This year the cycle ride coincided with the festival in the church of family celebrations, (Church Festival page) which was very well supported. Though this is called a cycle ride, this year they decided that you could walk, cycle, horse ride or go
by car - some people drive to a different area then cycle. The money raised is split in half, one half is returned to the church the other half is retained by the trust and used to look after old churches that are of historical interest and are not in use.
Jim Bayliss and Clive Hunter took part from Beckingham this year, as did Neil and Michelle Wilson.
Jim and Clive started at Beckingham All Saints' Church and went to St Martin of Tours in Saundby, a nice gentle start as it is downhill. Saundby Church is a closed church and is used to store old bell cradles from other churches. It is open
as the magnificent stained glass windows (see Saundby page). From Saundby to St Peter and Paul in Sturton le Steeple, passing by West Burton
Power Station. This beautiful 'spired' church is set back opposite the pond in the centre of this pretty village. The ride then follows the road to St Martin's in North Leverton with
Habblesthorpe where refreshments were laid on by the church warden in attendance. As you cross the railway and pass the old Railway pub (it was closed and derelict) you can see the windmill on your right. The mill is still a working mill, complete with sails, and sells freshly milled flour to the public.
the hill that never seems to stop! When you finally reach the top it really is worth the effort - the view is breath-taking over Retford, Worksop, Bawtry and on to Newark. If you turn around you can see why it is such hard work and just how long the hill is, but the view is
just as magnificent over the River Trent to the Lincolnshire Wolds and Lincoln Cathedral.
It's then downhill all the
way to the turn off to Little Gringley Lane, through Welham and into Clarborough to St John the Baptist church. Again met by
members of the church and had a drink and a chat about old motorcycles! From Clarborough it is a short ride to Hayton and
Gringley on the Hill. Go past The Blue Bell in Gringley and all roads out are downhill. Take the Gringley Road out towards Walkeringham which takes you to the final church, St Mary Magdalene. Once again we were received with hospitality and offers of refreshments.
From Walkeringham it was only a short ride back to All Saints' Beckingham - this being a total of 26 to 30 miles and taking some three and a half to four hours. A total amount raised was £153 for the trust and we would like to thank all the people who sponsored us and
all the people who manned the churches.
www.beckingham-northnotts.org.uk
This website has been funded by:
 |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
||||
 |
 |
 |
|
||
 |
|
||||
 |
 |
|
|||
 |
 |
|
|||
|
|
||||