Zazas Blog - December 2016

It's that time of year again. Time to put on my antlers, dig out the woolly jumper and switch on the festive lights! For Christmas will soon be upon us. The Winchcombe Advent Festival will be held on Tuesday 6th December this year. Be sure to take a look as theere will be late night shopping, live music, market stalls and festive food. It's a great opportunity to start your Christmas shopping or simply call by for a glass of mulled wine and some mince pies to get into the spirit!
This month, for a bit of festive fun, I have found a puzzle for you. Can you spot the badger within the herd of zebras?

Wishing everybody a MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
Until ext year,
Zaza

Gather 'Round The Fire.....

Take a moment to study your fireplace as it's about to become one of the most important features within your home. Maybe you've already planned ahead and all the logs are stocked up, the chimney is swept and the mantle is Seasonally decorated just like your favourite pinterest inspiration. However if, like most of us, you have been denying the onset of Winter and the fact that the 'big day' is just a matter of weeks away, now may be the time to consider your chimneypiece.

Maybe you are looking to remodel your existing firesurround, have opened up a forgotten inglenook, or have finally got around to ripping out that dubious 1970's surround which has been there since you moved in; either way, a visit to Winchcombe Reclamation may be of help. Here are just a few things we can offer.....

Reclaimed Fire Surrounds

New Fire Surrounds

Lintel Beams

Hearth Stone

Grates & Accessories

Reclaimed Fire Surrounds: We stock a wide selecion of reclaimed fire surrounds from simple timber surrounds to large carved stone examples.
New Fire Surrounds: Should you be looking for new, we are stockists for Wessex Stone Fireplaces and have our own quarry who can produce something bespoke.
Lintel Beams: A reclaimed timber lintel is ideal to finish off a traditional fireplace. We carry an extensive stock of character beams, all of which have been hand processed and are ready to use.
Hearths: There are many options for hearths to be found. We can supply everything from natural stone flags, to bricks, tiles or slate.
Accessories: At this time of year we have a number of firebaskets, grates and fenders with which to dress your fireplace.

Zazas Blog - November 2016

#0310201642
This is not my phone number, bank account details, or passport number - this is my crime reference number (47th of the day !!!)
On Sunday 2nd of October, some 'scallies' broke in and stole my ten ton crane lorry (about the same size of two JCB's) then smashed through steel gates and away into the darkness.
I didn't even get a police visit but received a nice letter a week later offereing counselling and saying nothing more could be done.
So, this month, make sure that everything is locked away behind big gates and, most importantly, INSURED - This is where your crime reference number comes in......

Zaza's Blog - October 2016

Peering through the mist and fog, I have been keeping an eye on everything going on here at Winchcombe Reclamation.               The yard has been busy lately with many new products arriving into stock including building materials such as bricks and stone and decorative items such as furniture and garden stoneware. I particularly like these staddlestones or stone 'mushrooms' which would look great as a garden feature or used to line a
driveway......
October is definately a month of change with the clocks going back at the end of the month and the weather becoming more Autumnal (I'm due to have my tail checked this week to prevent losing it again should it be as blustery as last year!) It is also the month for all things spooky with Halloween on teh 31st and the guys in the yard here have already been scaring me with ghost stories so do keep your eyes open for strange things happening in and around Winchcombe.

Our Top 5 Buys For Autumn 2016:

2. Handcarved Sandstone Gardenware

1. Reclaimed Slates and Roofing Materials

3. Reclaimed Flagstones

4. Stone Copings

5. Fireplaces and Fittings

 1- Reclaimed slates and roofing materials: Autumn is the time of year to check over your roof to be sure it is sound to stand up to the elements. We have recently had a huge clear up in the yard here sorting through over 20,000nr slates, miles of ridge and countless tiles and fittings leaving us with well organised, easily accessible stock. So whether you are looking to replace a complete roof or simply making seasonal repairs just contact us with your requirements
2 - Handcarved Sandstone Gardenware: A beautiful range of solid stone gardenware. These traditional pieces are all handcarved in a solid sandstone which has proven to be resistant to the English weather.
3 - Reclaimed Flagstones: One of our favourites and definately one of our most popular materials. With hundreds of square meters available at any one time, there is plenty of choice - York, Cotswold Limestone, Sandstone, Portland, Pennant.......
4 - Stone copings: We have various batches of stone coping available from table coping for capping off you roof works to larger stone copings in a number of different widths and profile. This particular batch, in a rich coloured limestone, would cover a run of over 50meters
5 - Fireplaces and  Fittings: You will find a wide collection of fireplaces on offer both reclaimed and new along with fittings such as fenders and firebaskets - perfect for getting ready for those colder months to come....

Zazas Blog - September

So, September is upon is bringing with it back to school blues and the onset of Autumn - I can't believe how quickly the year is passing! I've enjoyed a fantastic Summer here in Winchcombe, standing guard over the reclamation yard, looking over the fence and watching all that's going on.
I've particularly enjoyed spotting the different trains passing by on the GWSR steam line from Toddington. Recently, they have been extremely busy with the works to extend the railway line to Broadway and I understand that this is all 'on track' (pun intended!) to re-open in 2018. Exciting times.

