BARN NEWS
BARN NEWS
DOWNEND FOLK HOUSE ASSOCIATION
Volume 56 Number 3
May - August 2026
Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road, Downend, Bristol BS16 2RW
Tel. 0117 956 2367
Visit our website at www.downendfolkhouse.org.uk
Facebook Lincombe Barn DFHA - @BarnDFHA
Chairman’s report
By the time you read this copy of the Barn News summer will be well on its way and hopefully we can look forward to more of the warm, sunny days that we have occasionally been enjoying.
Recently we have spent quite a lot of money improving the state of the Barn. We have installed new fire doors and replaced some of our lights with LED lights and expensive repairs have been made to our roof. By the time you receive this edition of Barn News the Social and Fundraising Committee may well have organised events or trips.
To run an association like Lincombe Barn we need a flourishing Management Committee so if anyone feels able to join the Committee you will be welcome. It is not an onerous position, just a 2 hourly meeting once a month. If you are interested please contact Zoe.
Barn news – the Barn news usually consists of reports from the Chairman, Treasurer and Social and Fundraising Committee. These reports are obviously not enough to fill the Barn News so we rely on copy from various clubs to make it interesting. So please, if your club has anything of interest to tell the Barn Membership, please contact Bruce Gibbs or even Zoe with your contribution. All these articles are what makes the Barn News so interesting!
By the time you read this Barn News the new Barn Prospectus for 2026/2027 will possibly not be available but details of events can be found on our new-look website.
It only remains for me to wish you all a very enjoyable summer and I look forward to seeing you all in the new Barn year in September.
Eileen Bendrey
Chairman
Treasurer's Report
Apologies for truncated report, but the Treasurer is currently working from Hospital.
Our reserves have remained fairly constant since the last Barn News, however there are some issues on one of the many roofs of the facility that need urgent work. (Actual financial figures are shown on monthly Management Committee meeting minutes)
Investigation into the large water invoice, see last Barn News, has concluded. It has been established that there are no leaks within the Barn, and the recent invoice was back to the "normal amount". As such it was not possible to identify the cause of such a high "usage" during the previous six months.
The replacement of relevant internal doors with Fire Doors has started. We had applied for grant funding from The National Lottery Community Grant, and have been awarded the money (over £5,000) to cover the whole of the work.
Mel Brown.
Social and Fundraising Committee
We have a few things in mind - thinking about trips to local places of interest and, would ask if anyone could let us know any places they would like to visit. We would like to hold another Tea Dance and, have been in contact with a different person to host it.
Sadly we have had to cease the Speaker Mornings, as the numbers attending dwindled to just a handful.
We have a date for the Christmas Market, Saturday 21st November.
We need a few more members to join our S&FR Committee, there are just the four of us and we would welcome anyone to join us. It only takes an hour or two of your time once a month on the first Monday morning.
Thank you
Janet
Barn News Letter
Hello & welcome to the April Office Letter.
I hope you are enjoying the Spring weather recently.
We have some new attendance with regular private hire, a Chiropractor and a new yoga class.
These attendances will begin in April we welcome them to ‘Lincombe Barn’.
Members and regular hirers are welcome to use the coffee lounge for tea and coffee and a chat. Prices apply – Cash Only.
Adverts.
Notice boards to advertise your business are £5.00 for 3 months. General adverts are £1.50 for 3 months. (See the office for details)
Books are 50p, Puzzles are £1, and all proceeds go to Lincombe Barn.
Please donate books and puzzles for raising funds (good categories only).
It has been a busy time keeping Lincombe Barn in top condition. Our maintenance team keep everything in good order checking jobs and tidying the exterior.
More volunteers are needed on a Monday morning.
A big thank you to the team.
Please leave your details with the office. WE NEED YOU!!
Repairs done by trade attendance:-
Roofing, Fire doors replaced, repairs to taps in the kitchen and men’s toilets. All completed by Easter break.
Volunteers required in the office and right across the board in all areas:-
SFRC – Social and Fund Raising Committee. Which is vital in a Charity setting.
