Dorset Historic Churches Trust provides funds to help parishes keep their churches weatherproof, warm, and available for worship and wider public use.
In 2019 grants totalling £106,500 were awarded to 16 churches. Most of the Trust’s income comes from the annual sponsored Ride & Stride. In 2019 £84,623 was raised by participants of all ages and abilities. 50 percent of all money pledged was returned to the churches nominated by the riders or striders, so everyone benefited.
Ride & Stride will take place this year on Saturday 12th September 2020. It will be a modified event to take account of Covid 19 restrictions. This means that churches may not be open, refreshments, and WCs may not be available, and participants may have to self record their own efforts. This is to minimise any risk of infection between people or contamination of churches.
However it will still be an opportunity for a great day out in Dorset, on bikes, horses or on foot to raise some much needed funds for your church and churches across the county.
If you are not able to take part you are still able support Ride & Stride by sponsoring one of riders or striders. Remember that half the sum pledged will be gratefully used by the Trust to sustain our wonderful churches and the other half will be given back to the parish that they nominate, or other nominated charity.
There are numerous individuals and families taking part all over the team. I am personally riding with a group of around four riders around the entire team – 15 Churches – in one day. So please give me a wave if I pass your house.
If you would be interested in taking part please get in touch with me, Rev. Fiona Beale.
Tel: 01308 867281 or email: revfionabeale@gmail.com
or my just giving page is via this link: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/beaminsterareateamfb