RIDE and STRIDE 2014

This year’s sponsored Ride and Stride in aid of Hampshire & the Isle of Wight’s historic churches is on Saturday 13th September, 10am to 6pm. Please take part whether on foot, by bike, horseback or even car and help raise funds towards the upkeep of the region’s 900 historic and beautiful church buildings.  Half the money you raise goes to the church of your choice. The other 50%, plus Gift Aid, will enable Hampshire & the Islands Historic Churches Trust (HIHCT) to allocate much-needed grants and loans to churches of all denominations.

Since 1988, HIHCT has helped more than 300 churches and chapels across the region with grants and loans in excess of £540,000, for essential repairs, renovation and restoration.

The bulk of this money has been raised by Riders and Striders who, each year, set out to visit as many churches as they can in a day.  In 2013, the Trust’s Silver Jubilee, some 400 churches across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight opened their doors for the event welcoming cyclists, walkers, horseback riders, motorists and disability scooter users. Participants raised more than £53,000 - an increase of almost £1,600 on 2012.

This year, to mark the First World War centenary, we are seeking to highlight each church’s connection with the War so that Riders and Striders may, if they wish, follow a World War One church trail.  Please let us know about any memorials, or relevant WW1 history, in your church so that we can include them in a guide to be posted on the HIHCT website.

Details to:  sarah@raggedapple.co.uk

On Ride and Stride day itself there are various ways you can help and join in:

·           Cycle, walk, run, ride, drive – or even use your bus pass – to visit as many churches as you can; invite family, friends, and colleagues to sponsor you (or your dog!)

·           Be a ‘meeter and greeter’ in your church for part of the day or provide cakes and refreshments for the Riders and Striders

·           Sponsor friends or family taking part

It is a great day out for all ages, and an opportunity to mark the First World War centenary in a special way. Saturday 13th September also happens to be the day on which Pope Francis will be marking the WW1 centenary when he visits the military shrine of Redipuglia, Italy’s largest war memorial, to pray for those who have died in all wars.

Please see our website for more information about Ride and Stride 2014.

HIHCT is run entirely by volunteers.

www.hihct.org.uk

Registered Charity No 299633