Lifeline for Castle Combe Museum?

The museum, thought to be the smallest in the UK, was housed in a tiny building at the top of the village for more than 30 years.

It was forced to close after the owner reclaimed the building and many of the artefacts which had been collected over the years were put into storage.
But it could be back up and running in the near future after St Andrew’s Church announced it could be housed on its land.

The church is looking into the possibility of building an extension on its existing premises to form a heritage centre.

Church warden Sally Constable said: “We were looking at our 10-year plan and thinking about what improvements we could make to the church and thought about putting in a small kitchen and a toilet.

“Then it was suggested we could incorporate the museum into it.
“It would enable the museum to be open more often, as the church is open every day.

“We get thousands of visitors here from all over the world and it would be great if they could visit the church and museum together.”

The museum had limited open times in its previous building, restricting it to Sunday afternoons and only during certain months.

The church is now looking into funding possibilities for the proposed extension.
Mrs Constable, who has lived in Castle Combe for 18 years, said the news had been met with delight by most people in the village.

She said: “The museum meant a great deal to the residents of the village and everyone was disappointed when it closed.

“I haven’t met any opposition to the idea being proposed when I have discussed it with people so far.

“I feel this is a real opportunity for the church and the museum to come together and make something really special for everyone. It seems to be the perfect moment
for it.”

The church is holding its annual fete on Saturday, which will double up as a fundraising event for the new project.

It takes place between noon and 4pm and there will be stalls, home-made cakes and duck races on the river.