Last Thursday, 29th August, was a perfect summer’s evening at St Michael’s Plumstead for the presentation of the awards for the Norfolk Churches Trust’s 40th Anniversary Bike Ride & Walk.
Following a service taken by Reverend Canon David Longe of the Matlaske Benefice and The Right Reverend Ian Bishop, Bishop of Thetford, with the hymns beautifully accompanied on the organ by Richard Peaver, it was out into the churchyard, for refreshments in the evening sunshine.
After Bishop Ian rescued Rev’d Longe from a bee who threatened to spoil the party it was time for the Bishop to present the awards.
And the winners are…………………….
St Michael’s was the recipient of the 2023 award for most improved church in terms of revenue raised and received £1,000 for the church which was collected by their Churchwarden and Bike Ride Co-ordinator Eleanor Faulkner, she is pictured here with some of her fellow participants. Those who cycled to benefit St Michael’s were, Peter and Pauline Lawton, Mike Ray-Jones, Meriel Straton, Eleanor Faulkner, Catherine McMahon and last but not least David Ramsbotham who donned his walking boots, visited twelve churches, and raised over £2,000. Well done to them all.
Charles Inglis was the recipient of the Lord Lieutenant’s Certificate for raising the most in individual sponsorship. Charles did his Bike Ride & Walk with his children on foot visiting the many churches that the city of Norwich has to offer. 2023 was Charles’ final year as Chair of the Bike Ride Committee and so he went out in style. During his ten-year tenure, the event raised a fantastic sum of £1.1 million, thank you for all your hard work, Charles. Pictured with him and Bishop Ian is Amelia Courtauld who has taken over the reins, or should that be handlebars, of the Bike Ride Committee.
Could you or your church be the recipient of one of our awards next year, to find out more see the dedicated Bike Ride & Walk page of our website
