BARN NEWS
BARN NEWS
DOWNEND FOLK HOUSE ASSOCIATION
Volume 55 Number 1
September - December 2024
Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road, Downend, Bristol BS16 2RW
Tel. 0117 956 2367
Visit our website at www.downendfolkhouse.org.uk
Facebook Lincombe Barn DFHA - @BarnDFHA
DOWNEND FOLK HOUSE ASSOCIATION
LINCOMBE BARN, OVERNDALE ROAD, DOWNEND,
BRISTOL. BS16 2RW
Registered Charity No. 1157237 Telephone 0117 9562367
September - December 2024
Volume 55 - Number 1
Office hours : Monday to Friday 9.00 am to 4.30 pm.
Office Manager : Zoe Tanner Deputy Manager : Martin Bailey enquiries.dfha@outlook.com
Office Support : Jane Faithfull, Derek Whitchurch & Melinda Gunnion
Office Volunteer : Janet Hanlon
Chairman’s Report
Dear Member,
A special welcome to all our new members and to our established members – welcome back! I hope you all enjoyed your summer break and I am sure you are all looking forward enthusiastically to the new term. I should like to take this opportunity to thank all those concerned with the publication of the new Prospectus. Your assistance is invaluable and much appreciated.
To be successful an Association like this needs many helpers so if you feel you can spare just an hour or two occasionally to help in any capacity, the Committee would be most grateful to hear from you.
We are holding our AGM at 2.00pm on October 25th and a Christmas Market on November 16th and we look forward to seeing you on these occasions. Your Management Committee would very much appreciate your support with contributions and the setting up and managing of stalls for the Christmas Market.
I hope you all enjoy the choices you have made from our varied programme and that you will build many new friendships as a result
Eileen Bendrey
Chairman
Treasurer’s Report
The finances of the Association are, as expected towards the end of the “year”, beginning to reduce.
As previously advised one of the significant increases in costs this year is the charges for electricity. During this year, our “pre-Covid” long term contract finished, and for businesses there is no “cap”, so our average monthly costs have doubled to over £600 per month (£7,500 per year). It is anticipated that when we renew our gas contract, in 2025, we will experience the same degree of increase.
A new Fire Assessment review was carried out this year, and there has been significant expenditure so far making the changes identified. There are further costs expected in dealing with a review of fire doors.
Because of the reduction in our reserves, it has been decided that the “voids” repair, as mentioned in the last Barn News has also been added to the “will be done when funds available list”. This list also contains better insulation of Barn roofs and repair/replacement of fencing along Rockland Road.
Energy Efficiency
There has been no feedback from SGC re the Energy Efficiency survey, and after such a long time it is assumed that we will not receive any feedback. (The survey was commissioned and paid for by the Government, but any following action/costs were to be funded by local councils).
Good News
A new pre-school group is starting in April, replacing the “Oakens” home school group that used Concorde Hall and the outside area. Oakens attended for three days per week, whereas the new group will attend for more days and longer hours, meaning more income! (They are also paying a retainer to reserve their start date)
OFFICE
The Autumn term begins leaving behind the Summer the weather has been average, as you return to us for more happy memories spent in the building and surrounding areas.
At the end of July, I gained a volunteer in the office Kathleen Dawkins. She has been a great help for the short time already.
I am going to thank all those Members that took the time to attend during the summer to pre- enrol to your club 2024-25. This is a great help to the office as it secures your place in your group and those who attend as follows the guidelines.
Autumn – Spring – Summer – Payments paid per term
Yearly – Paid in advance in August for the new term
Weekly – Paid on the day you attend.
Summer terms if weekly it is per person in your group per session on attendance.
All the prices are listed in the Prospectus 2024-25 for attending Clubs and Private Hire.
The Hamper basket is out in the reception area and awaiting donations for the Christmas Raffle. Tickets will be sold in the office and the funds will be donated to the ‘DFHA Lincombe Barn’ as soon as we have sufficient food goodies donated, we will be ready to sell the tickets. Donations can be placed in the basket or handed into the office for safe keeping.
Office Manager
Zoe Tanner
SOCIAL AND FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE
Barn Trips
The Social and Fund Raising Committee had arranged 3 trips which we thought would appeal to Barn members. The trips to Bristol Blue Glass and Avon Valley Railway had to be cancelled through lack of support....
