Dunster Tithe Barn - Aims and Objectives

First Aim and Objective. The first main objective of the Steering Group is the restoration and conservation of this fine and important early 16th. Century Tithe Barn. It is at present locked up and disused with rain water entering the building in a number of places causing a gradual deterioration of the roof timbers and general fabric of the building. In addition, active wood boring beetle is present in a number of roof timbers which should be treated to prevent further weakening of them. We attach herewith under Appendix Five a Building Condition Survey carried out in July 2002 for the Steering Group by Shaplands - Chartered Surveyors.
It is therefore the intention of the Steering Group to put the Tithe Barn into a good state of repair so as to prevent further deterioration of the fabric of the building, to make good the original large main timber barn doors to the west and east elevations, and restore as many of the original features as possible.
Having restored and conserved the Tithe Barn, there are five other main objectives of the Steering Group which are as follows:-

Second Aim and Objective. To bring the Tithe Barn under the control of the village, either by acquiring the Freehold, or entering into a long Leasehold interest with the present owners, so that it can be maintained for future generations.

Third Aim and Objective. To bring the Tithe Barn under the control of the village so that it can be used in conjunction with the Village Gardens which directly adjoin the Tithe Barn. The Village Gardens were formerly the Kitchen Gardens for Dunster Castle but after the Castle was made over to the National Trust in 1976 then the gardens were no longer required for their original purpose. There was a likelihood that they would be developed for residential purposes but the village raised £18,000 to buy them in 1980. They are now looked after by the Dunster Gardens Village Trust and are open to the village and general public to enjoy and relax in. They also provide the venue for the Annual Village Fete and other activities such as Wedding Receptions, Concerts etc. when marquees and awnings are erected. However there no toilet or kitchen facilities on site and therefore the adjoining Tithe Barn can provide both these facilities, not only for people using the Tithe Barn, but also those using the Village Gardens.

Fourth Aim and Objective. To bring the Tithe Barn under the control of the village so that the main building, together with other existing buildings, will provide a venue and associated facilities, for the whole community to use. In May 2002 at a well attended public meeting called by the Parish Council there was overwhelming support expressed for the project. A questionnaire was sent to every household in the Parish to which there 115 responses. A copy of the questionnaire and an analysis of the responses will be found in Appendix Six

Fifth Aim and Objective. To provide a venue for a permanent exhibition and displays tracing the history of Dunster as none exist at the present time. Several of the historic buildings in Dunster provide their own information, such as the Castle, Church, Dovecote and Mill, but nowhere is it all together in one place.

Sixth Aim and Objective To make the Tithe Barn available for people to see inside, whether local or visiting. It is the only non-residential medieval building in Dunster to which there is no public access.