Saturday 9th September 2023
Ride and Stride 2023 took place in a heatwave, with the temperature peaking across Wiltshire at 30C. Riders and Striders sought cover and relief along leafy lanes and enjoyed the cool porches and naves of churches and chapels along their chosen routes. The welcome and refreshments provided by many places of worship was especially welcome this year as participants rested between hot legs of their planned routes.
Some 160 Churches and chapels were open and 234 Riders and Striders took part. Many recollections of the day and pictures were shared afterwards. Routes covered all parts of the county, from North to South, West to East. Start times varied, with some starting early to beat the heat and others taking their time to get going. It was another day to remember and, regardless of the heat, the enjoyment and achievement on the day was marvellous.
There were many commendable contributions and achievements on the day, as recorded below in the Prize List. We appreciated all of the stories from the day.
The Alderbury cycling team of five cyclists included Barbara, who is blind and travelled from Bournemouth to join her team. Mike and Barbara rode a tandem bike along a 30 mile route.
The Brakspear family cycled from Corsham to Malmesbury Abbey, restored in the past by Harold Brakspear. They called into churches in a wide arc from the West to the East of Malmesbury in their morning ride. (Picture)
Elizabeth Andrew of Steeple Langford cycled for her team of four churches, visiting 33 places of worship and found a wonderful way of cooling down on a beautiful quary stone floor in one of the churches she visited.
Paul Gorford travelled light, relying with good faith on the hospitality and sustenance along his route. He set off from St John the Baptist, Hindon, walking through Berwick St Leonard, along part of the Monarch’s Way to Fonthill Bishop, then on to Tisbury, New Wardour Castle and All Saints Chapel, finally returning to Holy Trinity at Fonthill Gifford at 5pm.
It was also a day for the large teams. Many congratulations to St Andrew’s, Wootton Rivers who have been awarded the Brooke Cup for the third year in a row, with St James, Bratton being worthy runners up.
The Brooke Junior Cup was won for the second year in a row by St Michael and All Angels, Shalbourne (Picture of Team), with St Bartholomew’s Church, Corsham coming second.
Kiruthik – most raised by Under 16 Cyclist
Altogether some £51,192 was raised to support the mission of the churches and chapels of Wiltshire. We owe heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to make the day a success.
Presentation of the Brooke Cup to St Andrew’s Church, Wootton Rivers by the Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire after Evensong on 18th February 2024
Next year – Ride and Stride 2024 will be the 40th Anniversary of Wiltshire Ride and Stride. We intend to mark this achievement in a unique way and urge everyone to enjoy celebrating this special day as a Parish, Rider and Strider and Sponsor. Please save the date – Saturday 14th September 2024.