Supporting and celebrating our churches and chapels

The Trust helps to fund the repair of churches and chapels in Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, and part of Barnet and champions their value and enjoyment.

We give grants for conservation, restoration, development, and offer tours, talks and events.

Bike 'n Hike

We are very grateful to all who took part in our annual Bike 'n Hike on 14 September. It is is our main fundraiser and we are excited to have broken the £100,000 barrier in 2024.

It's a vital challenge, because while churches continue to need repairs, building costs have soared. We can do it if more people are sponsored to take part in this fun day out, visiting beautiful historic churches. Half the sponsor money goes to the church nominated by the person taking part. Find more on our Bike 'n Hike page.

Theresa Britt, Trustee, RIP

It is with great sadness that we share the news that one of our Trustees, Mrs Theresa Britt died suddenly just before Christmas.

Theresa was a committed supporter of the Trust, and became a Trustee in 2019. She proved invaluable in this role, leading on communications, helping organise events, and all with grace, sensitivity and a willingness to take on tasks and be a great member of the Trustee team.

In 2021 Theresa was awarded a Post Graduate Diploma in Parish Church Studies from York University, and she had recently become Chair of the St Albans Diocesan Advisory Committee. We will miss her greatly.

Theresa was a cherished wife and mother, and our heartfelt condolences go to her husband, The Revd Bill Britt, Vicar of Stotfold and Radwell, and to their their family. Theresa will also be greatly missed by the parish.

Church Tour: Flamstead, 15 March

looking up at the arched ceiling inside a medieval church

Flamstead Church painted arch, medieval wall painting and rood screen. Photo by Two Tails Creative

Our next tour is to St Leonard's Church, Flamstead. It is a 900 year old church featuring medieval graffiti and wall paintings - regarded as the most important in the county after St Albans Cathedral.

We will meet at St Leonard's at 10am for coffee, followed by a tour and talks. This is followed by lunch at The Bell, Studham.

Cost: £10 for Friends, £12 for other guests. You will need your own transport and lunch is to be ordered from a menu which you will be sent with your booking confirmation.

Limited spaces available - you must book by 4 February latest.

To book, please complete the booking form which is contained in Trust News Autumn 2024

Over £4 million given

The Trust has so far awarded £4.2 million in grants. Donations and legacies are an important way in which people can help save our churches for the future. See more on our Campaign page and Legacy leaflet

Bike 'n Hike

Read some great Bike 'n Hike stories here.

Save the date: 7 June Church Tour

Canon Malcolm Grant, our former Chairman will lead a Church Tour to include Eaton Bray, Wing, Edlesborough and Ivinghoe. It will depart from Leighton Buzzard train station. Details and booking form will be in the Spring Trust News and will also be published here.