All charities rely on the volunteers without which they could not fulfill their goals. Some take on specific roles whilst others are willing to help out in whatever way they can, as and when they can. Tina Tee is such a volunteer. Find out why Tina’s contribution is valued and what volunteering brings to her.

I’m a Landbeach person having came into this world in the late forties some hundreds of years after the fascinating Tithe Barn was built and, as a baby, I lived just a short walk up the road. It was not long before my parents defected across the border to Waterbeach but my bus journey to and from school took me through the village of my birth and I would see the barn from the windows and have no idea of its history. Fortunately my history teacher at college was the noted historian Jack Ravensdale* who lived in Landbeach and was responsible for bringing history to life for me.

I’ve had a varied working life, starting with my parents’ hardware store in Waterbeach, opening a video library, a spell at Cambridge University Press, a receptionist for a Cambridge dental practice and then, despite being retired, I was lured into being a relief receptionist at a Complementary Health Practice for a few years. You could say I don’t let the grass grow under my feet.

A recurring theme in my life has been people, and my social activities revolve around meeting and spending time with interesting people. Alongside of this I want to be useful and like to put my energy into any help I can provide. This brings me to the Tithe Barn. A close friend is part of the Tithe Barn Trust and through her I knew of the efforts of the stalwart members working towards saving the barn for future generations. When she asked if I would like to assist her with refreshments for an event as part of the annual national Heritage Day I said yes and here I remain, volunteering on occasions in all sorts of capacities. I gain regular exercise from the task of cleaning; barns are not known for being dust proof! I meet and greet at some events, or work behind the refreshment table, sometimes also providing some of the edibles. In contrast I have planted a few trees and there are photographs to prove it.

The events I help with are varied and provide interesting and enjoyable activities from annual tongue-in-cheek performances of Shakespeare plays, Christmas Carols, art installations and live music. All are enjoyable to be there for and be a small part of. I have had the pleasure of meeting fellow volunteers and working alongside with them. For me being part of the team is rewarding, it’s not particularly time-consuming and does offer the opportunity to play a part in saving the history of Landbeach.

As a result I have learned about the importance of the history of a building that embodies the agricultural story of the village I was born in. The Tithe Barn Trust volunteers are interesting people and some have extensive knowledge that is always informative including one gentleman, who offers numerous tales of the history that is the Tithe Barn, who lives a couple of doors up from the bungalow where I came into this world. For anyone who likes working with a friendly group and cares about our wonderful historical heritage, why not give the Tithe Barn Trust a go?

• *Jack Ravensdale went on to be a Principal Lecturer in History at Homerton College, Cambridge. His publications included ‘Liable to Floods – village landscape on the edge of the Fens 450-1850’ which includes details of Landbeach.