Committee Members (Trustees) Monday morning monthly meeting. If you are interested in any volunteer positions please contact me in the Barn Office 01179562367. I can put you in touch with the relevant Committee Member to pursue your commitment to Lincombe Barn.
Thank you to the Office Staff for another term of support.
Thank you to the members and regular private hirers; your continued support works with us to support the community.
Anyone wishing to start a club please see Zoe in the office. If you wish to start up, for instance, a Gardening Club (self-help) or Family History Club (self-help), you will need at least 6 people to begin your group.
Slots are available in the afternoons and evenings during the week.
Weekends for social events children’s parties etc.
Deposits apply and hire fees.
See our website for all details www.downendfolkhouse.org.uk
Email: enquiries.dfha@outlook.com
Email dfha_zoe@outlook.com
The office is open from 9-4.30pm
****************************************************************
Note: Natural History Society has folded, and we give our best wishes to Pam & Ray Gooding for all their hard work and for their continued support at Lincombe Barn.
To reach your 90’s and keep their group active until now, (Which has been going for many decades), is a tremendous achievement.
Thank you
Zoe – Office Manager.
Changing the guard at Downend Folk House Association (DFHA)
As members and Barn users may know, the DFHA is a charity run by a Management Committee (MC) made up of volunteers who also act as trustees for the charity.
At the next AGM in October, there will be vacancies on the MC because two long-standing members will be standing down after many years of sterling service to the DFHA. The MC thanks these valued members for their many years of service but are therefore now looking to recruit new members to help carry on with the business of managing the DFHA.
Obviously, losing people means that there are posts that need to be filled on the MC and these include the Chair and the Treasurer, as well as the Secretary, a role currently being done on a temporary basis.
The MC is allowed up to twelve members under the DFHA constitution and the overall workload is not especially onerous. The MC meets monthly for a meeting that lasts for around two hours, but can often be shorter. We are hoping to see new faces with new ideas and new skills to swell our numbers and carry on the work of the MC.
Nomination forms are be available and should be in by the end of August, so, if you think you would like to be a committee member and wish to stand, there is your chance to stand at the AGM.
Additional information;
Downend Folk House was established in 1970 by a group of enthusiastic residents who wanted to establish a place where the local community could meet in safety and make new friends whilst learning new skills.
The DFHA is a self-financing organisation, run by the Management, a group of volunteers and are aided by a Social and Fundraising Committee which organises events.
For further information you may contact any of the following via email;
Zoe Tanner dfha_zoe@outlook.com
Eileen Bendrey eileenbendrey@gmail.com
Janet Biggin big.gin@yahoo.com
Carole Flint molly.moggins@gmail.com
DOWNEND FOLK HOUSE ASSOCIATION
LINCOMBE BARN
KNITTING CLUB
Start date 21/04/26 WEEKLY
TUESDAY’S at LINCOMBE BARN
10 am-12 noon
½ JUBILEE HALL
Tea and coffee available (prices apply)
20 places (Book at the Barn office 0117 9562367)
£2.20 per person per attendance (Summer Term)
Membership £6.00 half yearly (March – August 2026)
Full membership from September 2026-27 £13.00
£2.30pp per attendance.
This supports hire costs.
Come along and support Lincombe Barn
PILATES
This class continues to thrive with around 16-20 people coming along each week. It is a really friendly class with new members always being supported to feel welcome. Many people who come along have done so since the class started almost 14 years ago. Friendships have formed and there are different groups that socialise outside of the class.
Pilates is a series of low intensity exercises that focus on building core strength. The exercises are performed in various positions and can be easily adapted to suit different levels of mobility (however the ability to get up from and down to the floor is essential).
The class is suitable for complete beginners through to those wanting to maintain and develop their Pilates practice. Many people who attend have chronic pain or health conditions and find Pilates to be a really helpful part of their self-care routine. As a teacher, I am very experienced and skilled at working with mixed level classes with diverse needs and I find it really fulfilling to see people coming back each week and regaining some control of their health and wellbeing.
