ABOUT US
Hello, my name is Anji and I live with my partner Carl and our Jack Russell Bonnie on our narrowboat, Troy. We built our first narrowboat Shanti (meaning Peace in Hindu) some years ago when we decided to escape the rat race and live at a more natural pace on the beautiful waterways of the UK. We have now built our second narrowboat Troy, who is a beautiful modern/traditional tug style narrowboat.
The American Indian lived and respected his land and was strictly a practical man. His many inventions are still used today namely his canoe, his moccasin and his Tipi.
My interest is focused mainly on the Tipi. It is roomy, well ventilated, sturdy, cheerful and cosy. It will stand up to the harshest of weather conditions and we will never improve on the design. I hope to offer you the chance to experience this nomadic, practical, magical way of living and enjoy the best of all movable shelters, The Indian Tipi.
We are based in Solihull,
West Midlands. Our team consists of myself, Carl, my dad Tony, his partner Shirley and Bonnie the Jack Russell!!
Our aim is to introduce people to the unique experience
of Tipi living and bell tent living either short-term through our Tipi hire business or
long-term via our Tipi sales. 
Our company is based on the belief that our customers' needs are of the utmost importance. Our entire team is committed to meeting those needs. As a result, a high percentage of our business is from repeat customers and referrals.
We would welcome the opportunity to earn your trust and deliver you the best service in the industry.
F.A.Q's
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about tipis. If you have any other questions please email anjimorrall@gmail.com and I will try to answer a.s.a.p.
Is the Tipi Waterproof?
Yes, the tipi is made from waterproof canvas. An ozan and rain catcher/hat can also be used to catch the drips entering the tipi if the weather is very wet. In order to protect the tipi from rain entering, the smoke flaps may need to be adjusted to help prevent this from happening. Please note - You will sometimes get the occassional drip coming down the tipi poles.
Is it cold in the Tipi?
Our tipis come with a lining making it warm and comfy in the winter. In the summer the tipi offers a cool and airy environment although even on the hottest summer nights you should bring a blanket and sleeping bag. Liners are not a necessary accessory, but they do have advantages. When hung in place from a rope on the inside of the poles, eight inches will lay on the ground. The tipi cover is on the outside of the poles and is three inches off the ground. This produces a gap between the layers of canvas where the poles are sandwiched. The air will come in under the outer cover, hit the inner liner and shoot up in between the two layers of canvas pulling the smoke and drafting it out the smoke hole. Liners also reduce the draft on people sitting or lying down inside the tipi. They also divert rain dripping off the poles from landing on your bedding.
Are Tipis hard to erect?
No. With practice, two people can put up a tipi in an hour. It may take 3 - 4 hours the first time round!
What is an ozan?
An ozan is a horizontal canopy tied above the lining at the rear end of the tipi. It acts as a rain canopy and provides warmth in bad weather.
What do you use to cover the floor?
A plastic groundsheet covered in coconut fibre, rugs and sheepskins will make the tipi very comfortable for a day or two. If you plan on living in a tipi ground covers are not required as they will rot very quickly with mildew and are very hard to keep clean. Vinyl laminate can be used for those who want a waterproof floor in their tipi although it is not very pleasing to the eye, it will act as a moisture barrier and is easy to clean. A custom built wooden floor would be an ideal substitue. Reeds and rushes can be used to make a lovely floor covering which will keep the tipi warm and dry.
Can I smoke in the tipi?
No, we operate a no smoking policy.
How do I make a fire?
The fireplace should be positioned directly under the smoke hole. Remove a thin layer of turf and line with rocks or stones. Always use dry wood such as elm, ash, holly, oak and sycamore. Do not use green wood such as pine, willow, elder or yew.
N.B Due to our insurance policy, if you are hiring a tipi from The Tipi Hire Company a fire inside the tipi is not permitted . However, we do supply firebowls to be used outside the tipis which also double up as barbeques. A fire in the tipi during the summer months can be more of a pain than a pleasure. If the smoke flaps are not used correctly then the tipi can fill up with smoke causing evacuation of the tipi! It can get very warm inside a tipi during the summer season so a fire is not needed.
Is the Tipi Fireproof?