So, WHERE WOULD YOU LIKE TO GO AND HOW FAR??
PLEASE HAND YOUR IDEAS INTO THE OFFICE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
But the trip to Arnos Vale Cemetery did go ahead as it was a full mini bus.
Merle reported it was a beautiful sunny day, not even a cloud in the sky. There were two guides and plenty of places to sit...the cafe was very nice and the gift shop too...Everyone enjoyed themselves and said what a most interesting trip it was.
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Thank you to everyone who have supported The Speaker/Coffee Mornings. As I type this I am preparing the talks for next year 2025! Please tell your friends about them. As you can see we have some very interesting topics coming up.
Thursday 5th September ‘Bristol Lost’ Speaker Chris Bigg
Buildings in Bristol which are no longer around including Bristol Zoo
Thursday 3rd October ‘Page Park’ Speaker Steph Purser
Thursday 7th November ‘19 Holistic Therapies’ Speaker Jeanne Long. Including Yoga, Reflexology, Aromatherapy, Rekki, Alexandra Technique etc.
Thursday 5th December ‘Winter Gardening’ Speaker Roger Mellors from the University Botanic Garden
Don't forget Thursday 7th November to bring along any toiletries for Jeanne Long 'The Happy Handbag Lady'!
I hope you all had an enjoyable summer break?
Christine
FLOWER ARRANGING CLUB
Wow what a Summer ! Lots going on at Downend Flower Club , we had our annual club competition on the 5th June which highlighted a lot of hard work and impressive arrangements. A lot of trophies and cups awarded .
Flower workshops organised in the community , 24th April / 17th July Fishponds Porto Lounge workshops and hand tied bouquets , enjoyed by customers .
Then to top it all off The Frenchay Flower Show 13th July 2024 was a huge success and lots of members entered with good results awards , and certificates . Downend Flower Club organised the flower arranging section, setting up tables and supporting this section of the show , a big thank you to all involved in the planning before the event and your help on the day.
The club have enjoyed Summer outings , a Summer picnic and Summer evening meet ups.
Looking forward to starting Club again on the 4th September , lots of club night events planned and Christmas plans.
THE CLEEVE SINGERS email: cleevesingers@gmail.com
We are now over half way through 2024. It will be Christmas before we know it. What a sobering thought.
Since Easter the continuity of our rehearsals have been rather haphazard, but not for the want of trying. Health was in the forefront, our MD and his wife our pianist, have had quite a difficult time trying to throw off coughs. Luckily, we were not preparing for a mid term Concert and therefore we were not thrown off course for the Summer one at the Barn.
Due to a late signing, we weren’t able to advertise securing a brilliant young violinist/pianist and his sister to be our guests on 13th July. The concert was very successful and the young people were the icing on the cake. Anyone who did not buy tickets really missed a treat.
This Summer the choir donated the money raised from the raffle to Motor Neurone Disease. Not only have we a member suffering from the disease but one present member and one past member have lost their partners to the illness. Thank you all who purchased a ticket – we raised £110.00. The guest violinist kindly also supported the cause.
We are booked to sing again at Dyrham Church on Saturday, 7th December at 1.00 pm and the annual Christmas Concert is a matinee 2.00 – 4.00 pm on Saturday, 14th December. In the Barn News there should be a page advertising the Christmas event. Take note of the details
Presently we have a problem with our web page due to a site update and we have not been able to add additional information about the choirs activities. Our web master is having great difficulty in sorting the problem out. Keep updated with our Facebook page.
The choir treasurer, Merle Hosking, has decided to retire not only from the post but also the choir. She will be missed as do any members of the choir who decide to call it a day. So we are calling on singers to come and join the Cleeve Singers we really do need some more members.
Patricia Holmes August 2024
CLEEVE SINGERS cont.
A HIRING
A workshop took place on 11th May 2024 at Lincombe Barn whereby some 27 singers thoroughly enjoyed a couple of hours under the baton of Ben England. He puts his life and soul into explaining the ramifications of singing at the same time managing to get the most from the singers whilst learning new works. At the end of the two hours all were uplifted having learnt three songs well enough to sing them completely at the end of the session. Some of the participants had experienced Ben’s expertise before but still found the event rewarding. The hall was a buzz with sound. Happiness is the key word which explains the feeling Ben invokes. A wonderful couple of hours.
