There is once again a priest living in the rectory at Brampton Abbotts. The Reverend Canon Marvin Bamforth arrived in the area around three weeks ago, having moved from Lincoln with his wife, Sue.

Reverend Sarah Jones, Rector of St Mary’s Church, told the Gazette: “This represents something of a turnaround in fortune for the parish. The church building was in need of extensive repair and was closed around eight years ago. No worship went on in the village. People went to the other local village churches, such as Bridstow.”

She added: “We visited many homes in the area and started a service once a month in the Village Hall. This has sprung into life and we now have a vibrant community and an average of 22 people coming to the service each month. Marvin’s appointment is part of our effort to support the growth of this parish.”

Rev Jones was asked to look after the parish in 2015, and a cafe-style worship service was set up in Brampton Abbotts School and the Village Hall.

Last autumn, Rev’d Bamforth, who had been living in retirement, was flicking through the Church Times, when he came across two job adverts, both for assistant clergy in the Ross benefice, one at Walford, the other for Brampton Abbotts. He applied, was shortlisted, then interviewed and finally, offered the job.

Rev’d Bamforth said that although Brampton Abbotts Church is still unsafe, so services cannot be held there, services will continue once a fortnight, alternating between the hall and the school.

Rev’d Bamforth told the Gazette that he is pleased to be in the parish. He said that he and Sue had not known the area at all before they moved here, but he said: “Over the last 30 years, we’ve never has as a warm a welcome as we have here.”

Since he arrived in the parish, Rev’d Jones has been slowly easing him into his role. He has taken part in a couple of church services, one in Ross and one at Brampton Abbotts, but he has been focusing on getting to know people he will be working with in the community, including other members of the Ross clergy, and the local funeral directors.