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 Lorne and I are going to ride for our local Church, Hempstead All Saints, and the Norfolk Churches Trust. 

I apologise for holding out the cap again but the maintenance of these wonderful buildings is an ongoing problem that needs continuing financial help.

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 partly due to the aftermath of lead theft. 

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. We only have one bike with fully functioning gears and it is the bike that has a seat high enough for Lorne and so it looks like I am going to be lumbered with the rickety old bike. I think I am going to attach a rope to Lorne's bike when we go up the hills. We do have them in Norfolk! A little trial ride down to the church to take some photos had Lorne racing off in front of me and so I am hoping that it is going to be a case of the hare and the tortoise and he and I will reach the finish line at much the same time?!

Nearly all the churches in Norfolk will be open on the 8th of September and we are going to try to visit as many as possible in one day. We have set ourselves a minimum of 20 churches.