By Isle of Wight Observer
Rev. Clive Todd, who officiates in eight Isle of Wight parishes, together with vicars from all over the country, rode through the streets of Oxford in clerical collars and other less usual gear, to raise awareness of Ride and Stride for Churches.
The event is an annual fundraiser, that sees sponsored members of the public walk, cycle, or use other means of transport, between churches. The Clergy received instruction from experts from the Penny Farthing Club in the playground of a primary school, before cycling off into the city centre.
Clive captured the spirit of this unusual if not quirky occasion, wearing the traditional clerical collar and modern cycling gear in bright blue. He said: “It was tricky getting on and off the bike, but I soon got the hang of it. It clearly caused a sensation, as shoppers and onlookers were reaching for cameras and phones to take photos of me.”
Mrs Cakebread-Hall, the national chairman for Ride and Stride, described the event as quite bizarre but brilliant. She added that Ride and Stride is not just for people who go to church but for individuals and families who enjoy getting out and about, visiting our historic churches along the way and who want to do something that is both fun and worthwhile.
In April 2018, Clive was appointed to be the Team Rector of the West Wight Emerging Mission Community. He is a keen athlete, engaging in many different sports, and has cycled for Ride and Stride previously. He and his team, who cycled for St. Michael’s Church, Shalfleet, raising £3,100, recently won a certificate for the church raising the most money in 2018 at the Trust’s AGM in May in Winchester Cathedral.
Ride and Stride for Churches in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight takes place on Saturday, September 14. This year, the event is hoping to raise over £70,000 for the upkeep and modernisation of churches from all denominations. Up to 400 churches will be open. Details are to be found on www.hihct.org.uk .
