References and Feedback
Below I have have typed up some of the thank you letters and letters of reference from my customer.
Steve and his teams' professional approach from the moment he priced the work to completion was nothing short of perfect.
His quality of workmanship should be the envy of most Master Thatcher's and our garden was left tidier than before they started. Steve re-ridged our cottage in February and completed on time, in budget and in very poor weather.
We would recommend his service to anyone who loves their thatch.
Having read everyone's previous reviews on the website I can also confirm that he continues to sing on the roof...even in the heavy rain!
Many, many thanks again.
Sam & Stuart Lawrence, Wishing Well Cottage, Tadley, Hants.
Steve and his team did a major re-thatch and re-ridge in August 2009 on Copyhold Cottage and as you can see from the pictures it looks fantastic. The pictures do not really show how good it is, or the attention to detail. The back looks just as good and the leadwork on the chimneys is a lovely touch.The whole job took a little over 4 weeks from start to finish. I had noticed that he had done a few other jobs in the village, and apart from looking good, I spoke to the owners, all of whom gave Steve a glowing reference. I must say they were not wrong, although they did not mention his singing...stick to thatching Steve!
If you are looking for a first class job, carried out in a friendly, efficient, and tidy manner, then Steve is your man, as he says, a Master Thatcher.
Graham Tompkins. Copyhold Cottage, Great Bedwyn
Reference for Steve Bowen. Master Thatcher.
I first met Steve nearly 3 years ago (2006) when he knocked on the door and asked if we would like a quote for having the roof re-thatched. We knew in the next couple of years it would need doing as we had not long been in the property and this had been highlighted on the survey we had carried out, so 8 months ago we were in a position to get the roof re-thatched and we started to get some quotes for the work.
In total we received 6 quotes and it has to be said there was quite a range of prices. Some Thatcher’s didn’t quote for scaffolding, some did, some quoted extra costs for ridge work and chimney flashing, Steve’s was an all in price and also included the extra work required for scaffolding licences due to out property bordering a public footpath and road. Even with an all in quote Steve was extremely competitive so we booked him to come in as soon as possible which turned out to be May 09. Five weeks after start we have a stunning new thatch and have received multiple good comments on how nice it looks and what a good job had been done.
Steve and his team are completely professional, very friendly and nothing was to much trouble, they did an amazing job and were finished on time. The garden and exterior surrounds were kept extremely clean at all times. On completion and after removal of the scaffolding the only way you could tell he had been was the new thatch. The flashing to the chimney was finished extremely well with a beautiful border cut into the edges and it absolutely finished the job to perfection. My wife was completely stunned by the look when she saw it.
Many thanks to yourself Steve and also Bob and Gerry. I have no hesitation in recommending you to anyone who requires any kind of thatching to be carried out. I have no doubt you will be booked for many months to come with your excellent attitude and magnificent workmanship which shows in the finished result
Kind Regards
Dave & Gill
Hope this finds you well and busy thatching in this glorious weather.
At long last I have found time to write a bit about the work you did for us in March this year so here goes:
"From start to finish this was an exceptional piece of work, carried out by a master of his trade aided by one of the most industrious assistants we have ever seen!
At every stage of the work, we were informed and listened to so that our views and wishes were taken into account. This was very important as it meant disruption and damage to the building and climbing shrubs etc., was kept to a minimum. Everything was done in the most meticulous, tidy way especially with regard to the dismantling and disposal of all the old roofing materials. The messy old thatching was tied into bundles and lowered on to tarpaulins before being removed daily by the truckload. Each night the debris was swept up and exposed parts of the roof covered against inclement weather so at no time was rainwater allowed to enter any of the loft roof space.
One particular benefit came when Steve agreed to use screws instead of hammering in nails which were starting to cause cracks to appear in the fragile, internal lathe and plaster skeilings. This was obviously going to be more labour intensive but our wishes were immediately acted upon without question and no further damage was caused.
We were impressed with the quality and quantity of materials used, the attention to detail and the tidiness kept at all times during the 6 weeks of work. Also of note is Steve's paperwork which is over the highest standard both in detail and presentation.
Finally, we have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending Steve to be your choice of Master Thatcher. He is a credit to his ancient trade and a craftsman of the highest order."
