Friends of Essex Churches Trust

This national event was started by the Suffolk Historic Churches Trust and Essex joined it in 1983.  Nowadays over 30 counties take part on the second Saturday each September from 10.00am – 6.00pm.  The best part is that you can choose your own itinerary, visiting the places that you want, because there is no set route.  As it is a national event, churches will be taking part in our neighbouring counties if you need to cross boundaries.  (See their websites in our Links section.)

Everyone can join in and everyone does.  Participants are sponsored for the number of places of worship they visit on the day, and people are very imaginative:  one family sailed to the churches on the banks of the River Blackwater; another year a group from Chadwell Heath raised money on their exercise bikes; whilst a Brentwood choir quartet, known as the Song Cycle, sings a motet in every church they visit.  You can also be sponsored for stewarding your local church and welcoming riders and striders.

The annual sponsored Ride & Stride is the main fund-raiser for the FECT.  Half of the money raised goes to the church or chapel of your choice, and the other half is credited to the FECT grants fund.  Ride & Stride day is a special Open Day for churches throughout the UK:  it is a wonderful way to visit churches which might otherwise be closed and the event usually coincides with Heritage Open Days.

To take part in the Ride & Stride this September you can download a Sponsorship Form, List of Churches and Chapels and Remittance Form or create your own fundraising page on Justgiving straight away. 

It doesn’t matter if you raise £2, £20 or £200.  Every penny raised means you will help to save and protect our unique heritage.

For further information, please contact
Fiona Nelmes
fionanelmes@lineone.net
01245 380365

2011 Ride & Stride Saturday 10th September