The standard Tipis that we sell are classed as "hardly flammable" which doesnt mean they will not burn. If your intention is to burn the Tipi then you will probably succeed. Tipis are designed to have a fire inside them. Respect and care is needed at all times when dealing with a fire, candles and cooking equipment. Our hire tipis are treated for fire, rot and water but we still do not allow fires inside.
We can supply fire retardant canvasses at and additional cost. Please ask.
Are the rental tipis furnished?
We supply a liner, ground cover and solar fairy lights for free. We also offer extra furnishings to make the tipi more comfortable. (See Extras on Hire Page). Bedding can be hired as an extra. Please ask for details.
How long will a Tipi last?
It depends on the quality of the tipi material, the climate you live in and how well the tipi is maintained.
Considering all these elements your tipi can last from 5 - 10 years or longer.
What type of area is needed for the tipis?
We need a flat level grass service with no over-hanging trees or power-lines. We need to be able to gain access and park within a reasonable distance from the site to allow us to carry the tipi/poles/furnishings.
Can I put the tipi up myself?
No, The Tipi Hire Company employees are the only people allowed to erect and dismantle the tipis.
Do I need insurance?
We have public liabilty & equipment insurance but extra insurance should also be obtained by yourself if you wish to cover contents.
How long will it take to erect a tipi?
Up to two hours per tipi depending on how it is going to be decorated.
TERMS OF TRADING
The Tipi Hire Company are a professional Tipi Hire Company. We have a Health and Safety Policy, Public Liability Insurance and a Full Comprehensive Risk Assessment has been carried out.
These Terms and Conditions are your agreement with The Tipi Hire Company. Upon confirmation of a booking you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions of Hire.
Please download the booking form along with The Terms & Conditions, sign and send with your deposit to 6 Oakslade Drive, Solihull, West Midlands. B92 9QG. A copy of the T & C's will be available inside each tipi.
Definitions:
The ‘hirer’ is the person, firm, company hiring equipment from The Tipi Hire Company.
Equipment is defined as the tipi and furnishings including but not limited to: Tipi outer cover, tipi liner, tipi door, rope, pegs, poles, groundsheet, coir matting, rugs, moroccan lamp, low table, solar fairy lights, firebowl/barbeque.
The Tipi Hire Company
The Tipi Hire Company will provide the hirer with a confirmation of booking within five working days of the receipt of the clients deposit.
The Tipi Hire Company will deliver and erect the agreed equipment, to the agreed address on the agreed delivery date and time as agreed between hirer and client.
The Tipi Hire Company will dismantle and remove the equipment from site on the agreed date and time as agreed between hirer and client.
The Tipi Hire Company will provide equipment that is in good working order.
CONDITIONS OF HIRE
The hirer accepts full responsibility for the safety of the tipi equipment and the safety of any person who makes use of the tipi for the duration of the hire period.
The tipis may be provided either with a firebowl, a barbeque and a Kelly Kettle, a moroccan lamp with candles and tealight lamps.
The firebowl/barbeque/Kelly Kettle/candle lamps are to be used completely at the hirers own risk.
The firebowl/barbeque/Kelly Kettle are only permitted OUTSIDE the tipi and are not to be moved from there location.
A moroccan lamp/tea light lamps are provided inside the tipi and can be used with either a candle or tealights.
The moroccan lamp/tea light lamps MUST NOT BE MOVED from the central table.
They should remain on the central table whilst lit and not be carried around the tipi or taken outside the tipi.
Children must be supervised at all times and nobody under the age of 18 are permitted to use the firebowl/barbeque/Moroccan lamp/Tea light lamps.
The firebowl/barbeque/Kelly Kettle/candles get very hot when in use and can cause serious burns if touched.
You must not touch the firebowl/barbeque/Kelly Kettle/candles when in use.
The Firebowls and Kelly Kettles are supplied with Full Instructions. These must be read and understood before use.
Fires and candles must be extinguished prior to any persons sleeping inside the tipi.
Bedding/furnishings must be kept a metre away from the Candles at all times.
The lantern must not be hung inside the tipi and must remain on the central table in the centre of the tipi at all times.
The lantern must be closed whilst it is lit and extinguished prior to any persons sleeping inside the tipi.
A fire blanket is supplied inside the tipi, except in emergencies it must not be inferred with.
