A fundraising campaign to restore the Victorian chapel of the Seckford Almshouses in Woodbridge has been kickstarted with a generous £920 donation from The Company of Four theatre group.

The group collected the donation from audience members during their performances of Cinderella throughout February.

The refurbishment project will ensure residents can continue to enjoy the Grade II listed chapel with better disabled access, upgraded flooring and heating, and new seating.

The Chapel is used regularly for church services, concerts, funerals, carol services and the annual remembrance service. There will also be the potential for wider community groups and individuals to use the chapel for special events.

Sarah Kopferschmitt, head of Seckford Care, said: “Thank you to The Company of Four and to all audience members who very generously donated towards our historic chapel. Originally built in 1842, our chapel is a hidden gem in the heart of Woodbridge and we’re so pleased to see local people coming together to support us in refurbishing it for future generations to enjoy.”

As well as inviting community groups to fundraise for the chapel, the Seckford Almshouses have established a new Friends Group which will work together to organise fundraising events as well as research the intriguing history behind the Victorian chapel and cemetery.

The Seckford Almshouses are looking for local volunteers to join their Friends Group. To register your interest email friends@seckfordalmshouses.org.uk or call the Seckford Almshouses on 01394 386 520. Membership is free and members will enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour around the chapel to uncover it’s fascinating history.

The Seckford Almshouses and adjacent Jubilee House care home, run by Seckford Care and both rated ‘Outstanding’ by CQC, offer very sheltered and residential care for older people. Seckford Care is part of the Seckford Foundation, a registered charity. For more information visit www.seckfordalmshouses.org.uk.