Like many charitable endeavours the Tithe Barn Trust could not function without a dedicated team of volunteers. They help in many ways to ensure the barn is safe, well looked-after and ready for our events. A great example is Barrie Crick who helps ensure that the barn’s surroundings are well-kept and its furnishings are kept in good condition. Below he tells us a little about himself and why he enjoys volunteering with the Tithe Barn Trust.

Hello, I’m Barrie and a volunteer helper for The Tithe Barn Trust. I’ve lived and worked all my life in the Cambridge area and resided for the last 38 years in Waterbeach where, as well as raising a family, I have given my spare time to numerous voluntary roles within the community. I’ve been a parent helper at Waterbeach Primary school, Secretary of the Recreation Ground Users Committee, Secretary of the Waterbeach Colts Girls football club, Chairman of both Waterbeach and Milton Tennis Clubs and more recently a member of the Waterbeach COVID-19 mutual aid group, where we assisted people who couldn’t leave their homes with chores like shopping & pharmacy collections.

Now with the pandemic thankfully behind us voluntary work at Landbeach tithe barn has begun again, which I became involved with some five years ago. My involvement is assisting with the continual upkeep of the grounds and general handiwork of the barn contents, outside seating, bike racks etc. Occasionally I have also helped out with prepping the barn for any events that are held e.g. arts performances, weddings, fayres etc.

I first got involved through an ‘Outdoor Gym’ session (helping look after the barn’s environs) which is a great way to get to know other volunteers whilst really helping with the upkeep of the barn and which really doesn’t require any specific skills; besides which co-volunteer Maggie usually provides delicious cakes which makes it even more worthwhile! These sessions only happen two or three times a year but as with any voluntary work, the time I give is completely at my discretion but I do find the little I do give is very appreciated by others and personally satisfying. It’s always good to see new faces so I do hope to see some of you at our next event (check out our ‘Events’ page for details) or go to our volunteering page or email tithebarntrust@gmail.com