Winchester, 28 June 2021: Hampshire and the Islands Historic Churches Trust announced at its Annual General Meeting held in Winchester Cathedral on 22 June 2021 that its popular Ride&Stride event raised over £80,000, despite the pandemic. The Trust, a registered charity which raises funds towards the upkeep of 900 historic church buildings in Hampshire representing many different Christian Churches.
Lady Joan Appleyard, Chair of the Trust, explained the reason for the success of Ride&Stride: “Families like the variety and outdoor exercise and choice of transport. Instead of just walking or cycling we see people using canoes, motability scooters, motorbikes or vintage cars. People love to discover inside churches, learn the history from church guides and bump into other Ride and Striders, It’s always fun!”
Last time the three most active fundraising churches were All Saints, Odiham; St. Peter and St. Paul, King Somborne and St Peter’s, Stockbridge. Newcomers to the top 20 churches were Portsmouth Roman Catholic Cathedral; St Mary’s Longstock; St Bart’s, Hyde; Beaulieu Abbey.
This year the Trust contributed over £80,000 in grants to 13 churches. This meant the rickety steps outside Littleton Church near Winchester, the cracks in the walls of Breamore Church near Fordingbridge and the tower at St Mary the Blessed Virgin Mary, Hartley Wespall were all repaired. The spire was repaired urgently at the Church of the Holy Rood, Empshott near Liss to make good damage from water ingress, squirrels and woodpeckers, and St Matthew’s Blackmoor and Whitehill received a new, level chancel floor.
Many special awards were handed out at the AGM. These included a 50 km bike ride to visit 12 churches by an elderly but fit couple, Mr and Mrs Fleming who won the Outstanding Personal Effort award and one for also François Hugo who cycled over 118 km to visit 34 churches in the Romsey area, starting at 0740 and finishing at 16.50.
The Chairman, Lady Joan Appleyard, set a target of £100,000 to be raised on Saturday 11 September 2021 at this year’s Ride and Stride event. The Trust aims to open over 400 churches, many with refreshments, to welcome families and visitors who want to go inside unique historic buildings, see beautiful countryside, get some exercise and have fun. Anyone wanting to take part should visit the Trust’s website https://hihct.org.uk/ridestride-participant-registration/ and create a Virgin Money giving page straight away.
The Trust uses money raised throughout the year to provide grant funding for the upkeep and new facilities for Anglican, Methodist, United Reformed Church and Roman Catholic buildings dating from the 8th to the 20th century within Hampshire.