The Tipi Hire Company accept no responsibility for improper use of the firebowl/barbeque/Kelly Kettle/lantern/candles/tealights.
A charge will be made for significant damage and or loss of the tipi or any tipi furnishings. The charge made will be no more than the cost of replacing the tipi, or the damaged item. Deposits will never be retained without cause or for normal wear and tear to the tipi, minor damage, stains or dirt.
The hirer is responsible for the safety and security of the tipi from the date of the tipi installation to the tipis removal from the site.
Cats, dogs or any other animal are not permitted inside the tipi.
The hirer will take all reasonable steps to make sure that the equipment is not at any time altered or interfered with.
The hirer will ensure that the tipi outer canvas, inner liner, ropes, poles, pegs or any other parts of the tipi including any furnishings, firebowls, barbeques or Kelly Kettles are removed, modified or altered in any way.
The hirer takes full responsibility for any actions by third parties that cause damage to the tipi.
The hirer takes full responsibility for the actions of third parties that cause safety or fire risks and the consequences that result from such risks.
The equipment remains the sole property of The Tipi Hire Company at all times and the hirer is prohibited from hiring, selling or parting possession from the equipment for the duration of the hire period.
The tipis supplied have an opening at the top that can be adjusted to reduce the amount of rain that enters the tipi. We will supply each tipi with a rain hat or rain catcher to reduce any risk of water entering the tipi. However, rain may still be able to enter and you may experience the odd drip inside the tipi.
Whilst The Tipi Hire Company will always do its best to ensure that you enjoy the use of the tipi The Tipi Hire Company cannot be held responsible for bad weather or acts of God.
A deposit is required to secure the tipi booking and must be received no later than 10 days of the order been made. If the deposit is not received within 10 days of ordering, the tipi may be booked by another party. If more time is needed to send the deposit please email.
A cheque for 50% is required upon booking to secure the tipi.
The remainder of the charge must be paid on the day the hire period commences.
The Tipi HIre Company reserve the right to retain the deposit if a cancellation is made less than 7 days prior to the rental start date. (For exceptional circumstances please contact the company and we will do our best to resolve the problem) or an alternative date will be offered.
The hirer is responsible for choosing a suitable location for the tipi where the tipi can be legally and safely pitched.
The company's quotation for hire charges is made on the assumption that the site on which the equipment is to be erected or to which goods are to be delivered is;
• Flat level firm ground with easy access for heavy motor transport and
• Has no drain pipes, cables or other services buried beneath the surface or otherwise concealed.
Should the site not comply with these requirements, the company may in its discretion either rescind the contract by giving verbal or written notice to the hirer or make additional hire charges. The company shall not be liable to the hirer for any loss damage or expense resulting from such rescission of the contract.
It is the responsibility of the hirer to insure against loss, damage of the equipment or personal injury to themselves or third parties. The Tipi Hire Company can accept no liability for loss or damage to personal possessions or injury or death to themselves or third parties who use the tipis and equipment.
The tipi is not to be used in wind speeds that exceed a fresh breeze.
On delivery of the tipi you will recieve a safety talk and demonstration. The safety talk and demonstration includes: Opening and closing of the smoke flap poles and door.
Safe use of the tipi, firebowl/chimenea and lantern. The location of the fire blanket and exit.
It is the hirers responsibilty to ensure that they are present during the delivery of the tipi so that they are able to receive the safety talk and demonstration. It is the hirers responsibility to enforce anybody using the tipi to do so in a safe manner.
