Raising Funds for the Historic Churches Trust

Chartered Surveyor Completes Suffolk Churches Cycle Ride with friends

Richard Bertram, owner of residential and commercial lettings business and Chartered Surveyors, Beane, Wass and Box, describes himself as an ‘occasional cyclist’ but he put in an outstanding performance at the weekend (11 September) with two friends as he participated in the Suffolk Churches 2021 Ride and Stride.

The charity ride, in aid of the Suffolk Historic Churches Trust, is an annual event and every second Saturday in September cyclists and walkers all-round the country help make money for their local county Churches Trust.  The idea first started in Suffolk, and consistently Suffolk has headed the table of funds raised. The Ride and Stride is the main source of income for the Suffolk Historic Churches Trust to enable it to make grants to churches and chapels of all denominations towards repair and restoration costs. The money raised by each cyclist or walker is shared equally between the Suffolk Historic Churches Trust and the place of worship nominated by the participant, in Richard’s case, Butley Church, Butley near Woodbridge.

Richard, and his friends Steve Ball and Ian Head, visited 33 churches in the Woodbridge Deanery on a circular route from Grundisburgh covering around 72 miles.  Between the three friends, the cyclists are hoping to raise over £1,000 from sponsorship including a donation of over £200 from Suffolk-based leisure venue Stonham Barns Park.

‘I have supported this ride for the past three years now.  It is something that I am happy to do as I do have a professional interest in historic buildings and particularly in the quirky and feature-rich churches of Suffolk.  The proceeds of the ride not only go to your own church but also to the Suffolk Historic Churches Trust which steps in to help churches in need of funds for repairs and renovations.  This makes it a win-win situation for all the churches of Suffolk.’

‘We really enjoyed the day as you get to meet so many interesting people, many of whom proffer excellent refreshments and you also can remind yourself of the all the reasons that we should preserve our beautiful places of worship. If you would like to support this worthy cause see Just Giving/Richard Bertram’s page’

‘We had a stunning day out together whilst also enhancing our fitness!’