About the Wiltshire Master Thatchers Association

Thatched house

Chairman - Simon Brookbanks
Vice Chairman - Phil Sayer
Secretary - Tom Chalk
Treasurer - Brian Chalk

The Wiltshire Master Thatchers Association was formed in 1947 and operated as a duel county group until 1991. At this time the Wiltshire based members felt that they needed a voice for thatching concerns in their own area and the Wiltshire Master Thatchers Association was formed.

The association started with just 6 members but has grown since its launch and now represents 14 full members. All members are based in Wiltshire and work throughout the county. Members also undertake work further afield in the nieghbouring counties of Berkshire, Somerset, Dorset, Hampshire and Gloucestershire.

The thatching work we undertake

Thatched cottage

Our members are skilled in the use of all thatching materials such as combed wheat straw, long straw and water reed.

They provide a high quality of workmanship on all jobs including re-thatches, re-ridges, new thatches, patching and repairs.

Our aim

Our aims are to offer thatch owners in Wiltshire and surrounding counties a high quality job by local tradesmen using local materials wherever possible.

Type of work undertaken

  • re-thatches
  • re-ridges
  • new thatches
  • patching and repairs

Materials used

  • Combed wheat straw
  • Long straw
  • Water reed

Areas covered by members

  • Wiltshire
  • Somerset
  • Dorset
  • Hampshire
  • Berkshire
  • Gloucestershire