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Volunteer and Supplier focus. Tina Tee – local volunteer

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.

Giving the barn a much-needed Spring clean
Tina Tee planting trees

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.
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Cambridge Open Studios 2023

The weekend of the 8th-9th July saw the Barn, for the second time, host a number of local artists intent on showcasing their works as a part of this year’s Cambridge Open Studios.

Building on the success of last year (which saw the works of more than a dozen artists viewed by over 170 visitors) 12 artists again set up shop at the barn. The works displayed were very varied and provided lots of interest to a record number of visitors – over 230 across the two days.

Food for body and mind at the tithe barn at Landbeach during COS 2023

Reasonable weather and a selection of home-made refreshments and cold drinks all helped make for a pleasant and rewarding time for all who came. In addition to the art on display, there was a demonstration of basketry and some ‘plein air’* watercolour painting done onsite. There was also a lot of interest in the medieval barn and its history.

Artisitc inspiration – ‘Plein air’ watercolour painting at the tithe barn

Many people commented how much they enjoyed the event and admired the suitability of the barn as a venue. One visitor added that, for those who like to visit a number of artists over Open Studios fortnight, it was a lovely, relaxing experience to have so many artists grouped together. The ease of access for wheelchair users also was complimented.

This year’s participating artists were: Carole Ellison and Danusia Kielar (watercolour paintings, mostly landscapes), Rob Ellis (watercolour portraits), Colen Lumley and Andrew Oliver (oil paintings), Louis Marek (photography), Manda Barnes (works using resin and driftwood), Geraldine Poore (fine art basketry, demonstrated techniques on the Saturday), Steve Anderson (playful sculptures and mobiles), John Stephenson (life drawings), Mary B Fraser (mixed media: calligraphy and printmaking) and Melanie Hale (oil paintings, printmaking).

A total of 12 works were sold with Mary Fraser’s work proving particularly popular. We are already looking forward to hosting artists again for COS 2024!

A moment of relaxation at the tithe barn at Landbeach

* ‘Plein Air’ painting, the act of painting a landscape like a sitting portrait, with the artist able to better capture the changing light, weather and atmosphere. Go to https://www.thesimplethings.com/blog/pleinair-painting to learn more.

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Volunteer & Supplier Focus. Richard Taylor – committee member

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.

The barn today
Repair works
Urgent repair works
Before restoration

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.

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Guided busway proposals – the Tithe Barn Trust voices its concerns

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As many of you will know, the Greater Cambridge Partnership (GCP)* has unveiled proposals* for a guided busway and park & ride to be built to link Waterbeach New Town with Cambridge. Two routes (the ‘Western’ and ‘Central’ routes) are under consideration and both will run close to Landbeach, significantly affecting the rural setting of the village. Further, the ‘Central’ option will pass close to the historic Tithe Barn in Landbeach.

Below you can read the Trust’s submission to the recent consultation objecting to the central route and propsed nearby park & ride area, bus loop and bus interchange.

* For further information about the GCP go to: www.greatercambridge.org.uk and for details of the busway proposals go to: https://consultcambs.uk.engagementhq.com/gcp-waterbeach-to-cambridge-2023 and scroll down for the key documents.

waterbeach-to-cambridge-proposed-guided-busway-tithe-barn-trust-submission-24.03.23Download
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Supplier & volunteer focus. James Kilby – signwriter

Over the last couple of years, James Kilby of Koko Signs and Paint has been making a great contribution to helping us promote the barn and its events using his considerable artistic talents to create bright, memorable signs that really capture the spirit of the place. Below he tells us a little about himself, how he came to be a signwriter and why he enjoys working with the Tithe Barn Trust.

Hi. I am James, I’m 41 years old and based in Upwood in Cambridgeshire along with my wife Darlene and three grown children; a 22 year old daughter and two boys of 18 and 17. Before taking my arts more seriously my working life was as a welder and fabricator but I had always been into art and had very often done custom paintwork, whether it was with brush, airbrush or aerosol. I then found myself learning to tattoo and made my way into studios. While doing this I reconnected with an old friend from school who was working as a traditional sign writer and seeing his work inspired me to give this a go. Soon after starting I recalled my growing up and going to steam fairs and my love of canal boats and remember loving the vibrant paintwork for which I now had a much bigger appreciation for and loved the idea that I could do my bit in keeping an old trade alive, also knowing that there maybe signs of mine still around in years to come, and this is how Koko Signs and Paint came about.

There are two main pleasures from this work. One is having a happy smiling client as this shows me I’ve done well and given the client what they want; and two is when I get to see my work years later still going strong and this gives me a real sense of pride. The most challenging side of the work for me is the design process when I am given more free reign on the design; I often have so many ideas going through my head that I end up making it more difficult for myself to make the final decision. Developing my skills is the same as any job or hobby for anybody, I just keep practising or, as a saying I heard, ‘keep on keeping on’ which led to the abbreviation for my business – Koko. An aspect I love is the sheer variety of what I am asked to do. I can be doing a custom skateboard deck one day and restoring a village sign the next, designing motorcycle tank art or producing traditional-style canal art. Other than this it’s great to see others’ work and their design and work processes as there are always tips, tricks or even new products to try and see if it makes life easier.

