This is the 40th Anniversary of the first Norfolk Churches Trust Bike Ride, Walk & Drive and the 11th time I have taken part. My bike is finally beyond repair and the boys have outgrown their bicycles. We have therefore decided to use our feet and Lorne, Ivo, Sylvie and I are going to walk around as many churches as we can on the day.

As well as being the 40th Anniversary it is also the 10th Anniversary since I took over as chairman of the committee that runs the event and I am standing down after the 9th of September. The event has raised over £1.1million in the last ten years for Norfolk Churches and I am immensely grateful for those who have generously supported me and other participants.

I apologise for holding out the cap again, as I know that this is a difficult year for everyone, but our extraordinary church buildings continue to face their own financial challenges and so any help you can give will be hugely appreciated. Last year was another extraordinary year for the Bike Ride which raised £134,156. This meant the Bike Ride has raised over £4.2 million since its inception in 1983. This money has allowed the trust to 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 planning to do it with all three children and I am planning to explore a new area of Norfolk.