An annual survey of churches in the UK shows that many are being shut and abandoned. “One survey estimates that the rate of newly redundant churches will double to 60 a year, as a result of dwindling attendance and changing centres of population.” So what can be done with the buildings? “Centuries ago the naves of many churches were used as meeting halls, as places where local business took place, or simply where people went on a daily basis to gossip and exchange views. ‘I see no reason why the naves of many churches cannot function in the same way today – almost as a parish hall. Let us let the people back in’.”