Press Release
PARTNERSHIP RESURRECTS 16TH CENTURY TITHE BARN IN DUNSTER
26 October 2007
Following their visit to the Dunster estate, The Crown Estate board was this month joined by tenants and the Dunster Tithe Barn Management Committee at a dinner to celebrate the successful refurbishment of the Dunster tithe barn.
The committee, which raised over £35,000 for the refurbishment, was thrilled to make use of the tithe barn and enjoy the fruits of their labours. Equally pleased to see this £550,000 renovation project completed, The Crown Estate supported the scheme with match-funding for all locally raised money.
The tithe barn in the Somerset village of Dunster dates back to the 16th century. Owned by The Crown Estate, this landmark building stood derelict for many years despite being literally in the 'heart' of the village.
Ian Grant, Chairman of The Crown Estate took the opportunity to outline to the committee how further Crown Estate support would transform the tithe barn’s surroundings. Plans are afoot for comprehensive landscaping works using plants sourced from The Crown Estate’s Savill Gardens in Windsor; this will include one of The Crown Estate’s great ‘Windsor oaks’.
Ian Grant said: “Graham Lamacraft and his team should be very proud of this impressive result. They have worked hard to provide the village with this unique, much needed community facility and we are pleased to have been able to support the project and help secure a future for this historic building.”
Local resident Sue Pitt commented: “For many years there has been a need for a large community hall in Dunster and the restoration of the tithe barn has fulfilled this need. The splendid building is now an integral part of the village and contributes to social and cultural life; it is well used and much appreciated by the village.”
Graham Lamacraft said: “The idea of using the tithe barn as a community hall was first explored in 1981 and so 26 years on we are all delighted that it has finally become a reality. We now look forward to the implementation of the The Crown Estate’s landscaping scheme and the planting of the Windsor oak. The enthusiasm and support of the community of Dunster together with the securing of a large heritage lottery grant, and a 99-year lease from the Crown Estate at a nominal rent, were the main factors that ensured that the project was a success."
He continued: “The tithe barn is now in regular use and I am sure that it will be enjoyed by the residents of Dunster and visitors to the village for many years to come. Should anyone wish to hire this wonderful facility, which offers three separate function rooms, please ring Mrs Chris Oliver on 01643 821 246.”
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