A report on the 2006 event by Gordon Smith, Eastbourne.

The Sussex Historic Churches Trust
Ride and Stride
Saturday 9th September 2006.

The walkers and riders and two dogs gathered at the South Door of St Mary's Old Town at 10 am on Saturday 9th September. There were 4 cyclists and 15 walkers whose age ranged from 2 years to eighty (me). Three cyclists missed the press photo because they had difficulties hiring bicycles and arrived later..



Father Charles our Vicar gave us a Blessing sprinkling us with Holy water and Father David Wallace our Curate then assembled the walkers and transported us in motor cars to the Seven Sisters Car Park. In our company were several people from China We then set off to West Dean on foot with a push chair and many of us signed in at All Saints West Dean where we had welcome refreshing Drinks and Biscuits. After a rather hilly walk we arrived at Littlington where we stopped for a picnic lunch. Father David produced a rounders bat when the fitter and Younger members had an enjoyable game using up their spare energy. In perfect weather with a clear blue sky in warm sunshine we walked. back along the Cuckmere. Everybody thought it had been a perfect day and profusely thanked father David for organizing such a happy occasion.



The cyclists my son Richard 30 years younger than me who had come with his son James from Cannington Somerset had collected £100.00 sponsor money between them. Richards wife Rachel could not be with us as she had a business engagement, but Rachel had collected £20.00 as sponsor money. I am proud to say that they came to Eastbourne just to help their poor old Dad and Granddad. The other two cyclists were grandsons Adam and Glen whose father Christopher sadly died this year. Their trip was not uneventful however as Richard was riding my bicycle when the handlebar parted company with the bike, and Richard was thrown on to the Grass verge with a car overtaking him. Fortunately apart from his fall he was unhurt. As it was my cycle he was riding he asked me if I was trying to get rid of him, and I assured him that this was not so! The bike was kindly repaired by the Verger of St. Mary's Westham, and Richard with his Son and nephews went on to visit twenty churches in the Eastbourne Area from which they received a very warm welcome.

Our Recorders logged in and welcomed 19 cyclists and 33 walkers which is very much appreciated.



Gordon Smith.
Sussex Historic Churches Stride and Ride Organizer.