Congratulations to John Barrable (aged 13) from Belchamp St. Paul, Sudbury who has won this year’s Suffolk Churches Ride and Stride photography competition, and a £75 book token.
John Barrable, at St Mary’s, Hawkeden, winner of this years photo competiton
John was taking part again in the fundraising event that he last did when younger, and his sponsor money will be divided between Suffolk Historic Churches Trust and Clare Baptist Church. In one day, he cycled between 11 churches (44km by bike), visiting Belchamp St Paul, Pentlow, Cavendish, Boxted , Somerton , Rede, Hawkedon, Denston, Stansfield, Poslingford and Clare.
To be the winner of the photography competition the entrant had to submit a set of six photos, taken on Ride and Stride Day 2022, comprising a church or chapel door, a church window a memorial plate, plaque or gravestone, and a photo of a non-conformist church (ie, not Church of England but Methodist, Baptist, Unitarian Meeting House, etc). The final two photos were one of themselves ( a selfie) and a free choice… whatever they wished to mark about their day.
The independent judge (a professional artist and church lover) said she liked John’s unusual selection, especially the very ancient little door, the tiny window (when most people photographed a stained glass window), and the gravestone, with its bones and the view behind.
CavendishPentlowHawkedenHawkedenSomerton Denston
John’s winning set of images.
There is one further prize of £25 book token for an individual photo, and that was won by Derek Worrall from Ipswich with his view of the inside of St Andrew’s Church in Felixstowe. Church. The judge said she loved the symmetrical lines and how the viewers eye was led to the window by the angled beams. It also was the fact it was such a different view of the first church in England to be built from concrete, usually photographed outside.
St Andrew’s Church, Felixstowe (by Derek Worall)
Derek chose to give 50% of his fundraising to Tattingstone church. He is spending his book voucher on Glory, Azure and Gold: The Stained-Glass Windows of Thomas Denny, 2020 – very appropriate!
A selection of the photographs entered into the competition are on the Ride and Stride page of this website. Some have not yet been identified and we ask the photographers to contact us as soon as possible with the locations.
Prizes were donated by a supporter of the Suffolk Historic Churches Trust, which gives grants for church buildings. Next year, Suffolk Churches Ride and Stride will be held on Saturday 9th September.
On Saturday 10th September the annual Suffolk Historic Churches Trust’s annual fundraiser was held and cyclists, walkers and drivers journeyed around Suffolk’s churches.
Car, cyclists, and volunteer signer-in at Onehouse church (photo by Paul Page).
“As the Royal Patron of the National Churches Trust since 1953 we know our work was close to HM the Queen’s heart,” said Geoffrey Probert, Chairman of Suffolk Historic Churches Trust. “We decided to go ahead with our plans and asked those taking part to remember her on their journey, to reflect upon her life of service, to say a prayer for her soul in every church they visit and to sign any Book of Condolences they find.”
Suffolk Churches Ride and Stride event has sponsored walkers and cyclists who choose their route, as long or as short as they wish. For the sister event, Pedal and Drive, vintage and classic cars are given a set route around six churches, leaving from five country houses, finally meeting up in Lavenham.
Over 100 cars took part, some with black ribbons attached, while Ride and Stride was supported by several thousand cyclists, walkers and volunteers in churches and chapels. All denominations took part and many of those participating are not members of church congregations but wish to help preserve the historic religious buildings in their community.
In the Felixstowe area a group of cyclists from Levington church, included two who are living in the area from war-torn Ukraine who rode, draped in their country’s flag.
In Bury St Edmunds, Rosie from Whepstead Methodist Church, who had intended to ride her bicycle as part of Ride and Stride, took to a rickshaw after she broke her leg. Peddled by family friend Sharon Steed, younger brother Hadley had the job of running onto churches to get their sponsor form signed.
Several of the cars from Pedal and Drive found they met up with cyclists on their journey.
