Many of you will know that I have been taking part in the annual Norfolk Churches Trust Bike Ride for the last few years and you have been very generous in your support. This year the Church that Airlie and I were married in (Baconsthorpe Church) has been attacked by lead thieves. The damage has been appalling (see picture) and especially demoralising to the village who had recently had the lead on the North Aisle renewed.  I am therefore going to ride this year for Baconsthorpe Church, my local Church Hempstead All Saints, and the Norfolk Churches Trust. 

The Norfolk Churches Trust does amazing work in helping to save the fabulous medieval churches of Norfolk, of which there are over 600, the largest number in any county. Anyone who has visited Norfolk will appreciate what an important part of the local landscape they play. They are well worth a visit as they house a wealth of architectural and historical interest. Without the NCT's help many would have been lost and many are at serious risk without continued financial help. The Trust has seen a huge increase in demand for funding and help in dealing with the aftermath of lead theft. There have been 99 lead theft attacks on churches in the last 4 years in Norfolk alone. The trust is also working with other organisations to fund alarms for church roofs.

I apologise for holding out the cap again but this year my motivation to help has become very personal. 

If you are not interested in churches and would prefer to sponsor me in the knowledge that I will be suffering for my cause.... this is your opportunity. The bike is a year older the cyclist is a year older and the padded shorts have shrunk!

Nearly all the churches in Norfolk will be open on the 9th of September and I am trying to visit as many as possible in one day. I have set myself a minimum of 20 churches.