Prince to open restored barn

The Prince will officially open the rebuilt West Barn on Barton Grange farm in the centre of the town, thought to date back to the 13th Century.

The West Barn is the centrepiece of the Bradford on Avon Preservation Trust's restoration project at the farm.

For nearly 20 years the barn lay in ruin, but using traditional stone, timber and tiles it has been rebuilt as a visitor centre and a venue for community events.

Trust member Godfrey Marks said: "This is really the climax for us and it is wonderful that the Prince of Wales has chosen to visit us. This is a very local project that has involved lots of people from the town's community and everyone has mucked in to help finish the barn."

"Now we are painting madly and trying to put all the last minute finishing touches to get it ready in time."

The Trust bought Barton Grange Farm, next to the Tithe Barn, two years ago and the refurbishment work has cost them around £400,000, most of which has been raised by volunteers and fundraising events.

Preservation Trust chairman Margaret Dobson said: "We know how much importance the Prince of Wales attaches to the conservation of our built heritage, and its reuse for new purposes, so this royal interest and approval is a great honour and fitting reward for years of endeavour by our volunteer members, by our fundraisers and donors, and by the architect and craftsmen who have transformed a sad pile of stones into a fine building for locals and visitors to enjoy for centuries to come."

In the West Barn decorative banners will be hung from the oak roof timbers and information panels will tell visitors the history of the site.

During his visit on Friday the Prince will also open the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust's new shop in Bradford and will take a tour along the canal to mark the completion of 40 years of restoration on the waterway.

He will then attend a VIP reception hosted by the Kennet and Avon Canal Partnership.