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This is a text-only version of an article first published on Monday, 10 April 2017. Information shown on this page may no longer be current.
by Colin Fletcher
UFFINGTON, Baulking, Goosey, Stanford-in-the-Vale, Hatford, Shellingford, Fernham, Longcot, Watchfield, Shrivenham and Woolstone all sound pretty idyllic - and what's more I'm assured that there are not too many steep hills around when I set off with Basil Eastwood, the Chairman of Oxfordshire Historic Churches Trust, to cycle round their churches on September 13 as part of this year's Ride and Stride events. The purpose, as many of you will know, is to raise money both for the Trust (celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year) and for people's local churches.
Sponsorship is the name of the game and, as well as what I'll be sponsoring myself, I'd be delighted to receive any donations either here at Arran House, Sandy Lane, Yarnton, Oxfordshire, OX5 1PB or on my JustGiving page (justgiving.com/Colin-Fletcher1). It would also be lovely to be joined by any other cyclists on the route - provided you are not too fit. But for me it's more than a cycle ride - and it's more than just a fund-raising event.
Since taking over as the Area Bishop for this part of Oxfordshire earlier this year I have managed to visit a few of these churches but I am greatly looking forward to seeing a number of new ones - and to meeting some of those who worship in them week by week. All we need now is a dry day without too much wind.
The Rt Revd Colin Fletcher is the Bishop of Dorchester.