The class takes place on Wednesdays at 09:30 a.m. It operates on a drop-in basis so there is no need to book. You can just turn up and ‘pay as you go’.
If you would like any more information please contact Emily Osborne on 07974 252486 or email info@teachmepilates.co.uk
LUSHTUMS
Hi I am Clair McGill and I have been teaching LushTums Yoga classes for 10 years at Lincombe Barn.
Pregnancy Yoga & Birth Preparation - Thursday 6.30-7.45pm
Mum & Baby Yoga - Friday 10.30-11.30am
Women’s Yoga - Thursday 8-9pm
· yoga classes tailored for your needs
· suitable for beginners
· ease aches & pains
· feel stronger, sleep better
· connect with your pelvic floor
· reduce stress & anxiety
· nourishing & restorative
· make new friends!
Mindful Tai Chi
A gentle introduction to Tai Chi, using the Shibashi Qi Gong movements, and Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan. Suitable for beginners, and most abilities. Please contact Georgina Green in 07845748568, or, georgegreen23@hotmail.com to make enquiries.
Warm regards
Georgina Green
CRAFTERS CLUB
It has been an "interesting" year for the members of the Crafters club so far. A couple of members (me included) have been ill, as has another lady's husband, and another member lost her mother-in law after a long illness. And then quite recently, we had the very sad news that one of our long term members, Joan Fox died in her sleep about 6 weeks before her 85th birthday. She will be sadly missed, as she produced some very elaborate beadwork jewellery as well as beautiful cards.
Joan was one of a number of members of the group who could turn her hand to a whole range of crafts. While we all probably have our favourite hobbies, sometimes it is nice to have a change, and there is usually someone else who can help if you get stuck.
We continue to meet every second Thursday of the month, for about an hour and a half of crafting, followed by coffee and a long natter in the kitchen.
DOWNEND FOLK HOUSE ASSOCIATION
SUMMER CONCERT
WITH
THE CLEEVE SINGERS
AT LINCOMBE BARN, OVERNDALE ROAD,
Downend BS16 2RW
Saturday, 4th July 2026 at 7.30 p.m. £6.00
Tickets available from Monday, 8th JUNE 2026
From Downend Folk House, Lincombe ,
Choir Members & On the Door
BARN BELLS
Since Christmas, Barn Bells has gone through a more difficult period, as several members have long term medical problems and family difficulties. However, with six or seven stalwart members we have had several successful and fulfilling practices. Fortunately, after Covid when we were only allowed a limited number at each meeting, Heather and Joy prepared a booklet of pieces for small groups which has proved really useful and achievable.
Hopefully with the summer, better weather and maybe some new members (remember the ability to read music is useful but not essential) things will improve.
Meanwhile the stalwart members enjoy meeting weekly, especially for our chocolate break combined with our wellbeing chats! For some of our group, our weekly meetings are the only respite they get from caring for less able family members, a period of brain exercise and making music together always raises the spirits. Come and join us!!
April 2026
BARN BRIDGE CLUB
We are just about holding our own. We've lost a few members but also gained some new ones. Although there are about 20 on our books attendance is sometimes low and we need an absolute minimum of 10 to function properly.
If anyone has played before and is interested in joining us please contact Yvonne on 0117 9568944 or email rscoulding@googlemail.com
We meet on Wednesday afternoons from 2-4.30 p.m.
Geoff Perrett.
LINCOMBE BARN CAMERA CLUB
The final term of the year, as usual, sees us summarising the past year. We have two member competitions to see the end of as well as preparing other competitions in the forthcoming year. 9th June, weather permitting, will see our first outing of the year with many more coming up in the summer months when we will not be meeting at the Barn.
We continue to forge closer links with other camera clubs, exchanging visits, which will save us money on guest speakers as well as build new relationships.
30th June will bring our Annual Review and the Election of a new Committee. We also use this evening to look back over the competitions of the past year and hear from the winners of Awards how their winning images came about
As usual, a photo from a member, Bruce Gibbs this time. If you have walked by the Floating Harbour, near the SS Great Britain you will probably have spotted this. If not, an outing for the summer perhaps?