Patricia Holmes
CRAFTER’S CLUB
After a summer break, we will all hopefully come back to the barn for our crafters sessions refreshed and full of new ideas. With Christmas and the barn fayre on the horizon, it's time to start getting out those seasonal projects, and as winter inevitably approaches and we all spend more time indoors, ideas for projects will be shared round the group. As well as crafting hard during our fortnightly meet-ups, there will also to a chance to catch up with everyone's news at a refreshment break afterwards.
If you attend any of the Barn’s speaker mornings, you are likely to come across us there, as some of us make cards to sell and raise funds for the barn at the Speaker Mornings.
We are a small friendly group of people who share an interest in and enthusiasm for all sorts of crafts, including but not limited to knitting, crochet, jewellery making, cross stitch and various types of paper craft and card making. If you are free on Thursday mornings, you might like to come along as a visitor and give us a try. Our first Autumn meeting will be at 10am on 5th September, and we meet at fortnightly intervals from then on. If you decide to join, you need to only pay for the sessions you attend. Please feel free to bring any craft work that appeals to you. If you need any help. there is likely to be someone in the group who will be able to help. And the room we meet in is well lit, which helps with any intricate work. This could be just the opportunity you need to dig out that long buried kit or project, and meet some new people.
Mary
Cross Stitch Club
We are now just over half way through the year, where does the time go – wherever, much too quickly. Christmas card production is still continuing and we should reach our target by the time of the Fair which is on 16th November.
Speedy Ann has let me down and I have lost my bet. The large scenic picture has been cast aside as too time consuming so it won’t be completed by September nor Christmas. I expect it will re-surface one day though to the usual exclamation of ‘haven’t you finished that yet’. No sooner had a member mentioned her sister needed loads of poppies for a Remembrance Day project, Ann had knitted a bag full.
I wonder if those who are lucky enough to receive a cross stitch card ever think of the time it has taken somebody to work it, other than that’s nice. It is the same with organising anything. The number of people prepared to help organise any event is dwindling. It is always the same few. So when you attend Barn Events for one, think about the people who have either made the items, the ones who have assembled the rooms, organised the refreshments, all for others enjoyment.
The Club Summer term attendance has held up, perhaps members feel the weather is more suitable for indoor activities or wish to have the company of their cross stitch ‘friends’.
One Wednesday, a suggestion was made to have a meal out. Thus began a great discussion, where to go, what date. It took two weeks to whittle the choice of venue down to two, then it was when can everyone make it. By about the fourth week the venue had been decided but we had to change from our usual Wednesday to a Monday to go to ‘Winter Stream Farm‘. Nearly all had appointments at some time on a Wednesday, Utilities and Doctors were the main culprits
Within all our nattering and putting the world to rights, one subject best left out this term was the General Election. We had better things to talk about.
If you would like to learn a new hobby or return anew where you have professional help just contact the Barn Office on 9562367 for details. You will be most welcome.
Irene
BARN BELLS
As said previously April – July, is always a tricky time for Barn Bells, as we are frequently lacking players. These last three months have been even more tricky and we have had to cancel several of our Thursday meetings. It is impossible to play unless we have 6-7members and unfortunately due to members’ other musical commitments, grandparent duties, holidays and illness we have not managed to meet this number.
In the coming months, part of the group is hoping to play at Iron Acton Village Hall where there is a bell rally, organised by the SW and Wales region of Hand Bell Ringers. This is the first rally in our area for a long time. We are also looking forward to performing for Probus at Christmas, when we will be playing a selection of Christmas music and Carols
Some of our group belong to the SW Ensemble, a group of skilled hand bell ringers from around the region. Heather one of our group leaders also conducts the ensemble group. They have a Christmas Rally at Cirencester. The Ensemble group are also rehearsing for a number of concerts next year around the west country area. If there is a concert near you maybe you would like to spend a couple of hours listening to their musical performance.
Some sad news has reached us from HRGB (Hand Bell Ringers of Great Britain). Terry Jeffries, a member of the Winterbourne Handbell Ringers, a great friend to Ryan and Barn Bells died recently. He will be a great loss, as in addition to attending concerts and rallies, he did a lot of hand bell repairs.
Finally, on behalf of the Barn Bells, I would like to offer our condolences to Sandra on the passing of Graham, her husband. He was a great support to Sandra and frequently drove her and other group members to various Bell rallies and meetings around the area
August 2024
NATURAL HISTORY
We are a small group of “armchair” naturalists these days as we no longer do our summer walks and field meetings. We meet once a month for a presentation on an aspect of the natural world, animal, vegetable, or mineral. Due to the high cost of outside speakers, the presentations are given by our own members.
