Suffolk Historic Churches Trust

STOP PRESS: : We have a new grant for 2022 to mark the Queens Platinum Jubilee!

ANOTHER AMAZING FUNDRAISING TOTAL!

A big congratulations and thank you to Riders, Striders, Veteran and Classic Car drivers and volunteers sitting in churches. We raised a record £205,000! A huge thank you to all the sponsors too.

The date for your diary this year is 10th September 2022

Photo Galleries 2021 can be seen on the pages for Ride and Stride and on Pedal and Drive

THE HISTORY OF THE SUFFOLK HISTORIC CHURCHES TRUST

Led by the inspiration and determination of the 11th Duke of Grafton and supported by the Hon. Jill Ganzoni, Norman Scarfe (one of Suffolk’s most eminent historians), and Alfred Williams of Haughley Park, the Trust was launched in December 1973.

Since then the Trust has raised and distributed over five million pounds to help with the repair and maintenance of these churches.  The Trust is non-denominational and all churches, chapels and meeting houses are eligible to apply for grants.

The Trust derives its income from membership of its Friends organisation, donations, grants and legacies and in particular from the annual sponsored Ride and Stride, held in September each year.

Suffolk’s Churches

The landscape of Suffolk would look very different without the 500 medieval churches the county can be so proud of.  Then there is the role of non-conformist chapels and meeting houses in our history.  Even non-worshipping members of communities appreciate that it is worth the time and money involved in preserving churches and chapels for future generations.  (For more details of why Suffolk’s religious buildings are important to the local economy, click here)