Northamptonshire Historic Churches Trust
Ride and Stride 2020 Saturday 12th September, 10am to 6pm
All a bit different this year, but we are really hoping now that churches will be open by 12th September and that Ride + Stride goes ahead with the same format as usual, but with social distancing, people using sanitiser and reduced refreshments. 2019 was a record breaking year with £45,286 raised, including Gift Aid. All this sponsorship money goes to help with the preservation of the great inheritance of Northamptonshire’s churches.
Ride + Stride is the main fund raising event for the Northamptonshire Historic Churches Trust (NHCT), where participants are sponsored to cycle or walk between as many churches and chapels as they choose.
Last year 336 churches took part with 3,270 visits to churches; many family groups took part, but also ‘serious’ cyclists where it is the thrill of the chase that is important. So many more have taken up cycling during lockdown, that we hope we will be encouraging newcomers to take up the challenge.
Where does the money go?
The NHCT keeps its admin costs to a minimum; all the work is undertaken by volunteers. Half the money raised by individual churches is returned to the church raising the money and all the money retained goes towards grants for the care of churches in Northamptonshire.
In recent years the NHCT has made total grants to Northamptonshire churches of the order of £50,000 a year; this has really helped churches to make signifi cant improvements to the fabric of their buildings, many of which are supported by small, but loyal, congregations. In addition to repairs to the churches and their monuments and stained glass and roof alarms to help stop lead theft, the Trust has also helped with making the best use of churches for today’s needs with installation of heating, lighting and facilities.
How can you help?
So, fi nd your maps - choose a route to suit your group - and set out across Northamptonshire’s welcoming landscape to visit as many of our historic churches as you can. You can walk or cycle as little or as far as you like, and visit just a few churches - ‘a brilliant day out!’
This year there are 327 churches open across the county. Do take your own refreshments this year but many will still be offering a warm welcome. If you would like more information do look for the poster around your local church or look on the website www.nhct.org.uk. Just a short ride around churches in your area on Saturday 12th September and a few sponsors and you could really help to preserve our wonderful churches.
Northamptonshire Historic Churches Trust Registered Charity No 1021632 www.nhct.org.uk
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