We meet in the Concorde Hall on the 4th Thursday from 7pm to 9pm and aim to start the programme at 7.15pm with a break for tea or coffee. The details for the Autumn term are as follows;
September 26th “Ancient but Present & Living Fossils” followed by “Geology & Scenery in Britain” after the tea break, both presented by Ray Gooding.
October 24th “Garden Wildlife” presented by Mervyn Slade.
November 22nd “Birding in Scotland” presented by Pauline Robinson.
Visitors are welcome £3
Looking forward to seeing you.
Pam Gooding
FAMILY HISTORY GROUP
The summer term is always a quieter period as we do not organize any speakers. Members carry out their own research in self-help sessions as well as having a group discussion if anyone has a particular problem they would like to discuss.
Overall, the group has had a successful year, the highlight probably being the visit to the M Shed Museum on the Bristol Harbourside. Those who attended were given a boat ride around the harbour, a ride up in a crane and a look ‘behind the scenes’ in a part of the M Shed that regular visitors do not normally see.
Our membership stays fairly constant and we have a small waiting list of prospective members.
A range of speakers has been arranged for the coming term and so we look forward to another successful year.
Jane Faithfull
Leader
LINCOMBE BARN CAMERA CLUB
The club year just starting feels like a new era opens as, after ten years as our Chair, Roy Shergold, has stepped down. He has served the club well and will be a hard act to follow having kept a firm and steady hand on the club tiller for so long. Welcome then, to our new Chair Ed Shorney.
We have our usual serving of competitions booked for the remainder of the year, a competition for members on the subject of “Two, Double and Twins” and an external one against Downend Camera Club which will be on their territory. The last, held here at the Barn, we won convincingly and hope to win the return match as strongly.
We will also be welcoming North West Bristol Camera Club who will be giving a presentation of their members’ photography
If any members of other groups would like to attend any of our evenings, on the second fourth and fifth Tuesdays of the month in Concorde Hall, they will be more than welcome for a minimal door fee of £3.
As an example of the warm welcome any visitors will get here’s a photo from club member Owen Richards.
CHRISTMAS EVENT AT
DOWNEND FOLK HOUSE, LINCOMBE BARN, DOWNEND BS16 2RW
IN SUPPORT OF PANCREATIC CANCER RESEARCH
WITH
THE CLEEVE SINGERS
SATURDAY MATINEE ON 14th DECEMBER 2024
AT 2.00 P.M.
TICKETS ON SALE AT MELANIE’S KITCHEN, THE BARN & ON DOOR
FROM 12TH NOVEMBER @ £5.00
INCLUDING REFRESHMENTS
CLUB TERM DATES 2025
Spring Thursday 2nd January - Friday 11th April 2025
Summer Monday 28th April - Friday 25th July 2025
HALLS AND ROOMS FOR HIRE
Approximate sizes In feet in metres
Ground Floor with Disabled access
Jubilee Hall 45 x 38 14 x 11 £30.25 Per Hour
Jubilee Small Partition £18.15 Per Hour
Jubilee Large Partition £23.00 Per Hour
Concorde Hall 40 x 23.5 12 x 7 £24.20 Per Hour
Page Room 25 x 15 7 x 4.5 £14.50 Per Hour
Grace Room 19 x 15 6 x 4.5 £9.70 Per Hour
First floor with no disabled access
Britannia Room 19 x 16.5 6 x 5 Not Available
Cleeve Room 14 x 14 4 x 4 Not Available
Cleeve Annex 8 x 11 2.5 x 3.5 Not Available
Heath Room 10.5 x 9 3 x 3 Not Available
Tables and Chairs provided
Charge for exclusive use of the kitchen £30.25
To check availability and to book, contact the office manager
Zoe Tanner e-mail enquiries.dfha@outlook.com Tel. 9562367
NEXT EDITION OF THE ‘BARN NEWS’
ISSUE AVAILABLE CUT-OFF DATE
January - April 2025 2nd January 2025 26th November 2024
Contributions to the January edition of the ‘Barn News’ are very welcome. Please hand your entries in by the 26th November. This is early due to the editor’s holiday. Make a note in your diaries.
