Maypole dancing at barn conservation celebration
ENTHUSIASTIC maypole dancers from Cross Ash Primary School launched a celebration and ‘thank you event’ at Great Trerhew Farm, Llanvetherine recently to mark conservation of the Grade II* listed corn barn.
The heritage conservation project, which saw the massive structure re-roofed with Welsh slate, was undertaken by The Village Alive Trust buildings preservation charity in partnership with the owners, Trevor and Anne Beavan and family. The building has been made suitable for limited community use, alongside its traditional agricultural function, that will include specified open days.
The four-year conservation project, which has been supported by Monmouthshire County Council from the outset, has received funding through the Rural Development Plan for Wales 2007-2013, which is funded by the Welsh Assembly Government, and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development. The project has also received grant aid from Cadw and has been supported by donations.
A celebration to officially unveil the conservation work was attended by around 70 guests, including supporters and representatives of funding and partnership bodies. After a rousing start by the young dancers who had been training after school, the audience were shown a newly produced video explaining the work of The Village Alive Trust. The video was produced by Immediate Productions and will be used in next year's education programme based on the barn.
Speakers who gave thanks for the partnership work involved in the project included Edward Holland, Trust vice-president; Ruaridh MacDonald, Trust chairman; Rev Dr Jean Prosser, Trust secretary; County Councillor Bob Greenland, deputy leader of Monmouthshire County Council; David Davies, Monmouth MP, Geraldine Delaney, Historic Buildings Consultant, and Trevor Beavan, farm owner.
A programme of public events will be held in 2010 including the inaugural Monmouthshire Pear and Perry Festival taking place over the first May Day bank holiday in partnership with the Welsh Perry and Cider Society.
Left to right: Steve Burchill (Thorteck); Jean Prosser (Secretary); David Davies MP; Edward Holland (Vice President); Geraldine Delaney (Heritage Conservation); Cllr. Bob Greenland; Ruaridh MacDonald (Chairman); Trevor Beavan (owner); Stefan Horwoskyj (architect)
