A "centuries-old" church is one step closer to overcoming a growing accessibility issue, thanks to a £1,000 donation from housebuilder, Redrow Eastern.
St Mary’s Church in Bocking has been facing increasing challenges with its ageing sound system, which has made it difficult for some worshippers and visitors to fully participate in services and events.
The issue has been particularly significant for those who rely on the church’s hearing loop.
Now, a contribution from Redrow Eastern’s Community Fund has brought the church significantly closer to its £3,000 fundraising target, helping to secure vital improvements that will benefit the congregation and wider community.
The church, which welcomes nearly 100 people across its Sunday services, plays a central role in Bocking life.
Alongside regular worship, it hosts weddings, christenings, funerals, charity events, concerts and a range of local activities throughout the year.
However, the current sound system has deteriorated over time, affecting audio quality throughout the building and limiting accessibility for some attendees.
The £1,000 donation will help accelerate plans to install a new system, which is expected to improve sound clarity across the church and ensure those with hearing impairments can fully engage with services and events.
Reverend Rod Reid of St Mary’s Church said the support would make a meaningful difference.
He said: “We are incredibly grateful to Redrow Eastern for this generous donation.
“St Mary’s plays an important role in the lives of many people across Bocking and the surrounding area.
“Our sound system has become increasingly unreliable and has started to affect accessibility within the church, particularly for those who rely on the hearing loop.
"This donation brings us significantly closer to our fundraising goal and means we can complete these important improvements much sooner than expected.”
Jody Bryant, Sales Director at Redrow Eastern, said the company was pleased to support such a well-used community space.
She added: “St Mary’s Church has been part of community life in Bocking for generations, supporting residents through Sunday services, family occasions, charity events and local gatherings.
“We’re pleased our Community Fund can help the church move closer to completing these important improvements, ensuring more people can hear clearly, feel included and continue enjoying this much-loved local space.”
In addition to its Community Fund, Redrow also supports organisations across Essex through the Barratt Redrow Foundation.
Since 2021, the foundation has donated more than £17.2 million to over 2,100 charities, supporting communities nationwide.
St Mary’s continues to fundraise towards its £3,000 target, with the new sound system expected to safeguard accessibility and inclusivity for years to come.
Share