Join Ride + Stride and raise funds for London's historic churches

L-R: Ven Luke Miller, Rev Anna Hälli, Mgr Vladimir Felzmann, Bishop Michael Ipgrave, Fiona Morgan

Discover London’s hidden gems, get fit and raise money for places of worship in London! The Heritage of London Trust invites you to take part in RIDE+STRIDE this Saturday, 20 September.

Local community groups, congregations, friends, school groups, family and individuals: you are invited to get on your bike or put your best foot forward. In case you don’t already know what RIDE+STRIDE is, then the concept’s very simple: the idea is to get out and about and see as many places of worship as possible in one day – by bike, on foot, or by public transport.

Ride+Stride is a national event, where people are sponsored to walk, cycle or, in any other way, transport themselves between places of worship. Ride+Stride started in Suffolk in 1981 as an annual sponsored bike ride, and quickly became a national event, although it is still relatively new in London. In 30 years of Ride+Stride over £29 million has been raised, to help maintain and restore our built religious heritage. All of the money raised goes towards helping places of worship. Half the money raised goes directly to the church of your choice and half to the local grant provider, Heritage of London Trust, to enable it to give grants to help places of worship with urgent repairs.

This is a London-wide, multi-denominational, interfaith event. Places of worship of all faiths, from many historic periods will be open – from medieval churches in the heart of the City, to 20th century modern buildings in the suburbs. Many places of worship that are not normally open will be welcoming participants on the day - this is a wonderful opportunity to dust off your hiking boots, bicycles, running shoes or Oyster cards and set out to discover some of London’s amazing faith buildings.

This year the event takes place on the same day as London Open House, which will enable visitors to make the most of our built heritage.

Many places of worship will be putting on special events or activities to welcome visitors. From organ recitals to children’s quiz trails; from history tours to choir practice; from bell-ringing to coffee and cakes; from Messy Church to book sales. So keep an eye on the website and sign up to the social media groups for updates, suggested itineraries and maps.

The adventurer, writer and television presenter Bear Grylls is a long-term supporter of the National Churches Trust and has become a supporter of Ride+Stride. In July 2009, he was appointed the youngest-ever Chief Scout at the age of 35, a position he still proudly holds.

Bear said: “Many historic churches are battling to survive. Roofs leak, ancient timbers rot and medieval stonework crumbles. Now you can help by joining the Ride+Stride adventure, a sponsored bike ride and walk discovering beautiful churches, which also raises money for their repair and preservation. With thousands to choose from, there is no shortage of fantastic churches, chapels and meeting houses to explore. Wherever you go, your Ride+Stride journey will help ensure that historic churches remain at the heart of our national heritage and the soul of local communities for generations to come.”

To visit places of worship in London please go to: www.heritageoflondon.com or speak to your congregation co-ordinator. For general information about Ride+Stride see: www.rideandstrideuk.org.

Itineraries and activities are also on: www.facebook.com/LondonRideStride