When is a roof more than something to simply keep the weather away?
When it’s art. An intricate piece of history with charm and grace. A testament to the past, and a glimpse of a beautiful future.
I find that there’s an almost poetic quality to roof thatching, and the whole process, that will never get old to me, the thatching process is as rewarding and satisfying as it is hard work.
A life time ago, in 1998, an award-winning local thatching company took me on as an apprentice, and after 11 years with them, I decided to go out on my own. This allowed me to discover my individual strengths and broaden my knowledge, by working as a journeyman roof thatcher throughout Oxford and the East of England.
Proving myself in this respect lead to me bringing in my own business opportunities, and ‘Grant Batchelor Master Thatcher’ was born in 2010.
Our team now consists of two seasoned professional roof thatchers, and two bright young apprentices, learning the ropes over four years of traditional, on the job training.
I’m now a proud director of the National Society of Master Thatchers and have a very active role in the association. Each thatcher’s work is scrutinised individually in order to be awarded entry; guaranteeing quality of work and service. Entry to the NSMT is inexpensive, so if a thatcher is not a member then you have to ask the question- why not? There are also many people who claim to be members but didn’t meet the standard.
I take great pride in our work, and have a genuine love for the craft of thatching, you have to, it’s back-breakingly hard work, which takes a true passion to stick at day in day out.
But a great quality thatched roof is not everything. I believe that service is just as important, turning up when we say, finishing when we say, keeping the customer informed, and going above and beyond expectations. Having a roof thatched is a big job that may only come around a few times in the period of you owning your house, but I strive to make it as easy as possible for each and every client.
If you’re interested in our roof thatching services in in Oxfordshire, Northamptonshire, Gloucestershire and Warwickshire, don’t hesitate to get in touch for a FREE quote.