A rota of volunteers ensured those arriving at churches, chapels and Meeting Houses were greeted as their sponsor forms were signed
Last year, the one-day event raised over £110,000.
Participants in Ride and Stride can nominate the church they wish half of their sponsor money to go to. The remainder is given in grants for church buildings, throughout the year, by Suffolk Historic Churches Trust. The final figure for money raised this year will be known later in the year, when all the sponsor money is collected.
Next year the Suffolk Churches fundraising day will be on Saturday 9th September.
Cyclists, walkers and drivers taking part in the SHCT’s annual fundraiser on Saturday September 10th are asked to remember HM the Queen as they visit Suffolk churches.
Amongst the thousands of other tributes, the Suffolk Historic Churches Trust adds our deeply felt thanks and respect for HM Queen Elizabeth’s seventy remarkable years of service. As the Royal Patron of the National Churches Trust since 1953 we know our work was close to her heart.
Following yesterday’s very sad news the Trustees weighed the matter and concluded that rather than cancel the planned events on Saturday September 10th we should see them as a tribute to her.
So, we encourage our bikers, walkers, drivers and all our supporters to come out on the day in the spirit that it is a tribute to her, to reflect upon her inestimable life of service as they make their way from church to church, to say a prayer for her soul in every church they visit and to sign any Book of Condolences they find.
Of course, we recognise that there will be some who will feel it is more appropriate not to participate and we respect their personal choice.
We are so sorry to hear that Bill Turnbull, the broadcaster and Suffolk resident, has died. He was so friendly when he helped us launch 2021 Suffolk Churches Ride and Stride. Even in the midst of treatment for cancer he wouldn’t let us down. We ended up raising £210k in one day and it was in a huge part to the publicity he gave us by attending the launch at St John’s church in Badingham. He was a real gentleman.
Bill Turnbull
Bill said at the time: “This is a very good cause, and it combines two of the things that Suffolk should be proud of – countryside that people can cycle around and terrific churches. Churches need the help and it’s a fun way to raise funds. I’m not in the position to cycle at the moment but, as soon as I can, I’m going to get on a bike and do it myself. It gets people out in the fresh air and, fingers crossed, it will be a lovely day ..and people will learn a lot too.”
We also heard that our long-time supporter, 100 year old cyclist Norman Gregory has died recently.
Norman Gregory and Norman Kelly in 2021
“I have been taking part for thirteen or fourteen years,” explained 99-year-old Norman Gregory. “I cycle with my friend Norman Kelly, and we raised £4,500 this year, cycled 35 miles, and visited 12 churches. The sponsor money is for the Suffolk Historic Churches Trust and St Peters church in Cockfield, where I live. In total in 2020, I cycled 5,000 miles but this year it is only about 200 so far – but I have had a bit of bike trouble!”
As the big fundraising day approaches there are always a few changes to the list of churches taking part. Some have joined in a little late for the published list while others find they can’t open after all… sometimes because there is a wedding taking place! Please check below.
Many people walking or cycling around Suffolk on Ride and Stride Day like to take photos so we have a competition. The lucky winner/s will be contacted and will also be announced on our website, and in Ride and Stride publicity.
Entry is free, but we ask that you are sponsored by family and friends on your journey. (We give grants to help preserve our beautiful church buildings.) There is a sponsor form on www.shct.org.uk or you can fundraise via www.justgiving.com/suffolkhistoricchurches.
The prize is a £75 voucher, for the best set of photos, and £25 voucher for the best individual photo. (They may be taken by the same person of course!) The prizes are kindly sponsored by a supporter.
The six photos to be taken on Ride and Stride Day 2022 will be of:
A church or chapel door
A memorial plate, plaque or gravestone
A non-conformist church (ie, not Church of England but Methodist, Baptist, Unitarian Meeting House, etc)
A church window.
A free choice… whatever you wish to mark about your day.
A selfie of you celebrating outside a church when you complete your journey. (Cheers, waves and excitement are encouraged!)
