Background:
Born in a South Yorkshire mining village then moved to Enfield, North London. His passion for thatching began ignominiously when he met a thatcher whilst working at the local Fiat garage.

Thatching experience:
Started thatching in Dorset aged 15. Moved to Somerset. Trained at Knuston Hall in Northamptonshire and at 20 was amongst the youngest ever to qualify as a master. Worked for 20 years along side another Somerset master before setting up on his own. Has a total of 29 years experience.

Specialisations:
Besides having a wealth of experience as a thatcher Keith is dedicated to the conservation and farming elements and has worked as a consultant on many projects including the National Trust’s sustainable and self-sufficient crop growing project. . He has lectured for the Society for Protection of Ancient Buildings, The National and Landmark Trusts, was featured in BBC Wales’ ‘Tales From The Green Valley’ and is involved in the Living History educational thatching project for kids.

Philosophy:
Show me a better way than the old ways and I’ll change mine. It hasn’t happened yet.

The roof Keith would most like to thatch:
The Taj Mahal

Contact tel: 01545 574948

email: keithpayne4thatch@yahoo.co.uk