The roads of Suffolk and beyond had many more cyclists, and walkers on Saturday as people of all ages took part in the 2026 Suffolk Churches Ride and Stride annual fundraiser, traveling on their chosen route between around 500 churches, chapels and meeting houses.
A vintage and classic car rally, Pedal and Drive, was also held, with a record 120 cars assigned one of six routes from country houses in Denston, Elveden, Yoxford, Tattingstone, Langham and Bures via six churches to Lavenham, solving clues as they went.
Thirty eight horse-riders took part in a Steeple to Steeple ride, twelve miles around six churches from Lindsay to Chelsworth, the second year this was held.
“Pedal and Drive is in its seventh year and we have a record number of cars – over 120 old cars, like the Suffolk Historic Churches Trust, cars of many denominations!” said Geoffrey Probert, Trust Chairman. “It was a great sight, everyone had fun, money was raised and all I can say is huge thank you to the committee and volunteers. I saw the horses return to Lindsay and saw cyclists and walkers out and about. One church had nearly 50 who called in.”
Those taking part in the events were greeted at churches by hundreds of volunteers who suppled refreshments and signed sponsor forms.
One of the volunteers was Charlie Haylock, Suffolk author and specialist in Spoken English, who enjoyed his time as a volunteer greeter,
“I met some wonderful enthusiastic volunteers in the churches I visited. I travelled from Holbrook to Edwardstone and I was given a warm welcome wherever I went. I thanked them all for taking part and giving up their time for such a good cause,”
Ian Angus, the Area Organiser for Ride and Stride around Felixstowe, has started a tradition of cyclists in fancy-dress.
“This year I have Royalty taking part!” he laughed as they set off from Trimley Methodist Church. “My son Patrick is dressed as a King and his wife, Ruth, is a Queen. They live in Telford, Shropshire, but come here each year to help raise money for the Trust and for local churches who don’t have anyone to take part. In 2024 they were Clowns, last year they were Bishops. Now I’d love some ideas for 2027!”
Half the money cyclists and walkers raise goes to a church of their choosing, the remainder to the Trust to give as building repair and improvement grants.
” What a fantastic day,” said a delighted Simon Ronan, the Chairman of Suffolk Churches Ride and Stride. “I have seen bikes with stickers on, going in different directions to a variety of churches -all waving to each other as they pedalled. I have been met by smiling faces in every church I have visited. I have been offered drinks and snacks, and in some I have come away with a Fascinating Fact about their church. It has been a lovely day out in our beautiful countryside. I have been reminded of the wonderful heritage we have in all our churches and their value to our communities. Please do support our efforts with your generous sponsorship.”
Organised by Suffolk Historic Churches Trust, this fund-raising idea started in Suffolk in 1982 and is now held across most counties in England on the second Saturday in September.
Three photography competitions are held for participants and the winner of Pedal and Drive competition were Caroline Lucy and John Pawsey.
Ride and Stride photos can still be sent in. Walkers and cyclists should send their two favorite photos (of themselves taking part and of a church or church feature) to [email protected]. The closing date is 18 September 2026 and more details are on the Trust website.
Photos from all the events will be added to the Suffolk Historic Churches Trust website over the next few days. http://www.shct.org.uk/
Last year, the day’s fundraising in Suffolk raised £220,000, and the final total raised on Saturday will be known by the end of the year, when all the money collected is handed in.
Next year’s events will be held on Saturday 11 September.
