Talk: Merlin

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Date: 4th August 2025
Time: 7:00 pm
Location: Winterbourne Medieval Barn
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Join celebrated historian, Prof Ronald Hutton for a fascinating lecture on Merlin.

King Arthur's great counsellor and magician, Merlin, is the most famous of all wizards in traditional European literature. Those who have studied his origins know him as a tantalisingly complex character, founded in both native Welsh legend and medieval French romance. His ultimate starting point seems historic; or is it? You are invited this evening to explore both the original sources of the legend and its later development to the present.

About your speaker: Prof Hutton is an English historian who specialises in Early Modern Britain, British folklore, pre-Christian religion and Contemporary Paganism. He is a professor at the University of Bristol, has written 14 books and has appeared on British television and radio. He held a fellowship at Magdalen College, Oxford, and is a Commissioner of English Heritage. We are delighted to welcome him back to The Barn!

Refreshments available. 

Parking for this event will be provided at The Barn.
If you need a specific parking space (eg. wheelchair accessible) or any accessible seating for the performance then please email ceara.foley@winterbournebarn.org.uk ASAP to book this.
Please follow the instructions provided in the pre-event email (sent up to 24 hours before the event) and parking stewards on the day to ensure we can fit as many people as possible safely in the designated parking areas.
Please do not park along church lane as this obstructs the road for other users and emergency vehicles. Please do not park anywhere other than designated Barn car parks for this event. We cannot control when other car parks are locked and may not be able to assist if you car is parked elsewhere.
There is plenty of bicycle parking at The Barn for those arriving on two wheels and space for drop off / collection if you would like to arrange this.

The primary purpose of this event is to raise money for WMBT and to support conservation, management, maintenance and improvement of the WMBT site.

If you wish to avoid the online booking fee then please contact the office to arrange a time to come and book in person.

Book here

Bat Walk with drink & nibbles

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Date: 21st August 2025
Time: 8:00 pm
Location: Winterbourne Medieval Barn
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Join us for an evening guided walk (around 1.5 hrs) with naturalist Ed Drewitt followed by a drink and nibbles at the Barn.Dusk in late summer is a great time for looking for bats such as pipistrelles feeding along the local pathways and nature reserve. Ed will be on hand with a bat detector to 'hear' the bats echolocating. We'll also be listening for any birdsong in a dusk chorus and perhaps the hoot of a tawny owl as sunset approaches.

Ed Drewitt is no stranger to wildlife and over the past 20 years has been showing people flora and fauna and helping them to spot and identify different species. Ed is a freelance naturalist and works across the west showing people wildlife. He is based in the Forest of Dean which he shares with wild board, deer and many different types of birds.

What to bring: outdoor footwear, suitable outdoor clothing , binoculars (not essential as it will be dusk).

You will set off from the Barn at 8pm for an hour and a half walk, followed by a drink from the bar and nibbles. 

The drink from the bar is your choice of a juice carton, tea, coffee, small glass of wine, beer or cider (alcoholic options are strictly for over 18s only).

£20 per person, including a drink and nibbles. Please inform of any dietary requirements at the time of booking.
Recommended for ages 12+

Please note parking for this event is at the Barn, BS36 1SE
The primary purpose of this event is to raise money for WMBT and to support conservation, management, maintenance and improvement of the WMBT site.

If you wish to avoid the online booking fee then please contact the office to arrange a time to come and book in person.

Book here

Family-fun Theatre: Cinderella

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Date: 17th August 2025
Time: 3:00 pm
Location: Winterbourne Medieval Barn
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If you enjoy all the fun and audience participation of a pantomime then you will love IKP's unmistakable brand of "delightfully daft" family theatre!
Fully inclusive and in a more relaxed setting than a traditional theatre, we are delighted to welcome back IKP for another adventure for the whole family to enjoy!

From the company who brought you The Little Mermaid, Hercules, Beauty & the Beast and The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, the classic fairytale of magic, true love and custom-made shoes is brought to life in this brand new show for all ages.
Embark on the most magical fairytale adventure as Cinderella comes to our beautiful main barn. Expect magic, madness and plenty of silliness in this brand new Summer show.

Recommended age 5+ but all welcome.

Parking is free and will be at The Barn (BS36 1SE). Space is limited so please follow the instructions from our parking stewards on arrival.
There is plenty of bicycle parking and space for drop off / pick ups at The Barn if you are able to arrange this.
Please do not park along church lane as this obstructs the road for other users and emergency vehicles.

We have toilets on site, including a fully accessible toilet and baby changing facilities.

The performance will take place within our main barn so there is no need to worry about wet weather. Seating will be provided.

There will be designated spaces for guests who may find sitting still for a whole show challenging. There will be seating with more space to move around which is further away from the actors for those who may also need a sensory break. This can be accessed at any time during the show. 

Please let us know in advance if you need any specifically accessible seating or parking and we can discuss this with you.

The Barn Bar will also be open serving a small selection of drinks and snacks. Cash and card payments are accepted.
Each child's ticket includes a complimentary cup of squash.

