We are excited to announce that the Islip Big Bike Ride will be taking place once again on Sunday 3 May 2026 and we would love you to join us. Booking is now open - register for your ride of choice here We have a ride for everyone, choose the one that suits you best:The Big Bike Ride - 70 mile route from Westminster Abbey to St Nicholas Church in IslipThe “Halfway” - 35 mile route starting in Great MissendenThe “Nearly There” - 15 mile route starting in ThameThe Tour of Islip - 4 mile route (children only)100yds Tykes and Trikes ride (no need to book)This family-friendly ride is fully marshalled throughout and finishes in Islip, where there will be a free sports massage for every rider from Clinic on the Green plus refreshments and fun for all ages. Your entrance fee raises money for The Friends of Dr South’s School and St Nicholas' Church. If you would like to help us raise more funds for these local charities please set up your own fundraising page. Can't make it this year? You can still make a massive difference by purchasing raffle tickets, making a donation or volunteering to help.Thank you for your support, and good luck with your training!
We’re really pleased to announce that, subject to legalities (including the granting of a visa (now granted), overseas permission to officiate and safeguarding requirements), Cortney Dale has been offered and has accepted the role of Rector of the Ray Valley Benefice.Further information about a licensing date will follow in due course. It has been agreed that she will live in the church house in Charlton on Otmoor, which is more centrally located within the Benefice.Cortney <a></a>writes:I’m excited to join you as the rector for the Ray Valley Benefice!A little about me: I’m an American who grew up in Bowling Green, Kentucky where my whole family was active in our local Episcopal Church.Feeling a call to ministry, I got my Masters in Divinity at Virginia Theological Seminary.I was ordained a priest 10 years ago and in that time, I served six years as the associate rector of Christ Episcopal Church, New Bern, North Carolina and four years as the rector of St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church in Lebanon, Ohio. Joining me in this exciting adventure are my husband, Jim Gilmore, and our two sons, Jimmy (7 years old) and Joshua (4 years old).In the small corners of free time I manage to find, I enjoy traveling, cooking, and roller coasters. While I’m a newcomer to the Church of England, Anglican theology and heritage have shaped me for as long as I can remember.I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity to serve God’s church in this beautiful context.Please keep me in your prayers in this time of transition as I am already keeping you in mine.
