Talk: Medieval wall paintings in Gloucestershire churches

Date: 21st March 2024
Time: 7:00 pm
Location: Winterbourne Medieval Barn
IMG_0180

During the Middle Ages, English churches were decorated with wall paintings telling the stories of the Old and New Testaments, the lives of the saints and various moral lessons – a veritable ‘Poor Man’s Bible’, there to assist the priest in the instruction of his largely illiterate congregation. 
This talk will explore the many surviving examples to be seen within the medieval churches of the historic (pre-1974) county of Gloucestershire, including those from St. Michael’s Church next door to The Barn!

Refreshments available on arrival and during talk. Cash and card payments accepted.

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

Due to the nature of this talk tickets are only available to attend in person. This talk will not be streamed via zoom on this occasion.

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

Witty Ditties: 400 Years of Comic Song

Date: 24th March 2024
Time: 7:30 pm
Location: Winterbourne Medieval Barn
Witty Ditties landscape

We are delighted to welcome back GreenMatthews after their previous sell-out shows at The Barn. 

Following on from their acclaimed show “A Brief History of Music”, GreenMatthews bring you a new show which explores our rich history of witty wordplay and melodic mirth.

Chris Green (piano, guitar, accordion) and Sophie Matthews (early woodwinds, flute, saxophone) bring you four centuries of chromatic comedy, ranging from bawdy Restoration ballads to stinging Sixties satire via Victorian music hall variety. Featuring songs by Noel Coward, Tom Lehrer, Flanders and Swann and a host of other lesser-known songwriters, this fun and fast-moving revue will have you rolling in the aisles!

Please note car parking for this event is at Winterbourne Academy off the High Street, BS36 1JL. From there it is a 10 – 15 minute walk down Church Lane. The most lit up route will be via Beacon Lane which will also be the route to go with the flow of traffic, rather than against. Please note these are country roads so do take care, bring a torch and dress appropriately.
All vehicles must park in the school car park in appointed spaces. Parking in disabled spaces is for disabled badges users only. Parking is at your own risk and the Olympus Academy Trust accepts no responsibility for any damage to vehicles or property whilst you are using the facilities.
Car parking will be available at the Barn for those with mobility issues only. If you cannot manage the walk down to The Barn, please email us on ceara.foley@winterbournebarn.org.uk  and we can reserve you a parking space onsite. 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.
Please do not park along church lane as this obstructs the road for other users and emergency vehicles.

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

Easter Family Craft Sessions

Date: 30th March 2024
Time: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Location: Winterbourne Medieval Barn
Easter crafts image

Join us at 10am or 1pm for some family friendly spring and Easter inspired crafts! 
Recommended for ages 5-11 years (approx) Ticket price is per child.

These workshops will be held in our beautiful main barn so there is plenty of space to move around, get creative but do remember some layers!

A responsible adult will need to remain at the barn with the child / children attending. Under 18s must be accompanied at all times whilst on our site.

Refreshments will be available. Cash and card payments accepted.

Parking is free, but limited at The Barn, BS36 1SE.

We have an accessible toilet and baby changing facilities on site. 

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

The Story of Our Barn: Medieval to Modern

Date: 4th April 2024
Time: 11:30 am
Location: Winterbourne Medieval Barn
4

Our Tea & Tour event has had a makeover for 2024!
New name and new presentation!

Find out about the turbulent 1400s and what was happening in England, and to the people here, as The Barn was being built.
Hear the fascinating story of how this historic site was almost lost, how and why it was saved, and how it is used today.

Who was Thomas De Bradeston and why did he build Winterbourne Medieval Barn?
How was it built? Why was it so important then and now?
What are the links between The Barn and St. Michael’s Church?

Come and find out the answers to these questions and more at our monthly talk about the history of this amazing heritage site: from medieval to modern!
Includes a talk on the history of The Barn (past & present), interesting features pointed out and discussed plus plenty of time for questions with one of our tour guides over a cuppa.

We’re also sited next to Monks Pool Nature Reserve which makes the Barn an ideal starting point for exploring the local landscape.

Please note parking for this event will be on site at the Barn, BS36 1SE. The car park will be locked once the event has finished so please ensure your car is moved if you will be exploring the local area after your visit to 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.

Children’s Glass Mosaic Workshop

Date: 11th April 2024
Time: 9:30 am
Location: Winterbourne Medieval Barn
0411 – Childrens fused glass mosaics

Join local glass artist, Rachael Durkan from The Glass Cabin at 9:30am or 11:30am for one of her popular fused glass workshops, but this one is specifically for our younger crafters!

Create a mosaic style fused glass sun catcher using a variety of pre-cut glass and accessories in array of beautiful colours.
There are plenty of templates to choose from or you can design your own panel. Make a 10cm square or egg shaped sun catcher. 
The lovely thing about making a glass panel as a child is that your creation will last forever, glass does not deteriorate or lose its beautiful colour and shine!

Suitable for complete beginners as well as those who’ve caught the fused glass bug! Ages 8years +
Please note: under 18s must remained accompanied on The Barn site at all times.

