Newbury’s churches en route for fundraising success with Ride + Stride challenge

Churches across West Berkshire are preparing for a deluge of visitors this weekend as part of a special fundraiser.

The annual Ride + Stride event is organised by the Historic Churches Trust.

Participants are challenged to visit as many places of worship as possible, preferably by walking or riding between destinations.

Money raised by sponsorship is divided, with half going to a home church, the rest to the charity which helps protect the fabric of these historic buildings, some going back to the Middle Ages.

A team from St Nicolas in Newbury town centre are getting behind the campaign, which takes place on Saturday, September 14.

They have devised four routes for cyclists, ranging from 16 miles to 133 miles, and three routes for walkers.

They have been dubbed bronze, silver and gold routes.

Ellen Hunter Smart, wife of St Nicolas rector Will, has helped create the routes, and is looking forward to seeing them being pressed into use.

She said the church was currently exploring ways in which it could enhance its buildings, and a grant from the Berkshire Historic Churches Trust has been beneficial to them.

“We weren't really aware of Ride + Stride,” she said. “A friend who is a really keen rider heard about it and said it would be really interesting to come up with some routes linking all the churches in West Berkshire.

“He got to work, got on his bike, and created these extensive routes.

“There are 63 parishes in West Berkshire and he's linked up 50 of them in a viable route.

“He poured over maps, trialled the routes, and found entrances to churches. It’s been a really fun project.”

Mrs Hunter Smart said during their visits, they had discovered some “hidden gems”.

“Ride + Stride makes you go exploring, and appreciate the heritage and beauty of the buildings that are in danger of being forgotten,” she added.

St Nicolas is hoping to raise £3,000 fromits congregation’s efforts, and has set up a JustGiving page for donations: www.justgiving.com/page/rideandstride

Mrs Hunter Smart is delighted with how parishioners have responded to the idea of taking part.

“They have been really enthusiastic,” she said. “We have various people undertaking the challenges independently, others will follow a group leaders so everyone has a way of slotting in.

“One guy is doing the gold stride route, but 13 miles isn’t enough for him, so he has added three more churches to create a platinum route that he will run.

“People have taken the suggested routes and built on them.”

While the event is about churches, people of all faiths and none are welcome to take part.

“We hope our participation will become an annual event,” Mrs hunter Smart said.

“You don’t need to be a Christian to take part in this.

“Whether you are a Christian or not, we can all appreciate the heritage of these historic buildings.

“Taking part is a great way to show that support.”

Those who want to join the church’s routes can sign up via its website, www.st-nics.org/rideandstride

St Nicolas will be open from 8am to 6pm on the day, with refreshments and hospitality available. It is based in West Mills in Newbury town centre.