Ride + Stride 2017- Gloucestershire Historic Churches Trust

This year’s Ride + Stride takes place on September 9, so now is a great time to start encouraging participation. People can seek sponsorship to ride, walk, or drive between local churches. The money raised is split between the Trust, which awards grants to churches needing repairs or improvements, and the participant’s nominated church. Last year the event raised almost £50,000 and GHCT handed out £130,000 in grants.

GHCT has nearly every church in the region mapped at www.ghct.org.uk and is urging churches to open on the day to welcome visitors. Please contact the County Organiser Glenn at rideandstride@ghct.org.uk with updates to your church’s opening times and facilities and for more information. If your church doesn’t yet have a local organiser please encourage people to take part and contact Glenn directly.

Last year the Reverend Jean Brown took part. She said: “As I am the vicar of several churches, I was fortunate in gaining sponsorship through the generosity of members of the congregation, (and I’m sure it made them relieved that they were doing good, while not having to ride miles in the rain!) The JustGiving page made it easy for sponsors to contribute. I would urge all clergy to take advantage of their privileged position and get out there riding and striding this year!”

GHCT offers grants to eligible churches of any Christian denomination across Gloucestershire, South Gloucestershire and North Bristol.

If you are planning a bike ride, you may be interested in this Sustrans leaflet about open churches in the north of the Diocese of Gloucester.