600 Norfolk churches open doors to cyclists
Hundreds of historic churches across Norfolk will open their doors to cyclists and walkers on Saturday September 14 for the 30th annual Norfolk Churches Trust Sponsored Ride & Walk.
Over the last 30 years an incredible £2,500,000 has been raised by those who have taken part. Of that sum, half is given back to the participant’s chosen church and the remainder is used by the Trust to give grants to hundreds of church communities across the county for them to use for repairs, renovation and conservation of their buildings.
Sponsored Bike Ride Co-ordinator,
Geoff Wortley, said: “This much-loved event is not just about raising money, it is also about people of all ages who over the years have been willing to give of their time and efforts to play a part in preserving the wonderful heritage of Norfolk and its church buildings.
“There are few places in this county where a church spire or tower cannot be seen. We have the most medieval church buildings of anywhere in Europe and for the most part they are open and regularly used. This would just not be possible without the help that so many people give and have given over the years to their preservation and upkeep,” said Geoff.
“By their very nature they are expensive to maintain and in many ways difficult to keep open for use. But such is the love of them by the people of Norfolk that together with their congregations, their communities, and with help from the
Norfolk Churches Trust they have survived the test of time and the all important weather.
“If we want to have this fine heritage to hand on to our children and grandchildren just as it was handed to us, we must be prepared to put our efforts and our money into its upkeep.”
One easy and enjoyable way of doing this is to take part in the Trust’s Annual Ride and Walk. It provides a wonderful opportunity to visit any of the 600 or so churches that are open on the day of the event having obtained sponsorship for the number of churches visited. Not only are the churches open but most are manned by volunteers and many also provide light refreshment.
The 30 year celebration ride and walk takes place on Saturday 14 September, between 9am & 5pm.
More details at
www.norfolkchurchestrust.org.uk