06 September, 2011Comments (0)
Winterbourne Medieval Barn Trust Events
On behalf of the Winterbourne Medieval Barn Trust I would like to provide some information about the opening dates and events in Winterbourne Barn for the rest of 2011. The Barn dates from 1342 and is the only known surviving medieval barn in England built by gentry rather than the monasteries or universities, and as such is a building of national importance. It was rescued from dereliction by South Glos council and English Heritage. The Trust aims to preserve the remaining structure with its magnificent roof timbers, and revitalise the whole complex into a community-led project based on heritage and food and farming education.
The Barn will be open to the public (no charge, although donations are very welcome) at the following times:
Tuesday 6th September at 7pm – “Climbing Great Buildings” – illustrated talk by Dr Jonathan Foyle, archaeologist, historian and presenter of the BBC series Climbing Great Buildings. The talk will take the audience on a high-level tour of some of Britain’s most iconic buildings and will enable us to share both the terrifying moments and the exhilaration which were such a feature of the TV series. Followed by refreshments, and then the AGM of Winterbourne Medieval Barn Trust at 9pm.
Saturday 10th September 10am – 5pm (part of the national Heritage Open Days).
Also Sunday 11th September 2pm – 5pm.
Saturday 17th September, 10am – 1pm. “Barnforce” volunteers will be on hand, maintaining the barn and its immediate environment.
Monday 19 September, 7.30pm – “Food for the Future?” a talk with discussion by Val Harding, organiser of ‘Taste’ the South Glos Local Food and Drink Festival. The talk will cover “What does local food mean? Do you want access to local food? What choices are available?”.
Saturday 8th October 10am – 1pm. “Barnforce” volunteers will be on hand, maintaining the barn and its immediate environment.
Sunday 9th October – Orchard Harvest Day 10.30am – 3.00pm. The ancient cider press will be in action in the magnificent medieval barn, and there will be lots of stalls celebrating orchards and their diversity, bee keeping, wildlife, local apple juice, cider, ice cream and beer. Plenty of activities for children, plus entertainment from the Winterbourne Down Border Morris dancers, and refreshments from the Barn Cafe.
Saturday 22nd October 10am – 1pm. “Barnforce” volunteers will be on hand, maintaining the barn and its immediate environment.
Saturday 19th November 10am – 1pm. “Barnforce” volunteers will be on hand, maintaining the barn and its immediate environment.
Saturday 17th December – Carols in the Barn 3.30pm – 6pm
Posters for main events are attached, and details are also available on the website www.WinterbourneBarn.org.uk.
We hope this information will be useful and we look forward to sharing this historic building with the wider South Glos community. We would be grateful for anything you can do to publicise the existence of the Barn and its opening dates to residents in your parish or town.