DOWNEND FOLK HOUSE ASSOCIATION
Volume 55 Number 1
September - December 2024
Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road, Downend, Bristol BS16 2RW
Tel. 0117 956 2367
Visit our website at www.downendfolkhouse.org.uk
Facebook Lincombe Barn DFHA - @BarnDFHA
DOWNEND FOLK HOUSE ASSOCIATION
LINCOMBE BARN, OVERNDALE ROAD, DOWNEND,
BRISTOL. BS16 2RW
Registered Charity No. 1157237 Telephone 0117 9562367
September - December 2024
Volume 55 - Number 1
Office hours : Monday to Friday 9.00 am to 4.30 pm.
Office Manager : Zoe Tanner Deputy Manager : Martin Bailey enquiries.dfha@outlook.com
Office Support : Jane Faithfull, Derek Whitchurch & Melinda Gunnion
Office Volunteer : Janet Hanlon
Chairman’s Report
Dear Member,
A special welcome to all our new members and to our established members – welcome back! I hope you all enjoyed your summer break and I am sure you are all looking forward enthusiastically to the new term. I should like to take this opportunity to thank all those concerned with the publication of the new Prospectus. Your assistance is invaluable and much appreciated.
To be successful an Association like this needs many helpers so if you feel you can spare just an hour or two occasionally to help in any capacity, the Committee would be most grateful to hear from you.
We are holding our AGM at 2.00pm on October 25th and a Christmas Market on November 16th and we look forward to seeing you on these occasions. Your Management Committee would very much appreciate your support with contributions and the setting up and managing of stalls for the Christmas Market.
I hope you all enjoy the choices you have made from our varied programme and that you will build many new friendships as a result
Eileen Bendrey
Chairman
Treasurer’s Report
The finances of the Association are, as expected towards the end of the “year”, beginning to reduce.
As previously advised one of the significant increases in costs this year is the charges for electricity. During this year, our “pre-Covid” long term contract finished, and for businesses there is no “cap”, so our average monthly costs have doubled to over £600 per month (£7,500 per year). It is anticipated that when we renew our gas contract, in 2025, we will experience the same degree of increase.
A new Fire Assessment review was carried out this year, and there has been significant expenditure so far making the changes identified. There are further costs expected in dealing with a review of fire doors.
Because of the reduction in our reserves, it has been decided that the “voids” repair, as mentioned in the last Barn News has also been added to the “will be done when funds available list”. This list also contains better insulation of Barn roofs and repair/replacement of fencing along Rockland Road.
Energy Efficiency
There has been no feedback from SGC re the Energy Efficiency survey, and after such a long time it is assumed that we will not receive any feedback. (The survey was commissioned and paid for by the Government, but any following action/costs were to be funded by local councils).
Good News
A new pre-school group is starting in April, replacing the “Oakens” home school group that used Concorde Hall and the outside area. Oakens attended for three days per week, whereas the new group will attend for more days and longer hours, meaning more income! (They are also paying a retainer to reserve their start date)
OFFICE
The Autumn term begins leaving behind the Summer the weather has been average, as you return to us for more happy memories spent in the building and surrounding areas.
At the end of July, I gained a volunteer in the office Kathleen Dawkins. She has been a great help for the short time already.
I am going to thank all those Members that took the time to attend during the summer to pre- enrol to your club 2024-25. This is a great help to the office as it secures your place in your group and those who attend as follows the guidelines.
Autumn – Spring – Summer – Payments paid per term
Yearly – Paid in advance in August for the new term
Weekly – Paid on the day you attend.
Summer terms if weekly it is per person in your group per session on attendance.
All the prices are listed in the Prospectus 2024-25 for attending Clubs and Private Hire.
The Hamper basket is out in the reception area and awaiting donations for the Christmas Raffle. Tickets will be sold in the office and the funds will be donated to the ‘DFHA Lincombe Barn’ as soon as we have sufficient food goodies donated, we will be ready to sell the tickets. Donations can be placed in the basket or handed into the office for safe keeping.
Office Manager
Zoe Tanner
SOCIAL AND FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE
Barn Trips
The Social and Fund Raising Committee had arranged 3 trips which we thought would appeal to Barn members. The trips to Bristol Blue Glass and Avon Valley Railway had to be cancelled through lack of support....
So, WHERE WOULD YOU LIKE TO GO AND HOW FAR??
