In February 2008 Haverhill Silver Band cornetist Tom Walker had a terrible shock when his centuries old barn went up in flames.

Molten metal

Tom used the barn as a carpentry workshop and practice room and his nearly new Sovereign cornet, property of the band, but thankfully insured, was reduced to a pile of molten metal.

His house, an old farmhouse near Thaxted, Essex, was standing very close, and was also at risk with melting guttering and window glass, but fire fighters managed to cool it down with copious amounts of water.

Tom used the barn as a carpentry workshop and practice room and his nearly new Sovereign cornet was reduced to a pile of molten metalHaverhill Band

Master carpenter

Tom is a master carpenter who often works on film sets on location in this country and abroad and wishing to recreate the barn in its original form, he imported tons of green oak which had been formed into the sides and roof of the barn.

This then needed lifting and positioning so that it could be secured. A team of around a dozen, including several of the band, spent the day helping Tom with the work.

In the evening Tom hosted a party with a hog roast, beer and live music to celebrate the barn raise.