The primary purpose of this event is to raise money for WMBT and to support conservation, management, maintenance and improvement of the WMBT site.

If you wish to avoid the online booking fee then please contact the office to arrange a time to come and book in person.

Book here

Adults Mosaic Workshop

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Date: 18th August 2025
Time: 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Location: Winterbourne Medieval Barn
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Join us for a two and a half hour mosaic workshop session, where you will learn the basics of mosaic and create your very own unique mosaic artwork. 

Participants will select and arrange tiles into their unique design before setting these in place with adhesive. 
Three Little Birds will bring a variety of mosaics and samples to serve as inspiration and guidance. 

You will have full access to a wide range of ceramic and glass mosaic tiles, tile cutters and any board or dish of your choosing. These include a range of wooden shaped boards, terracotta dishes or mirrors.
Three Little Birds will then take the mosaics away to grout and seal in their workshop and return them to The Barn for collection.

This session is aimed at ages 16+

Tea & coffee on arrival are included in your ticket.
Free parking is available at The Barn.

The primary purpose of this event is to raise money for WMBT and to support conservation, management, maintenance and improvement of the WMBT site.

If you wish to avoid the online booking fee then please contact the office to arrange a time to come and book in person.

Book here

Family Mosaic Workshop

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Date: 18th August 2025
Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location: Winterbourne Medieval Barn
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Join us for a two hour mosaic workshop session, where you will learn the basics of mosaic and create your very own unique mosaic artwork. 
This session is suitable for adults and children (5 years +)/ young people to take part in together. Each ticket holder will create their own mosaic masterpiece.

Participants will select and arrange tiles into their unique design before setting these in place with adhesive. 
Three Little Birds will bring a variety of mosaics and samples to serve as inspiration and guidance. 

You will have full access to a wide range of pre-cut tiles and any board or dish of your choosing. These include a range of fun wooden shaped boards or small terracotta trinket dishes. There should be enough time for grouting, but in any incidences that there is not, Three Little Birds will take the mosaics away to grout and seal in their workshop and return them to The Barn for later collection.

Tea, coffee & squash on arrival are included in your ticket.
Free parking is available at The Barn.

The primary purpose of this event is to raise money for WMBT and to support conservation, management, maintenance and improvement of the WMBT site.

If you wish to avoid the online booking fee then please contact the office to arrange a time to come and book in person.

Book here

Summer Barn Dance

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Date: 18th July 2025
Time: 7:30 pm
Location: Winterbourne Medieval Barn
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Celebrate summer with us and come along to our ever-popular Summer Barn Dance.
We are delighted to welcome back Sargent’s Mess who will once again be providing the rousing tunes with Ann on accordion, Naomi on violin, and Nick on guitar. The man in charge of proceedings for the evening is caller Rob. Brush up on your do-si-do and get those dancing feet ready!

Doors and our bar will open at 6pm. You are welcome to bring your own picnics to enjoy in our grounds and our bar will be open from this time. Please note that only drinks bought at The Barn can be consumed on site. Please dispose of any litter responsibly.
Dancing from 7:30pm.

Parking for this event will be at The Barn. 
Please email us at ceara.foley@winterbournebarn.org.uk  with your registration number and specific requirements, if you need a wheelchair accessible parking space and any accessible seating for the event so that we can arrange this for you.
Please do not park along church lane as this obstructs the road for other users and emergency vehicles.

There is plenty of bicycle parking at The Barn for those arriving on two wheels and space for drop off / collection if you would like to arrange this.

The Barn’s pop-up bar will be open for this event serving a small selection of drinks and snacks. Cash and card payments are accepted.

The primary purpose of this event is to raise money for WMBT and to support conservation, management, maintenance and improvement of the WMBT site.

If you wish to avoid the online booking fee then please contact the office to arrange a time to come and book in person.

Book here

Talk: “The Remember Me Project” : Researching & remembering the WW1 & WW2 names on Hambrook Memorial

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Date: 30th June 2025
Time: 7:00 pm
Location: Winterbourne Medieval Barn
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We are delighted to welcome local resident Liz Ferguson to The Barn to share her story of her one woman research into the 53 WW1 and 25 WW2 names on the Whiteshill Common Memorial, Hambrook.
As part of her talk on "The Remember Me Project" we will hear stories of brave and talented local folk and also be remembering and acknowledging those in our local villages who did so much on the Homefront during both wars.
Liz encourages participants to bring along any artefacts they may have from either of the World Wars to discuss and potentially learn more about. Some may even help further Liz's research!

Liz will also be bringing along her teardrop caravan which houses her own mini WW2 museum and baking a traditional Trench Cake for audience members to sample, if they wish.

Refreshments available from our pop up bar. Cash and card payments accepted.

Limited free parking on site. Parking for this event will be at the Barn, BS36 1SE.

The primary purpose of this event is to raise money for WMBT and to support conservation, management, maintenance and improvement of the WMBT site.

If you wish to avoid the online booking fee then please contact the office to arrange a time to come and book in person.