THE CLEEVE SINGERS
Now that Spring has sprung and this week has brought many April showers, our concert last Christmas seems a long way away. Many thanks to our lovely audience who donated so generously to our chosen charity: The Children’s Hospice.
Our first engagement of the year takes place between 3 and 5 pm on the afternoon of Sunday June 7th at Frenchay church. Do come along and enjoy a cream tea, homemade cake and some uplifting tunes.
Our summer concert is on Saturday 4th July at 7.30 p.m. at the Barn.
Melodies from the Sound of Music and the King and I are included in our varied programme.
We continue to hold our rehearsals on Wednesdays at 7.30 p.m. in the Jubilee Hall.
You are most welcome to attend a rehearsal if you are thinking of joining a local choir. We are a friendly group and would be delighted to see you!
See our website or Facebook page for more information
email: cleevesingers@gmail.com
Nicola Budd
Hearoic - Ear Care in Your Local Community
Having problems with your hearing or ear wax? Hearoic provides accessible, professional ear care services right here at Lincombe Barn.
Founded by Lynne Sheppard, an experienced audiologist with nearly 30 years in the NHS, Hearoic was established in 2022 in response to increasing demand for ear care services in the community. Lynne offers a friendly, personalised service from her fully equipped mobile clinic, with appointments priced to remain fair and accessible for local people.
Services include micro-suction ear wax removal (with irrigation also available), hearing tests, hearing aid support, and practical advice on protecting your hearing. Lynne is also passionate about supporting her clients beyond the appointment, offering guidance and, where appropriate, liaising with GPs or other healthcare professionals.
Hearoic visits Lincombe Barn on the Second and Fourth Tuesday of each Month, making it easy to access expert ear care locally. Appointments can be booked online or by phone and there is also a scheduled drop-in session for free ear checks, hearing aid cleaning, and advice.
If you’re experiencing hearing difficulties or discomfort, Hearoic offers a professional, supportive and convenient service within your community.
To book an appointment, visit www.hearoic.co.uk or call 0117 910 9079.
Contributions to the September edition of the ‘Barn News’ are very welcome.
Take this opportunity to advertise your club, class or group.
Please hand your entries in by e-mail to brucegibbs@talktalk.net
Or hand in to the office by the 14th August
Make a note in your diaries.
CLUB TERM DATES 2026/27
Summer Monday 13th April - Friday 24th July 2026
Autumn Tuesday 1st Sept. - Tuesday 22nd Dec. 2026
Spring Monday 4th January - Friday 19th March 2027
Summer Monday 5th April - Friday 23rd July 2027
HALLS AND ROOMS FOR HIRE
Approximate sizes In feet in metres Rates
Ground Floor with Disabled access
Jubilee Hall 45 x 38 14 x 11 £34.80 Per Hour
Jubilee Small Partition £20.75 Per Hour
Jubilee Large Partition £26.45 Per Hour
Concorde Hall 40 x 23.5 12 x 7 £28.00 Per Hour
Page Room 25 x 15 7 x 4.5 £16.65 Per Hour
Grace Room 19 x 15 6 x 4.5 £11.00 Per Hour
First floor with no disabled access
Britannia Room 19 x 16.5 6 x 5 Not Available
Cleeve Room 14 x 14 4 x 4 Not Available
Cleeve Annex 8 x 11 2.5 x 3.5 Not Available
Heath Room 10.5 x 9 3 x 3 Not Available
Tables and Chairs provided
Charge for exclusive use of the kitchen £34.80
To check availability and to book, contact the office manager
Zoe Tanner e-mail enquiries.dfha@outlook.com Tel. 9562367
NEXT EDITION OF THE ‘BARN NEWS’
ISSUE AVAILABLE CUT-OFF DATE
Sept. 2026 - Dec 2026 1st Sept. 2026 14th AUGUST 2026
Contributions to the May edition of the ‘Barn News’ are very welcome.
Take this opportunity to advertise your club
Please hand your entries in by e-mail to brucegibbs@talktalk.net
Or hand in to the office by the 14th August
Make a note in your diaries.
