Saturday 12th September at 9am

Yes – it will be a challenge this year, but we do hope that we can persuade you to take to your bike or stride on 12th September.

Ride and Stride is the main fund-raising event for the Northamptonshire Historic Churches Trust, where participants are sponsored to cycle or walk between as many churches and chapels as they choose. All sponsorship money goes to help with the preservation of the great inheritance of Northamptonshire’s churches.

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 significant improvements to the fabric of their buildings, and their monuments as well as 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?
Just a short ride around churches in your area and a few sponsors and you could really help to preserve our wonderful churches. Covid restrictions may mean that you may not receive the usual personal welcome at every church, but rest assured that your efforts will be so appreciated. Just download a sponsor form from the website (www.nhct.org.uk)

If you can’t take part then it would be great if you could offer to sponsor someone in the benefice who is riding or striding.