Walkers, cyclists, runners and vintage or classic car owners are invited to sign up to join others who love Suffolk and its history, at the annual September event, organised by Suffolk Historic Churches Trust. This year’s Suffolk Churches Ride and Stride and Pedal and Drive event, on Saturday 13th September, has been launched with the help of some Ipswich Town Football Club legends, now Ambassadors to the Club.
The ITFC Ambassadors, Simon Milton, Matt Holland and Peter Over, met Simon Ronan, the chairman of Suffolk Churches Ride and Stride, and Sarah Milner, the Ipswich Area Organiser at Portman Road for a photo shoot in the ground and to show their support for this annual event.
The team then went to St Mary at Stoke church, Ipswich, to help promote Pedal and Drive, a sister event to Suffolk Churches Ride and Stride, for vintage and classic cars. They were joined by Jono Benson’s Rolls Royce, and Rev. Kay Palmer.
Last year, the day’s fundraising raised £200,000 and, from the proceeds, the Suffolk Historic Churches Trust gives grants to Suffolk’s historic churches, chapels and meeting houses who need to make urgent repairs or improvements to their buildings.
On Ride and Stride Day, Saturday 13th September, the cyclists, and walkers get sponsored for their journey around some of Suffolk’s wonderful churches, choosing their own route, long or short. Half their fundraise goes to the Trust and half to the cyclists/walkers/runners chosen church.
Also, on the same day, Suffolk Churches Pedal & Drive, a vintage and classic car rally is held, with around 100 cars visiting a range of churches on a mystery quiz.
Sponsor forms are now available in Suffolk churches, and from the Trust. Full details are on the Trust website. Donations and sponsorship can also be collected via Just Giving.
“This is a wonderful day out with family and friends, to enjoy the Suffolk countryside, and to fundraise and help preserve our heritage in both town and country, of churches of all denominations,” said Simon Ronan, the Chairman of Suffolk Churches Ride and Stride. “Please come and enjoy the day, soak up the fresh air, enjoy the history of your locality, or even further afield. Seek out your generous friends and colleagues to sponsor you and support your efforts!”
Thousands of people across the country will take part in this event, which began in Suffolk in 1982. Over 500 Suffolk churches are involved and most are open to welcome participants with refreshments. As they journey on the route they have chosen, cyclists, walkers and runners will meet others taking part including families, local history lovers, church supporters and those who just enjoy an annual trip around the villages and towns of Suffolk.
A list of churches that are open is available on this Trust website, (click HERE), and from participating Suffolk churches. Cyclists and walkers can choose whichever churches they wish, and runners and disability scooters are welcome too. A photography competition for participants will also be held on the day and details are on the Trust website.
More details are available from SHCT Bike Ride Local Organisers, emailing shct@btconnect.com, phoning 01787 883884, or click HERE
Car owners should click HERE for more details .