Suffolk Churches Ride and Stride / Pedal and Drive 2024
The tyres are being pumped, the walking boots pulled from hall cupboards and the old cars are being polished for the big churches fundraiser on Saturday.
Over one hundred veteran and classic car owners have signed up for Pedal and Drive, the churches car rally, but the numbers of cyclists and walkers taking part will only be known after the event as anyone can take part in Ride and Stride, in return for donations or sponsorship. Hundreds of volunteers will be sitting in the 500 or so Suffolk churches, chapels and meeting houses taking part and they will welcome participants and provide refreshments.
“This is Suffolk Historic Churches Trust only fundraising event and it began in Suffolk in 1982, but is now run, always on the second Saturday in September, across the country. We especially wish good luck to our surrounding counties, Essex and Norfolk,” said Simon Ronan, the Chairman of Suffolk Churches Ride and Stride. “All cyclists and walkers can nominate which church will receive half their sponsor money while the other half comes to the Trust to give out as grants for church buildings. There is still time to get involved and the details are on our website or in participating churches.”
Last year, the September event raised a record £200,312.70, from people who chose their own route, some visiting just a few churches and others who undertake much longer journeys! Those on mobility scooters and electric bikes are also welcome and a photography competition for participants is also held, with details on the Trust website.
Suffolk Churches Pedal & Drive car rally, has the cars travelling a provided route from some of the county’s country houses, around a selection of churches, to then meet up in the afternoon in Lavenham.
Full details of how to take part in Ride and Stride and Pedal & Drive are on this Trust website, including sponsor forms and a list of participating churches.
Donations and sponsorship can be collected via Just Giving.
The event 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.