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 who has been a Trustee since 2014, leads the organisation of the Trust's main annual fundraising event - the Bike 'n Hike and co-ordinates a large team of Area Organisers and volunteers. She has also served the Trust in other roles, notably standing in as Treasurer during a testing time of change to the Trust's financial arrangements.

Secretary: William Marsterson

William has been Secretary of the Beds & Herts Historic Churches Trust since September 2009 He has led several Church Tours, presented a paper at the Study Day in 2017, and edits the Trust's Annual Report. He is also Churchwarden of St. Giles South Mymms, Hertfordshire, and has seen through a re-ordering (2011) and a project to preserve an important canopy chest tomb affected by subsidence (2029-22). 

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: Dr Mark Newbery

Mark was appointed a Trustee in 2024 and has taken on the role of Friends and Supporters Secretary.