In September last year we ran a story about how members of the ‘Ride & Stride’ team raising money for St George’s Church in Preshute had raised over £1,000 for the Trust that supports Wiltshire’s Churches. at that point no-one knew exactly how much had been raised in total by the team. Now, several months on the total amount raised has been calculated at £3,441 – an amount that awards the St George’s Parish team with ‘The Brooke Cup’, for being the best achieving parish in Wiltshire in last September’s ‘Ride & Stride’. Winning the cup also earns the church an extra £500.
What is ‘Ride & Stride’? It is a national event that takes places each year in September. It is a sponsored cycle ride or walk to raise money for county Trusts that give grants for much-needed repairs or enhancements to churches. In the case of St George’s in Preshute money raised goes to the Wiltshire Historic Churches Trust but half the sponsorship money raised comes back to St George’s, the participants’ church.
The team from St George’s comprised consisted Howard Cripps, Heather Croucher, Graham and Katie Dick, Ian and Lynne Moody, Rob Robertson, Jeremy York as cyclists, and Charles Graham, Heather Lee, David and Ian Sims, Barbara Vernon as walkers, with Daphne Robertson in the Mobility buggy.
What is ‘The Brooke Cup’? The trophy was donated in 2010 by Lord Brooke of Sutton Mandeville, a Government Minister under both Margaret Thatcher and John Major (formerly Peter Brooke prior to ennoblement). A one time resident of Mildenhall he was a keen supporter of Wiltshire’s Churches and the trophy was his way of recognising and encouraging this support.
Cycling and walking around Marlborough – Wiltshire Council want your views