PLEASE HAND YOUR IDEAS INTO THE OFFICE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
But the trip to Arnos Vale Cemetery did go ahead as it was a full mini bus.
Merle reported it was a beautiful sunny day, not even a cloud in the sky. There were two guides and plenty of places to sit...the cafe was very nice and the gift shop too...Everyone enjoyed themselves and said what a most interesting trip it was.
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Thank you to everyone who have supported The Speaker/Coffee Mornings. As I type this I am preparing the talks for next year 2025! Please tell your friends about them. As you can see we have some very interesting topics coming up.
Thursday 5th September ‘Bristol Lost’ Speaker Chris Bigg
Buildings in Bristol which are no longer around including Bristol Zoo
Thursday 3rd October ‘Page Park’ Speaker Steph Purser
Thursday 7th November ‘19 Holistic Therapies’ Speaker Jeanne Long. Including Yoga, Reflexology, Aromatherapy, Rekki, Alexandra Technique etc.
Thursday 5th December ‘Winter Gardening’ Speaker Roger Mellors from the University Botanic Garden
Don't forget Thursday 7th November to bring along any toiletries for Jeanne Long 'The Happy Handbag Lady'!
I hope you all had an enjoyable summer break?
Christine
FLOWER ARRANGING CLUB
Wow what a Summer ! Lots going on at Downend Flower Club , we had our annual club competition on the 5th June which highlighted a lot of hard work and impressive arrangements. A lot of trophies and cups awarded .
Flower workshops organised in the community , 24th April / 17th July Fishponds Porto Lounge workshops and hand tied bouquets , enjoyed by customers .
Then to top it all off The Frenchay Flower Show 13th July 2024 was a huge success and lots of members entered with good results awards , and certificates . Downend Flower Club organised the flower arranging section, setting up tables and supporting this section of the show , a big thank you to all involved in the planning before the event and your help on the day.
The club have enjoyed Summer outings , a Summer picnic and Summer evening meet ups.
Looking forward to starting Club again on the 4th September , lots of club night events planned and Christmas plans.
THE CLEEVE SINGERS email: cleevesingers@gmail.com
We are now over half way through 2024. It will be Christmas before we know it. What a sobering thought.
Since Easter the continuity of our rehearsals have been rather haphazard, but not for the want of trying. Health was in the forefront, our MD and his wife our pianist, have had quite a difficult time trying to throw off coughs. Luckily, we were not preparing for a mid term Concert and therefore we were not thrown off course for the Summer one at the Barn.
Due to a late signing, we weren’t able to advertise securing a brilliant young violinist/pianist and his sister to be our guests on 13th July. The concert was very successful and the young people were the icing on the cake. Anyone who did not buy tickets really missed a treat.
This Summer the choir donated the money raised from the raffle to Motor Neurone Disease. Not only have we a member suffering from the disease but one present member and one past member have lost their partners to the illness. Thank you all who purchased a ticket – we raised £110.00. The guest violinist kindly also supported the cause.
We are booked to sing again at Dyrham Church on Saturday, 7th December at 1.00 pm and the annual Christmas Concert is a matinee 2.00 – 4.00 pm on Saturday, 14th December. In the Barn News there should be a page advertising the Christmas event. Take note of the details
Presently we have a problem with our web page due to a site update and we have not been able to add additional information about the choirs activities. Our web master is having great difficulty in sorting the problem out. Keep updated with our Facebook page.
The choir treasurer, Merle Hosking, has decided to retire not only from the post but also the choir. She will be missed as do any members of the choir who decide to call it a day. So we are calling on singers to come and join the Cleeve Singers we really do need some more members.
Patricia Holmes August 2024
CLEEVE SINGERS cont.
A HIRING
A workshop took place on 11th May 2024 at Lincombe Barn whereby some 27 singers thoroughly enjoyed a couple of hours under the baton of Ben England. He puts his life and soul into explaining the ramifications of singing at the same time managing to get the most from the singers whilst learning new works. At the end of the two hours all were uplifted having learnt three songs well enough to sing them completely at the end of the session. Some of the participants had experienced Ben’s expertise before but still found the event rewarding. The hall was a buzz with sound. Happiness is the key word which explains the feeling Ben invokes. A wonderful couple of hours.
