George
New Member
- Location
- Preston, Lancashire
2[sup]nd[/sup] LANCASHIRE CHURCHES SPONSORED RIDE & STRIDE (2009)
Summary
Each year, on the second Saturday in September, the National churches trust holds a sponsored bike ride to raise money for the trust and for local churches. All that is required for churches taking part is to be open on the day, and to offer a warm welcome, if possible with light refreshments, as a testimony to the grace and love of Jesus. In 2008 the first such ride was held in Lancashire, with 16 riders visiting churches across the Fylde, from Preston to Knott End, from Kirkham to Pilling. and they raised over £1000. The 2009 event was organised as a ‘ride and stride’, encouraging walkers as well. As in 2008 it was also part of the LCC programme of rides, and part of the ‘Hope’ campaign, as it provided an opportunity to make some contact with people who have little awareness of the good news of God’s love and transforming power. Ten churches across the Fylde, from Woodplumpton to Knott End were involved, together with twelve across Preston city centre.
The weather was sunny, and about 30 riders and walkers took part. Some were from Preston and Simon, from Central Methodist, managed to visit all 22 churches:
The ride and the weather was beautiful, the tea and biscuits very welcome at all the places we visited, and it was a wonderful 62 miles. But best of all was being able to get back to St Walburgh's at the end of the 62 miles to be able to climb the tower before it closed. What a way to finish the day.
Stephen’s wife ,from St Michael’s, Preston said: Stephen enjoyed the ride, and wasn't too sore afterwards - he was able to sit down at the piano on Sunday morning!
Other riders covered churches in the north, including Lisa from Stalmine: Thank you for organising the Lancashire Churches cycle ride Peter. Yes, I was ‘part of Pam Jackson’s set up’! We thoroughly enjoyed it and were blessed with brilliant weather. I wanted ride a bit further and visit Eagland Hill, Out Rawcliffe and Hambleton, but we had to get back to Stalmine to ‘man’ the church… never mind … next year.
There was also a cycling group which took part; Preston on Wheels – this is a cycle initiatives charity with a focus on health improvement, disability opportunities and social inclusion, and they turned out with four riders and two leaders. Here (right) they are seen at St Walburge’s enjoying a cup of tea with the Mayor of Preston.
My particular surprise of the day was arriving at Pilling and being able to get inside the old church of St John there (left), as the bike ride coincided with National Heritage day, one of only two days when this lovely old building is open.
This year’s date is Saturday 11[sup]th[/sup] September, and it is hoped that the number of churches involved and the geographical area covered will increase. I see this ride as potentially serving a number of purposes; as well as the opportunity to raise money for the churches trust and local churches, it is an opportunity to promote cycling, and the health benefits of cycling, as well. Youth groups and uniformed organisations attached to churches may want to take part as well.If your organisation is interested in taking part, please contact Peter Lumsden
(peterlumsden@tiscali.co.uk mobile: 07929270753)