TERMS OF TRADING
1. Definitions“Contract” – the document or documents to which these terms and conditions are attached, these terms and conditions themselves and all other details about your agreement with us and to which we have agreed in writing signed by a Director of The Tipi Hire Company.“We”, “Us”, “The Company” - The Tipi Hire Company.“You” – the person, firm, company or other organisation hiring equipment from us.“The site” – the location where equipment is to be erected and or supplied as specified in the contract.“Equipment” – the items listed in the contract and any other items used to facilitate the equipment on site.These conditions override any terms and conditions you may have put forward, unless we have agreed to any other conditions in writing and this agreement has been signed by a Directory of The Tipi Hire Company.2. Our ChargesThe company's quotation for hire charges is made on the assumption that the site on which the equipment is to be erected or to which goods are to be delivered is; • Flat level firm ground with easy access for heavy motor transport and • Has no drain pipes, cables or other services buried beneath the surface or otherwise concealed.Should the site not comply with these requirements, the company may in its discretion either rescind the contract by giving verbal or written notice to the hirer or make additional hire charges. The company shall not be liable to the hirer for any loss damage or expense resulting from such rescission of the contract.a. Charges for Hiring: You must pay the hire charges shown in the contract at the time when they fall due as listed on the contract schedule.b. Interest and Other Charges: If you do not pay the amount when it is due, we will add interest to the amount that is overdue. We will add interest each day at a rate equal to 4% above Barclay Bank Plc’s base rate at the time. Charging interest will not affect any other rights we may have. Interest can be charged before or after we have obtained any court judgement against you. You must also pay any of our reasonable expenses in recovering money or goods from you.3. When The Contract StartsThe contract comes into effect when you have placed an order, by which you agree to keep these conditions and we have accepted your order, complete with deposit for 50% and an Acceptance of Contract form. Employees and or agents of The Tipi Hire Company do not have authority to make representations regarding equipment, the site or any other matter, only Directors of the Company may do this. The customer may not rely on any representations which we have not confirmed in writing and signed by a Director of the Company.4. Delivery, Erection and Removal of Equipmenta. We will deliver and erect the equipment shown in the contract so that it is ready for use by the date shown in the contract.b. We will not be liable for any compensation if any minor items or terms are outstanding, but in return we agree to rectify such items or terms a soon as we reasonably can.c. Before we deliver the equipment, you will ensure that we have unrestricted access to the site on dates which we will notify to you, which will be before the date shown in the contract for the actual start of the hire. If you fail to secure us unrestricted access, an additional charge may be raised to cover any additional costs that occur as a result of this. We will make every effort to accommodate change of dates made by you, but this is subject to our other work schedules and may incur extra costs should you wish to change dates.d. You will ensure that the site is served by a firm access road with adequate hard standing and the site itself is firm, level, free from flooding, trees and overhead obstructions and without buried pipes, or concealed services which might suffer damage as a result of our erecting the equipment. If you cannot meet any of these conditions you will let us know in writing as soon as possible before we deliver the equipment, and if these matters have not previously been mentioned during the contract negotiations, we reserve the right to make further charges to cover any additional costs that we incur in dealing with any problems with the site, access to it, obstructions etc.e. You or your duly authorised representative will be present at the site on the date notified to you to instruct us exactly where the equipment is to be erected, and will ensure that you have authority from the site owner or organiser to do this. Any delay in time by you may result in extra charges if we are kept waiting unduly. If we have to site our equipment in a different place to that agreed, or if we have to move any of our equipment after it has been erected, then you will be responsible for any reasonable charges that we make.f. We will do our best to deliver and erect the exact equipment as specified in the contract. If we are unable to do this for any reason, we may substitute equipment to achieve the same result. We will not however insist on your accepting substitute equipment which is substantially or materially different from that which is specified in the contract.g. We will dismantle and remove from site our equipment as soon as possible after the hire period defined in the contract is terminated. We will do our best to remove our equipment as quickly as possible, and you will ensure that we have free and unhindered access for this purpose. Extra charges may be raised if you fail to allow us free and unhindered access. We will only remove our equipment during reasonable hours and any work outside these hours will be with your consent. You should note that the installation and erection of the equipment often involves the use of stakes or similar ground fixing devices. We will exercise every reasonable care, but will not be responsible for any element of making good of the site after removal of our equipment. 5. Your Responsibility When Hiring Equipmenta. You must take note of and implement any instructions that we give you relating to the safe use of our equipment. You will be liable for any loss or damage which results from your failure to follow our recommendations.b. You are responsible for the general security of the site throughout the whole of the period when our equipment is present. You are responsible for the safety and security of the equipment from the commencement of installation to the completion of dismantling and subsequent removal from the site. You will make good any loss or damage to the equipment which may occur during this period.c. You will notify us as soon as possible of any defect or deterioration in the equipment. In return we will take all reasonable steps to remedy this as quickly as we can. We may make a charge for any site visit unless the need for a visit was as a result of any inherent defect in our equipment or workmanship.d. You will in particular ensure that you will not allow the collection or build up of snow or rain on the equipment.e. In windy conditions you will take all reasonable steps to make sure that all openings are firmly closed when not in use, and are opened only for the purposes of entering or leaving the structure.f. You will take all reasonable steps to make sure that the equipment is not at any time altered or interfered with, and you will make sure in particular that no unauthorised entries are made in any tented enclosure, and that no canvas, poles, ropes, anchors, wires or other parts or any structure are moved, removed, altered or modified or in any way tampered with or misused.g. If we incur any cost, or if our equipment is damaged, through your failure to follow any of these conditions you will be responsible to compensate us fully for that loss.
