On Saturday 9th September it’s the annual Leicestershire Ride+Stride event where you get the opportunity to see many beautiful churches and chapels across the county whilst raising crucial funds towards repairs and improvements to keep them open.
How visitors choose to get from church to church is entirely their choice – previous years have seen cyclists, walkers, runners, joggers, horse-riders, and mobility scooter drivers take part whilst being sponsored for their efforts.
The money raised is divided in half between the churches nominated by participants, and the Leicestershire Historic Churches Trust, which awards grants to historic churches and chapels for repairs and community facilities.
In 2022, the popular event raised an incredible £34,559, and The Leicestershire Historic Churches Trust’s share of the funds, together with a generous grant from the Jack Patston Charitable Trust, means that there is at least £25,000 available for church grants in 2023.
Regional property firm Andrew Granger & Co Ltd. has sponsored the upcoming Leicestershire Ride+Stride for the tenth year in a row.
Rupert Harrison, Director and Head of Rural for Andrew Granger & Co Ltd, said: “We love that this event appeals to people of all ages, and what better way to get out with family and friends and enjoy these magnificent buildings whilst raising vital money for their upkeep.
“Due to our Leicestershire based roots it feels very fitting for us to support this event and we hope it’s another successful year for Leicestershire Ride+Stride.”
With over 300 churches generally participating in the event it’s the perfect opportunity for visitors to take in as many as they like during the open day and perhaps visit churches they may have never visited before.
Janet Arthur, MBE, Chair of Leicestershire Historic Churches Trust, said: “Please make sure you sponsor someone taking part in Ride+Stride on 9th September. Just go to https://www.justgiving.com/l-h-c-t and look for Janet Arthur’s page.”
Further information can be found at www.lhct.org.uk/ride-and-stride/ or by emailing chairman@lhct.org.uk. The full List of churches and chapels taking part in the event will be on the web page from mid-August.
Sponsorship forms are available from each church, or you can set up your own page via https://www.justgiving.com/l-h-c-t .
If your local church or chapel would like to apply for a grant, you can do so here: https://www.lhct.org.uk/apply-for-grant/
More information on the property services offered by Andrew Granger & Co Ltd across Leicestershire and beyond can be seen at www.andrewgranger.co.uk.