Fundraiser encourages cyclists to visit Norfolk’s churches

This year’s sponsored bike ride for the Norfolk Churches Trust will take place on Saturday 8 September.
 

 
More than 600 churches and chapels across Norfolk will be open throughout the day (9 am – 5 pm) for everyone to explore. As well as cycling, people can also choose to walk or drive.
 
So, pump up your tyres, dust off your walking boots, pack a picnic and plan a route from your own door to visit as many churches in Norfolk as you can and raise money to help the Trust continue to preserve these buildings for future generations – simply get sponsored for each building you visit.
 
Find out more at norfolkchurchestrust.org.uk/bike-ride and contact your parish co-ordinator for a sponsorship form and more information – for Reepham this is Rupert Birtles 01603 870518 or rupert@birtles.me.uk
 
Many historic churches and chapels across Norfolk are battling to survive: roofs leak, lead roofs are stolen, ancient timbers rot and mediaeval stonework crumbles.
 
Sponsorship money helps towards the repair and renovation of these icons of Norfolk’s architectural and cultural heritage.
 
In 2017 the Trust raised £97,817 and the bike ride has raised around £2.8 million over the years.
 
This money has been divided between the church of the participant’s choice and the Norfolk Churches Trust, which gives grants to hundreds of churches for repairs, renovation and the conservation of their buildings.
 
Some interesting facts from the 2017 Bike Ride:

  • The most churches visited by a participant was 64 by bike and 35 on foot.
  • 207 new participants were recorded as taking part for the first time.
  • St Andrew’s in Norwich saw the highest number of visitors – 75 in total.
  • 312 churches and chapels were nominated to receive a share of the sponsorship money.
  • There were 2,683 total visits recorded.

 

St Michael’s (left) and St Mary’s, Reepham

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