The Tithe Barn Trust depends on the efforts of many people to help it fulfil its task working to ensure the future of Landbeach tithe barn as a valued community asset that all can enjoy. All volunteers bring something important to the barn whether it is simply helping out at an event or making a longer term, more formal commitment. Below, long-time committee member and former trustee Richard Taylor (shown left below at a recent Outdoor Gym), who is standing down from his role, tells us a little about himself and why he has enjoyed being involved with the Tithe Barn Trust.

I have lived and worked in and around cambridge for many years as a surveyor with an interest in old buildings and so back in 2016 was intrigued by a public meeting to be held in Landbeach village hall. It was at this meeting that I found out about Landbeach’s tithe barn. It transpired that it was in a poor state with a leaking roof and rotting timber frame with a real risk of this rare survivor being lost through decay. However there was an enthusiastic and friendly group of trustees (led by very dynamic Chair Gemma O’Shea) who were working hard to overcome every obstacle & hurdle and save the barn as a community asset. Through my background in building survey I felt I had something to offer to this very worthwhile enterprise and so volunteered, joining as a trustee in 2016.

Since then I have enjoyed collaborating with the Trust’s dedicated group of trustees, other committee members and volunteers working on leases, insurance terms and specifying the essential remedial works required to preserve the barn for future generations to enjoy. Obtaining vital funding was difficult but following a determined campaign finally it was raised and while on holiday in Suffolk I interviewed the engineer we appointed who ran the jobs of essential structural repairs to prevent the barn collapsing and re-thatching to ensure it was weathertight. As is always the case when dealing with old structures there were many changes required including switching from a wheat-straw thatch (as favoured by the Local Authority) to Norfolk reed, which has doubled the projected life of the roof.

As a surveyor I have worked with many buildings over many years but this was very special. The next phase for the Trust is to encourage the use of the barn to develop revenue to maintain it in good condition and provide further facilities; retaining a wonderful slice of history in an area of rapidly encroaching development from an expanding Cambridge and the development of Waterbeach New Town. This requires the continued involvement of a committed and dynamic group of trustees, committee members and volunteers to drive things forward. Becoming involved does not require specialist knowledge, only dedication, determination and wish to make a contribution at whatever level suits the individual. I shall continue to follow the fortunes of this iconic building as an occasional volunteer as the Trust tackles the next stage in the barn’s long history.

Would you like to get involved?

We are always looking for people to join our friendly and enthusiastic band of volunteers contrubuting at all levels, from occasionally helping out, for instance at ‘Outdoor Gyms’ (maintenance days), through to event organising, committee membership and trustee roles. In particular we are currently seeking a dynamic and motivated person to take on the role of Chair of the Trust from our current Interim Chair Carolin Göhler. To find out more email tithebarntrust@gmail.com or see our volunteering page to find out more about the opportunities. We look forward to hearing from you.