Churches across north Nottinghamshire are gearing up to put on something special for those taking part in the annual Ride+Stride event on Saturday 10th September.
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 www.ridestride.org. Here’s what there is to see locally:
- Beckingham Parish Church, open 10.00am to 4.00pm: Mostly 13th century, though the exterior is apparently 15th century. Call in to see the newly-restored chancel.
- Clayworth Parish Church, open 10.00am to 5.00pm: 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.
- Gringley Parish Church, open 10.00am to 6.00pm: The steeple is the highest point in the county – the Church dates from 1180 and there are numerous historic features to see.
- Misterton Parish Church, open 10.00am to 4.00pm: 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.
- West Stockwith Parish Church, open 10.00am to 4.00pm: 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.
Part of the Wolds and Trent Methodist Circuit, Misterton Methodist Church will also be open from 10.00am to 4.00pm: 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.
So take advantage of centuries of history on the doorstep, get some gentle exercise, and raise funds for the church of your choice!