Abstract: Reel winding apparatus comprises two spaced side-by-side support drums (12, 13) and a pivotal carriage (14) which act to support a roll (11) whilst material (16) is being wound thereonto. A transfer device acts to support a prepared roll core (21) and to deliver the core (21) to the support drums (12, 13) when the roll (11) has reached its requisite size. Pressure loading roller (19) maintains the roll (11) and the roll core (21) respectively in contact with at least one of the support drums (12, 13). In use, material is wound onto roll (11) until the roll (11) has reached its requisite size. The carriage (14) is then pivoted to move the reel (11) out of contact with the upstream drum (12) and the prepared reel core (21) is moved into a ready position above the upstream drum (12). A splicing blade (22) cuts the material (16) being fed to the roll (11) and then the leading edge of the cut web (16) wraps about the prepared core (21) and engages double sided adhesive tape thereon.