CHANCE CHAT LEADS TO CHANGE FOR DENBIGH CONTRACTOR
A chance conversation with a fencing contractor twelve years ago resulted in John Morgan taking a brand new path in life!
John of Denbigh-based Morgan Fencing explained: “Whilst out checking sheep as a contract shepherd back in 2012, I stopped to talk to a local fencer installing a fence in one of the fields.
“I left that conversation thinking “I could do that” even though my only previous experience was fencing at home on the family farm.
“At that point in time I was looking for a change in career and thought I would give fencing a shot. I went out and brought a tractor and Bryce knocker and set out under the name of Morgan Fencing.
“I thought I had half an idea what I was doing but in the first month I had to tackle most problems that occur through incorrect installation, such as straining posts lifting and twisting, so I knew I had to learn the correct way to fence and fast.
“From my time shearing in New Zealand, I’d observed that they fenced differently to the styles traditionally used in my locality so set about trying to find out what they did and why. That was the start to my fencing journey into the
techniques and physics behind it.
“I based my business around my mission statement of “built better to last longer” and from the offset wanted to work with materials and techniques that lasted, to produce a fence that could stand for over 30 years.
“It had already become apparent that Tanalith treatment wasn’t working before I set up, so have mainly used creosote or steel from the beginning. It’s been a hard lesson but I enjoy trying out new techniques and working out what styles suit different ground. It’s interesting going back to see how my standards have progressed over the last decade.
“During a visit to the NSA Sheep event at Malvern I came across Simon Dale of Solo Fencing Systems. Although I didn’t speak to him on the day, I tracked him down and brought a Solonet for the loader.
“Simon’s knowledge helped me progress my skills which took my fencing up a level, making me more efficient. Soon after, I ordered the Solotrak 200R which I’ve run for the last eight and a half years. It has proven itself more than capable, fencing the hillsides I cover from northeast Wales to the flats of Cheshire.
“The clue was in the name ‘Solo’, designed to be a one-man machine, so it is perhaps no surprise that after trying various helpers, I decided the set up worked best on my own. I consider the Solotrak to be my employee, then if something isn’t up to my standard I only have myself to blame.
“I learnt my skills predominately on stock fencing with a lot of work coming from the then Welsh Government Glastir Scheme. In more recent years I seem to have spent most of my time on a variety of post and rail, slurry lagoon, badger or electric fencing for local farms and estates. I enjoy the variety it brings, working in different areas and different locations away from public access that maybe only a handful of people ever get to visit.
“I enjoy tackling difficult fence lines, for example over rock, as it challenges your approach to building a long-lasting fence.
“I’ve seen big changes in the techniques used over the last decade and believe it’s still evolving. With a possible ban for creosote in the future, I can see further changes in materials ahead with the likes of steel fencing beco ming more widespread.
“I enjoy competing at the fencing competitions and feel privileged to a have teamed up with Si Gibbs from HVB. We had a successful year in 2022 and my next challenge will be beating Mark Evans and Nic Quan to the top spot at this year’s comps!” added John.
John’s experiences are a lesson for anyone considering a career as a fencing contractor. It’s amazing where a random conversation can lead!
Mob: 07824443660