An Ode to Ride and Stride 2021, Whitchurch Canonicorum We rode, we strode, we "tractored" and ran! The weather was 'Fair' and we took to the land. Thirteen striders strong and one runner to boot, set off from St Candida on a ten mile set route. Four cyclists met at St Giles, contemplating the thirty-four miles Late joined by a fifth, reinforcing the 'it's-going-to-be-a-hilly-ride' myth Ten tractor drivers came on later with revving engines and tuned carburettors Setting off from the Five Bells Shining from front grills to wheel wells In vintage Massey, Ford and Brown Gathering from farms all around We rode, we strode, we "tractored" and ran! The weather was 'Fine' and we took to the land. The striders rambled off southwards to take in the sights Of sea and coast path, navigating stiles of great heights. Visiting two different St Gabriel's, one standing, one a ruin Stopping to rest in the sunshine of the autumn afternoon One brave runner, fleet of foot, From the walkers the lead he took Garnering local support on social media Finished and first returned he was to St Candida Up Wootton, Up Lyme Hill, Up up dingly dell, The path that the cyclists rode went (sometimes?!) downwards as well. Stopping at Saint Giles and Ignatius then Saints Gabriel and Paul Saints Michael, Mary and John, Seventeen churches in all Through the Vale trailed the tractors, a row of red, blue, grey and brown Drivers lunched in a sheep shed between Broadoak and Seatown They putt-putted the crest of Stonebarrow and could be easily seen Chuntering through Charmouth, then back to Whitchurch by fields green We rode, we strode, we "tractored" and ran! The weather was 'partly sunny' and we took to the land. At the end of the day, All finally found their way Walkers, fast group and slow, Tractors, after thirty miles on the go Cyclists, delayed by a puncture At the very last juncture What a merry day we had And were we ever more than glad To reach St Candida and Holy Cross And see tables hosted by Sue, Kay, Judith and Ros Sandwiches and cakes and tea All kindly produced by Whitchurch PCC. We rode, we strode, we "tractored" and ran! The weather cooperated and we took to the land.
Betsy West Parish Organiser, Whitchurch Canonicorum
We had a terrific day Riding and Striding on 11th September. Thanks to Team Whitchurch for a great effort and to all of our sponsors throughout the community who have donated £1520 (not including Gift Aid) as of the end of October. Richard Benjamin, Parish Organiser for Chideock rode for St Giles and St Ignatius, joined the riders and, separately, raised money for both churches in Chideock. All money goes to Dorset Historic Churches Trust which returns half to our nominated church and uses the rest to fund its generous grants for churches throughout the county. It’s not too late to donate to this year’s appeal:https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/whitchurch-canonicorum2021
For more information on Dorset Historic Churches Trust please see:https://www.dhct.org.uk/