On September 9th, history came alive as the Norfolk Churches Trust, a registered charity established in 1976, hosted its 40th Annual Bike Ride and Walk event. This cherished tradition brought together the Norfolk community to celebrate and support the preservation of the county’s historic churches and chapels, which are at the heart of Norfolk’s cultural heritage. The event, which has become a beloved tradition, has raised over £4 million to date, reflecting the collective dedication to preserving these landmarks.
The Norfolk Churches Trust has remained steadfast in its mission to safeguard and offer financial aid and guidance to churches and chapels of all Christian denominations within the county of Norfolk, as well as the Diocese of Norwich.
On one of the hottest days of the year, Rosedale Funeral Home staff supported the Norfolk Churches Trust to give back to the very churches they have worked closely with over the years, visiting 75 churches and cycling over 350 miles.
Rosedale Funeral Home, with seven branches across Norfolk and Suffolk, is a long-standing advocate of preserving Norfolk’s rich cultural and architectural heritage and wanted to take this opportunity to give something back to the churches. This commitment reflects their unwavering dedication to the community and its unique cultural treasures. Christian ventured into Suffolk, where he lived in Eye for 24 years before moving to Diss, he took part in the Suffolk Churches Ride and Stride 2023 which was celebrating their 50th annual event.
‘It was a great opportunity to do something really positive within our local community and strengthen the bonds we have with the churches. Beyond their spiritual importance, these churches provide a space for creativity, extend warm welcomes to all and offer crucial community support.’ – Christian Fairbrother, Funeral Director.
Whilst visiting St Mary’s Church, Redenhall Rosedale spoke with a volunteer who also looks after the floral displays. They highlighted the vital contribution and dedication of the ‘flower ladies’ in the churches who ensure fresh flowers adorn the church for every funeral. Their biggest fear was not removing dead flowers before a funeral service, underlining the importance of these small but meaningful gestures that bring comfort to grieving families. These unsung heroes work tirelessly behind the scenes, contributing to the church’s atmosphere and helping to ease the burden of sorrow during funerals. As the 40th Annual Norfolk Churches Trust Bike Ride and Walk came to a close, it left a lasting impression of the community’s unwavering commitment to preserving these sacred spaces. The event’s success was a testament to the collective efforts of the Norfolk Churches Trust, volunteers, cyclists and the entire Norfolk community.
For more information about the Norfolk Churches Trust and their mission to protect Norfolk’s churches and chapels, please visit their official website: https://norfolkchurchestrust.org.uk/
Or to see images from the day visit Rosedale Funeral Home Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/rosedalefuneral/
For more information on the bereavement support that we can offer please click here.
