It was perfect weather for this year’s Ride+Stride, which took place on Saturday 14 September, and the LeicesterShire Historic Churches Trust expresses its gratitude to everyone who rode, strode or welcomed on the day.
Many churches and chapels were open, with funds being raised for those of our churches nominated by participants, and for the LeicesterShire Historic Churches Trust.
Janet Artur, Chair of LHCT, has put together a snapshot of stories from the day, including those who cycled in groups, walked solo in both city and county and combined Ride+Stride with another event, or with Heritage Open Days:
- Sean Dudley, Ride+Stride Co-ordinator cycled more than 55 miles in less than five hours raising at least £575. He cycled from Leicester over to the Coalville area, then through Charnwood Forest to Loughborough, finishing at Sileby. He says his highlight was visiting St Peter, Copt Oak.
- Canon Jeff Hopewell (LHCT Trustee) visited 12 churches in Leicester City Centre, meeting many people, and raising over £700.
At St Mary’s in Knighton, Jenny Worsfold (LCHT Trustee) ran a craft activity while at St Nicholas Little Bowden there was a treasure hunt for chocolate coins and at St Edith's, Orton on the Hill, there was a stationary 100-mile collective cycle in one of the spacious aisles (pictured), plus light refreshments.- Robin Stevenson, LHCT Grants Administrator, led a Ride Leicester group (picture attached) during the morning from Leicester Town Hall Square to Birstall. Robin carried on eastwards finishing at St Peter’s in Gaulby, where R+S was combined with a Scarecrow Festival. During the last hour of his journey, he was particularly grateful for cake and freshly made tea at the late hour of 5.10pm at St Denys in Evington!
- Another group ride was led by Simon Taylor in memory of his wife Ros. 30 cyclists started at St Leonard’s in Swithland, where 8 bellringers sent them on their way before setting off on their own bellringing circuit. This group of 30 cyclists added greatly to visitor numbers in the Charnwood area. At Wymeswold, there were 43 R+S visitors, and another 50 more who came to the lecture on Pugin in the afternoon and to visit the HODs exhibition.
- Meanwhile, Bishop Martyn had a rather more peaceful afternoon walking cross country from Christ Church, Smeeton Westerby to St Helen’s in Saddington, arriving in time for tea and cake.
Janet said: “What a wonderful Ride+Stride, opening our churches and chapels for visitors on a beautiful early autumn day – plus tea and cake from time to time. Many thanks to everyone who took part!”
A total of monies raised will be available later in the year.