Patricia Holmes
CRAFTER’S CLUB
After a summer break, we will all hopefully come back to the barn for our crafters sessions refreshed and full of new ideas. With Christmas and the barn fayre on the horizon, it's time to start getting out those seasonal projects, and as winter inevitably approaches and we all spend more time indoors, ideas for projects will be shared round the group. As well as crafting hard during our fortnightly meet-ups, there will also to a chance to catch up with everyone's news at a refreshment break afterwards.
If you attend any of the Barn’s speaker mornings, you are likely to come across us there, as some of us make cards to sell and raise funds for the barn at the Speaker Mornings.
We are a small friendly group of people who share an interest in and enthusiasm for all sorts of crafts, including but not limited to knitting, crochet, jewellery making, cross stitch and various types of paper craft and card making. If you are free on Thursday mornings, you might like to come along as a visitor and give us a try. Our first Autumn meeting will be at 10am on 5th September, and we meet at fortnightly intervals from then on. If you decide to join, you need to only pay for the sessions you attend. Please feel free to bring any craft work that appeals to you. If you need any help. there is likely to be someone in the group who will be able to help. And the room we meet in is well lit, which helps with any intricate work. This could be just the opportunity you need to dig out that long buried kit or project, and meet some new people.
Mary
Cross Stitch Club
We are now just over half way through the year, where does the time go – wherever, much too quickly. Christmas card production is still continuing and we should reach our target by the time of the Fair which is on 16th November.
Speedy Ann has let me down and I have lost my bet. The large scenic picture has been cast aside as too time consuming so it won’t be completed by September nor Christmas. I expect it will re-surface one day though to the usual exclamation of ‘haven’t you finished that yet’. No sooner had a member mentioned her sister needed loads of poppies for a Remembrance Day project, Ann had knitted a bag full.
I wonder if those who are lucky enough to receive a cross stitch card ever think of the time it has taken somebody to work it, other than that’s nice. It is the same with organising anything. The number of people prepared to help organise any event is dwindling. It is always the same few. So when you attend Barn Events for one, think about the people who have either made the items, the ones who have assembled the rooms, organised the refreshments, all for others enjoyment.
The Club Summer term attendance has held up, perhaps members feel the weather is more suitable for indoor activities or wish to have the company of their cross stitch ‘friends’.
One Wednesday, a suggestion was made to have a meal out. Thus began a great discussion, where to go, what date. It took two weeks to whittle the choice of venue down to two, then it was when can everyone make it. By about the fourth week the venue had been decided but we had to change from our usual Wednesday to a Monday to go to ‘Winter Stream Farm‘. Nearly all had appointments at some time on a Wednesday, Utilities and Doctors were the main culprits
Within all our nattering and putting the world to rights, one subject best left out this term was the General Election. We had better things to talk about.
If you would like to learn a new hobby or return anew where you have professional help just contact the Barn Office on 9562367 for details. You will be most welcome.
Irene
BARN BELLS
As said previously April – July, is always a tricky time for Barn Bells, as we are frequently lacking players. These last three months have been even more tricky and we have had to cancel several of our Thursday meetings. It is impossible to play unless we have 6-7members and unfortunately due to members’ other musical commitments, grandparent duties, holidays and illness we have not managed to meet this number.
In the coming months, part of the group is hoping to play at Iron Acton Village Hall where there is a bell rally, organised by the SW and Wales region of Hand Bell Ringers. This is the first rally in our area for a long time. We are also looking forward to performing for Probus at Christmas, when we will be playing a selection of Christmas music and Carols
Some of our group belong to the SW Ensemble, a group of skilled hand bell ringers from around the region. Heather one of our group leaders also conducts the ensemble group. They have a Christmas Rally at Cirencester. The Ensemble group are also rehearsing for a number of concerts next year around the west country area. If there is a concert near you maybe you would like to spend a couple of hours listening to their musical performance.
Some sad news has reached us from HRGB (Hand Bell Ringers of Great Britain). Terry Jeffries, a member of the Winterbourne Handbell Ringers, a great friend to Ryan and Barn Bells died recently. He will be a great loss, as in addition to attending concerts and rallies, he did a lot of hand bell repairs.
Finally, on behalf of the Barn Bells, I would like to offer our condolences to Sandra on the passing of Graham, her husband. He was a great support to Sandra and frequently drove her and other group members to various Bell rallies and meetings around the area
August 2024
NATURAL HISTORY
We are a small group of “armchair” naturalists these days as we no longer do our summer walks and field meetings. We meet once a month for a presentation on an aspect of the natural world, animal, vegetable, or mineral. Due to the high cost of outside speakers, the presentations are given by our own members.
