This year's event took place on Saturday 8th September and Winchester took part as always. Local MP Steve Brine supported the fundraising effort, dropping into St Mary's Church in Easton to greet riders and strides on their way through.
Steve says: "Ride and Stride is such a simple idea and not a bad way to spend your time when you have as many outstanding historic churches to visit as we do in this part of Hampshire. Half of the money raised in the event goes to the church nominated by the individual fundraisers so it really is a way to back your local place of worship.
"This event is a wonderful opportunity for families and friends to discover the rich heritage of our historic church buildings and to actually see inside. In Easton today that was a double blessing; firstly because it was the coolest place to be and secondly, because it looked incredible in readiness for a big Summer wedding that afternoon.
"I wish the organisers and all those who took part, every success and hope they raised some serious cash to support these important local buildings."
Ride and Stride takes place on the second Saturday of September between 10am and 6pm. Anyone can take part by bicycle, or on foot, to raise money for the region's historic churches and chapels of all denominations. Participants seek sponsorship to visit as many churches on the yearly list as they wish. They plan their own route and set their own speed. 2011 marked the 30th anniversary of the event, which was formerly known as the Bike Ride.
The event in our part of the country is organised by@Hampshire and the Islands Historic Churches Trust. This is a charity which, like the other County Trusts, raises funds to help Christian churches of all denominations who are members of 'Churches Together' for work to preserve, maintain or repair the fabric of the church, their contents, as well as to their surrounding churchyards.
Pictured; Steve with his family and a group of riders and striders from Hyde at St Mary's Church, Easton
More information...
Ride and Stride website - www.rideandstrideuk.org
Hampshire Historic Churches Trust - www.hihct.org.uk