LeicesterShire Historic Churches Trust is a non-denominational charity that helps churches, chapels and meeting houses with grants for repairs and improvements, and raises funds for that purpose

About Us

Since 1964, we have given more than £1,150,000 in grants to over 320 churches and chapels in need. In 2020 we awarded £40,000 in grants.

The Trust’s major fundraising activity is the annual sponsored Ride+Stride and Church Open Day. Held on the Second Saturday of September every year, half the money raised in sponsorship goes to the Trust and half to the participating churches and chapels. You can join in and raise sponsorship by cycling, walking, or by welcoming people to your church or chapel on the day.

The Trust also receives donations from individuals, church councils, other charitable trusts and legacies, and raises funds through organising Church Tours and Lectures, Open Gardens and other events.

The Trustees and Officers are all volunteers.

Who we are

All our Trustees and Officials are volunteers – and we are always seeking new people to help us with our work. Please Contact Us if you would like to find out more.

President and Vice-Presidents
The Rt Revd Martyn Snow, Bishop of Leicester (President and Trustee)
The Revd Canon Helen Cameron, Chair of the Methodist Church Northampton District
The Revd Mark Clay, Regional Minister Team Leader, East Midlands Baptist Association

Trustees
Mrs Janet Arthur MBE (Chairman)
Mr Mark Dunkley
Mr Colin Entwistle (Treasurer)
Mr John Hemes (representing Baptist churches and chapels)
The Revd Canon Jeff Hopewell
Mr David Knowles DL
Mr Robert Sulley
Mr Michael Taylor (Minutes Secretary)
Mr Barry Wilford (representing Methodist churches and chapels)
We have a vacancy for a Trustee representing Roman Catholic churches

Officials
Finance Administrator – Mr Joshua Malam
Grants Administrator – Mrs Vicki Dolphin (until November 2020)
Ride+Stride Organiser – vacant (currently, Mrs Janet Arthur)
Ride+Stride Treasurer – Mrs Anne Bloor