On Saturday (14 September) traffic on the roads of Suffolk were busier with extra bikes and 116 vintage and classic cars, while towns should have seen an increase in walkers. They were all raising money for Suffolk churches as part of Suffolk Historic Churches Trust annual fundraising day.
Suffolk Churches Pedal and Drive, the churches car rally, ended at Lavenham where Griff Rhys Jones, who had taken part with his car, presented the prizes. Also calling in was local MP James Cartlidge, a keen cyclist, who was taking part in Suffolk Churches Ride and Stride for the 6th year, raising money for the Trust and St Andrew’s church, Gt Cornard.
“I choose a different church to support each year,” he explained, “and I try to get to about twenty churches on the day. Today I’ve been out to Somerton, the furthest point of my constituency westwards. Last year for Hadleigh I raised well over £1000! I had a really bad puncture today at Boxtead church near Glemsford, fixed it with help, Mary L-Wbut coming down the hill quite fast at Shimpling, it went again and I nearly came off! An American chap helped me, and we found I had a broken valve.”
Swapping bikes, he made it to Lavenham and continued his journey.
The numbers of cyclists and walkers taking part will only be known later in the year when all the donations or sponsorship are handed in. Half the money raised will then go to the church nominated by the participant, and the rest the Trust gives in grants towards restoring historic churches, or providing facilities such as toilets and kitchens.
“It was the perfect day, sunny and not too hot, and everyone really enjoyed exploring the country and our beautiful churches ” said Simon Ronan, the Chairman of Suffolk Churches Ride and Stride. “Thank you to everyone who got involved, and to the volunteers who sat in churches, chapels and meeting houses welcoming participants and providing refreshments. Thank you also to all the sponsors. Next year the events will be held on Saturday 13th September and all are welcome to take part.”
Last year, the September event raised a record £200,312.70, from people who chose their own route, some visiting just a few churches and others who undertake much longer journeys! A photography competition for Ride and Stride participants is also underway and will be judged after 20 September.
Suffolk Churches Pedal & Drive car rally, had the cars travelling a provided route from seven of the county’s country houses, around a selection of churches, to then meet up in the afternoon in Lavenham.
The next Suffolk Churches Ride and Stride and Pedal and Drive will be held on Saturday 12 September 2025 9.00am-5.00pm.
The Suffolk Historic Churches Trust gives grants to churches, chapels and meeting halls so that the buildings can be preserved for future generations.
Churches, chapels and meeting houses who wish to apply for grants can do so via the Trust website www.shct.org.uk or by writing to The Secretary, Suffolk Historic Churches Trust, Brinkleys, Hall Street, Long Melford, Suffolk, CO10 9JR.