Even more exciting is that they are expecting Thomas the tank engine to visit on the 24th & 25th of this month  - I shall definately be keeping an eye out to see if I can spot Thomas and friends as they cross the bridge on the Broadway Road!!

Seasonal Update......

We seem to be rattling through 2016 at great speed but there is still plenty of time to source quality reclaimed building materials for your project - here's a quick overview of some of our current stock:

* There are over 65,000nr reclaimed bricks currently in the yard here including handmades, wirecuts, pressed and engineering bricks. We also have a large quantity of specials such as 'cant' bricks and 'bullnosed' bricks available. And, with numerous demolition works lined up for the coming months, we will continue to carry extensive stocks.


* We are known to be one of the largest suppliers of reclaimed Cotswold stone tiles in the area and presently have both Stonesfield slates and North Cotswold tile available. The Summer months are always particularly busy with large tile orders being measured out as well as reclaimed tile coming into stock to be dressed and sorted. You can find out more here or contact us with any requirements for this material.

* There are many reclaimed paving options currently available including both internal and external Cotswold paving, Portland stone and traditional York flags. Now is a particularly good time to view and purchase internal Cotswold flagstones before they are moved into Winter storage.


* Reclaimed timber is currently being processed generating
more character beams for you to choose from aswell as batches of oak, elm and pine flooring.

Zaza's Blog - August 2016

Well, what an eventful month it's been! Gullivers travels went smoothly with Winchcombe Reclamation managing to ransport him safely all the way from Winchcombe on a 100 mile trip down to Marwell Wildlife where he is now in pride of place atthe entrance to the zoo and getting lots of attention!!

It was quite sad to wave Gulliver off on his big adventure but there is plenty going on here in and around Winchcombe. I've just picked  up my programme for the Country show being held over the Bank Holiday Weekend and I'm deciding which classes to enter. There's so much choice - I'm not sure if I should show off my art and craft skills, enter some home grown veggies, or bake one of my famous sponge cakes.....
Don't forget that you can keep up with all things 'zebra' through Twitter: #zazazebra #zanyzebras

Zaza's Blog - July 2016

This month, I'm excited to introduce my brother.
Construction is nearly complete and he has already attracted lots of attaention inclyding press coverage, photo shoots and an interview with BBC Radio Gloucestershire.
He is all set to take his 100mile journey down to Marwell Zoo9 for the Summer to help with their 'Zany Zebra' campaign, raising money and awareness for the endangered Grevy's zebra and they have decided to name him 'Gulliver' - due to his sheer size and the distance which he will be travelling!
I shall be staying here at Winchcombe Reclamation but be sure to keep an eye out for the start of Gullivers Travels as he is transported through Winchcombe & the Cotswolds.......

Our Top 5 Buys For Summer 2016

1: Reclaimed Bricks

2: Cotswold Flagstones

3: Large Driveway Gates

5: Huge Clay Pots

4: Galvanised Troughs

1: Reclaimed Bricks - The use of reclaimed bricks can add instant character to any project and a recent demolition job has generated in the region of 50,000 of these......
2: Cotswold Flagstones - We currently have good stocks of Cotswold flagstones. This material is stored inside over the Winter to protect it from the frost but over the Summer months it is available to view at our main yard in Winchcombe
3: Large Driveway Gates - If you have already completed your external works and landscaping then an impressive set of gates such as these could well be the perfect finishing touch....
4: Galvanised Troughs - We may be blessed with the odd spell of good weather over the Summer, allowing us to turn our attention to the garden and outside living spaces. We have a number of these versatile, large galvanised troughs which can be used as a water feature, planted out with flowers, herbs or vegetables or simply filled with ice and used to chill the beers at the next BBQ......
5: Huge Clay Pots - These huge pots originally started life as grain storage jars but their sizing makes them fantastic garden features - a great way to add height and interest to planted borders.

Marwell Wildlife

Here at Winchcombe Reclamation, we still get asked about the 20ft Zebra placed in the yard so thought we would explain:
Her name is Zaza and she was commissioned by Winchcombe Reclamation as one of a series of sculptures by local artist Dave Danson Hill. Recently, we have teamed up with Marwell Zoo and their 'Zany Zebra' event where a stampede of zebra sculptures are placed throughout Southampton and then auctioned off for charity. Dave is currently working on (an even bigger) Grevy's zebra which will be transported down to Marwell to take part in the event.
Marwell wildlife carry out extensive work towards the conservation of Grevy's zebras and other endangered species and rely upon public donations.
We have a charity collection pot here should you wish to donate......

Zazas Blog - June 2016

Last month, I was promoted from tile counting and got to oversee the demolition of a local pub, The Harvest Home.
Dating back to the early 1900's, this watering hole in Greet had been part of the community for many years. However, after standing empty for a period of time, the notice for demolition was given.

Believeing that the demolitions of buildings need not be a process that generates unwanted waste, Brett Hunter of EMG demolition, carried out the works with a view to saving, reusing and recycling as much of the material as possible. Winchcombe Reclamation were able to salvage interior fixtures, timber and flooring and any crushed materials were sent to be re-used in nearby roadways rather than going to landfill.

