As the anticipation and excitement builds for the Grand Depart, the Yorkshire Historic Churches Trust (YHCT) are calling for people to get involved in Ride+Stride 2014. This sponsored event will see people cycling, walking or even driving between churches to raise money to help preserve some of the region’s places of worship at risk of falling into disrepair.
Billed this year the Tour d’Eglises – the tour of churches – the YHCT are encouraging people to be inspired by the greatest cycling race in the world coming to Yorkshire, and get on their bikes or pull on their boots, to raise much needed funds.
Taking place on Saturday 13th September, Ride+Stride is a national event, and coincides with the Heritage Open Days, when thousands of England’s most unique and undiscovered historic sites throw their doors open to the public for free. The event offers people the chance to visit unique historic buildings, explore the region and have fun with friends and family.
Dr John Sentamu, the Archbishop of York, and Patron of the Yorkshire Historic Churches Trust is supporting the event. “The Tour d’Eglises is a fantastic event for friends and family, a chance to visit some of the region’s most interesting churches, and raise vital funds to preserve our churches, chapels and meeting houses,” Dr Sentamu said. “The churches of Yorkshire are looking forward to welcoming and extending hospitality to visitors from across the world for Le Grand Depart, and this is your chance to follow in their footsteps”.
David Quick, Chairman of the YHCT, said: “This year, we are preparing a number of pre planned routes, ranging from gentle strolls, picturesque bike rides and scenic driving routes. Each route will take in a number of churches, chapels and meeting houses, many of which will be open, for participants to explore and enjoy. We are also compiling a list of all known open churches for people to plan their own trips, so there are plenty of ways to be involved.” Mr Quick added: “We’d encourage as many people as possible to get involved. All the money raised will be split between the Yorkshire Historic Churches Trust and the participants church of choice, providing an fantastic opportunity to raise much needed funds to preserve, repair and maintain Yorkshire’s churches, chapels and meeting houses”