Newark: Supporting Nottinghamshire's churches on two wheels with Ride And Stride event

Cyclists and walkers can help preserve the county’s churches through day of fundraising.

Ride And Stride is back a week on Saturday, September 11, and is encouraging people to support local charities, learn more about the churches and do some exercise through this year’s event.

It will be taking place county-wide, from Rushcliffe to Retford, and will include hundreds of churches, including more than 40 churches in Newark, Winthorpe, Bingham, Southwell and Coddington.

As part of the event people will be sponsored for visiting churches and then the churches in turn will be sponsored for welcoming visitors.

Everyone is encouraged to take part in the event, whether you are walking, cycling, running, walking your dog or on a mobility scooter.

People are also able to choose which churches they visit as part of their route.

Graeme Renton, chairman of the Nottinghamshire Historic Churches Trust, said it was a way of appreciating the riches of our countryside while raising money to assist with the maintenance of those buildings.

He said: “It often just takes a small amount of money to repair gutters, flashings to prevent significant damage and repair bills.

“The Nottinghamshire Historic Churches Trust is completely focused with this aim while encouraging us to visit and appreciate our heritage.

“The Ride And Stride event is the major annual event organised to raise funds for the trust.”

All you need to do is fill out a sponsorship form and take it with you on the day, checking off the churches that you visit.