The submitted photos may be used for publicity for the Trust, encouraging others to support our work, and the photographer will be credited when any are used.
Please take your six photos on Saturday 10th September, Ride and Stride Day, then email (by the closing date, 20.9.2022) to shct@btconnect.com An independent judge will choose the winners. Good luck!
On the Monday 10th October 2022 at 6.30pm, at Haughley Park Barns, the Suffolk Historic Churches Trust will hold their annual meeting for Friends (members) of the Trust.
The speaker will be Mark Bailey, a professor of late medieval history at UEA. He wrote “After the Black Death” in 2021 and will be talking to the Friends of SHCT on the Black Death in East Anglia.
Prof. Mark Bailey
Mark is a visiting professor to All Souls, Oxford, an ex-head master at Leeds Grammar School, and ex-head master at St. Paul’s. He is a past student of Ipswich School, a graduate of Durham University, and gained a doctorate from Cambridge University.
Mark gained 7 international rugby caps for England, playing on the wing. He played cricket for Suffolk, and captained the side in 1988-90 and was a double blue in cricket and rugby at Cambridge.
Friends of the Trust will receive an invitation. More details can be obtained and places booked via shct@btconnect.com.
Organised by Suffolk Historic Churches Trust (SHCT), Suffolk Churches Ride and Stride, and Pedal & Drive sees several thousand cyclists and walkers of all ages, (and drivers of vintage and classic cars) taking part in the annual fundraising event for the repair and upkeep of Suffolk churches on Saturday 10th September 2022
Ipswich launch (L-R) Simon Ronan (Ride and Stride chairman), Deputy Pastor Wale, Curtis Blanc, Tessa Forsdike (Local Area Organiser)
On Tuesday 5TH July the rapper and music producer Curtis Blanc, from the International Church, in Ipswich, launched Suffolk Churches Ride and Stride 2022, at his church in the town centre, along with other walkers and cyclists. Curtis Blanc is the founder of Tisrespect, with over 10 years of music industry experience is extremely passionate about local music and his team are dedicated to building a platform for shaping the positive role models and entertainers of tomorrow.
Pakenham launch (L-R) Edward and Miranda Mason, Simon Ronan, (Ride and Stride Chairman), Chris Burn-Murdoch, Christopher Spicer (Local Area Organiser) and David West.
In the afternoonthe sister eventPedal and Drive 2022 was launched at St Mary’s church, Pakenham, near Bury St Edmunds.
Edward and Miranda Mason (and their dog Poppy) came in their 1931 low chassis Lagonda to join Pakenham to join Bike Ride chairman Simon Ronan, local organiser Christopher Spicer, and representatives of walkers and cyclists.
On 10th September, the Ipswich International Church in Burlington Road will be taking part in Suffolk Churches Ride and Stride for the first time, and will welcome visitors walking or cycling around the town as part of the event.
“The Churches Bike Ride last September around Suffolk’s many churches of all denominations, both ancient and contemporary, raised yet another record fundraising – being in excess of £205,000. We thank all those who participated and helped make this such a success. The leading area, Saxmundham, raised over £11,000! “ said Simon Ronan, the Chairman of Suffolk Churches Ride and Stride . “Over 400 churches and chapels opened their doors and welcomed riders and walkers, and wheel-chairs users. This is a huge effort of organisation and commitment for which the Trust is truly grateful. We much look forward to the continued support the event has attracted over the years, a sunny day, lots of cyclists and walkers, and to yet another record. It is a day to enjoy the county’s heritage, a family day out, a day of exercise, discovery, companionship, village and town participation, and lastly, generosity, both in time and donation.”
Cyclists and walkers get sponsors or donations for their journey around some of Suffolk’s churches, choosing their own route, long or short. The money they raise help save this wonderful part of our history, with half going to the Trust to give out as grants for church buildings, and half to the cyclists/walkers chosen church. Hundreds of churches will be open to welcome participants on Saturday 11th September.
