Ride and Stride near you! Ride and Stride is Englands annual open churches day, organised locally in Northamptonshire by Richard and Val Hartley. Participating churches and full details are available from Richard and Val via this link: http://www.rideandstrideuk.org/counties/northamptonshire/ and email address: [email protected]

In 2016 Northamptonshire Historic Churches Trust made grants of 55,500 pounds, approximately half of the funds used to make these grants were raised by the annual Ride and Stride.

The next sponsored Ride and Stride takes place on Saturday 8th September 2018. This annual event is an excellent way of raising funds for your own church as well as for the trust; half of the money raised by you is returned to the church of your choice. In addition, there is the opportunity to visit and admire some of the most wonderful buildings in the county.

Northamptonshire can boast splendid examples of Saxon, Medieval, Georgian, Victorian and Modern church architecture. And it is not just the buildings, but also their furnishings – pews, choir stalls and pulpits – their stained glass, wall paintings and carved stonework. These churches are important, not just as places of worship, but also as the focus for the local community, both at times of celebration and commemoration.

People of any age can take part as you can choose your own route, according to how many churches you wish to visit on the day. Most of the churches in the County will be open from 10am until 6pm, although some may close earlier. To register as a participant or for further information please email: [email protected]