Tag Archives: #TitheBarn

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Volunteer & Supplier Focus. Iain Cross – Trustee and Treasurer

The Tithe Barn Trust depends on the efforts of many people to help it fulfil its task of ensuring the future of the iconic Landbeach tithe barn as a valued community asset for all to enjoy. All our volunteers bring something important to the barn from simply helping out at an event through to making a longer term, more formal commitment. To give an idea of a volunteer’s experience Iain Cross, who is standing down from his role as Treasurer, tells us a little about himself, why he enjoys being involved with the Tithe Barn Trust and what he has gained from fulfilling the key role of treasurer.

Iain (3rd from left) at a recent volunteer social evening

I first came into contact with the Tithe Barn Trust after being spotted on the Reach Volunteering website by the Chair at the time, Gemma O’Shea. Having moved up to Cambridge from London a couple of years earlier, I was looking for a worthwhile cause to actively support and the Trust’s goal of preserving a rare timber-framed barn & future as a local asset fitted the bill. The Trust was seeking a Treasurer. I offered myself as a candidate and was pleased to be chosen. This was back in May 2021. Since then, I have been intimately involved in the both the finances of the Trust and more generally supporting the Chair and committee in developing plans and activities that are helping the Trust realise its goals.

As you would expect, for any enterprise the stewarding of finances is a very significant role: to ensure that all funds are recorded in a transparent manner, are used wisely and meet the requirements of The Charity Commission and any Grant providers. Whilst it is undeniably important, this does make the role sound rather more onerous than it is. In practice the role is a relatively light one so long as appropriate processes are in place. The most significant activity is the preparation and submission of the annual accounts for internal & external scrutiny, made easier through clear processes and an easy-to-use system for recording all income and expenditure. More generally, as Treasurer, I also play a part in shaping the activities of the Trust and providing another perspective on proposed developments and activities.

So what has been achieved during my tenure?

Internally, the overriding achievement is that the Trust has a clear overview of the finances at all times, reassuring the trustees and providing the committee the financial information they need to help make decisions. This has been made easier through the creation of clear, comprehensive & detailed Excel-based spreadsheets that enable quick and easy interrogation of the finances when required, supported by clear and simple processes that ensure all funds are handled in an open and transparent manner. Externally, each year we claim additional funds from HMRC through the Gift Aid scheme.

Why am I standing down? Well, it is not for any negative reasons as I still feel the Tithe Barn Trust is engaged in a really worthwhile task. So I hope to maintain an active interest. However, I am stepping back so that I can focus my treasury-type attention on my other charity for which the workload is much greater, the Cambridge fundraising arm of the Sick Children’s Trust (which provides accommodation to support the families of sick children during their stay in Addenbrookes hospital).

L-R: Explaining the finer points of dessert. Making a point (performing?) at the AGM

Why might you want to take on a role like this? Well, I have gained from this role in a number of ways:

  • It has given me a very practical exposure to the joys – and challenges – of volunteering.
  • It’s a link to Cambridge, its long history and many cultural activities.
  • It has helped me keep my hand in on matters financial and have created a reliable set of finance procedures and practices.
  • I have had the satisfaction of making a clear contribution to helping the Trust achieve its desired future.
  • I have met and made friends with a very likeable group of dedicated and energetic people.

The Tithe Barn Trust is entering a new and exciting phase of its development. Following a number of years in which the focus was largely on fundraising to prevent the barn from falling into ruin, the Trust is now looking towards securing the barn’s future as a valued asset providing a range of activities and opportunities for everyone in and around the Cambridge area. Along with activity on the ground the next Treasurer will develop a wider and more forward-looking role working closely with the Chair to advise and discuss actions that will grow the revenue base to ensure the sustainability of the trust as well as supporting the development of the commercial aspects of the charity.

Although I am standing down as Treasurer I hope to remain as a Trustee and to take an active interest in the preservation of this wonderful medieval timber-framed building.

