Cheddar Valley Steam - is there a problem?

I have used CVS to make boilers for me and have one on order for 'Locomotion' but CVS isn't answering the phone or emails - does anybody know if Tim is poorly or the company has gone or whatever. It would be a great shame to loose CVS as Tim is an excellent craftsman

Good Morning Phil,

I too have posted another thread (Cheddar Valley steam somerset) i take it you havent had any luck yet?

Bob Thompson

Ohil, see what I said about searching in the other current thread, several posts back over a few years, all having difficulty making contact.

I spoke to him early this year and we resolved an issue with the 'Locomotion' drawings and he was going ahead with the build in the following week , also he was going to check with Reeves to check to see if any drawing amendments had been made; I didn't pick up any hint of problems. Just hope there isn't illness, accident or bereavement. I am still hoping he comes back so haven't made any other boiler build arrangements but have parked Locomotion for now and making an IC engine (Matador 60/60) instead.

It certainly is a very strange situation, I in fact ordered a 5" Speedy boiler in June 2015 for delivery in June 2016 but nothing was forthcoming and contact was difficult and sporadic then.

When i eventually made contact I had laid Speedy to one side and had progressed to boiler stage with a 3 1/2" Bantam Cock and so changed my order as Tim had confirmed he hadnt even started on Speedy.

I am therefore almost resigned to the fact that I am going to have to seek an alternative builder.

Bob

Hi Folks, just to add to the misery, I ordered a King boiler Jul 2016 for delivery Jul 2017. I too cannot make any contact by phone and am waiting to see if I get a response from mail. Spoke to Tim in January to discuss variations to drawings and no hint of difficulty at that point. Pity as the delay is annoying. Ted.

Hi Edward,

I have just cancelled my order with CVS. I have done it by E Mail and now sent a copy by Recorded delivery requesting my deposit be returned.

Watch this space.

Bob

If a supplier has difficulties, such as illness, asking for return of deposits might close the door on things getting sorted out.

A letter might be a good idea as this will almost certainly be opened by someone if the recipient is unable to do so for themselves. Others may not have access to email and might not no where to start when faced with a full answerphone.

Neil

It must be a long illness, as I said in the linked to similar post above a search will show similar posts going back 5yrs or more about problems getting any answer from them!

Hi Rob,

I have written, waiting to see if I get a response. Still trying phone but no luck there regardless of time of day. Looks as though it may be a case of DIY as quotes on timescales are becoming ridiculous and I've already lost best part of a year. As you say, watch this space. Ted

Phil, you have a PM

A quick Google on Cheddar Valley Steam website indicates a postcode of BS26 2RH. However this is not the post code for Unit 4, Castle Mills Industrial Estate which has a postcode of BS26 2RE. 2RH is actually half a mile up the road at another "industrial" looking shed!

Enquiries of J.Puddy Body Repairs 01934751319 or Castle Mill MOT Centre 01934 750663, both adjacent units on same Castle Mills Estate might provide information..

Has anyone tried his mobile 07789 681977 ?

And I don't even do steam

Mike

I have been trying to contact Cheddar valley steam via their website for the last month, all I get is server error 404. Haven't dealt with him since the days of Cheddar models, both Tim and Claire are lovely people, I hope they are OK.

I have today received confirmation that my letter has been received and signed for by someone at BS26 2RH .

The printed name was STEAM.

So we will see what ,if anything, happens now.

Bob

Just a quick update. I have received no contact from CVS following their receipt of my letter on the 19th May. I have also been in touch with my bank who have told me that i would have needed to get in touch with them at the time the delivery date had been passed, hence they were unable to help.

Typical bank cop out but nothing more than i expected from such an organisation.

So i guess CVS should be treated with extreme caution

Bob

Tim said he would build me a fowler 2" boiler I paid my deposit £200 on august 2016 tried to contact him no luck going up to his work shop tomorrow 25/05 /17 see what happens or not

went to see Tim today at cheddar valley steam . he is a little bit behind. but very well health wise . on catch up

I struggle to identify people that ignore customers and run a business with crap communication as 'lovely'.

if you can't run it properly, give up and go run something simpler like a whelk stall.

Thanks David, that puts me in my place doesn't it.

Hello Brian Glad to hear Tim is ok but i think "a little bit behind " is to say the least a bit of an understatement.

I estimate he is at least 2 years behind but obviously that only applies to me i dont know how many others are in the same boat.

Even so when customers phone,leave messages, send e mails and recorded deliveries, something doesnt quite ring true. Not even acknowledgement of my letter requesting the return of my deposit even though i have written evidence that he has received it.

I still think one should proceed with caution

Bob