Good luck and all the best
Barbara and Dudley
Dear Steve,
Just a quick note to say thank you soooo much for the wonderful job you have done converting 
our spa roof from looking like a birds nest to a piece of art – I can’t stop looking out of the window to see how nice it looks, it is a pleasure to have the spa looking like a real central point to the garden rather than an eye sore (as it did before).
Although we were away in Las Vegas whilst the work was completed, the neighbours have commented on how tidy you always left your place of work each day and how wonderful the thatch now looks, it certainly gave us the WOW factor upon our return.
Thank you also for taking the before and after photo’s for us, that was a very kind jester and much appreciated.
If you ever need a reference please do not hesitate to give our name, we could not praise your work enough.
Once again thank you.
Regards
Kay and Tony Duffield
(May 2009)
18 Jan 2009
Dear Steve,
I am writing to thank you for a job well done.
The thach looks magnificent and is attracting a lot of positive comments from our neighbours and passers by.
It was indeed a pleasure to see you and your team work so hard to not only ensure a good end result but to constantly keep the whole area around the cottage ( and our neighbours house ) clear and tidy at the end of each day. It was also noted that you kept on site for the entire duration of the project. Nothing causes more stress than workmen disappearing for days on end before completion of the work. All this and working to tight deadlines and in arduous weather conditions.
I am impressed and would have no hesitation in recommending you to any other person looking for a Thatcher.
Best wishes and a happy new year.
Frank
Upper Lambourn, Hungerford, Berks 21 February 2007
Dear Steve,
Many thanks indeed for all the hard work you put whilst re-thatching Toad Cottage, in appalling weather, I can't remember a day when you were here when it was not either raining or snowing. Throughout all that you were always good humoured and continued to work.
We both think you have done a wonderful job and we are delighted with the end product.
I would be delighted to recommend you to any potential clients and look forward to seeing you next year when we can afford to get the rest done
Best Regards and thanks,
Evelyn and Gill
Malthouse Lane, Tadley, Hampshire, July 2006
Dear Steve
Thank you so very much for the care and consideration you took whilst re-thatching Rose Cottage.
As first timers' of owning a thatched cottage we were little nervous at the prospect, but also excited at having a new thatch, you ensured that the results were stunning. Your proffessionalism and expertise made it all look very easy; it was great to come home each day and see how much you had progressed.
We will and have already, highly recommended your servies and look forward to using you again in the distant future.
Kind Regards
Steve and Trish
To Steve & Laurence
Thanks for such a super job at Con's Cottage. Dont hesitate to send people round if they want a good reference ( only 10% charged!! )
Kind Regards
Colin & Trish. May 2007
Steve Bowen Master Thatcher, Arborfield, Reading
25 October 2006
Dear Steve
Thank you for the excellent thatching in combed wheat reed on the new build extention to our old cottage. You and your team have worked diligently and have finished the project before time,it also blends in perfectly with the existing thath on the cottage.
I would recommend you to any thatch owners who are looking for a quality thatcher.
Should you need any references in the future then please do pass on my contact details.
Kind Regards
Kerry Wray-Roberts
Ham, Nr Marlborough, Wiltshire
Tadley, Hampshire, RG26 3NY
06.09.2006
To whom it may concern
Steve Bowen has recently completed thatching the roof of my cottage at the above address,
The qualityof his work is first class and so is his time keeping & attitude. The area surrounding the work was kept as neat and tidy as possible & i would not hesitate to recommend him & his work
S.L.Rice
Ali & Mike Coleman,
Bucklebury, Berkshire 1 December 2006
Dear Steve
Sorry it's taken so long to write, we really don't know where the last few months have gone! We just wanted to drop you a line to say a big thank you for making such a great job of our lovely new thatched roof.
It was a pleasure to have you on site as you were cheerful and courteous at all times.
We would be delighted to recommend you to any potential clients - please feel free to pass on our details to anyone asking for a reference.
Best Wishes and Kind Regards
Ali & Mike
Millie & Dave
Wilton, Marlborough
27.11.07
Steve,
Thank you ever so much for such a fantastic thatching job.
Kind Regards
Millie Lemon
02 February 2008
Steve
The roof looks great. Ralph & i woul d like to thank you & look forward to recommending you to future clients.
Louise
Mr Steve Bowen worked on my property in Wargrave, Berkshire.
Considering that this is a riverside property and it was flooded during this period, Steve worked with great enthusiasm and continued good humour. He not only had to endure the flood water but the rain and wind of a normal English January.
MRS ML Appadoo
