Way back in the 1970's I took part in the first three 'Stowmarket Churches Cycle Chases' in our deanery. SHCT then adopted the idea and this annual event has now spread across the country. It's held on the second Saturday in September each year and is great fun, with so many people taking part either cycling, walking, organising or welcoming and signing in visitors. The money raised is shared between the participant's chosen church and the SHCT, who in turn, give generous grants to church and chapel restoration projects all over Suffolk.

I took part in the bike ride a few more times, stopped cycling for many years, but took it up again in the lockdown. Last year, well over 40 years after that first ride, I biked over 46 miles to 33 churches & chapels, some of them over the Norfolk border. This year I plan to equal that but will be taking a very different route, all within Suffolk.

I'm raising much-needed funds for St Mary's Mendlesham as some parts of the building are desperately in need of restoration. It's a large, glorious Grade 1 listed building in the middle of Suffolk, home to a unique armoury - the only one in the country - as well as beautiful 13th century pillars, a memorial brass of 1417, 15th century clerestory, carved mediaeval pews, Jacobean pulpit and font cover, and many other historic artefacts. 

Thank you for reading this - and thank you for whatever donation you are able to give, whether large or small. Every penny helps!