By James Simons-
A historic church nestled in the heart of Woodbridge is turning to art and community spirit in a bid to secure essential funds for a new heating system.
St Mary’s Church, a Grade I listed building known for its heritage and role as a hub for worshippers and visitors alike, has launched a prize draw offering supporters the chance to win an original painting by renowned British artist Maggi Hambling.
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The initiative has captured attention not only for its creative approach to fundraising but also for the significance of the artwork being offered.
The painting, titled Fireworks Above the Sea, was generously donated by Hambling, a Suffolk-born artist celebrated for her evocative seascapes and contemporary works that feature in major collections worldwide.
Organisers of the raffle hope that the appeal of owning one of her pieces will help attract widespread participation and propel the church towards its fundraising target.
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With ticket sales priced at £10 each and the draw set for 5 March 2026, the campaign reflects both the pressing financial needs of the parish and the strong community backing for preserving the church’s future.
St Mary’s Church has long been a fixture in Woodbridge, not only as a place of worship but also as a venue for cultural events, concerts and tourist visitation. The church’s flint exterior and historic interior have drawn admiration for generations, and the parish now faces the challenge of maintaining this cherished space in changing times.
The current fundraising effort stems from the urgent need to replace the church’s heating system after the old gas boiler failed. With spare parts no longer available and environmental considerations pressing, the parish has opted to pursue a low-carbon heat pump installation that supports both sustainability goals and comfort for users.
The overall cost of the heating project is estimated to exceed £200,000. Parish volunteers and supporters have already managed to raise a portion of that total through donations, existing funds and grassroots efforts.
Yet a shortfall remains, prompting the decision to launch the painting raffle in hopes of bridging the gap. Church leaders believe the combination of community involvement and the allure of Hambling’s artwork will help propel the campaign forward.
Community Effort Meets Artistic Generosity
The raffle represents an unconventional but strategically creative approach to raising funds at a time when many parish churches are confronting significant financial pressures.
Rising energy costs, coupled with the need to modernise aging infrastructure, have placed a strain on congregations that often rely heavily on donations and voluntary efforts to sustain operations. In this context, the promise of a major work of art has offered a focal point for community engagement and generosity.
Maggi Hambling’s participation in the initiative adds symbolic weight to the appeal. Born in Sudbury in Suffolk, Hambling’s artistic career spans decades, and she is widely regarded for both her expressive seascapes and her notable public sculptures, including the celebrated Scallop on Aldeburgh beach a tribute to composer Benjamin Britten.
Her decision to donate Fireworks Above the Sea represents a meaningful contribution to a local cause that aligns with her regional roots.
Local residents have rallied around the campaign, purchasing tickets online and through the church shop. The painting itself is one of a series inspired by radiant bursts of colour against marine backdrops, reflecting both a lyrical connection to Suffolk’s coastal vistas and a creative energy that resonates with supporters.
Organisers have emphasised that the prize draw is open to all, and the announcement of the winner is anticipated to be a moment of celebration for both the church and the broader Woodbridge community.
The timing of the raffle dovetails with a broader national conversation about how historic places of worship can sustain themselves in an era of rising costs and shrinking resources. Many churches across the United Kingdom have turned to diverse fundraising strategies, from heritage lottery grants to community events and charity auctions.
For St Mary’s, the integration of a high-profile artwork into its fundraising repertoire highlights both the resourcefulness of its supporters and the value placed on preserving the physical fabric of the building for future generations.
Church leaders have also underscored the importance of completing the heating project in time to ensure comfort and usability throughout the year. The installation of a modern, eco-friendly system would not only provide warmth but also align with the Church of England’s broader commitments to environmental stewardship and net-zero carbon emissions.
The parish hopes to protect St. Mary’s long-term sustainability as a community facility by replacing its antiquated gas boiler with a greener one.
Beyond its immediate practical implications, the heating upgrade carries symbolic significance. For many congregants, the church represents a cornerstone of community life a place where generations have marked baptisms, weddings, funerals and celebrations that knit together the tapestry of local life.
Ensuring that this heritage site remains comfortable and accessible reflects a commitment to maintaining that continuity amidst evolving needs and economic realities.
In the weeks and months ahead, parish volunteers are planning additional outreach to promote the raffle and encourage participation from households across Suffolk and beyond. The campaign has already attracted attention from art enthusiasts, community advocates and local media, elevating conversations about the intersection between cultural assets and civic support.
In this regard, the raffle serves as more than a fundraiser; it has become a conduit for storytelling about the values that bind a community together.
While fundraising efforts such as this inevitably involve an element of uncertainty, optimism runs high among those involved in the initiative.
Many have expressed hope that the combined efforts of ticket buyers and donors will allow the church to not only complete the heating project but also embark on future improvements that enhance its utility for worshippers and visitors alike.
The pending draw in March 2026 represents a milestone in that journey, carrying with it shared anticipation and collective investment in the church’s future.
As ticket sales continue, the story of St Mary’s Church’s raffle stands as a testament to the power of creative fundraising and the enduring role of art as a catalyst for communal support.
Whether through the brushstrokes of Maggi Hambling’s painting or the energy of those who have rallied behind this cause, the campaign illustrates how heritage, culture and compassion can converge to sustain cherished institutions.
With the success of the painting raffle will be measured not just in funds raised but in the strengthened bonds of community the collective effort to preserve a beloved landmark and ensure that its doors remain open, its walls warm and its legacy intact for future generations.
Each raffle ticket purchased, supporters are contributing not only to a practical necessity but to a narrative of resilience and shared purpose at the heart of Woodbridge.
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