At the weekend I was delighted to attend the open day of the Landbeach Tithe Barn. There was a good turnout with many wanting to help secure the future of the building. I am pictured with the Chairman of Landbeach Society, Robert Stripe.
Already I have been taking action to help this worthy cause. In October I chaired a meeting with representatives from the Landbeach Society, Landbeach Parish Council, Denny Abbey Farm Museum and Cambridge Past Present and Future about the ithe Barn. In May and October I put forward the case to the South Cambs District Council (who own the building) Portfolio Holders meeting to give the community more time. I was pleased that this call was heeded. The next meeting will be in March.
Tithe Barn’s are now quite rare in the UK. I have heard 90% of them have been converted. Only 190 remain, with Landbeach the only example in the whole of Cambridgeshire. It is also unique, being that it still has the original floor in place.
Currently the Tithe Barn is in need of a roof repair that would cost £30,000 – which is not an insignificant sum. Different options were discussed. One way could be if the Tithe Barn was opened on a regular basis then grant applications could be possible. Already an anonymous donor has stepped forward with a generous donation.
It would be great if we can secure the future of this wonderful building for future generations. Especially as in 2027 it will be 500 years old.
