The Steeplechase has been held since 1980, and has been the largest single contributor to the Trust's funds. Similar events are held throughout England by a majority of county historic church trusts, where it is called "Ride and Stride".
The aim of the Steeplechase is to visit as many churches as possible - safely - in the day: participants may be sponsored for the number of churches visited. Of course, sponsorship is not obligatory (although it is much appreciated), and an interest in historic churches is as much of an excuse as is needed to justify taking part.
The proceeds of sponsorship are split between the participants' nominated churches, and the Trust. In 2008 the Trust benefited by over £10,000 raised from sponsorship, an invaluable contribution to our funds to help with the cost of church repairs.
The 2009 Steeplechase takes place on Saturday 12 September
For a list of participating churches click here
For a sponsorship form click here
(print on both sides of a sheet of A4, and fold into an A5 leaflet)
For more information email Steeplechase@NorthumbriaHCT.org.uk