The participant will have an hour and a half to create their masterpiece. Rachael will have lots of ideas to inspire them and is on hand with advice throughout the workshop.

PLEASE NOTE – Rachael will take the 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.

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 & squash will be provided during the introduction and is included in the 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.

Fused Glass Workshop

Date: 11th April 2024
Time: 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Location: Winterbourne Medieval Barn
balloon5-800×800 – the glass cabin

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. You have the option of making a Bristol balloon, flower panel or freestyle hanging. Suitable for complete beginners as well as those who’ve caught the fused glass bug!

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. Rachael will have lots of ideas to inspire you and is on hand with design advice throughout the workshop.

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.

Foraging walk with Steve England

Date: 12th April 2024
Time: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Location: Winterbourne Medieval Barn
Foraging image from Steves website 3

Join Steve England, outdoor educator, Horticulturist and Historian, on this guided walk around the barn site and local nature reserve to forage for wild foods! This will be a small group so that you can benefit from Steve’s guidance and expertise on what to pick…and what not!
This walk will very much be determined by what is found along the way and so is likely to be different every time.

Please make sure you dress sensibly in comfortable, suitable clothing and wear sturdy footwear. 

Due to the foraging nature of this walk it is for over 18s only. 

After approximately 3 hours out with Steve you will return to The Barn for tea & coffee and to make a tasty snack from your finds. 
The Barn will be open on arrival for use of the facilities and to check everyone in.

About your guide:  “All my life I have loved the outdoors. Growing up in Bristol, my childhood was spent exploring the fields and woodlands of Stoke Park, fascinated by every tree, plant, bird & butterfly. I decided to continue my learning with the RHS, studying horticulture alongside teaching myself everything there was to know about the wildlife and history on my doorstep. I began teaching what I had learned over 10 years ago to friends, local people and my local community, and absolutely love sharing everything I know. Whether foraging foods, learning poisonous plants, lighting fires, recognising birds, identifying bats or looking back in time at the history of North Bristol, I come alive when in front of an audience and thrive on sharing my knowledge with others.”
Steve England Outdoor Learning provides outdoor adult education events, courses and workshops within North Bristol.

Please note parking for this event will be on site at the Barn, BS36 1SE. The car park will be locked once the event has finished so please ensure your car is moved if you will be exploring the local area after your visit to 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.

Talk: Bristol’s Lost City

Date: 16th April 2024
Time: 7:00 pm
Location: Winterbourne Medieval Barn
Book cover

We are delighted to welcome back Clive Burlton to The Barn for another fascinating talk on Bristol’s history.

Based on one of his books, this is the tale of the Bristol International Exhibition of 1914. The Exhibition was part trade fair and part theme park and was sited near the Cumberland Basin in Bristol. Costing £110m in today’s money it was an extraordinary venture that few local people knew much about until Clive published his book in 2014.
The 30 acre site was host to a roller-coaster; a jungle; massive international pavilions; art galleries; exhibitions of machinery; daily pageants, musical shows and sports events; replicas of Bristol Castle and Drake’s ship Revenge; and an area called Shakespeare’s England. With no public funding unlike the London exhibitions of 1908 and 1911, it was doomed to fail financially. When WW1 broke out, the exhibition closed and within weeks, the War Office acquired the site and the buildings for use as barracks for volunteer soldiers of the Gloucestershire Regiment and several artillery units.
The story is told from the exhibition records held in Bristol and the National Archives in Kew. Well illustrated, the talk includes a recruitment song written for the volunteer soldiers at the White City barracks. 

Clive will also be bringing a selection of books on local interest subjects from Bristol Books which audience members will be able to browse before the talk. These books will be available to purchase on the night with a percentage of sales generously donated back to Winterbourne Medieval Barn.

Refreshments available on arrival and during interval. Cash and card payments accepted.

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.

ZOOM TALK: Bristol’s Lost City

Date: 16th April 2024
Time: 7:00 pm
Location: Online
Book cover

This ticket is to view the talk online over Zoom. Please buy one ticket per device. The viewing link will be sent out at least 1 hour before the start time. 

We are delighted to welcome back Clive Burlton to The Barn for another fascinating talk on Bristol’s history.

Based on one of his books, this is the tale of the Bristol International Exhibition of 1914. The Exhibition was part trade fair and part theme park and was sited near the Cumberland Basin in Bristol. Costing £110m in today’s money it was an extraordinary venture that few local people knew much about until Clive published his book in 2014.
The 30 acre site was host to a roller-coaster; a jungle; massive international pavilions; art galleries; exhibitions of machinery; daily pageants, musical shows and sports events; replicas of Bristol Castle and Drake’s ship Revenge; and an area called Shakespeare’s England. With no public funding unlike the London exhibitions of 1908 and 1911, it was doomed to fail financially. When WW1 broke out, the exhibition closed and within weeks, the War Office acquired the site and the buildings for use as barracks for volunteer soldiers of the Gloucestershire Regiment and several artillery units.
The story is told from the exhibition records held in Bristol and the National Archives in Kew. Well illustrated, the talk includes a recruitment song written for the volunteer soldiers at the White City barracks. 