We meet in the Concorde Hall on the 4th Thursday from 7pm to 9pm and aim to start the programme at 7.15pm with a break for tea or coffee. The details for the Autumn term are as follows;
September 26th “Ancient but Present & Living Fossils” followed by “Geology & Scenery in Britain” after the tea break, both presented by Ray Gooding.
October 24th “Garden Wildlife” presented by Mervyn Slade.
November 22nd “Birding in Scotland” presented by Pauline Robinson.
Visitors are welcome £3
Looking forward to seeing you.
Pam Gooding
FAMILY HISTORY GROUP
The summer term is always a quieter period as we do not organize any speakers. Members carry out their own research in self-help sessions as well as having a group discussion if anyone has a particular problem they would like to discuss.
Overall, the group has had a successful year, the highlight probably being the visit to the M Shed Museum on the Bristol Harbourside. Those who attended were given a boat ride around the harbour, a ride up in a crane and a look ‘behind the scenes’ in a part of the M Shed that regular visitors do not normally see.
Our membership stays fairly constant and we have a small waiting list of prospective members.
A range of speakers has been arranged for the coming term and so we look forward to another successful year.
Jane Faithfull
Leader
LINCOMBE BARN CAMERA CLUB
The club year just starting feels like a new era opens as, after ten years as our Chair, Roy Shergold, has stepped down. He has served the club well and will be a hard act to follow having kept a firm and steady hand on the club tiller for so long. Welcome then, to our new Chair Ed Shorney.
We have our usual serving of competitions booked for the remainder of the year, a competition for members on the subject of “Two, Double and Twins” and an external one against Downend Camera Club which will be on their territory. The last, held here at the Barn, we won convincingly and hope to win the return match as strongly.
We will also be welcoming North West Bristol Camera Club who will be giving a presentation of their members’ photography
If any members of other groups would like to attend any of our evenings, on the second fourth and fifth Tuesdays of the month in Concorde Hall, they will be more than welcome for a minimal door fee of £3.
As an example of the warm welcome any visitors will get here’s a photo from club member Owen Richards.
CHRISTMAS EVENT AT
DOWNEND FOLK HOUSE, LINCOMBE BARN, DOWNEND BS16 2RW
IN SUPPORT OF PANCREATIC CANCER RESEARCH
WITH
THE CLEEVE SINGERS
SATURDAY MATINEE ON 14th DECEMBER 2024
AT 2.00 P.M.
TICKETS ON SALE AT MELANIE’S KITCHEN, THE BARN & ON DOOR
FROM 12TH NOVEMBER @ £5.00
INCLUDING REFRESHMENTS
CLUB TERM DATES 2025
Spring Thursday 2nd January - Friday 11th April 2025
Summer Monday 28th April - Friday 25th July 2025
HALLS AND ROOMS FOR HIRE
Approximate sizes In feet in metres
Ground Floor with Disabled access
Jubilee Hall 45 x 38 14 x 11 £30.25 Per Hour
Jubilee Small Partition £18.15 Per Hour
Jubilee Large Partition £23.00 Per Hour
Concorde Hall 40 x 23.5 12 x 7 £24.20 Per Hour
Page Room 25 x 15 7 x 4.5 £14.50 Per Hour
Grace Room 19 x 15 6 x 4.5 £9.70 Per Hour
First floor with no disabled access
Britannia Room 19 x 16.5 6 x 5 Not Available
Cleeve Room 14 x 14 4 x 4 Not Available
Cleeve Annex 8 x 11 2.5 x 3.5 Not Available
Heath Room 10.5 x 9 3 x 3 Not Available
Tables and Chairs provided
Charge for exclusive use of the kitchen £30.25
To check availability and to book, contact the office manager
Zoe Tanner e-mail enquiries.dfha@outlook.com Tel. 9562367
NEXT EDITION OF THE ‘BARN NEWS’
ISSUE AVAILABLE CUT-OFF DATE
January - April 2025 2nd January 2025 26th November 2024
Contributions to the January edition of the ‘Barn News’ are very welcome. Please hand your entries in by the 26th November. This is early due to the editor’s holiday. Make a note in your diaries.