Book here

Fused Glass Lantern / Panel Workshop

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Date: 30th June 2025
Time: 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Location: Winterbourne Medieval Barn
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Join local glass artist, Rachael Durkan from The Glass Cabin for one of her popular fused glass workshops. In this session there is the choice of two options: Lantern or Panel.

Lantern - £68
You will have 2.5 hours to create two panels for your lantern, the door panel and one other panel of your choice. The panels are approximately 9×13 (door) and 10x14cm. You can choose from a selection of templates to help guide your design and then pick from an array of pre cut glass and glass accessories to create your lantern panels. Lantern is included in your ticket.

Panel - £48
With this option you have the choice of making a Bristol balloon, flower panel or freestyle hanging. 
You will have 2 hours to create your masterpiece, using a variety of pre-cut glass and glass accessories in an array of beautiful colours. There will be plenty of templates to choose from or you can create your own design.

Both workshops are suitable for complete beginners as well as those who’ve caught the fused glass bug!
Rachael will have lots of ideas to inspire you and is on hand with design advice throughout the workshop.

Please select which option you would like at the time of booking.

PLEASE NOTE – Rachael will take your finished piece away to be fused in her kiln. It will be available for collection from the barn or Rachael directly a couple of weeks after the workshop.

This workshop is suitable for age 16+ (under 18's must be accompanied by an adult)

For safety reasons, please do not wear open toe shoes such as sandals or flip flops. Also a little reminder for people who wear glasses.... due to close up work, you may wish to bring along your spectacles!

Parking for this event is at the Barn, BS36 1SE. 

Tea & coffee will be provided during the introduction and is included in your ticket price. Due to the nature of working with glass refreshments will not be permitted during the actual workshop.

The primary purpose of this event is to raise money for WMBT and to support conservation, management, maintenance and improvement of the WMBT site.

If you wish to avoid the online booking fee then please contact the office to arrange a time to come and book in person.

Book here

Fused Glass “Wave in a Frame” Workshop – New for 2025!

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Date: 30th June 2025
Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location: Winterbourne Medieval Barn
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Join local glass artist, Rachael Durkan from The Glass Cabin for one of her popular fused glass workshops where you can make your own unique and beautiful item for yourself or as a gift.

In this brand new 2 hour workshop you will have the chance to create a stunning fused glass wave design to be placed in an 18cm shadow frame (white frame included in ticket).
This workshop involves using mosaic cutters to nibble lots of small pieces of glass to create your mosaic style wave design. You can also use bubble paint to add extra detail to your wave. A very mindful, relaxing workshop.
Your wave will be returned to you 2 weeks later in a lovely shadow box frame, which can be hung or, because of its depth, can stand freely.

This workshop is suitable for age 16+ (under 18’s must be accompanied by an adult)
For safety reasons, please do not wear open toe shoes such as sandals or flip flops. Also a little reminder for people who wear glasses…. due to close up work, you may wish to bring along your spectacles!

Parking for this event is free and at the Barn, BS36 1SE. 

Tea & coffee will be provided during the introduction and is included in your ticket price. Due to the nature of working with glass refreshments will not be permitted during the actual workshop.

The primary purpose of this event is to raise money for WMBT and to support conservation, management, maintenance and improvement of the WMBT site.

If you wish to avoid the online booking fee then please contact the office to arrange a time to come and book in person.

Book here

Midwinter Revels: Songs, Tales & Carols from Yuletide Past

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Date: 30th November 2025
Time: 4:30 pm
Location: Winterbourne Medieval Barn
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Following on from A Christmas Carol: In Concert and A Brief History of Christmas, GreenMatthews present their new festive show. Spanning several centuries, GreenMatthews’ Midwinter Revels is a celebration of Yuletide Past guaranteed to warm the cockles of the most Scrooge-like heart. 
Featuring Christmas carols, winter folk songs, toe-tapping tunes and a plethora of weird and wonderful instruments, the show is brought to life with GreenMatthews’ trademark wit and humour.

“You guys are awesome!” Bill Barclay, Director of Music at Shakespeare’s Globe

Parking for this event will be provided at The Barn and an overflow car park, if needed. Parking is limited so please advise below if you need to book a space. 
If you need a specific parking space (eg. wheelchair accessible) or any accessible seating for the performance then please email ceara.foley@winterbournebarn.org.uk ASAP to book this.
Please follow the instructions provided in the pre-event email (sent up to 24 hours before the event) and parking stewards on the day to ensure we can fit as many people as possible safely in the designated parking areas.

Please do not park along church lane as this obstructs the road for other users and emergency vehicles. Please do not park anywhere other than designated Barn car parks for this event. We cannot control when other car parks are locked and may not be able to assist if you car is parked elsewhere.

There is plenty of bicycle parking at The Barn for those arriving on two wheels and space for drop off / collection if you would like to arrange this.

The Barn’s pop-up bar will be open for this event serving a small selection of drinks and snacks. Cash and card payments are accepted.

The primary purpose of this event is to raise money for WMBT and to support conservation, management, maintenance and improvement of the WMBT site.

If you wish to avoid the online booking fee then please contact the office to arrange a time to come and book in person.

Book here