Ride + Stride 2025 Saturday 13th September
Ride + Stride for Dorset churches took place as usual on the second Saturday in September. From the early Just Giving and Bank Transfer totals it looks as if 2025 will be another bumper year. This heritage organisation, in partnership with the National Churches Trust, is dedicated to the preservation of Christian churches and chapels of all denominations in the administrative County of Dorset. It raises money to support the repair and maintenance of our historic church buildings. People can walk, run, ride a bicycle, a horse or a mobility scooter and plan a route to visit Dorset churches.
Taking part among many Dorset participants was David Gregory, Chair of the Trustees for the Chapel in the Garden. Members of the Chapel sponsored him with enthusiasm, and he raised over £430.
David explained “I was so impressed and appreciative of the generosity of the people of the local community here in Bridport, supporting me on my bike ride for Ride and Stride. This charity supports the Dorset historic churches in it’s very quiet but important work of keeping our Churches and Chapel in order so that we can worship there and enjoy the beauty of these important buildings. I want to thank everyone who was kind enough to donate to me.”
He laughed and added, “It rained for about quarter to an hour right at the start and I thought it was going to rain all day and it was going to be a very long day, but luckily the rain cleared, and I was able to enjoy the ride. I went to Bradpole Church, very close by, and was really impressed by how beautiful it is.
Also, if people haven’t seen the Fishpond Bottom contemporary stained-glass window I really recommend them to go to “It’s stunning,” said Chris Savory, banker for the Chapel in the Garden. He added, “We appreciate the Trust’s previous support with essential repairs to our chapel.”
David cycled over 50 miles around Dorset, waving to others he saw cycling or walking from church to church celebrating that the charitable event was a great success.