Also, on the same day, the Suffolk Churches vintage and classic car rally is held with the cars travelling a provided route, around a selection of churches, ending at Lavenham.
Sponsor forms are now available in Suffolk churches, and from the Trust website. Donations and sponsorship can also be collected via Just Giving. More details are now available from SHCT Ride and Stride local organisers, by email shct@btconnect.com , by phoning 01787 883884 or www.shct.org.uk
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 an annual trip around the villages and towns of Suffolk.
A list of churches that are open is available on the Trust website, www.shct.org.uk and from participating Suffolk churches. Cyclists and walkers can choose whichever churches they wish, and disability scooters are welcome too. A photography competition for participants will also be held and details are on the Trust website.
On the same day, the Suffolk Churches vintage and classic car Pedal and Drive event is held.
“Suffolk Historic Churches Trust is so grateful for the drivers who turn out and help us raise our target £200,000 which in turn is money to help all those who care for Suffolk’s wonderful legacy of church buildings.,” said Trust Chairman and organiser of Pedal & Drive, Geoffrey Probert. “It is the fourth year of Pedal & Drive, which is always great fun with its combination of starting out from historic country homes, the meander across Suffolk dropping in on churches and the rally finale at Lavenham. We hope to see some new cars this year! Entry forms on the SHCT website.”
THE ANNUAL RIDE & STRIDE and PEDAL & DRIVE 10th SEPTEMBER
Ride & Stride participants nominate a church or chapel to receive half their sponsor money, and the other half goes to the Trust. The Trust’s share will be given as grants to help communities restore or improve churches and chapels of all denominations.
Over 500 churches across Suffolk take part in the fundraising day which is organised by a vast team of volunteers and is supported by many non-church-goers. Participants in Ride & Stride chose their own route around Suffolk’s churches, visiting as many or as few as they wish. For the fourth year, Ride & Stride will be joined by Pedal & Drive. Vintage and classic cars set off from selected venues in Suffolk to enjoy a given route around selected churches whilst competing in a quiz and photo competition.
More details about Ride & Stride and Pedal & Drive are on their tabs above.
Dr Richard Hoggett, and the statue of St Edmund by Elizabeth Frink.
In order to have any understanding of the magnificence of the Benedictine Abbey that once dominated Bury St Edmunds and the surrounding area, one requires a good imagination and a first class tutor. As individuals we did allow our imaginations full rein on Saturday 21st May at our first post pandemic Field Day, but the scholarship was provided by Dr Richard Hoggett who led our morning session and breathed life into the meagre remains of this once great site.
Dr. Hoggett is a freelance heritage consultant with a deep knowledge and understanding of archaeology who assisted with the production of a report into the significance of the Abbey in time for its millennial anniversary in 2020. There may not be a great deal to see but it is extraordinary how the story came to life with his skilful guidance.
There may have been an Anglo Saxon monastery on the site but it was in 1020 the foundations of the Benedictine Abbey were laid and from the remains it is obvious that Pilgrimage to this site to visit the Shrine of Edmund was anticipated, it was in fact to become one of the foremost destinations for Pilgrims in Europe. Nearly every medieval King made the pilgrimage, Parliament met there, and it is claimed that here the Barons met on their way to Runnymede with Magna Carta.
All that remains to show the quality of the building is the Norman Tower which is faced with dressed stone and gives a hint of just how large and magnificent would have been the Abbey Church. Construction on that building started in 1080 and developed into one of the largest churches in western Christendom. The whole site was huge but it has been broken up over the intervening centuries so it is difficult to really appreciate its extent and the size and quality of the many buildings that existed.
The Abbey was home to about 80 monks whose daily needs were well provided for but it was the Abbot who lived in a manner which befitted a haughty prelate who owned most of West Suffolk, and bowed to no authority on earth except that of the Pope and perhaps the King with whom all abbots maintained close ties. Indeed Mary Tudor, Henry VIII’s sister was buried in the Abbey and was removed to St Mary’s at the time of the Dissolution.
