Thatcher who grows own reed recognised

Master Thatcher of Chideock David Symonds will be presented with the coveted Melplash Agricultural Society, The Guy Gale Award for Craft at the show on August 24. This accolade was created a decade ago, in tribute of the late Guy Gale, Melplash Society committee member and sheep section chairman, and is now given to an outstanding craftsperson nominated and supported by members of the society including crafts from which the entrant earns their living or a greater part of it.

Dave Symonds was 15 when he started thatching in 1967, training under renowned Master Thatcher Ronnie Thomas of Loders.

In 1974 he set up in business on his own, and has now been joined by his son Scott and 18-year-old grandson Rhys.

Elizabeth Gale said: “My husband Guy Gale, a talented thatcher, was executive member of the Master Thatchers’ Association and chairman of the Dorset Branch. He admired Dave’s total commitment to the craft of thatching, and I know would be very pleased to see him receive his award at the Melplash Show this year.”

From 1974, Dave Symonds has been growing his own crop wheat reed, harvesting around 45 acres on his 95 acres, and producing the materials his firm requires. It was this project of which Guy so admired.

Fame came to Dave when he appeared in the harvest scenes in the film Far from the Madding Crowd in 2015, playing three different characters and becoming the farming advisor to the film company.

Since 1995, Dave has been Captain of the Bell Ringers at Chideock, even introducing Penelope Keith to bell ringing in Hidden Villages.