WHCT’s Ride and Stride 2025 took place in more temperate conditions this year. Most avoided the showers, though some were affected by the afternoon thunderstorm on Salisbury Plain. The event was again well supported, with some 245 individuals taking part, though numbers were down on 2024. In all, some 215 Churches across Wiltshire took part, with 94 Churches raising funds and over 200 Churches open for Participants to visit.
Everyone reported an enjoyable day, despite the odd shower, and two reports stand out. A group from the six churches of the St Bartholomew’s Benefice in the west of the county, including their Rector, Revd Canon Kate McFarlane, walked between Wardour and Charlton, part of their recently-established St Bartholomew’s Way, a 22-mile circular route that links all their churches. After visiting the wonderful Roman Catholic chapel at New Wardour Castle, recently awarded WHCT grants and normally only open for services, they walked in glorious sunshine to Donhead St Andrew, where they had a picnic lunch. The weather was not quite so kind to them in the afternoon but it did not deter a slightly smaller group from walking on in the rain to Charlton, visiting Donhead St Mary church on the way, and by the time they reached St John’s, Charlton, the sun had come out again, bringing a happy day’s walking to a satisfactory end.
St Peter’s, Chippenham, participated quite differently. As well as sending out 4 cyclists, one of them under 16, to visit many churches in the area they also created a safe space in the church to accommodate those who were unable to be active on the public highways, using static bikes and a slalom course for scooter and wheelchair users – a lap of the course was deemed equivalent to “one church visited” in the Swindon area and in this way one wheelchair user “visited” every church in which he has preached in the past 40 years. Their efforts were encouraged by the local chapter of bell-ringers, who peeled away for a couple of hours and drew attention to activity in the church. 34 visitors were welcomed during the day from parishes including Chippenham, Great Somerford, Corsham, Cherhill, Melksham, Swindon and Royal Wooton Bassett. St Peter’s hopes to offer a similar day of activities next year.
Results
St George’s Church, Preshute are to be congratulated for winning the Brooke Cup this year, beating Wootton Rivers into second place, and are thanked for their magnificent contribution of over £3k.
The Junior Group Cup was won for the fourth consecutive year by St Michael and All Angels Church, Shalbourne (see winning photo, below). A great achievement, though unfortunately there was little competition.
As can be seen from the attached listing of prize-winners, below, some cyclists achieved visits to a record number of Churches this year – an amazing achievement in the time available.
The oldest participant was aged 94, and the youngest just 7 years old. The 20 children who took part, mostly cyclists, will each receive a commemorative medal. Particular thanks are due to Kiruthik Seyakumaran of St Bartholomew’s Church, Corsham, who raised over £300.
Malcolm Fletcher, from St Michael’s Church, Aldbourne and Elizabeth Futter, from Christ Church, Bulkington are to be greatly admired for their cycling prowess at the age of 89 and 85 years, respectively.
We had one Participant, from St. Michael & All Angels Church, Figheldean, whose employer, Nucleus Financial, generously provided a matching donation of £250.
Outcome
As a result of their enthusiasm, Participants are thanked for raising over £58k on the day. After disbursements and costs, the event is forecast to raise over £32k towards WHCT funds for its charitable works.