Hello Markymark,
Thorogoods is my 'local' supplier & I've never had any problems with them. I usually check moisture with a meter on selected boards & so far have never found a 'dud'.
Past purchases include american white oak, american cherry, and iroko. THey used to let you climb over the pile & pull out what you want, but due to health & safety issues this is no longer done. Presently you have to make an appointment (one days notice by phone is usually ok) & tell them what lengths & section you are after. They will then bring a stack round to the front office area (or elsewhere covered if bad weather) for you to pick through & choose individual pieces. If you want longer pieces crosscut on site for easy transport (say, in a car) this is usually done FOC after you have made your selection & chalk marked where to cut. Delivery reasonably local (I'm about 10 miles away) is charged, depending on how much stuff you're having. Usually about 3 days wait for delivery.
THe american cherry I had was structurally ok - the main fault was checking from the ends. THe planks seemed mostly quite small widths so there was more heartwood than with larger diameter species, or it may be just what I was shown on that day. It worked OK but was very bendy & needed jigs / support when processing thin sections to prevent bowing during the cut.
I have no connection other than as a customer. THey are generally helpful but it does vary with the particular individual attending to you. If you want something just ask for it eg forklifting half a pile up to retreive middle boards. So far they've never said no to any reasonable request, but some assistants are more helpful than others & volunteer to assist you - others need asking ! They can always say no . . .
Hope this assist , regards Catface
:roll: 
