People from all over the county gathered at St Mary’s church in Frampton-on-Severn to celebrate the launch of this year’s Ride+Stride event, which will take place on September 8.
This national event is run in this area by the Gloucestershire Historic Churches Trust and encourages people to visit their local churches and raise sponsorship to help fund their upkeep.
This year, driving is being promoted as a mode of transport alongside cycling, walking and riding.
Ride+Stride participant Sarah Hargreave from Shurdington said: “As a disabled driver I’ve enjoyed discovering new churches by car that I wouldn’t otherwise have visited. It’s also a lovely way to get out and about with grandchildren – introducing them to new churches and having a picnic along the way.”
Churches are being encouraged to welcome visitors between 10am and 4pm on the day, which is also part of Heritage Open Days weekend.
“Whether you’re planning a full day cycling between a hundred churches, or a short driving tour to two or three, anyone can participate in Ride+Stride”, said Glenn Duff, Regional Organiser. “It’s a wonderful day out – exploring new places, meeting new people and helping a brilliant cause.”
More than 500 people took past last year, raising more than £46,000. Funds are split between participants’ chosen church and the Trust and in 2017 GHCT was able to give a record £150,000 in grants to help churches pay for urgent repairs, maintenance and improvements in 2017.
Full details about getting involved are at ghct.org.uk/ride-and-stride.
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