Brampton, Norfolk

Brampton Church is the most important building in the village, both architecturally and historically.  It is also, arguably, the most beautiful building in the village.  Built in Medieval times, its function was twofold: a place of worship and a social space for village celebrations and feasts.  It was only during the Victorian era that churches became reserved solely for worship.

I believe reverting Brampton Church to a building with both religious and social functions has a huge amount in its favour:

• The  nave would make a wonderful hall; large enough for big parties, wedding
  receptions, etc.
• It  is positioned amongst lovely fields with great views
• There  is land available for parking
• There  is room to build onto the side to provide separate toilets, kitchen/bar
  and snug
• Services  can continue in the chancel, separated from the nave by a
  screen/door.  However, this could be  opened for bigger services, so the whole church could be used again.

However, my main reason for supporting this plan is that I fear our church will become redundant in the next 20 years.  The congregation is small, and funding such a building for so few is not something, realistically, the C of E is likely to continue.  What might then
happen to our church? Probably it would be sold as a private house, or just allowed to deteriorate.  I find this very, very sad.

The possibility of using the church as
a multi-function building is an exciting and realisable way of saving this
much-loved landmark, and providing a space for both religious and social
functions for us and our children, long into the future.