguarding the future.

Interesting Enquiries Received

• National Trust project involving thatch
• Nail guns for battens
• Fire Barrier options
• Increase in cost of thatching and quotation clarity
• Thatched museum in Dorset
• Thatch and oil tank
• Grants for GII listed thatch
• Thatched roof warranties
• Thatch insurance – lots on this topic
• High worth property issues
• Inspection reports for purchasers, vendors, insurance and disputes.
• Moss and lichen on thatched roofs
• Thatch Advice Centre asked to give talks / presentations
• Spar making and coppicing enquiries
• People looking for proven thatchers
• Fire safety / prevention / protection advice
• Vermin, bird and insect problems
• New build and rebuild advice for architects and surveyors
• Youngsters looking for apprenticeships
• Reed beds for harvesting
• Home needed for a Thatching ladder. See below for more on this one!
• Thatching harvest equipment (for sale and looking for)
• Roof design and architectural queries
• Bulges in skillet ceilings
• Converting thatch to tiles and tiles to thatch
• Fire retardant spray for thatch protection
• Slime on thatch
• Concerns over thatch workmanship
• Mortar mix for listed property chimney

Test it Tuesday

We are still achieving great reach and engagement on our social media (FB, Instagram and X) with our Test it Tuesday Reminders.

Why not join us with this simple but important fire safety message?

• Love or like our posts
• Share them
• Send us a picture / short video of you (or your someone from your business testing a Smoke or CO alarm (Free Advertising).
• Be part of our growing group of Test it Tuesday Campaigners.

Our New and Longstanding Thatch Directory Associates

Rebuild Costs and Insurance

Insurance is an important issue for everyone, thatched property or not.  We have noticed an increase in the number of enquiries we have had on insurance, especially with regard to rebuild costs.  It is important to realise that the cost to rebuild is not the same as the property valuation were you to sell.  Listed and non-standard construction make the rebuild valuation require even more care 1/ understanding.

Have a look on our Thatch Directory in the insurance category for those who can help – it may be your insurer or an independent rebuild cost valuer.

Should the worst happen it is important that a rebuild cost is appropriate, as the repercussions of being undervalued can be immense.

Moving forward, we have plans to provide more useful information with regard to thatch insurance so, as we have said before, watch this space, both our website and social media!

Thatch Supply – Update

We have reported on the work done by Historic England in looking at thatching material supply.

Sadly, we have noticed that the press appears to have got hold of this information and it has been portrayed in a very negative light.  The weather conditions in the last 12 months have been bad for all farming, including the growing of thatching straw.  Material supply issues due to this are not new.

Being sustainable and more self-sufficient is however important.  Maybe, moving forward, spreading the information in a fresh, positive light would be more worthwhile and achieve better results and get more growers/producers on board.  The increased value of Longstraw, Combed Wheat Reed and Water Reed is another importance plus point.

We are happy to continue to direct anyone interested in producing thatching materials towards those who may be able to help them further, both straw and water reed.

The dwindling number of competent thatchers should also be promoted and a similar effort made to improve this situation.  The new government funded apprenticeship should make a great start.

Change will be gradual and is only necessary if it improves things. Weather conditions, material supply and quality, labour base etc all play a part in the thatching of roofs.

Let’s hope more people decide to diversify and grow thatching materials, get together to share machinery and skills etc to help future proofing the supply.

Heritage Wheat

This follows on nicely from the above topic.

Two weeks ago, a farmer who had grown heritage wheat for milling to make heritage bread got in touch.  He wondered about selling some seed corn from this long-stemmed straw if it would be any good as a thatching straw.  The variety is Einkorn.  We have contacted our friends at the National Thatching Straw Growers Association to see what they think and if any of their members would be interested.

If you want to know more, send us an email and we can put you in touch.

Rethatching of Listed Properties

Concerns over the rethatching of listed properties is another of the conversations we have been having with thatchers and growers alike.

Further to the bad harvest information, Councils / Conservation departments responsibilities on “like for like” and allowing for change from Longstraw or Combed Wheat to Water Reed is a contentious issue.  Saying that these buildings will then go back to straw when next thatched, never happens in our experience as “like for like” will be quoted and no return to previous material is made.

The postcode lottery of responses from Councils, to the same questions, means that it is so hard to even understand what their agendas are, or if they understand the implications of changes to roofing material.  Many councils don’t even seem to know the difference between the materials and some unscrupulous thatchers apply Combed Wheat with a few ears turned round and call it Longstraw.  Homeowners and Councils often can’t tell the difference and many thatchers cannot thatch in traditional Longstraw (or even know about yelms or how to twist a spar)   Perhaps this is another story or even an article on our website!

Thatchers will want to continue to work and if there is not enough straw they will push with homeowners for change of material.   As yet, no information from Historic England to assist in this growing problem.  It is understood that HE can only advise with no overall jurisdiction to enforce anything.   We continue to wonder who is in charge of what?  Groups, organisations and collectives are all very well but are their responses for the good of themselves or for the thatched properties?

Where will this lead for the future of our heritage?  Our traditional thatch is world renowned and we are proud of it.  How can it be retained, appropriately for everyone and so that the properties remain valued and people want to live in them.  A can of worms.

Irish Update

Wooden Thatching Ladder

We are thrilled to report that the wooden thatching ladder (which we mentioned on our social media) has, we understand, found its new home.  Shortly to be heading off to the lovely thatched Cross Keys Inn, “Irelands oldest thatched pub”.  So pleased to be involved in finding this old and interesting item a new home in an old and interesting location.  The final step!

