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

Many of you will know that I have been taking part in the annual Norfolk Churches Trust Bike Ride for the last 9 years and you have been very generous in your support.  I apologise for holding out the cap again but this has been another disastrous year, for churches and the Norfolk Churches Trust ,as most fundraising activities have been cancelled. 

Last year was a spectacular year for the Bike Ride which raised £175,000. This meant that the trust could continue its amazing work in helping to save the fabulous medieval churches of Norfolk, of which there are over 600, the largest concentration anywhere in the world. 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. 

This year I am slightly nervous as I am doing it with Lorne and two of his friends who are both fitter and probably have better bicycles. My cunning plan is to keep hold of the map so they can't disappear over the horizon!

Nearly all the churches in Norfolk will be open on the 11th 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.