We are hunting for a new Treasurer. Financial qualifications and experience is NOT an essential for this. What is needed is a willingness to attend around six committee meetings year and to ensure smooth running of the Trust’s finances. Could this be you? Perhaps one of your friends? Contact our Chair Kate Doak-Keszler via tithebarntrust@gmail.com for an informal chat.

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Meet our new Chair

Following a careful search for new trustees to take the Trust forward into the next phase of its mission to secure a future for the wonderful tithe barn at Landbeach we are thrilled to announce that Kate Doak-Keszler is taking on the key role of Chair, taking over from Interim Chair Carolin Göhler. During the time in her interim role Carolin and the Trust have made great progress, particularly in preparing for further upgrades to the barn’s facilities and developing the range of events enjoyed by all those that visit this ancient and beautiful Landbeach landmark. Read on to find out a little about Kate, her love of historic buildings, and her hopes for the Tithe Barn Trust.

Hello! My name is Kate Doak-Keszler, and I hail from the mountains of Colorado in the U.S. I have a passion for heritage conservation and civic engagement and a love for drama—in storytelling, that is!

I grew up in a trades family, working as a carpenter for the family business while I was in college. I completed my BAS (Bachelor of Applied Science) in Construction Management and worked for a few years with Girl Scouts of Colorado before meeting my spouse, Brad. After getting married, I got whisked off on a globe-trotting adventure as we moved with his job as a U.S. Air Force member. We spent two years in Guam where I worked as a historian with the local AF. Our family moved to Newmarket three years ago and I wanted to find a way to use my experience and skills here in the U.K. I was lucky to come across the Tithe Barn when they were seeking new trustees and I fell in love with the building and the great team of volunteers who work so hard to care for the space. It was exciting to hear about the plans the Trust had for the Tithe Barn – adding more infrastructure to facilitate more events and programs, and building a greater sense of community.

From top left: Helping out at the Tithe Barn. Training with the US Concrete Preservation Institute. Kate and family on holiday in Liverpool. All © KDK & Tithe Barn Trust.

I am excited to be taking on the role of Chair and working to make those ideas a reality by building on the wonderful progress already achieved by our great volunteers. I bring my experience as an architectural historian, my background in communications and social media, and my passion for storytelling. Our next steps are focussing on the provision of a permanent water and power supply to the barn which will greatly enhance it as a venue to be enjoyed by all who love this historic structure. You and all our supporters are absolutely key to the future of the Trust and I look forward to meeting you at a Tithe Barn event soon.

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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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Outdoor Gym and Furniture repair

Saturday 30th April. 09.00 – 13.00. Free. All welcome

Come and enjoy some fresh air and good company at Landbeach Tithe Barn this Saturday 30th April 2022.

We will be cleaning and restoring our furniture to make it ready for this year’s events. We will be working from 9am – 1pm and everyone is welcome to come at any time and to stay for as long as liked. No experience is necessary as you will be given tuition however experts in furniture restoration are particularly welcome.

Your efforts will make a valued contribution to improving the barn for our visitors. There are further details in the poster below and if you have any other questions or would like to learn more please email tithebarntrust@gmail.com

We look forward to seeing you this Saturday.


Carolin Göhler
Interim Chair – Tithe Barn Trust

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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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Pop-Up Market success!

A busy morning at Landbeach tithe barn

We are very pleased that around 150 people shrugged off the mixed weather to visit Landbeach tithe barn on Saturday May 22nd to admire, enjoy and purchase the fruits of local producers’ labour.

A wide range of lovely things were on display; home-made foodstuffs, jewellery, hand-made cards, artworks, toiletries and much more were all available for purchase. All the items were made by members of the Histon Country Market, a group of local crafters producing high-quality goods for sale whose visit to the tithe barn was supported by the National Lottery Heritage Find. To find out more, go to: https://histoncountrymkt.org/