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

Jazz in the Barn – UWE Bristol Big Band

Date: 26th April 2024
Time: 7:30 pm
Location: Winterbourne Medieval Barn
UWE photo 2024

Join the national award-winning UWE Bristol Big Band for an evening of big band music.

As a 25 strong group of students, alumni, staff and community members representing the University of the West of England under the direction of Keith Morgan, UWE Big Band play all the jazz and swing favourites from Nina Simone to Duke Ellington. The band have won three awards at the National Concert Band festival held at Royal Northern College of Music and performed with musicians including Louis Dowdeswell and the Ronnie Scott’s All Stars. 
UWE Big Band are part of UWE Bristol Centre for Music providing all UWE students with free access to music opportunities. Find out more at www.uwe.ac.uk/music

Band starts at 7.30pm.
The Barn Bar will be open before and during this event serving a small selection of drinks and snacks. Cash and card payments accepted.
​We operate a challenge 25 policy, so please bring ID with you.

Please note this is a Park and Stride event. Parking will be at Winterbourne Academy, BS36 1JL. The Barn is approximately a 10 minute walk from the Academy’ car park. The most lit up route will be via Beacon Lane. Please take care along the country roads to The Barn and be sure to bring a torch!
Please do not park along church lane as this obstructs the road for other users and emergency vehicles.
Parking at The Barn will be reserved for accessibility parking requirements and must be pre-booked. If you need to book an accessible space then please email ceara.foley@winterbournebarn.org.uk and advise your vehicle registration, if you need a wheelchair accessible parking space and if you need any accessible seating for the performance.

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

The Story of Our Barn: Medieval to Modern

Date: 2nd May 2024
Time: 11:30 am
Location: Winterbourne Medieval Barn
4

Our Tea & Tour event has had a makeover for 2024!New name and new presentation!

Find out about the turbulent 1400s and what was happening in England, and to the people here, as The Barn was being built. 
Hear the fascinating story of how this historic site was almost lost, how and why it was saved, and how it is used today.

Who was Thomas De Bradeston and why did he build Winterbourne Medieval Barn?How was it built? Why was it so important then and now?What are the links between The Barn and St. Michael’s Church?

Come and find out the answers to these questions and more at our monthly talk about the history of this amazing heritage site: from medieval to modern!Includes a talk on the history of The Barn (past & present), interesting features pointed out and discussed plus plenty of time for questions with one of our tour guides over a cuppa.

We’re also sited next to Monks Pool Nature Reserve which makes the Barn an ideal starting point for exploring the local landscape.

Please note parking for this event will be on site at the Barn, BS36 1SE. The car park will be locked once the event has finished so please ensure your car is moved if you will be exploring the local area after your visit to 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.

Fused Glass Workshop

Date: 10th May 2024
Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location: Winterbourne Medieval Barn
balloon5-800×800 – the glass cabin

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. You have the option of making a Bristol balloon, flower panel or freestyle hanging. Suitable for complete beginners as well as those who’ve caught the fused glass bug!

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. Rachael will have lots of ideas to inspire you and is on hand with design advice throughout the workshop.

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.

Fused Glass Beach Huts Workshop

Date: 10th May 2024
Time: 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Location: Winterbourne Medieval Barn
beach-huts2-800×800

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 Beach Huts panel for yourself or as a gift. Suitable for complete beginners as well as those who’ve caught the fused glass bug!

You will have 2.5 hours to create your masterpiece, using a variety of pre-cut glass and glass accessories in an array of beautiful colours. Rachael will have lots of ideas to inspire you and is on hand with design advice throughout the workshop.

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.

Harlequin Singers Spring Concert

Date: 12th May 2024
Time: 2:00 pm
Location: Winterbourne Medieval Barn
Harlequins_1

We are delighted to welcome Harlequin Singers to The Barn for this  afternoon of acoustic choral music featuring a wide range of songs from the 17th to the 20th centuries.
The Harlequin Singers are a group of around 30 voices , based in Bristol, who have been singing together since 1991. 
Although not a church choir, sacred music makes up a significant part of their repertoire, plus a variety of other types or music, from the Renaissance to American songbook and everything in between.

Free parking. Refreshments available.

Please note car parking for this event is at Winterbourne Academy off the High Street, BS36 1JL. From there it is a 10 – 15 minute walk down Church Lane. The most lit up route will be via Beacon Lane which will also be the route to go with the flow of traffic, rather than against. Please note these are country roads so do take care, bring a torch and dress appropriately.
All vehicles must park in the school car park in appointed spaces. Parking in disabled spaces is for disabled badges users only. Parking is at your own risk and the Olympus Academy Trust accepts no responsibility for any damage to vehicles or property whilst you are using the facilities.

Car parking will be available at the Barn for those with mobility issues only. If you cannot manage the walk down to The Barn, please email us on ceara.foley@winterbournebarn.org.uk with your registration number, if you need a wheelchair accessible parking space and if you need any accessible seating and we can reserve you a parking space onsite. 
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.

Please do not park along church lane as this obstructs the road for other users and emergency vehicles.

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