It was during the midst of Covid when work was slow that I came across an advert seeking supporters for the Tithe Barn Trust and Landbeach tithe barn. I had a great chat and meeting with Gemma O’Shea (Trust Chair at the time) where it was decided that I could do something to help with their cause by producing attractive traditional-looking sign boards.

You can see more of my work for the Tithe Barn Trust and my other clients on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kokosignsandpaint/ . To contact me call 07707 168490 or email kokosigns@gmail.com .

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Cambridge Open Studios at Landbeach tithe barn – a great success!

July 9 & 10 saw over 170 visitors view artworks by more than a dozen local and regional artists working in a wide range of media.

The wonderfully atmospheric Landbeach tithe barn and the fine weather made for a perfect location to take in and admire this display of East Anglian talent.

The exhibition included works by Cambridge Drawing Society members Rob Ellis (watercolours), Naomi Tomkys (oil paintings) and Rita Morton (linocuts). Others included Mary B Fraser (mixed media work, calligraphy and printmaking); Louis Hopper Marek (photography); John Stephenson, Manda Barnes and Pete Bucktrout (life drawing/painting); Gurpran (Bunny) Rau (abstracts) and last but by no means least, Tithe Barn trustee Melanie Hale (oil painting & printmaking).

In addition there was fine art basketry by Geraldine Poore, Melanie Hart and Sally Roach, wire sculptures by Manda Barnes, plus some interesting vitrines (display cases) by Victoria Smith. Watercolourist Rob Ellis also has made beautiful guitars and brought two of his instruments, inviting visitors to play them. At the end of the two days 12 artworks had been sold, including three photo prints by 17 year-old Louis, clearly a young talent with great potential.

John Stephenson’s work proved popular with three sold

Open Studio – Ready and waiting for visitors

Some examples of the work displayed by other artists are below.

Manda Barnes

Portrait of the artist as a tree (Rob Ellis)
Mary Fraser
Melanie Hale
Louis Hopper Marek
Rita Morton
Geraldine Poore

All artwork images copyright to artist. Used with permission.

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The Scottish Play comes to Landbeach!

Thursday 16th June finished with what can only be described as a quintessentially perfect English summer evening. It was then that the Tithe Barn Trust hosted in their lovely iconic tithe barn a most exciting and great event in the form of a much edited and reduced play by William Shakespeare. It was enacted by three members of the Cambridge School of Visual and Performing Arts in front of a large and eager audience more than 90 strong which encompassed ages from the very young to the not so young.

Shakespeare always wrote to entertain, but the actors this evening took that to yet another level. ‘Macbeth’ is considered one of Shakespeare’s serious plays but Chris McKay (on the staff of The School) and two of his 1st year students had us in fits of laughter for much of the hour-long entertainment. In fact the play was so changed by Chris’ rewriting of it that only parts had a semblance to the original work! The three performers took on at least five roles each and when necessary, calls to the audience came, when some quite young members came up and ably and confidently took on ‘as extras’!

There were two performances; the first at 4 pm for other students from the School to see, and a public one at 6 pm. Some of the audience came early to have a picnic on the Barn’s grass apron whilst others did likewise after the show. It was one of our most well attended events of the year and Chris says he will be more than happy to come again next year… which will be his seventh in bringing students to perform for us.

It was also wonderful to have in attendance our recently stepped down Chair, Gemma O’Shea with her two young girls and so many Friends of The Barn who have over these many years so generously donated to the Barn’s cause.

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New Chair of Trustees sought

Following a very successful first five years, the Trust is seeking a new Chair of Trustees to take us forward into the next phase of our development. This is an exciting opportunity to work with our established trustees and volunteers and lead the Trust towards the fulfilment of its mission. Below, out-going Chair Gemma O’Shea explains how she has enjoyed the role, highlighting the progress made and the future plans to be taken on by the next Chair of Trustees.

Gemma O’Shea outside Landbeach tithe barn

Nearly lost

Back in the 2010s, Landbeach tithe barn was a beautiful but decaying relic; a testament to Landbeach’s long history but also an asset in real danger of disappearing, lost for forever.

Fortunately, in 2014 a determined group of local residents wanted to avoid such a fate befalling this unique structure. As a result, the Tithe Barn Trust was created as a registered charity in 2016 with the mission:

“Ensuring the long-term survival of the rare and ancient Tithe Barn, by breathing new life into the site, for everyone to enjoy.”

