Supporting and celebrating churches and chapels since 1991
The Trust was established in 1991 to raise funds for the repair of churches and chapels in Beds, Herts and part of Barnet.
Our money comes from subscriptions, donations, fundraising and our annual "Bike 'n Hike" on the second Saturday of September when hundreds of churches are open for visits by sponsored riders and walkers.
The Trust has so far awarded nearly £4 million in grants. See more on our Campaign page and Legacy leaflet
Our Trustees
Chairman: Madeline Russell
Madeline has been a Trustee since 2014, and became Chairman in 2024 when Canon Malcolm Grant retired. She also leads the organisation of the Trust's main annual fundraising event - the Bike 'n Hike and previously served the Trust in other roles, standing in as Treasurer during a testing time of change to the Trust's financial arrangements.
Secretary: The Revd Canon Lynda Klimas
Lynda took on the role of Secretary in the Autumn of 2024 and brings a wealth of experience and knowledge of the care of churches. She has recently retired from full time ministry.
Treasurer: Trevor Groom
Trevor was appointed as a Trustee and to the role of Treasurer in September 2022.
Trustee: Theresa Britt
Theresa has had a lifelong interest in churches and after early retirement from The Open University undertook study about their heritage, history and fabric. She is part of a team working on the Trust's publicity. As a clergy spouse she understands the realities and challenges of parish life, including maintaining and developing church buildings.
Trustee: Richard Genochio
Richard is a former Chairman of the Trust and led on the establishment of the Endowment Fund.
Trustee: Dr Christopher Green
Christopher Green was a founding Trustee and the Trust's first Treasurer. He was Chairman of the Trust 2006-2009 and has been Chairman of the St Albans Diocesan Advisory Committee for many years.
Trustee: Andrew Lambourne
Andrew was appointed as a Trustee in 2024 and has taken on the role of Grants Secretary.
Trustee: Richard North
Appointed as a Trustee in 2024 Richard had been the Bike ’n Hike Treasurer since 2010 and also acts as Gift Aid Secretary for the Trust. He is also the Area Organiser for Berkhamsted. A former Church Treasurer and PCC Secretary at St Mary's Northchurch, Richard now spends much of his time on researching local history and is the treasurer of both Berkhamsted Castle Trust and Berkhamsted Local History & Museum Society.
Trustee: Archie Russell
Archie, a retired Architect, served as the Trust's Grants Secretary for many years and continues as a Trustee.
Trustee: Mark Newbery
Mark was appointed a Trustee in 2024 and has taken on the role of Friends and Supporters Secretary. Having lived in both Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire for many years he has a loyalty to both counties represented by the Trust, and as a bellringer, has the opportunity to visit many of the churches.