Have you seen the road signs going up on verges near you, or a banner on your local church railings?
That is because it is just four weeks until the big Bike Ride, Walk & Drive celebrating Norfolk’s amazing churches! However you participate, it is a great day for everyone who cares about these wonderful buildings.
On Saturday 12 September most churches and chapels will be welcoming visitors, including many that are not normally open. So, plan a day with friends to explore churches, have fun together and, yes, raise funds and awareness to preserve our architectural heritage.
Fiona Scott, pictured here with her friends, look forward to the day every year. The group, some of whom are ‘vintage riders,’ manage about a dozen churches, stopping to marvel at architectural details, sharing a picnic and friendship. Then they end the day with a drink at a local pub! A couple of electric bikes have crept in, and some people now drive to meet up with the bikers for lunch. Fiona designates the sponsorship she secures to be split between her beloved St. Peter’s Church Brampton and the Norfolk Churches Trust.
Organised by the Trust the Bike Ride, Walk & Drive is the biggest county-wide event to raise funds and awareness for the plight of Norfolk churches. Hundreds of people will get on their bikes, get out their walking shoes, or get in their cars to help raise over £100,000. We hope you are planning to be one of them, if so, thank you!
As congregations dwindle in traditional places of worship, it is harder and harder for parishes to fund essential maintenance to keep churches safe and open. Do you have friends who share your concern and might join you on the day or sponsor you? Saturday 12 September is a perfect opportunity to ask others to join you in this urgent work.
Fiona prefers the simplicity of JustGiving as a way to engage friends and family. Others prefer to use the sponsorship form. Check the website HERE for details of both methods, ideas on how to fundraise and details of competitions. In 2022, Fiona helped Brampton Church win the “most improved Fundraiser” prize of an extra £1,000.
So put Saturday 12 September in your diary and plan the day with friends. If you need ideas for your route, check HERE. Whatever part of Norfolk you choose, we hope you will explore churches and chapels, engage others and, hopefully, raise much-needed funds towards the grants the Trust gives for repairs and restoration.
Thank you for being part of the journey and supporting the Norfolk Churches Trust mission to keep places of worship open for the benefit of all.
Hilary on behalf of the 2026 Bike Ride, Walk & Drive team.
