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I have been looking into purchasing a wood burning stove for the awning cafe. Being surround by 15 acres of pristine English woodland providing an endless supply of free fuel. It really does make sense, however this has to be balanced with the initial outlay. I use on average a 6kg bottle of propane gas every two weeks, using it for cooking / running the fridge.

The gas per bottle costs around £18 x 14 estimated bottles per year = £252 per year on gas

Luckily I do not feel the cold but many other's do. The awning cafe is used for class room type sessions- rig tying, bait making etc. During longer sessions it is also a dinning room and social space during barbeque's. Unfortunately some evenings are not always as we would like and can become quite chilly. I have looked into buying a paraffin heater to heat the awning space.

Price for heater £125

Paraffin to fuel heater per night  = 1 litre Cost around £1.50

estimated evenings requiring a heater 90 x £1.50 = £135 estimated fuel cost per season.

To continue to use gas but add heating will cost £512 this year and £387 there afterr + inflation

I will still use the gas cooker occasionally and the fridge will still require gas but I'm confident I can reduce the gas used by 80% saving around £200

£200 saved on gas £125 saved not buying heater £135 saved not buying paraffin = £460 potential saving in the first twelve months £3475 over the next 10 years

I have spent a few hours on the net a looked into all the possibilities available, I then visited a few chat rooms and forums to find out what other people's experience's were. One blacksmiths name popped up time and time again, the Windy Smithy I had already looked at the web site and the Louis Ranger had already caught my eye. I had contacted a couple of other companies for information before I got to the Windy smithy.

It was the outstanding quality of references posted in chat rooms about the quality of Jon's work, who is the owner of the company. After a couple of enquiry emails and a chat on the phone I ordered a Louis Ranger.

The cooking plate is large enough for three pans at least plus a 10" oven. The fire box can also be used, potatoes wrapped in silver foil. Jon is also extending the legs to raise the cooking plate up.

After an early start to miss the rush hour, I'm sitting on top of top of a hill in north Devon just outside Dunkeswell watching the sunrise reveal a stunning view.

I have just returned home and unloaded the wood burner. I watched a beautiful sunrise for 40 minuets before I drove down to Jon's. Over a cup of tea Jon explained how to get the best from my wood burner and the best way to maintain it. I must admit that I am very happy with the quality of the wood burner, built to last a lifetime

If my figures prove to be correct and I do save around £3000 over the next ten years that won't be a bad return on under seven hundred pounds. Better for the pocket even better for the environment. My next challenge will be fitting the flue collar to the awning.