Fundraising Concerts at St Edmunds Church Aim to Create Accessibility for All
St Edmunds Church in Acle is embarking on a heartfelt mission to become fully accessible to everyone, including electric wheelchair users. The initiative, known as Access4Acle, was born from a personal tragedy when Diane Wynne-Fitzgerald’s husband suffered a serious fall from an unsuitable access ramp at the church. “He broke several bones and was in hospital for 6 weeks,” explains Diane, who serves as both churchwarden and PCC Secretary. Following the incident, the ramp was condemned, leaving her husband with no choice but to remain in the church porch during services. This powerful personal connection has fueled Diane’s determination to transform the church into a welcoming space where everyone can participate fully in community worship and events.
To turn this vision into reality, the church has organized a series of fundraising concerts that promise not only to raise essential funds but also to bring the community together through shared cultural experiences. The first upcoming event features award-winning pianist, teacher, and composer Chris Green-Armytage, who will perform a piano recital titled “From Bach to Bartok” on Sunday, April 26th at 2:30 PM. This journey through classical piano works offers attendees a chance to experience masterpieces spanning centuries of musical development. Tickets for this refined afternoon of music are available online at ticketsource.co.uk/access4acle for £12.50, or can be purchased at the door for £15, with all tickets including refreshments during the interval to enhance the social aspect of the gathering.
The musical journey continues the following month when Gorleston Community Choir takes the stage with their performance “Voices in Time – A Musical Journey Through the 80’s and 90’s.” Scheduled for Sunday, May 24th at 2:30 PM, this nostalgic concert will feature beloved tunes from two decades rich in musical innovation and cultural significance. Tickets for this event are priced at £10, which also includes refreshments, creating an opportunity for community members to connect while supporting a worthy cause. For those wishing to take the music home, CDs will be available for purchase at £10. The accessible pricing of both events demonstrates the organizers’ commitment to creating inclusive community experiences while raising funds for their important accessibility project.
The Access4Acle project represents more than just physical modifications to a building; it embodies a deeper commitment to inclusion and dignity for all community members. When Diane’s husband fell from the inadequate ramp in 2024, it highlighted a gap in accessibility that many churches and historical buildings face: how to maintain architectural heritage while ensuring modern standards of accessibility. The project aims to create a step-free environment throughout St Edmunds Church, allowing everyone, regardless of mobility challenges, to participate fully in religious services and community events. This transformation speaks to broader societal conversations about inclusion and the importance of adapting historical spaces to meet the needs of all community members, recognizing that accessibility is a fundamental aspect of human dignity and community belonging.
The choice of music for these fundraising events reflects a thoughtful consideration of community interests and cultural engagement. From the classical sophistication of Chris Green-Armytage’s piano recital to the popular nostalgic appeal of the Gorleston Community Choir’s performance of 80s and 90s music, the organizers have created a diverse program that appeals to different generations and musical preferences. This approach not only maximizes attendance but also reinforces the message that St Edmunds Church is a space for everyone. Located on Norwich Road in Acle (NR13 3BU), the historic church is poised to become a model for how religious institutions can honor their heritage while embracing modern standards of accessibility and inclusion, creating spaces where community members of all abilities can gather for worship, cultural events, and social connection.
Looking beyond these initial events, Diane Wynne-Fitzgerald is already planning additional fundraising activities for June and September, demonstrating a sustained commitment to seeing this project through to completion. The ongoing nature of these efforts reflects the reality that meaningful accessibility improvements require substantial resources and community support. For those interested in learning more about the Access4Acle project or supporting these efforts, Diane can be contacted directly at 07969 341943. Similarly, those wishing to learn more about featured performer Chris Green-Armytage can visit his website at chrisgreenarmytage.com. This grassroots campaign exemplifies how local communities can come together to address practical challenges while celebrating shared cultural experiences, proving that accessibility improvements benefit not just those with mobility challenges but enhance the experience of the entire community by ensuring everyone can participate fully in the life of this historic church.
