Culture: Take time for the annual Ride & Stride

It’s time to get on your bike or don your walking shoes to explore footpaths and country lanes and visit some of the lovely churches and chapels our county has to offer.

The Suffolk Historic Churches Trust’s Ride and Stride event takes place on Saturday, September 8, when 500 churches across Suffolk will open their doors to visitors.

The event has no set route – participants can plan their own journey to visit as many or as few churches as they wish between 9am and 5pm. Half the money raised by those taking part goes to the church or chapel nominated by the individual and half goes to the trust.

The idea for the Ride and Stride started 37 years ago in Suffolk and is now a national annual event. The county has consistently headed the table of funds raised and last year’s event raised more than £160,000 – the highest total for four years. The funds enable the trust to help repair and restore churches of all denominations.

Sponsor forms and a list of churches open can be found at shct.org.uk, by calling 01787 883884 or from your local church.