I was honoured to take the helm as the Chair of Trustees and have greatly enjoyed this sometimes demanding role. It has given me so much satisfaction and a real sense of achievement working alongside our dedicated group of fellow trustees, volunteers and supporters. Over this period we have successfully fundraised to undertake the extensive repairs necessary to save the physical structure, taking it from this:

to this:

For me a particular highlight came in Autumn 2019 to early 2020 with the repair of the barn’s timber frame, brick plinth, floor and the re-thatching of the roof. These costly measures have saved the barn from collapse and made it weathertight for the first time in many years.

Re-thatching the barn in early 2020

Through the efforts of the Trust and its volunteers, we offer free entry to Tithe Barn open days, events and diverse educational activities for all ages. Access is open to everyone. I’ve been overwhelmed by the support of others and with their help we’ve trialled and hosted varied community events from theatre, storytelling, to art exhibitions, a country market, preschool visits, heritage days and more. We’ve shown what an intimate and unique space the Tithe Barn is for bringing people together.

Shakespeare at the Barn by CSVPA (Cambridge School of Visual & Performing Arts)

 

‘Oracle’ Art installation by artist Theo Gayer-Anderson at the Barn

Country Market

Our next steps

We are now focused on the second phase of our project, that of fundraising to bring essential services to the site. Great progress has already been made through our successful ‘Spend a Penny’ fundraising campaign. The money raised is enabling the installation of two eco-friendly toilets later this Spring, before we turn our attention to the provision of the water and electricity services. These will really help to secure the barn’s long-term future through its increased use as a community space and venue hire.

We have come a long way since 2014 and none of this would have been possible without the dedication of our trustees, volunteers and supporters. I have genuinely enjoyed my time as Chair and it has been a great privilege to work with a such a committed group. I wish the Trust and all who support it every success for the future and look forward to returning as a visitor with my family to see future progress.

To find out more about this great leadership opportunity, go to https://reachvolunteering.org.uk/opp/chair-trustees-290

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Landbeach tithe barn welcomes you to Heritage Open Days 2021

Landbeach Tithe Barn is excited to join in the 2021 Heritage Open Days festival on Saturday 18th September with events and activities on offer throughout the day.

As an agricultural building formerly involved in food production and storage, the tithe barn is the perfect location reflecting this year’s Heritage Open Days theme of ‘Edible England’. The timber granary where food was stored is still visible as is the brick threshing floor where crops including wheat were beaten to extract the grain.

In addition to viewing our wonderful barn, this free event offers events and activites for the family. There will be knowledgeable trust members on-site to answer questions and all activities are free for children and families to enjoy. Doors open at 11.00 a.m. with last entry at 4:30 p.m. There’s no need to book; just turn up and enjoy.

There will be lots to do:

11.00 Doors open

11.30 Story Reading

For children there will be a reading of the delightful tale of ‘The Little Red Hen’ and her determination to bake some bread to be followed by a demonstration of how to produce flour using a ‘quern’ – a traditional gringing stone.

1.30 & 2.30 Medieval dance

Members of the Capriol Society for Early Dance will be on hand in period costume to demonstrate medieval-themed traditional dances – with audience participation encouraged! For more details see their website ( https://capriolsocietyforearlydance.wordpress.com ).

Capriol Dancers at Stourbridge Fair. Used with permission.

Throughout the day

Demonstrations of how grain was ground into flour using a traditional grinding stone – or ‘quern’ with opportunities for children to try their hand.

For smaller children and their parents there will be a ‘small world’ touch tray with a selection of wooden toys to play with.

Grinding wheat.

4.30 Last entry

All events and activities will be Covid-compliant with hand sanitisers available and regular cleaning and clear signage to help ensure both visitors and organisers stay safe and can enjoy a relaxing day out. We request that visitors bring a mask with them.

Make a day of it

Beyond the tithe barn, Landbeach is full of history; why not make a morning or afternoon of your visit and also look at the lovely parish church of All Saints which dates back to the 13th century with much medieval woodwork remaining. Also worth a look is Worts Meadow. Now a local nature reserve the meadow is a former medieval settlement site, with a surviving homestead moat and fish pond, and earthworks showing the location of roads and houses.

Melanie Hale, Chair of Landbeach Parish Council and trustee says:

“The Trust is delighted to be contributing to this year’s Heritage Open Days festival. Landbeach tithe barn was an integral part of local food production for hundreds of years and this makes it a perfect location for this year’s festival theme of ‘Edible England’.

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Event plans at the barn

We’ve been busy planning our 2021 events at the Tithe Barn this year. Our Tithe Barn events range from Outdoor Gym to Carols, so there really is something for everyone. Come along and see the unique Tithe Barn for yourself. Take a look at https://tithebarntrust.org.uk/learning/2021-events/ and pencil the dates in your diary. We are closely following Government advice and guidance regarding Covid-19, so please do check this page regularly for updates.