Ride & Stride is a chance to get sponsorship to walk, jog or run, cycle, go by motorbike or motorised scooter, or saddle up to visit local churches in the area. Organised by the Historic Churches Trust, half the sponsorship goes to the Trust with the other half to the church of choice. For details, go to: ridestride.org. So here’s what there is to see in north Notts: Beckingham Parish Church · Mostly 13th century, though the exterior is apparently 15th century. Call in to see the newly-restored chancel · Church open 10.00am – 4.00pm · Sale of goods, bric a brac, and more! · Refreshments available Clayworth Parish Church · Built in 1150-1180, the Church also features a fine 13th century stone screen - rare in a village church, and the Elizabethan Fitzwilliam tomb, one of the earliest examples of decorative plasterwork in the country. With some examples of Kempe stained glass windows, the Church is also home of the Traquair murals · Church open 10.00am – 5.00pm · Tours of the church 11.00am, 2.00pm, and 4.00pm · Refreshments available Gringley Parish Church · The steeple is the highest point in the county – the Church dates from 1180 and there are numerous historic features to see · Church open 10.00am – 6.00pm · Refreshments available Misterton Parish Church · In pre-Conquest times, there was a church served by a community of clergy. By the time of the Domesday Survey in 1086, Misterton, there named Munstretton, certainly possessed a church · Church open 10.00am – 4.00pm · Focus of Chesterfield Canal Walking Festival’s Misterton Walk, taking in local history from Wharf Bridge (10.00am) to the Parish Church · Followed by talk on stained glass, Misterton Parish Church, 12.30pm, featuring the Kempe and Piper windows (Piper made the huge baptistery window in Coventry Cathedral) · Refreshments available West Stockwith Parish Church · The church dates from 1722 and was built by local shipyard owner, William Huntington. A unique Georgian rectangular building, a single chamber forming both chancel and nave. · Church open 10.00am – 4.00pm · Display of old photos · Starting point (10.15am) for Chesterfield Canal Walking Festival’s Historic Churches Walk, taking in Misterton, Gringley, and Clayworth · Refreshments available. Part of the Wolds & Trent Methodist Circuit, Misterton Methodist Church will also be open to riders and striders! Misterton Methodist Church · A Meeting House was built on the site of the present Wesleyan Methodist Church in 1756. The Wesleys from nearby Epworth were frequent visitors to the village · Church open 10.00am – 4.00pm · Display about the history of the Methodist church in Misterton · Refreshments available. So take advantage of centuries of history on the doorstep, get some gentle exercise, and raise funds for the church of your choice!
