The Dorset Historic Churches Trust is delighted to announce the result of its annual fundraising Rise and Stride event that took place back in September.
Hundreds of supporters from around the diocese took part to cycle, walk, and ride around the picturesque Dorset countryside whilst raising a record-breaking £85,000 to help with the upkeep of its beautiful and historic church buildings!
The Ride and Stride event – while also being a lot of fun – is a fantastic way to support the upkeep of historic church buildings throughout the county that can require some quite costly repairs. In the last five years, over £500,000 has been given out in grants by the trust mostly for the restoration of leaky roofs, walls and floors to help with weatherproofing.
These churches in desperate need of repair are not the only ones who benefit though, as 50% of the funds raised are returned to the church that raised it, in an effort to help the community as widely as possible.
All of this is down to the work of an active team of parish organisers who spread the word, encourage participation, and help send in the money.
Chairman of the Trust, John Stokeo, said: “The Trust is extremely grateful to all the many volunteers – by no means all traditional church people – who get out and about, visit churches and gather in sponsorship for what is one of the largest conservation charities in Dorset.”
The Dorset Historic Churches Trust is always on the lookout for volunteers with an interest in historic buildings to get involved in its work at parish, deanery or country level. To get involved, please seek out your parish organiser or find their website online at dhct.org.uk.