Ben Collyns Thatching

Im a second generation Master thatcher covering the South West. Member of the SMTA. Princes Foundation alumni. A thatching journey from start to present.

[Ben Collyns Thatching @Ben_Collyns]

Teaching youngsters at the Princes Foundation head quarters in London. Was a great weekend. #masterthatcher #education #princesfoundation #skillstopaythebills https://t.co/Xl2bm3BOUc

[Ben Collyns Thatching @Ben_Collyns]

Here are some early on subcontracting pictures with Shire Thatchers. Working with other people expands knowledge, there’s always something different to learn in the trade. #thatcher #masterthatcher #countrylife… https://t.co/1RfOcfmGs0

[Ben Collyns Thatching @Ben_Collyns]

I did this job at weekends during my apprenticeship. Worked 7 days a week until it was done. It felt like an achievement as I used the job to help get my level 3 NVQ in thatching, but I was knackered. Excuse the… https://t.co/6Akx93fC12

[Ben Collyns Thatching @Ben_Collyns]

A few more pictures of our work in Rose town, Kingston. We helped these guys turn this old building into their community office. Amazing experience. #rosetownjamaica #princesfoundation #education #workingabroad… https://t.co/629jFZIzAC

[Ben Collyns Thatching @Ben_Collyns]

I was asked to repair this extension and replace the tiles for cedar shingles. I fitted copper guttering and applied new facia boards. The copper gutter against the cedar looked ace. I also put a new thatched ridge… https://t.co/ekOUxWwEtq

[Ben Collyns Thatching @Ben_Collyns]

I enjoyed restoring this bench for a customer. She found the legs buried in the grass when they first moved into their new home. It was a birthday present for her husband. https://t.co/lFbQy3n7hI

[Ben Collyns Thatching @Ben_Collyns]

A few more pictures of this job we did in Mere, Wiltshire. The customer wanted us to increase the pitch, so we dressed up the old coat and fixed through with the new coat. We extended the height of the chimneys and… https://t.co/bMjIi7Mso5

[Ben Collyns Thatching @Ben_Collyns]

Did this job in Wiltshire, water reed with wrap over ridge. Happy days. #thatcher #thatching #waterreed #craftesmanship https://t.co/IVKkpsOKQM

[Ben Collyns Thatching @Ben_Collyns]

I did this job for Alan jones Pembrokeshire thatching. I stayed in this house up in Shropshire whilst I thatched it. It had a lovely cruck frame. #thatcher #thatching #shropshire #cravenarms #lifestyle #workingawaylife https://t.co/9wp7SnV5uK

[Ben Collyns Thatching @Ben_Collyns]

My first pick up ‘Tonka’ she was/still is a beast. And my first bit of advertising when I went out on my own. Was a great feeling getting the truck and some signs done. #thatcher #hilux #thatching #selfemployed… https://t.co/0aYtDDzF13

[Ben Collyns Thatching @Ben_Collyns]

Was great to get a shout out on Lloyd Kahn’s blog #structure #thatching #crafts #carpenter https://t.co/GZbzSSygDF

[Ben Collyns Thatching @Ben_Collyns]

This was one of the most nerve wracking things I’ve been asked to do. I gave a speech at St. James’s palace at the princes foundations annual conference. I spoke about traditional crafts and the importance passing… https://t.co/Bv8EXOduA6

[Ben Collyns Thatching @Ben_Collyns]

Helping @JBJoinery with a building skill summer programme. We taught basic framing techniques and even made this little structure. Good times. #thatcher #carpenter #education #skillstopaythebills https://t.co/cnYguEfVgA

[Ben Collyns Thatching @Ben_Collyns]

The Peach house

[Ben Collyns Thatching @Ben_Collyns]

The Peach house, Dumfries house estate, Scotland. I helped @JBJoinery in this project from start to finish. Great experience and a great structure

[Ben Collyns Thatching @Ben_Collyns]

A good before and after of my work

[Ben Collyns Thatching @Ben_Collyns]

A cute little thatched cottage I thatched in Somerset. It is now used as a guest house for air bnb #thatcher #masterthatcher #countryliving #craftsmenship #skillstopaythebills

[Ben Collyns Thatching @Ben_Collyns]

Design and build