Ride and Stride was ‘born’ in Suffolk in 1982 as a sponsored cycle ride or walk and is held annually, in virtually every county in England. It is the main fund-raising event for the county churches trusts. It is now a sponsored event for cyclists, joggers, walkers and horse riders. Any mode of transport can be used as long as sponsors are happy; a couple of people have used vintage cars!Money raised helps Northamptonshire Historic Churches Trust to continue supporting our marvellous churches across the county with essential repairs and improvements. Ride and Stride is an opportunity to raise money not only for the Trust but for your own church, as we return 50% of the money to the church of your choice.Some participants challenge themselves to visit as many churches as they can by their chosen mode of transport. Others prefer a more leisurely approach, visiting fewer churches and taking more time at each. There is no age limit - it is a great family activity - and you plan your own route. Churches are usually open from 10.00am to 6.00pm although there are some that close earlier.Ride and Stride is a countrywide event always held on the second Saturday in September.You can donate to the ride and stride though our donations page. A QR code is attached just open and scan with your smart phone.
Visit to St Michael’s Church in Great Oakley:I was delighted to accept an invitation to see for myself the two additional church bells installed at the stunning 13th Century St Michael and All Angels Church in Great Oakley. The two new bells, which were installed earlier this year, give this stunning traditional church a peel of five bells with these new additions originally being on buoys out at sea! Having climbed to the top, the view across Great Oakley, Little Oakley and Oakley Vale was spectacular to see. St Michael’s Treasurer, Bob Hartley, gave me a tour to learn about the fascinating church history, and a chance to see the rare single-handed sundial clock, and – unusually – three tombstones which have listed building status. A fantastic example of the rich history that can be found in every corner of our towns, villages and rural communities - and a real treat to go along.
Those who normally sell tickets for the grand draw will find tickets being posted to you in the next couple of days.If you have not had tickets in the past and think you could sell some to raise funds for the church then drop me an email at treasurer@stmichaelsgreatoakley.uk and I will bring some around to you.Likewise contact me if you would just like to buy some tickets.We have set up ticket purchasing via our sumup account copy the follow link into your browserhttps://tiny.one/StM-raffle to be taken directly to our market place page where you can buy 1 book of 5 tickets for £5 or any multiple there of. Attached is also a QR that takes you to the same place
Our new mission card has been launched and is available from the church. However I have put a copy of it on here for you to read. Fr Anthony suggested that it would be good to take some of these home with you and circulate them to your neighbours and friends.If you are not a regular attendee or new to our church then do come and see us and collect a few cards.You can find the times of our services either here or on our web site www.stmichaelsgreatoakley.uk.if you just want to catch up with he sermons again just go to the web page and look for sermons.
