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 on 14 September
Bike 'n Hike on 14 September 2024 is our main fundraiser and raising around £100,000 annually for some years (£99,666 in 2023). This is a fantastic amount for which the Trust is most grateful, and we hope to break 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 everything you need to know on our Bike 'n Hike page.
Last chance to book our Church Tour 21 September
You can still book our next Church Tour on 21 September. We meet at Royston train station at 9.50am and travel by coach to:
St Mary's Godmanchester: mentioned in the Doomesday book, this fine Gothic/Early English church dates from 13th C. Then to St Andrew's, Orwell: tower c1250, chancel c1320, with a memorial to former Rector Jeremiah Radcliffe - a translator of the Authorised Version of the Bible.
After a pub lunch at Orwell, we visit St Helena and St Mary's Church, Bourn. In Early English and later styles, the chancel has a hammer beam roof with angels and surviving rood screen.
We finish at St John the Baptist, Royson: recently restored after a devastating fire. Dating from 1250; originally part of an Augustinian Priory. Afternoon tea and finishing around 5pm.
There will be a short talk at each church with time to explore and take photos. Cost: Friends of the Trust - £30; other guests - £40, includes coach, church visits and afternoon tea. Lunch may be ordered on the day: see booking form for details.
Trust News Spring 2024
Download the latest Trust News, Spring 2024. Friends can choose to receive it digitally. Email Katrina Grant: [email protected]
Nearly 4 million
The Trust has so far awarded nearly £4 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
Read some great Bike 'n Hike stories here.
Rural Dean's Bike 'n Hike pilgrimage
The Rev'd Bill Britt has devised a 7 mile Pilgrimage near Hitchin which he will follow for Bike 'n Hike. See the full story in News.
Our Tour finishes at St John the Baptist Church, Royston, Herts
We manage it
Friends and supporters receive newsletters, attend the annual meeting and can join our church tours.
Membership
We spend it
We give grants to churches and chapels in the two counties for urgent and essential repairs.
Grants awarded
Follow us @BedsHertsHCT
We have distributed nearly £4m since the Trust was established, helping congregations and local communities struggling to repair their local church, which could be anything up to a thousand years old.
Contact us: [email protected].