Bike 'n Hike 2008
Once again, keen cyclist and church member Tony Baines is raising funds for St Margaret's and the Beds and Herts Historic Churches Trust.
On 13th September, Tony is participating in Bike 'n Hike 2008. Last year, cyclists and walkers across Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire raised more than £100,000 for historic churches in our area.
Bike 'n Hike co-ordinator Patrick Lepper of the Trust explained, "We have been organising this event since 1991 and each year it gets bigger. We set a £100,000 target two years ago and we are delighted that in 2007 it was not only reached but exceeded. Local churches taking part keep half of the money raised by their participants and the other half goes to the Trust where it will be used to help maintain and restore the counties' churches and chapels."
"The event is eagerly awaited each year by cyclists and walkers, who gain sponsorship from friends. They plan a route visiting churches and chapels specially opened throughout their areas with local volunteers providing a welcoming cup of tea along the way. Churches of many denominations take part, with the record this year raised by the Roman Catholic congregation in Radlett."
"Since the event started," added Patrick, "we have raised more than £1 million and been able to help hundreds of churches with their repair bills."
Last year, Tony cycled 50 miles and visited 25 Bedfordshire churches and this year he's hoping to do even better.
There's a sponsor form for Tony in church. Please give him your full support. If you can't get to church, you can contact Tony on (01582) 654 071.
Click here to visit the Beds and Herts Historic Churches Trust's website (opens in new page).