DOWNEND FOLK HOUSE ASSOCIATION
Volume 56 Number 3
May - August 2026
Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road, Downend, Bristol BS16 2RW
Tel. 0117 956 2367
Visit our website at www.downendfolkhouse.org.uk
Facebook Lincombe Barn DFHA - @BarnDFHA
Chairman’s report
By the time you read this copy of the Barn News summer will be well on its way and hopefully we can look forward to more of the warm, sunny days that we have occasionally been enjoying.
Recently we have spent quite a lot of money improving the state of the Barn. We have installed new fire doors and replaced some of our lights with LED lights and expensive repairs have been made to our roof. By the time you receive this edition of Barn News the Social and Fundraising Committee may well have organised events or trips.
To run an association like Lincombe Barn we need a flourishing Management Committee so if anyone feels able to join the Committee you will be welcome. It is not an onerous position, just a 2 hourly meeting once a month. If you are interested please contact Zoe.
Barn news – the Barn news usually consists of reports from the Chairman, Treasurer and Social and Fundraising Committee. These reports are obviously not enough to fill the Barn News so we rely on copy from various clubs to make it interesting. So please, if your club has anything of interest to tell the Barn Membership, please contact Bruce Gibbs or even Zoe with your contribution. All these articles are what makes the Barn News so interesting!
By the time you read this Barn News the new Barn Prospectus for 2026/2027 will possibly not be available but details of events can be found on our new-look website.
It only remains for me to wish you all a very enjoyable summer and I look forward to seeing you all in the new Barn year in September.
Eileen Bendrey
Chairman
Treasurer's Report
Apologies for truncated report, but the Treasurer is currently working from Hospital.
Our reserves have remained fairly constant since the last Barn News, however there are some issues on one of the many roofs of the facility that need urgent work. (Actual financial figures are shown on monthly Management Committee meeting minutes)
Investigation into the large water invoice, see last Barn News, has concluded. It has been established that there are no leaks within the Barn, and the recent invoice was back to the "normal amount". As such it was not possible to identify the cause of such a high "usage" during the previous six months.
The replacement of relevant internal doors with Fire Doors has started. We had applied for grant funding from The National Lottery Community Grant, and have been awarded the money (over £5,000) to cover the whole of the work.
Mel Brown.
Social and Fundraising Committee
We have a few things in mind - thinking about trips to local places of interest and, would ask if anyone could let us know any places they would like to visit. We would like to hold another Tea Dance and, have been in contact with a different person to host it.
Sadly we have had to cease the Speaker Mornings, as the numbers attending dwindled to just a handful.
We have a date for the Christmas Market, Saturday 21st November.
We need a few more members to join our S&FR Committee, there are just the four of us and we would welcome anyone to join us. It only takes an hour or two of your time once a month on the first Monday morning.
Thank you
Janet
Barn News Letter
Hello & welcome to the April Office Letter.
I hope you are enjoying the Spring weather recently.
We have some new attendance with regular private hire, a Chiropractor and a new yoga class.
These attendances will begin in April we welcome them to ‘Lincombe Barn’.
Members and regular hirers are welcome to use the coffee lounge for tea and coffee and a chat. Prices apply – Cash Only.
Adverts.
Notice boards to advertise your business are £5.00 for 3 months. General adverts are £1.50 for 3 months. (See the office for details)
Books are 50p, Puzzles are £1, and all proceeds go to Lincombe Barn.
Please donate books and puzzles for raising funds (good categories only).
It has been a busy time keeping Lincombe Barn in top condition. Our maintenance team keep everything in good order checking jobs and tidying the exterior.
More volunteers are needed on a Monday morning.
A big thank you to the team.
Please leave your details with the office. WE NEED YOU!!
Repairs done by trade attendance:-
Roofing, Fire doors replaced, repairs to taps in the kitchen and men’s toilets. All completed by Easter break.
Volunteers required in the office and right across the board in all areas:-
SFRC – Social and Fund Raising Committee. Which is vital in a Charity setting.
