Herefordshire Historic Churches Trust
RIDE AND STRIDE
on Saturday, 9th September 2011
to raise money for building repairs

Cycle or walk around the churches of Herefordshire and raise money for the Church or Chapel of your choice and the Herefordshire Historic Churches Trust (non-denominational). A day out in the countryside - around Hereford City or our market towns. Choose your own route - Go at your own pace.

HOW THE "RIDE AND STRIDE" WORKS

The event is open to all. Using the sponsorship form, you are asked to find sponsors who agree to pay a sum of money for each church or chapel that you visit on 9th September between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., by bicycle or on foot. Each visit will be initialled by an official at the church and the time of the visit noted. If by any chance there is no-one there, you should enter the time on the form provided at the church. You can take part for as long or as short a time, within the day, as you wish.

Churches and chapels throughout Herefordshire and neighbouring counties will be open to welcome you. "Ride and Stride" is organised for each church by a 'Local Co-ordinator' who has kindly undertaken local publicity and arrangements at the church or chapel, which often include an offer of refreshment. Many will be manned by volunteers, who can also be sponsored (form available here).

SPONSORSHIP

You and your sponsors are the key people in this event. The money given will be divided equally between the church or chapel of your choice and the Trust. The Herefordshire Historic Churches Trust is non-denominational, and in the last five years has provided more than £240,000 to help to preserve, repair and maintain the County's churches and chapels. "Ride and Stride" has produced a significant proportion of this and is the Trust's main fund-raising event each year. In 2010 the total raised was a little under £20,000.

A 'yellow jersey' emblazoned with the Bike Ride logo will be awarded to the young cyclist or walker (aged 16 or under) who raises the most sponsorship in each deanery area. The person who raises the largest sum from sponsorship will also receive a yellow jersey. All young cyclists and walkers will receive certificates.

Gift Aid: Please let each sponsor know that if he/she pays tax, the donation can be treated as Gift Aid - see details on the sponsorship form for how to do this. Gift Aid means that the Trust can claim 28p from Inland Revenue for every £1 donated.

CYCLISTS

Make sure your bicycle is roadworthy and tyres pumped up hard - helps to ward off punctures! If you ride as part of a group, ensure warning ahead and behind. Ride in single file and observe the Highway Code, which can be downloaded here. Alternatively, your local co-ordinator will provide you with the relevant extract and 'Safety Sticker' badges. Please use them.

PLANNING YOUR ROUTE

A list of the churches and chapels taking part in Herefordshire can be downloaded here. You devise your own route and time and pace, so everyone is well spread out - for maximum safety and enjoyment. Herefordshire has a great variety of interesting churches, and many participants look forward to seeing these lovely buildings and talking to those who are there to welcome them.

If you are planning to cycle and need a suggested route, we have created a number, which can be downloaded here.

We wish you a very enjoyable day.

RETURN OF SPONSORSHIP MONEY

Your local co-ordinator would like to receive the money you have collected, together with your form, before 31 October. If for any reason you cannot give your money to the Local Co-ordinator please send it direct, with the form, to HHCT Ride and Stride, 'Matching', Redland Drive, Colwall, Malvern WR13 6ES. Cheques should be payable to 'HHCT Ride & Stride'. A cheque for half the amount received will be returned to the Church or Chapel you nominate. Please make sure your form is handed in with your money, so that we can acknowledge your contribution.

DISCLAIMER

Save to the extent required by law, the Trust accepts no responsibility in respect of death or injury sustained, or damage to property caused, by any participant. If he/she wishes to have such insurance, he/she must make separate arrangements. Participation on any day other than 10 September 2011 will not be part of the official event promoted by the Trust and is undertaken at the participant's own risk.

For further information or queries contact the County Organiser, Ben Sladen (tel: 01568 720424) email:sladen@aulden.plus.com.