Snettisham memorial pavilion has literally been at the centre of village life for over 70 years, supporting sports for all ages, the village school and pre-school and regular community events on its adjacent playing field, overlooked by the c.13th century church.

It is rather unique, as of over 90,000 war memorials on the UK register, it is one of only 63 that has a year round functional community use. It was funded by  public donations in 1949 and built voluntarily by returning veterans and the young of the village to honour Snettisham’s 15 WW2 fallen, opening its doors in 1950 having been blessed as a ‘memorial’ by the Bishop of Norwich at a large public event.

However, despite its much loved and much used status time has taken its toll and it now sadly does not comply with numerous modern standards and it cannot fulfil its worthy purpose with many now unable to use it. The many sports, child coaching sessions and events taking place are now doing so despite of, not because of this vital building and new ones cannot be added.

Planning permission has been granted for a sympathetic upgrade to restore this historic pavilion  to what was originally intended by villagers before us and to allow it to take pride of place once more and a fundraising committee has been formed under the patronage of Norfolk’s Lord Lieutenant to raise the significant funds needed. At its launch in November many villagers attended to show their support. 

We are currently bidding for £50k of funding from the Borough Council set aside to support ‘community infrastructure’ - as we believe there is nothing more critical to our community at present. All applications have to be received for this by the end of January. The guidance notes for applicants ask for a demonstration of public support for schemes and suggest a petition is an effective method. 

By signing this petition you are really helping us, this rare pavilion and Snettisham for years to come as only through your signature can we present the strongest evidence of support with our application. 

Thank you