6. Health & SafetyWe aim to provide a safe and hazard free work environment for all our employees engaged in erecting, maintaining and supervising our equipment when on site. To ensure that all site operations are conduced in accordance with safe working practices and comply with relevant health and safety regulations, we require you to supply us with a copy of your health and safety policy (where available) before the equipment is delivered to site, together with details of any specific site condition and/or restriction which requires safety consideration.7. Limits of Our Liabilitya. We will not be liable for any delay in erecting or dismantling equipment which is caused or exacerbated, whether directly or indirectly by any strike, lockout, labour disturbance, Government action, civil commotion, unrest, riot, armed conflict, fire, flood drought, failure of power supply, unavailability or breakdown of normal means of transport, adverse weather, act of God or any other matter beyond our reasonable control.b. We will not be liable for any loss or damage to the site, its contents and our equipment, where this is caused by factors out of our reasonable control. This would include, but is not limited to, negligent or malicious acts of third parties, inclement weather conditions etc.c. The maximum amount for which we will be liable in any circumstances is the total hire charge payable under the contract. This limit does not apply in respect of any claim for death or personal injury which results from negligence on our part.8. Insurance of Equipmenta. The client shall be responsible for and indemnify the company against any loss of or damage to all hired equipment whatsoever the cause. Please note that the client will remain responsible for and will indemnify the company against any loss of or damage to all Hired equipment resulting from their negligence or legal liability.b. We ask you to specifically note most insurance does not cover any consequential loss for which, if required, you must insure separately.9. Ending the Contracta. We may end this contract if: i. You break its terms; or ii. You become bankrupt; or iii. As a Company you start to be wound up, or a Receiver or Administrator is appointed over all or part of your assets; or iv. You enter into any agreement with your creditors or a voluntary agreement is made which affects you; or v. You enter into a voluntary agreement.If we end the contract in these circumstances, it will end immediately and we may repossess any or all of our equipment. If we end the contract it will affect our right to recover any money you owe us under this contract or damages we claim as a result of your breaking this contract.b. You may end this contract by giving clear notice in writing, but if you do, you will be liable to pay us a percentage of the hire charges shown below) depending on the length of time left between our receiving your written notice and the date shown in the contract by which the equipment was to be erected and ready for use. The amount payable by you will be on the following scale: i. – more than 30 days notice – 25% ii. – less than 30 days notice, but more than 15 days notice – 50% iii. – less than 10 days notice – 100%10. Ownership of Equipmenta. The equipment remains the sole property at all times of The Tipi Hire Company. You are prohibited from parting possession with, from selling or hiring out the equipment at all times.b. We retain the absolute right to repossess any equipment if you have any outstanding monies owing to us at any time the equipment is in your possession.c. This right to repossess as stated at 11b shall not preclude any other remedy that we may have, whether under the contract or otherwise.11. Our Rights of AccessWe may enter any land or premises where we reasonably believe the equipment is, at reasonable times and after giving reasonable notice (except in cases of emergency) and you irrevocable authorise us to do so to enable us to inspect, test, repair, service, maintain, replace or repossess the equipment.12. Unforeseen circumstancesThe Tipi Hire Company cannot be held responsible for delays or non availability of the tipis caused by breakdowns, unforeseen defects, obstructions or traffic delays.. In the event of complete non availability all monies will be refunded and the hirer shall have no further c13. Errors & OmissionsWe maintain the absolute right to correct, without liability, any errors and/or omissions on any sales literature, website, price list, notices or any other documents, or in any other information issued by us.
All transactions are subject to the law of England
