Ride + Stride

Ride + Stride is open to walkers as well as horse-riders and cyclists – in fact to anyone using a non-mechanical form of transport.  It always takes place on the second Saturday of September between 10.00 a.m. and 6.00 p.m., and the object is to raise money for the repair and restoration of churches and chapels of any Christian denomination in Buckinghamshire.  Half the money raised goes to the church or chapel of the participant’s choice, and the other half is added to a general fund which is administered by the Buckinghamshire Historic Churches Trust.

Churches are encouraged to make applications to BHCT for grants to help with church repairs and restoration.

The 2019 Ride +Stride event raised in excess of £34,000. BHCT are extremely grateful to all those who took part; walkers, riders, organisers, tea brewers, cake makers and church guides who all came together in beautiful sunshine to make the day a great success. 50% of the money raised has already found its way to the parishes nominated by those who took part and the remainder will be given in grants to churches in need over the coming year.

Last year the Trust awarded grants totalling £46,500 to eleven churches, who had applied for funding to assist with both major and minor works. The Trust applauds parishes who maintain their buildings in a timely and therefore cost effective manner, as well as helping those who have major works to carry out due to theft of lead or years of wear and tear.

Here are pictures of a few of the things that took place at Buckinghamshire’s churches on 14th September 2019.

Saturday 14th September – A large group joined a circular walk through lovely countryside taking in four churches and chapels.

Meeting at St Mary’s Church, Latimer  for coffee and cake at 10am, they

also enjoyed a pub lunch at Chenies, before returning to Latimer.

On Saturday 14th September a guided walk along the Thames and back through countryside started from Bourne End, 16 people took part in the walk with 6 of them covering the entire route of 11 miles

On Sunday 29th September the Ride + Stride Horse Ride took place in Milton Keynes . Starting from the Campbell Park Events Plateau and riding through picturesque parkland, over 40 riders enjoyed their ride, passing four listed churches and stopping at All Saints Milton Keynes Village for refreshments along the way.