St Mary’s Church in Hook is looking for cyclists who can face a 200-mile challenge in aid of a major renovation.
Vicar, Reverend Philip Ball, has organised the three-day ride in September from Wiltshire to the church to raise funds for its restoration, which will cost around £500,000. The challenge will be the first of many, with the church planning on finishing the works in time for its 800th anniversary in 2025.
Rev Ball said: “Our church is the oldest building in Goole and Hook by, we think at least 400 years, and has a wonderful history and heritage. “We’d like it to be still serving the community centuries from now.” The last time it was renovated was in 1844 when much of the work was paid for by local landowners Thomas and Lucy Sotheron, and is one of the reasons why the challenge will start in Wiltshire. “They had a home in the village of Shipton Moyne in Wiltshire, so what better way to launch this renovation, than to celebrate the last works done,” the vicar added. “This we will do by cycling between the Sotheron’s homes along a route that they must have taken many times.” Works this time around will include replacing the roof and repairing stonework.
Rev Ball is inviting cyclists young and old to participate and is keen to get local cycling clubs involved. The challenge will start on Thursday, September 30 and will finish with a party in Hook on Saturday, October 2. “We anticipate that the event will be a lot of fun,” says Rev Philip. “It’s a decent challenge for experienced cyclists, and a serious one for the unfit ones like myself, but we’ll ride in ability groups, so everybody can go at their own pace. “If we raise some money, launch our campaign, and people have a good time, forge friendships, and look forward to a refreshing drink at the end, it’ll be a great success.” For anyone interested in cycling or helping out, email: cycling@st-marys-church.org.ukor or come to the next meeting about the ride at The Sotheron Arms in Hook on Thursday, July 8 at 8pm.
Reverend Philip Ball outside St Mary’s. (01-07-68 SU)