The iconic swing sign seen outside the pub is now in the yard here and, if this little piece of local history is of any interest, they are open to offers with monies going to my chosen charity - Marwell Zoos Zany Zebra Appeal.

Zaza's Blog - May 2016

221,.....222,......223,..... Oh sorry, you've caught me counting the stone tiles here at Winchcombe Reclamation. Besides being enlisted as a guard zebra at the side of the road and being a minor celebrity of Winchcombe in my spare time, I am now earning my keep by helping out in the yard.

So far I have been cleaning bricks, measuring out flagstones for orders and am now in charge of a stone tile stock take - it may take some time!!
The yard has been busy recently with people looking fro reclaimed materials for their projects and I've been enjoying meeting and greeting all o fthe customers. Why not call in? You'll find everything here from brick and roofing materials through to interior fittings and furniture.........

This month, the sun has been shinig and I've recently made friends with a familty of swallows which are showing an interest - I hope they don't try and nest in me!! I'm looking froward to see the circus comeing to town with Giffords setting up their big top in Sudeley grounds from May 19th and I'm also expecting to see a number of walkers passing by as part of the Winchcombe 2016 walking festival which runs from 20th - 22nd of May. And of course Toddington railway is in full swing so I can watch the steam trains and diesel engines go past. There's so much going on in Winchcombe at this time of year that it's easy to get distracted but I really must concentrate.
Now, where was I?   1,.....2,....3,.....

Reclaimed Paving

We carry extensive stocks of reclaimed paving.

Being based in the heart of The Cotswolds, we carry a substantial quantity of our local limestone flag which is available in a range of colouring from paler Bathstome through to the desirable honey colour of the North Cotswolds. We also have stocks of external Cotswold paving and cotswold cobbles available.
York stone is the traditional choice for external works and, with a minimum of 600 Msq in stock at any one time, there is plenty to choose from including some single large batches.
Other paving options you may wish to consider are Pennant, Blue Lias, Portland or Forest Sandstone - all of which can be viewed at our yard here.
Current stock includes:

Over 800M² Portland paving

Single batch of 170M² Pennant

Over 150M² internal Cotswold flagstones

Stock York - Over 400M²

Take a look at our website for more about reclaimed paving or call in and take a closer look.

Zaza's Blog - April 2016

Did you know that in the last 30 years there has been an 83% decline in the numbers of the Grevy's zebra? This is why I'm so pleased to be involved with the 'Zany yZebra's' event down in Southampton to support the cause.
Organized by Marwell Wildlife, there will be a 'stampede' of zebra sculptures throughout the town which will later be auctioned off for charity. I will be taking my place at the zoo itself for the entire Summer to help out. The guys at Marwell Zoo do some amazing work towards the conservation of the Grevy's zebra and other species and all proceeds will go to help monitor endangered species, train conservation managers and support communities in Northern Kenya.

Back home, preperations are well under way to begin the construction of my brother - heres a sneaky preview:

Speaking of construction, the new Budgens is nearly complete. The stione for the build was supplied by my friends up at Cotswold Hill Quarry and I think it looks great!

Best make a start on that shopping list......

Reclaimed Bricks......

If you are looking for reclaimed bricks for your project, Winchcombe Reclamation is an ideal place to start the search.
Maybe you are looking to match existing brickwork or simply wish to use reclaimed bricks within your build to instantly create that warm, lived-in look. Either way, we have a number of options available at any one time from local handmade bricks through to imperial wire cuts and blue engineering bricks.
All of our stock is hand sorted, cleaned and palletised for ready for use and, as we conduct our own demolition works, large batches of matching bricks are often available.
Our current stock includes the following:

4,000nr local Cheltenham handmades

7,000nr imperial wirecuts

12,000nr Worcestershire handmades

Why not visit our website to discover more about reclaimed bricks? Or simply contact us with your requirements.

Easter Opening

This year we will be closing for Easter from 4.30pm Thursday 24th March - returning Tuesday 29th

Our Top 5 Buys For Spring 2016:

1: Cast Iron Planter

2: Winchcombe Tile

3: Stained Glass

4: Storage Chest

5: Limestone Foutain

1: Cast Iron Planter - It's time to start planning the planting in the garden and we think this cast iron planter would make a great feature either as a centre piece in a courtyard or to add a little height to flowerbeds and borders.
2: Winchcombe Tile - These replica Cotswold roof tiles are a cost effective alternative to natural stone. Ideal for period properties and new-builds alike, they offer a traditional roof covering. Contact us with any enquiries you may have.....
3: Stained Glass - With blossom flowers depicted in soft pastel colours, this hand painted piece is full of the joys of Spring. Could be built into a fanlight above a doorway or simply used as a decorative wall hanging.
4: Storage Chest - Ideal for anybody tempted with a little 'Spring cleaning'. Dummy drawers hide a roomy blanket chest within which can be filled with all types of clutter......
5: Limestone Fountain - Why not 'splash' out on an impressive water feature? The surround of this Classic, four tiered carved limestone fountain would be an ideal place on which to perch and enjoy the start of Spring.....