Movers & Shakers – Chris Kneeshaw
Chris Kneeshaw is a genuine fencing industry mover and shaker.
In fact, he’s been moving and shaking the earth around east and North Yorkshire for almost fifty years! Operating out of the village of Bainton near Driffield, 70-year-old Chris explained:
“I thought my first fencing job was in 1978 but it turns out, after looking at my invoicing records, that it was 1977 so next year will be quite a landmark!
“I love doing what I do regardless of the weather conditions and the type of fencing I’m installing but time takes its toll on the body so it’s been great to have my two sons, Jeremy and Patrick, involved in the business.
“Patrick has recently moved on to pastures new and I’ve been working alongside Jeremy since last November so I can rest assured that it’s in good hands when I decide to call it a day.
“I’m also looking into a fencing apprenticeship scheme to help bring through the next generation but it’s very difficult to find young people interested in taking up a profession like ours. That’s a great shame as it’s a job that brings with it a great deal of satisfaction and pride.
“It seems so many young people spend all their time looking at screens of some sort these days and it would be great to see more women take up the tools. Why not come and give fencing a try?
“The machinery we use these days, such as the Profencer and my Bryce post hitters, take a lot of the hard graft out of the job so it’s not quite as demanding as it was when I started out and who wouldn’t enjoy a job in the great outdoors?” added Chris.
The challenging terrain of the Yorkshire Wolds has become even more challenging with the summer heatwaves across England but Chris’s two Bryce post hitters have stepped up to the mark.
He went on:
“I wouldn’t be without my Bryce VR800 and 180 Pro hitters. Constantly reliable, they require minimal maintenance and can deal with the toughest of terrain.
“The Bryces are still as tight as the day they came off the lorry.
“We are also very happy with our high-quality Profencer wire net tensioner mounted on a Fastrac. Together with the post hitters, it gives us the best combination of equipment to erect all types of fences to a high professional standard.
“Depending on the weather, we work five or six days a week under very hard conditions in the Yorkshire Wolds. On a lot of this ground there is only around 4 to 6 inches of topsoil and then you are on to what I would call soft flaky chalk or a chalk and flint combination. These ground conditions need the hitting power of the Bryce machines to drive hole punchers.
“We are the only contractors in the area that have the equipment to tackle this type of terrain and are recognised for that. That’s why we have so much work in front of us,” he added.
When it comes to making an impact, it’s fair to say Chris represents the backbone of fencing in the UK. Out in the field come rain or shine, it’s the commitment of people like Chris that makes our industry so special.
Kneeshaw Fencing Chris – 07974 070541
In the Hotseat
Where would you most like to visit in the world?
New Zealand…my sister lives there.
Which do you prefer most… wine, whisky or real ale?
I don’t drink.
What is your favourite band / singer / type of music?
Fleetwood Mac, Guns & Roses and many more!
What was the last book you read or are currently reading?
I only read Fencing News!
Which sports if any do you follow most closely?
Motorsport (rally cross)…anything with an engine!
What is your favourite film of all time?
I don’t have a TV!
