MIDSUMMER Day saw the official launch of the renovated 16th century Croft Barn at White Castle Vineyard, Llanvetherine which has been removed from the listed buildings ‘at risk’ register thanks to funding from Cadw and the Heritage Lottery Fund.
The Wine and Heritage Alive in Monmouthshire (WHAM!) project spearheaded by local buildings preservation trust and charity, the Village Alive Trust, carried out the restoration work in partnership with Robb and Nicola Merchant of White Castle Vineyard.
The barn was formerly part of the adjacent Great Trerhew Farm where the Trust has also renovated a larger corn barn which featured in BBC One’s first Lambing Live broadcasts. Both buildings are listed as grade II and the next public open day will be held on September 6 from 2 – 5pm.
Over 120 guests and interested people attended the Croft Barn launch and enjoyed a talk on the barn, tour of the adjacent vineyard, homemade teas, ice-cream from Kelsmor Dairy, children’s activities and craft demonstrations by local artisans.
Guests included Monmouth MP David Davies, Sally Edwards of the Heritage Lottery Fund and representatives of Monmouthshire County Council as well as neighbours, past owners and project supporters.
Mr Davies congratulated the Village Alive Trust on its conservation work with local heritage buildings since it was set up in 2004 and Sally Edwards said she had great expectations for the WHAM! project. Trust vice president Edward Holland said, the Croft Barn had now been removed from the register of listed buildings in Monmouthshire which were deemed to be ‘at risk’ and was one of the few remaining barns of its type in the county.
The barn is being used as a learning space for heritage and viticulture activities, including maypole dancing for local schoolchildren. Places are still available to book for some events this summer including wine and heritage tours and a talk on Monmouthshire Houses by historian Grant Muter. Details can be found at wineandheritage.org.uk or by emailing wham.villagealive@btinternet.com