Flashback Fridays

Our articles are not all just one-day wonders but the content is often useful, interesting and stands the test of time.

It therefore makes sense for us to share previous website articles via our monthly social media Flashback Fridays.  Here are the ones since the last Newsletter, definitely worth a read/look.

Previous Competition – “Thatch and Gardens”  We have a lovely gallery of the fabulous entries received. Happy to continue to add to this, just email all pictures into us.

“Ways to Avoid Vermin Problems in Thatched Roofs”.

“Butser Plus – Butser Ancient Farm Update”

“Thatch and a Level 3 Building Survey!.   These are the only surveys we recommend on thatched properties, especially Listed ones.

Our “Gallery of Chocolate Box Thatch Pictures”.

Always happy to receive more to add to it. You can be credited if you like.

“A Plan to Encourage More Farmers to Grow Thatching Straw”.  Still relevant.

Social Media Interest

Such a lot of interesting, informative, thought provoking and sometimes even strange, funny or off topic posts on our social media.

Here is a good sample to share with you:

Let’s be Social

Please like, love, follow, share and be part of what we do.  Thanks to all those who have joined us and are already part of our growing thatch community.  Our reach is organic, so we are proud that our friends and followers make a true thatch community.

Being ‘Group Experts’ on others’ pages is also a privilege.  We will continue to offer our free advice and assistance to others in finding answers and solutions to their queries.  Sadly, we can’t always be everywhere though, so a direct email is always preferable should your want more timely assistance.

Tag us in your posts (it will help your reach) and we will do our best to share relevant thatch information and news.  #workingtogether …

Thatch Tale – Blake’s Cottage

This Grade II West Sussex thatched cottage (occupied by William Blake the poet 1800 – 1803) needs urgent restoration.  From the thatched roof, fabric of the building, cottage and garden to a great plan for a new art and education centre.  This year a new board of trustees are taking the project forward.

We will bring you more information on our website/social media soon.

https://www.blakecottage.org/

New Picture Competition – Thatched Ridges

To showcase the skills, variety, design and different types of thatched ridges seemed a great idea for our next Picture Competition.

On the Roof – A Thatchers Journey

We are pleased to let you all know about “A Thatchers Journey”, an interesting book written by Tom Allan @thewriterontheroof (Instagram).

Click here for more information on how to purchase .

Roof Inspection Reports

We help to organise many Thatched Roof Inspection Reports, not just tick box but with detailed information with pictures on thatched roofs.  These are useful documents for purchasers, insurance, maintenance planning etc.

Visits from our experienced Master Thatcher Associates mean we have confidence in their ability to provide unbiased reporting in that they are not looking for work.  The indicative pricing given is also helpful in that it can be used as the first price, for comparison when getting thatching quotations.

Get in touch via email.

News from our Associates

We are always happy to share our friends’ and Associates’ interesting news, articles and social media posts, but please don’t rely on us always seeing them, so don’t forget to tag us @thatchadvice or email/call us for the heads up.

Fire Safety Reminder

This time of year is when we remind you to read our Thatch Fire Safety Leaflet and, if you are solid fuel burning for heating etc, make sure your chimneys are checked and swept by competent persons.

Why not make sure you have tested your Smoke and CO alarms.  Join us on our Test it Tuesday social media initiative.  Pictures for this initiative are always gratefully received and you will be credited.  If you are in business attire testing an alarm, you will have the benefit of free advertising too!

Donate Button

It has been suggested that we add a Donate Button to our website.  Several visitors/people we have helped have been appreciative and wanted to say thank you with a donation.

We are wanting to keep our help as free as possible but with so many enquiries it’s getting harder to manage.  Donations would allow for more admin help in the office for sure – so watch this space.

Thatch Thursday (of the Month)

We love sharing great thatch pictures and social media is no exception.  Would you like your photo to be our Thatch of the Month post?.  Email us any fabulous, interesting or unusual thatch pictures and you may well be. 

And Finally

Thanks to all our friends, visitors, Associates and our whole thatch community for the last six months.  Fascinating thatch things, important thatch enquiries and news, assistance from many quarters, pictures with interesting thatch items which have come our way.  All are appreciated, enjoyed and it is so satisfying to be able to help.

We always have plans and ideas for the future so it is a case of keep an eye on social media folks and/or wait for the next bi-annual newsletter.  If you have anything you want us to include, please get in touch.

Once again, may we be the first to wish you a Happy Halloween and a Very Merry Christmas!!

Kind Regards
Thatch Advice Centre Team

Copyright

The content of the Thatch Advice Centre email is circulated to its subscribers and is copyright.  These contents may only be reproduced with the permission of the Thatch Advice Centre.

Thatch Directory Categories – Phase I

Our site has one clear list of categories so it is easy to find help.  We are always looking for proven services to join us.  References are required.

·  Architects
·  Builders
·  Building Surveyors
·  Chimney & Flue Specialists
·  Chimney Sweeps
·  Electrical Engineers
·  Fire Safety Products & Supplies
·  Garden Buildings
·  Health and Safety
·  Insurance
·  Leadworkers
·  Master Thatchers
·  Organisations/Publications
·  Preservation & Pest Control

·  Quantity Surveyors
·  Reed & Straw Dealers
·  Scaffolding
·  Security
·  Solicitors
·  Solid Fuel & Heating Supplies
·  Specialist Builders
·  Specialist Building Materials
·  Structural Surveyors
·  Thatched Hospitality
·  Thatching Supplies
·  Timber Framed Builders
·  Tools & Equipment Hire
·  Tree Surgeons

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