As Suffolk Historic Churches Trust prepare for their annual and only fundraising event, Suffolk Churches Ride and Stride and Pedal & Drive, walkers, cyclists and drivers across Suffolk are preparing for the big day. Most will not be wearing clown costumes on Saturday 14th September though!
The volunteer Area Organiser for the Colneys Deanery (Felixstowe and Woodbridge), Ian Angus, has persuaded a team of six cyclists to dress up for their cycle ride. Two of them, Anton Zinchuk, from Levington and Patrick Angus from Shropshire, surprised Ride and Stride chairman, Simon Ronan, as they took a training ride near Hemley Church.
“I thought it would be an eye-catching bit of fun on the day and wanted to show Simon in advance what we are planning,” Ian laughed. “The clowns are planning to ride to all the Colneys Deanery’s churches, and they are raising money for all the churches, who can sponsor the clowns. 50% goes to the Trust but the other 50% goes back to the church which donated it.”
clowns
Many of churches that will be open on the day to welcome people don’t have anyone to take part in Ride and Stride, and Ian has found a way so that churches in his area in that situation can also benefit financially as donations can be made to the team of clowns.
Over 500 churches across the county will be open to welcome walkers, cyclists, and vintage and veteran cars. Last year, the September event raised a record £200,312.70, which is being given in grants to Suffolk historic churches, chapels and meeting houses who need to make urgent repairs or improvements to their buildings.
“Ian has persuaded me to join in his mad idea,” said Simon Ronan, Chairman of Suffolk Churches Ride and Stride. “And my wife insists there is a suitable costume for me in the family dressing up box. I want to reassure anyone who is planning to take part in our event that fancy dress is definitely optional!”
On Suffolk Churches Ride and Stride Day, half the money participants raise goes to the Trust, and half to their chosen church, after they get sponsored on their journey around some of Suffolk’s churches, choosing their own route, long or short. Those on mobility scooters and electric bikes are also welcome.
On the same day, Suffolk Churches Pedal & Drive, a vintage and classic car rally, is held with cars travelling a provided route, around a selection of churches, meeting up in the afternoon in Lavenham.
Details of how to take part in Ride and Stride and Pedal & Drive are on the Trust website, including sponsor forms and a list of participating churches.
Donations and sponsorship can be collected via Just Giving. A photography competition for participants is also held and details are also on the Trust website.
The annual ride, began in Suffolk in 1982 but has now spread across England, appeals to families, local history lovers, keen cyclists and walkers, church supporters and those who just enjoy a day out around the villages and towns of Suffolk.
To take part in Suffolk Churches Ride and Stride click here
To take part in Pedal & Drive click here