The gates were metaphorically thrown open in welcome at King’s Lynn Minster on Sunday 24th August to celebrate some of the achievements of the 2024 Bike Ride, Walk & Drive event.
Following morning service, Patrick Lines, the High Sheriff of Norfolk, was on hand to present the awards to the individual who raised the most money last year, and to representatives of the Most Improved Church for 2024.
Rev’d Cannon Dr Mark Dimond
The recipient of the first award the Lord Lieutenant’s Certificate, signed by The Lady Dannatt, MBE, was Rev’d Canon Dr Mark Dimond who raised £1,923.20 for his church, and our venue, St Margaret’s, King’s Lynn Minster. Rev’d Dimond is a regular participant and will be taking to the roads once more this year. His route will take him from Downham Market to Lynn with the proceeds from his efforts being split between The Norfolk Churches Trust and the Minster. If you would like to support him, follow this link to his Just Giving page. We would like to thank Rev’d Dimond for his kind words during the service in support of the Trust and the welcome from everyone at the Minster.
The second presentation of the morning was to St Mary the Virgin, Hillington, who received a cheque for £1,000. Churchwarden Dr Mary Nichols, who received the award and cheque on behalf of St Mary’s, stated this award was not a solo achievement as she had received sponsorship and encouragement from many, and was accompanied on her walk by a small group who were blessed with hospitality along the way. She passed on the greetings of the Rector, Paul Williams, of the Sandringham Group of Churches, of which St Mary’s is a part, and the members of the 6 congregations, who had been unable to attend as there had been services in the group that morning.
“I’d like to express my huge gratitude to The Norfolk Churches Trust for the award. It has boosted our finances and our spirits at a time when we are facing tremendous challenges as we consider the future of the St Mary’s church building.” Dr Nichols.
The church is currently closed as a safety precaution until repairs can be carried out after plasterwork fell from the ceiling in January. Dr Nichols further thanked the Trust for the Small Grant Award, which was received in June. This is an initiative that the Trust is supporting, which is being implemented by Ruth Blackman of Birdsall, Swash & Blackman Architects. When Ruth undertakes a Quinquennial Inspection, PCCs are offered the opportunity to have a contractor on site for a half or a full day to carry out immediate repairs. PCCs can apply to the Trust to meet some, or all of these costs. This provides an immediate solution to minor issues that could escalate if neglected, or offer a temporary fix until sufficient resources are available. Events such as the Bike Ride, Walk & Drive enable the Trust to support churches in this way.
We would like to wish both Rev’d Dimond and Dr Nichols success in their respective Bike Ride and Walk this year and thank them for their efforts in 2024.
If you would like to support your local church, why not take part in the 2025 event, click here for all the information you need to take part.
*Members of the Bike Ride Committee who were in attendance.
