2. Celebrating
supporting Suffolk’s
Churches
1973 2013

3. Helping to keep
Churches and Chapels
of all denominations
open for worship
and in good repair for
the benefit of all.

4. Suffolk has about 500 medieval churches
which are among the finest in England.

5. Churches are a vital part of our heritage,
at the heart of our communities

6. Some are more remote but are striking
features in the Suffolk landscape

7. They are
fascinating
treasure
houses

8. The 1970’s was a time of great anxiety
about the future of rural churches
Many were threatened with closure,
some in danger of becoming ruinous
The Suffolk Historic Churches Trust
was formed in 1973 to raise funds
to help keep our churches open.

9. Even the fine church at Denston was at serious risk, the
building was decaying and threatened with closure.
Saving it for the future was an early priority for the Trust.
Denston is now among the top 300 churches in England
(Simon Jenkins)

10. Since 1973 the Trust has raised
and distributed some £4 million as grants.
Each year it helps between
40 and 50 churches and
chapels of all
denominations and
ages to meet the costs of
repairs and restoration work.

11. We also give small grants for Toilets and kitchen facilities
Helping churches open for cultural and community use

12. The Trust also advises
churches and chapels
through the
complexities of
church maintenance.
We can help
access other
sources of funding

13. This can only be achieved with your help.
Our funds come from:
Subscriptions and Donations
Annual Bike Ride
Support of the Friends
Fundraising Events
Legacies

14. Churches’Annual Sponsored Bike Ride
This popular event is the Trust’s biggest fundraiser;
held on the second Saturday in September, an idea
born in Suffolk in 1982 which has now spread,
as ‘Ride & Stride’, across the country.

15. You can support the Bike Ride:
by taking part

16. By welcoming
riders to your
church or chapel

17. By sponsoring the riders
as generously as you can
or by making a donation via ‘Just Giving’ on the
SHCT Website www.shct.org.uk

18. The Bike Ride is a fun day out for young and old alike
Plan your own route and cycle or walk between as many
(or few) churches as you like.

19. 2010 £165,435.66
2011 £152,685.27
2012 £155,903.37 (so far)
2013 With your help,
how much?
The money raised is shared between the participant’s
chosen church and Suffolk Historic Churches Trust.

20. Friends of Suffolk Historic Churches Trust
Annual Meeting
Help preserve our magnificent churches:
become a Friend and support the work of the Trust
with an annual donation

21. Friends of the Trust take part in our events
looking at churches with specialist guidance

22. On Friday evenings in June, Clive brings to life the history of
one of our churches - eye-opening and fascinating
evenings for all.
Clive Paine ‘Let Loose’

23. Our ancient Churches and Chapels and their contents
are an inseparable part of Suffolk’s heritage. There is no
better way to help preserve them for future generations
than by supporting the work of the Trust

24. Together we can keep Suffolk’s unique
ecclesiastical heritage safe for the future
Why not join us?