Being both arrogant and greedy did not endear the Abbot and his team to the local population indeed their authority was so tyrannical that there were at least 3 major riots when the Abbey precincts were breached and buildings damaged and it is Dr Hoggett’s contention that after the Dissolution the destruction of the Abbey was so comprehensive because it was carried out by a resentful populous delighted to be relieved of an overbearing lord. It is worth noting that the gateways into the Abbey Precincts were constructed as military defences complete with arrow slits!
As more than one person said to me “I shall never be able to walk through these ruins without remembering those turbulent times”. And of course the enigma of Edmund remains. I hope he is somewhere within the precincts of the Abbey resting in peace.
In the afternoon we walked the short distance to a magnificent building which requires no imagination to appreciate its extraordinary beauty, for there is St Mary’s where Mary Tudor rests and medieval angels adorn the hammer beam roof of the nave and guard this sacred space as they have done for at least 500 years.
Our guide for the afternoon was a long standing and valued supporter of the Trust, a noted local historian and church expert, Clive Paine ably assisted by his wife Christine.
Although St Mary’s was within the Abbey precincts it was financed by local people, not the Abbey although, the priest, appointed by the Abbot would have been responsible for the repair of the Chancel. The church we see now evolved from about 1140 to the Mid C15th and was gradually embellished, stripped at the Reformation, and restored thereafter to its current beauty.
There is much to see and appreciate in this glorious building, but it was the details of the roofs which we had come to see. Of course, one cannot appreciate the detail from the floor and even with binoculars it is difficult to see everything but Clive had done the hard work for us and we were to benefit from his research.
In the nave it is a C15th single hammer beam with 11 pairs of life sized angels. The first pair formed a Canopy of Honour over the Rood. The remaining 10 pairs show a procession of honour of the Assumption as would have been seen on 15th August each year.
We were able to appreciate the detail as Clive had pictures and thanks to the antics of an enthusiastic cleaner with some chimney brushes trying to dust the roof, one Angel lost a hand as it fell to the floor. This is now housed in a display case so one can appreciate the detailed workmanship which, after all, the craftsmen thought no-one would ever view at close quarters! Added to all this magnificent work there are over 400 carvings on the roof including saints, prophets, and angels. Birkin Haward described them as “…..one of the most extensive and finest collection of 15th century woodcarvings in England”.
Then we moved to the Chancel with its wagon roof: brightly coloured and glorious. Amongst other beautiful decorations there are 198 carved and coloured bosses. Some of these are symmetrical and carvings include angels, bishops, a fox, three rabbits, owls, dogs, dragons, fish, humans, leaves and flowers: an amazing array. The roof was restored in 1880 and 1968.
In the Sanctuary is the grave of Mary Tudor with its slightly unusual marble kerb on two sides added in 1904 when King Edward VII decided it did not look regal enough.
Finally we looked at the Chantry Chapel, of John Baret, a major benefactor of the church and who died in 1467. He left precise instructions as to how his chantry was to be decorated most especially a roof by Henry Peyntour which has six decorated panels. Where the lozenge patterns intersect is a gold star at the centre of which is a small concave piece of glass which appear to twinkle like the stars in heaven.
Part of the original decoration included tongues of fire made from lead. Over the centuries these had deteriorated and were finally removed and their place taken by paint. Some of the tongues are lodged with the V and A and Clive was able to show us two of the original flames. The workmanship viewed at close quarters was quite moving. The roof was restored in 1968 by John Kursk and is deservedly considered to be one of the outstanding features of the church.
We ran out of time well before we had examined all the treasures of this lovely church. If you are in Bury and have some time to spare do go to St Mary’s you will not be disappointed and Clive’s excellent Guide Book will make sure you miss nothing.
We had an enthralling and exhausting day and had seen and heard much to make us think. We look forward to seeing you all at the Study Day in March next year.