Committee Members (Trustees) Monday morning monthly meeting. If you are interested in any volunteer positions please contact me in the Barn Office 01179562367. I can put you in touch with the relevant Committee Member to pursue your commitment to Lincombe Barn.
Thank you to the Office Staff for another term of support.
Thank you to the members and regular private hirers; your continued support works with us to support the community.
Anyone wishing to start a club please see Zoe in the office. If you wish to start up, for instance, a Gardening Club (self-help) or Family History Club (self-help), you will need at least 6 people to begin your group.
Slots are available in the afternoons and evenings during the week.
Weekends for social events children’s parties etc.
Deposits apply and hire fees.
See our website for all details www.downendfolkhouse.org.uk
Email: enquiries.dfha@outlook.com
Email dfha_zoe@outlook.com
The office is open from 9-4.30pm
****************************************************************
Note: Natural History Society has folded, and we give our best wishes to Pam & Ray Gooding for all their hard work and for their continued support at Lincombe Barn.
To reach your 90’s and keep their group active until now, (Which has been going for many decades), is a tremendous achievement.
Thank you
Zoe – Office Manager.
Changing the guard at Downend Folk House Association (DFHA)
As members and Barn users may know, the DFHA is a charity run by a Management Committee (MC) made up of volunteers who also act as trustees for the charity.
At the next AGM in October, there will be vacancies on the MC because two long-standing members will be standing down after many years of sterling service to the DFHA. The MC thanks these valued members for their many years of service but are therefore now looking to recruit new members to help carry on with the business of managing the DFHA.
Obviously, losing people means that there are posts that need to be filled on the MC and these include the Chair and the Treasurer, as well as the Secretary, a role currently being done on a temporary basis.
The MC is allowed up to twelve members under the DFHA constitution and the overall workload is not especially onerous. The MC meets monthly for a meeting that lasts for around two hours, but can often be shorter. We are hoping to see new faces with new ideas and new skills to swell our numbers and carry on the work of the MC.
Nomination forms are be available and should be in by the end of August, so, if you think you would like to be a committee member and wish to stand, there is your chance to stand at the AGM.
Additional information;
Downend Folk House was established in 1970 by a group of enthusiastic residents who wanted to establish a place where the local community could meet in safety and make new friends whilst learning new skills.
The DFHA is a self-financing organisation, run by the Management, a group of volunteers and are aided by a Social and Fundraising Committee which organises events.
For further information you may contact any of the following via email;
Zoe Tanner dfha_zoe@outlook.com
Eileen Bendrey eileenbendrey@gmail.com
Janet Biggin big.gin@yahoo.com
Carole Flint molly.moggins@gmail.com
DOWNEND FOLK HOUSE ASSOCIATION
LINCOMBE BARN
KNITTING CLUB
Start date 21/04/26 WEEKLY
TUESDAY’S at LINCOMBE BARN
10 am-12 noon
½ JUBILEE HALL
Tea and coffee available (prices apply)
20 places (Book at the Barn office 0117 9562367)
£2.20 per person per attendance (Summer Term)
Membership £6.00 half yearly (March – August 2026)
Full membership from September 2026-27 £13.00
£2.30pp per attendance.
This supports hire costs.
Come along and support Lincombe Barn
PILATES
This class continues to thrive with around 16-20 people coming along each week. It is a really friendly class with new members always being supported to feel welcome. Many people who come along have done so since the class started almost 14 years ago. Friendships have formed and there are different groups that socialise outside of the class.
Pilates is a series of low intensity exercises that focus on building core strength. The exercises are performed in various positions and can be easily adapted to suit different levels of mobility (however the ability to get up from and down to the floor is essential).
The class is suitable for complete beginners through to those wanting to maintain and develop their Pilates practice. Many people who attend have chronic pain or health conditions and find Pilates to be a really helpful part of their self-care routine. As a teacher, I am very experienced and skilled at working with mixed level classes with diverse needs and I find it really fulfilling to see people coming back each week and regaining some control of their health and wellbeing.
The class takes place on Wednesdays at 09:30 a.m. It operates on a drop-in basis so there is no need to book. You can just turn up and ‘pay as you go’.
