VICARS from across the country descended on Oxford today to learn how to ride penny farthings to promote a charity event that raises money for the upkeep of historic churches.

A peloton of priests swept through the streets in their dog collars to raise awareness of Ride + Stride, the annual fundraiser that sees the public sponsored to walk or cycle between churches.

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Clergy received instruction from the world experts of the Penny Farthing Club in the car park of Wolvercote Primary School then rode down Woodstock Road into the city centre.

Oxford Mail:

The event passed off with plenty of nervous laughter and wobbling – but no serious injuries or blasphemy.

This year's Ride + Stride takes place on Saturday, September 14.

Rev David Salter, team vicar of Chipping Norton team, who joined yesterday's hi-jinx, said: "Ride + Stride raises such a lot of money and I wanted to give something back by helping to promote a great event.

Oxford Mail:

"Hopefully, this shows that we are grateful for the support of the public and also that clergy are game for a laugh.

"It was silly and a bit scary at the same time. I will be lobbying for the organisers to hold a more sedate launch event next year."

Ride + Stride is organised locally by the Oxfordshire Historic Churches Trust (OHCT).

Oxford Mail:

OHCT committee member Hilary Cakebread Hall is also the national Ride + Stride chairman. She described the penny farthing event as 'quite bizarre, but quite brilliant'.

Mrs Cakebread Hall, who lives near Wantage, added: "Ride + Stride is not just for people who go to church every weekend.

Oxford Mail:

“It is for couples and individuals who want an excuse for riding miles on a Saturday, or for families who want to do something fun and worthwhile.”

She added: “Churches are so important spiritually and aesthetically, and they are the setting for some of the most important events in all of our lives – baptisms, weddings and funerals.

“They are also increasingly becoming a focus for the wider community, and Ride + Stride helps them do this by funding kitchens and heating that make them available to the public for events every day of the week, not just for Sunday services.

Oxford Mail:

“We have to take care of our churches, and Ride + Stride plays a key role in this.”

For more details on how to take part in Ride + Stride in Oxfordshire go to ohct.org.uk/ride-stride