The Trust (which is an all volunteer organisation) was set up in 1997 to stimulate interest in Surrey churches (of all Christian denominations) and to make grants for their repair and conservation.

The main source of income is the annual sponsored Ride & Stride. Gifts from individuals (including GiftAid and legacies), corporate bodies, and other charitable trusts are also welcome.

The income is distributed via grants to Surrey churches for repairs. Applications are considered at the Trust meetings in February and August each year against the criteria outlined in the Grant Application Form.

Restored wall paintings at

Tandridge Church

The Annual Bike Ride and Stride

County Trusts take part in the Annual Bike Ride throughout England and Wales on the second Saturday of September, with the twin aims of raising money and of having a fun day out.

Participants, both cyclists and walkers, ask friends and colleagues to sponsor them with an amount for every church visited on that day. They plan their own itinerary with the help of a list of participating churches which will be open (many offer visitors refreshments and an opportunity to look around). Cyclists may be any age, though children under 14 should be accompanied by an adult.

The County Bike Ride Organiser provides publicity and posters, sponsorship forms and safety aids, with detailed instructions for church organisers and participants. Area Organisers help and co-ordinate the churches within specified parts of the County.

Half of each participant’s sponsorship money goes to the church of their choice; the other half goes to The Surrey Churches Preservation Trust which, in turn, distributes funds to churches applying for grants.

We welcome your ideas and help. If you are able to support the Trust in any way please contact us today. For details of other County trusts please click www.rideandstrideuk.org

National Survey

The National Churches Trust is launching a survey of the churches, chapels and meeting houses in the UK, the first of its kind.

The National Churches Trust Survey 2010 will include buildings of every Christian denomination, of all ages and conditions, to understand how they are maintained, repaired, funded and used by their local communities. It will aim to create a national picture of the current status of these places of worship.

The survey can be found online at http://survey.nationalchurchestrust.org

All churches, chapels and meeting houses in the UK are encouraged to submit their information. The online survey includes guidance as to how to fill it in, and technical support is offered.

Mickleham Church

The spire being repaired

NO BIKES NEEDED!

Not a lot of people know that The Surrey Chuches Preservation Trust not just about raising funds through the Annual Ride and Stride day. The Trust also promotes interest in Surrey church buildings through Study Days and Church Visits. Although primarily organised for Trust members, places are often available for non-members, and always provide an interesting and informative day out

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 2010

Monday 8 March
Saturday 15th May

Monday 21 June
Saturday 11 September
Saturday 9 October
Monday 6 December

(Trustees) Grant Meeting at 2.30pm
Talk on Late Stewart Church Monuments at St Mary's, Chart Lane, Reigate at 2.45pm. Details from 01252 712520
AGM at St Ncholas, Alfold at 3pm (preceded by Trustee Meeting)
Bike Ride and Stride
Church crawl for members
Review Meeting - Trustees and Bike Ride Organisers