If you would like any more information please contact Emily Osborne on 07974 252486 or email info@teachmepilates.co.uk
LUSHTUMS
Hi I am Clair McGill and I have been teaching LushTums Yoga classes for 10 years at Lincombe Barn.
Pregnancy Yoga & Birth Preparation - Thursday 6.30-7.45pm
Mum & Baby Yoga - Friday 10.30-11.30am
Women’s Yoga - Thursday 8-9pm
· yoga classes tailored for your needs
· suitable for beginners
· ease aches & pains
· feel stronger, sleep better
· connect with your pelvic floor
· reduce stress & anxiety
· nourishing & restorative
· make new friends!
Mindful Tai Chi
A gentle introduction to Tai Chi, using the Shibashi Qi Gong movements, and Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan. Suitable for beginners, and most abilities. Please contact Georgina Green in 07845748568, or, georgegreen23@hotmail.com to make enquiries.
Warm regards
Georgina Green
CRAFTERS CLUB
It has been an "interesting" year for the members of the Crafters club so far. A couple of members (me included) have been ill, as has another lady's husband, and another member lost her mother-in law after a long illness. And then quite recently, we had the very sad news that one of our long term members, Joan Fox died in her sleep about 6 weeks before her 85th birthday. She will be sadly missed, as she produced some very elaborate beadwork jewellery as well as beautiful cards.
Joan was one of a number of members of the group who could turn her hand to a whole range of crafts. While we all probably have our favourite hobbies, sometimes it is nice to have a change, and there is usually someone else who can help if you get stuck.
We continue to meet every second Thursday of the month, for about an hour and a half of crafting, followed by coffee and a long natter in the kitchen.
DOWNEND FOLK HOUSE ASSOCIATION
SUMMER CONCERT
WITH
THE CLEEVE SINGERS
AT LINCOMBE BARN, OVERNDALE ROAD,
Downend BS16 2RW
Saturday, 4th July 2026 at 7.30 p.m. £6.00
Tickets available from Monday, 8th JUNE 2026
From Downend Folk House, Lincombe ,
Choir Members & On the Door
BARN BELLS
Since Christmas, Barn Bells has gone through a more difficult period, as several members have long term medical problems and family difficulties. However, with six or seven stalwart members we have had several successful and fulfilling practices. Fortunately, after Covid when we were only allowed a limited number at each meeting, Heather and Joy prepared a booklet of pieces for small groups which has proved really useful and achievable.
Hopefully with the summer, better weather and maybe some new members (remember the ability to read music is useful but not essential) things will improve.
Meanwhile the stalwart members enjoy meeting weekly, especially for our chocolate break combined with our wellbeing chats! For some of our group, our weekly meetings are the only respite they get from caring for less able family members, a period of brain exercise and making music together always raises the spirits. Come and join us!!
April 2026
BARN BRIDGE CLUB
We are just about holding our own. We've lost a few members but also gained some new ones. Although there are about 20 on our books attendance is sometimes low and we need an absolute minimum of 10 to function properly.
If anyone has played before and is interested in joining us please contact Yvonne on 0117 9568944 or email rscoulding@googlemail.com
We meet on Wednesday afternoons from 2-4.30 p.m.
Geoff Perrett.
LINCOMBE BARN CAMERA CLUB
The final term of the year, as usual, sees us summarising the past year. We have two member competitions to see the end of as well as preparing other competitions in the forthcoming year. 9th June, weather permitting, will see our first outing of the year with many more coming up in the summer months when we will not be meeting at the Barn.
We continue to forge closer links with other camera clubs, exchanging visits, which will save us money on guest speakers as well as build new relationships.
30th June will bring our Annual Review and the Election of a new Committee. We also use this evening to look back over the competitions of the past year and hear from the winners of Awards how their winning images came about
As usual, a photo from a member, Bruce Gibbs this time. If you have walked by the Floating Harbour, near the SS Great Britain you will probably have spotted this. If not, an outing for the summer perhaps?
