Titchfield Tithe Barn - 2005 ........ Visit to Titchfield Tithe Barn as guests of members Jim and Jill Harris 3rd August 2005 A pleasant summer evening saw a lineup of some eleven Austin Sevens, and some other interesting vehicles, along the wall of the enormous Tithe Barn. There was also a goodly number of members who came in 'moderns'. Jim and Jill Harris had invited Club members to an evening reception to view this splendid building.
Inside the barn there was a positive museum of tractors and other agricultural equipment displayed, much of which had been in the Harris family for many years. Amongst the 'interesting vehicles' were Jim's Bugatti replica and a split-screen Morris Minor which I believe is also part of the Harris fleet. The Barn itself is a positive wonder since the restoration was completed by Jim himself. This included a complete re-roofing utilising original tiles. I forget how many there are, but it must have been many horse-and-cart loads when they were originally delivered. It was interesting to study the construction of the framework, and to wonder at the skill of those who built it originally. The flint-and-brick walls have been beautifully restored. There are very few fixings, just clever joinery and a few pegs! Equally, there were no power tools, or cranes, indeed they had nothing except manpower, horsepower, and ingenuity. At the rest of the enterprise one can only stand in awe; even the three lakes were dug out by the family. On a normal visit one may fish, play golf, shoot either small bore or archery, hire cycles, and doubtless other passtimes that I have missed!
Not all Austin Sevens Sadly, in a way, Jim and Jill have decided that enough is enough and are in the process of disposing of the estate in order to take a well earned rest. It was indeed kind of them to invite us to see what they have been up to all these years prior to making their departure. We do so hope that when this actually occurs they will still be sufficiently local to remain as active members of the Club. Wherever they end up, however, we wish them sincere good health and god speed. Thank you Jim and Jill for such a splendid evening, and please extend our thanks to the family and staff who laboured to make our visit so enjoyable. And if that was 'nibbles' heaven help anyone who arrives for a full meal ! Spanner It is possible to view the Titchfield Tithe Barn website at the following address .....
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