Throughout the project people have kindly donated and shared their photographs with us. Here are some images of reed combing and a short description, with thanks to local Chris Harris. If you have any memories of working with this set-up then please get in touch.
Above are photos (probably late 1970’s) of the system, still in use today, for producing nitches for thatching. Substitute a traction engine for the tractor & a couple of century’s regression would be in order.
The comber sits on top of a standard threshing machine & holds the straw parallel before a binder knotter ties it in a bundle.
The location is now part of Chris Hosken’s farm, Lannar(th) Gate (the th isn’t pronounced) &, at the time of the photo, was owned by James Ankerson who is in one of the photos.