THE CLEEVE SINGERS
Now that Spring has sprung and this week has brought many April showers, our concert last Christmas seems a long way away. Many thanks to our lovely audience who donated so generously to our chosen charity: The Children’s Hospice.
Our first engagement of the year takes place between 3 and 5 pm on the afternoon of Sunday June 7th at Frenchay church. Do come along and enjoy a cream tea, homemade cake and some uplifting tunes.
Our summer concert is on Saturday 4th July at 7.30 p.m. at the Barn.
Melodies from the Sound of Music and the King and I are included in our varied programme.
We continue to hold our rehearsals on Wednesdays at 7.30 p.m. in the Jubilee Hall.
You are most welcome to attend a rehearsal if you are thinking of joining a local choir. We are a friendly group and would be delighted to see you!
See our website or Facebook page for more information
email: cleevesingers@gmail.com
Nicola Budd
Hearoic - Ear Care in Your Local Community
Having problems with your hearing or ear wax? Hearoic provides accessible, professional ear care services right here at Lincombe Barn.
Founded by Lynne Sheppard, an experienced audiologist with nearly 30 years in the NHS, Hearoic was established in 2022 in response to increasing demand for ear care services in the community. Lynne offers a friendly, personalised service from her fully equipped mobile clinic, with appointments priced to remain fair and accessible for local people.
Services include micro-suction ear wax removal (with irrigation also available), hearing tests, hearing aid support, and practical advice on protecting your hearing. Lynne is also passionate about supporting her clients beyond the appointment, offering guidance and, where appropriate, liaising with GPs or other healthcare professionals.
Hearoic visits Lincombe Barn on the Second and Fourth Tuesday of each Month, making it easy to access expert ear care locally. Appointments can be booked online or by phone and there is also a scheduled drop-in session for free ear checks, hearing aid cleaning, and advice.
If you’re experiencing hearing difficulties or discomfort, Hearoic offers a professional, supportive and convenient service within your community.
To book an appointment, visit www.hearoic.co.uk or call 0117 910 9079.
Contributions to the September edition of the ‘Barn News’ are very welcome.
Take this opportunity to advertise your club, class or group.
Please hand your entries in by e-mail to brucegibbs@talktalk.net
Or hand in to the office by the 14th August
Make a note in your diaries.
CLUB TERM DATES 2026/27
Summer Monday 13th April - Friday 24th July 2026
Autumn Tuesday 1st Sept. - Tuesday 22nd Dec. 2026
Spring Monday 4th January - Friday 19th March 2027
Summer Monday 5th April - Friday 23rd July 2027
HALLS AND ROOMS FOR HIRE
Approximate sizes In feet in metres Rates
Ground Floor with Disabled access
Jubilee Hall 45 x 38 14 x 11 £34.80 Per Hour
Jubilee Small Partition £20.75 Per Hour
Jubilee Large Partition £26.45 Per Hour
Concorde Hall 40 x 23.5 12 x 7 £28.00 Per Hour
Page Room 25 x 15 7 x 4.5 £16.65 Per Hour
Grace Room 19 x 15 6 x 4.5 £11.00 Per Hour
First floor with no disabled access
Britannia Room 19 x 16.5 6 x 5 Not Available
Cleeve Room 14 x 14 4 x 4 Not Available
Cleeve Annex 8 x 11 2.5 x 3.5 Not Available
Heath Room 10.5 x 9 3 x 3 Not Available
Tables and Chairs provided
Charge for exclusive use of the kitchen £34.80
To check availability and to book, contact the office manager
Zoe Tanner e-mail enquiries.dfha@outlook.com Tel. 9562367
NEXT EDITION OF THE ‘BARN NEWS’
ISSUE AVAILABLE CUT-OFF DATE
Sept. 2026 - Dec 2026 1st Sept. 2026 14th AUGUST 2026
Contributions to the May edition of the ‘Barn News’ are very welcome.
Take this opportunity to advertise your club
Please hand your entries in by e-mail to brucegibbs@talktalk.net
Or hand in to the office by the 14th August
Make a note in your diaries.