The money raised in sponsorship and donations to Suffolk Historic Churches Trust, from their annual fundraising day, held every second Saturday in September, can now be revealed.
The cyclists, walkers, drivers and horse-riders together raised £212,020, beating last year’s amount.
Sponsor money is divided between a church, chapel or meeting hall of the participants choice, and the Trust who give grants towards essential church building repairs, conservation and to enable community use such as installing kitchens and toilets.
The one-day event includes Suffolk Churches Ride and Stride, for cyclists and walkers who choose their own routes, long or short, Pedal and Drive (for vintage and classic cars) and a new event, a Steeple to Steeple Ride for horse riders. These have allocated routes to travel.
”The Trustees are hugely grateful for the hard work of the volunteers who made it happen – the seven Pedal and Drive Committee members, 500 Area and Local Organisers of Ride and Stride, and the three organisers of the horse ride, plus the countless volunteers who sat in churches as welcomers,” said Geoffrey Probert, the Chairman of Suffolk Historic Churches Trust. “Thank you also to the hundreds of cyclists and walkers all over Suffolk (some of whom visited 30 plus churches), the 110 car drivers who took part, and the 27 riders who rallied to the cause, some quite saddle sore after 17 miles!”
A popular day amongst both church goers, people who love local history, and those who just like a challenge, next year the events will be held on Saturday 12th September and all are welcome to take part. Details will be on this website.