Today we launch the Norfolk Churches Trust Bike Ride, Walk & Drive for 2026. We are immensely grateful to those of you who have participated in the past, helping to preserve our architectural church heritage thorough this fundraising event.
Never taken part before, will you join us this year? It is a wonderful way of exploring our architectural church heritage and supporting it at the same time.
If you are anything like me, you probably get out and about more at this time of year. Since oiling and pumping up my bike, I have been exploring Norfolk’s wonderful winding lanes, visiting churches and chapels along the way. Just last week I cycled to six churches, walked to three and drove to another two that I had never visited before. How lucky we are to have these treasures defining our Norfolk landscape!
Saturday 12 September is the big day. It is the biggest fundraising event for Norfolk Churches Trust and, in case you missed it, the total raised last year was 115,527.99. The Trust also received an amazing legacy gift from a prior regular rider. The gift was designed to match what everyone else raised and brought the total to more than £230,000. THANK YOU to everyone!
As you know, a significant proportion of what is raised goes directly to the churches and chapels you nominate as participants. The rest of the proceeds help fund the grants to repair, survey and secure the fabric of our amazing but vulnerable historic churches.
In the last year more than £183,000 in grant funding was awarded by the Trust. Here is a link to those churches that benefitted recently. You can see the impact you make for individual churches. You also get a sense of the scale of need. It is a challenge but, together, we can and we do, make a difference through raising money and engaging others in what the Trust is committed to.
I recently took two friends, who generously sponsored my ride last year, to see my three favourite churches. We talked about why we love these churches and why preserving these amazing buildings is so important. I asked if they would consider riding with me this year. The camaraderie, the shared picnic, and the competitions all make it a really fun day. I know many people make it a day out for a common purpose with friends.
Will you participate this year by riding, walking, or driving? And invite others! Please register online here. Registrations really help The Trust to keep track. Thank you!
While you are on the website, if you are not already, please consider becoming a member of the Norfolk Churches Trust. It is a simple way to offer a little extra support to our work and membership also brings the benefit of invitations to a wide range of events, along with updates and insights into the Trust and what we do.
Thank you again for your support through this fun event!
Hilary – member of the Bike Ride, Walk & Drive team
