The NHCT Steeplechase 2008

Jennifer Brown, Parish & Deanery Organiser writes...

On Saturday, September 13th many churches throughout Durham and Northumberland will be open, both for the Heritage day and for the financial benefit of the Northumbrian Historic Churches' Trust.
The Trust has assisted in the restoration of many places of worship, for example St Michael and All Angels, Newburn, which was badly damaged by fire.

The PCC will receive half of the money raised by any steeplechasers from this parish. I have done the chase twice since Canon Unwin asked me to become the organiser for the East Deanery.

It is a great experience, from planning a route which will cover as many churches as possible between 10am and 4pm, to doing the chasing.

Several members of our congregation have done it over the last 12 years. It is a very enjoyable day, seeing beautiful buildings and also meeting many friendly and interesting people who provide refreshments and give us gems of information.

The East Deanery is the poor relation, both with regard to the numbers of churches which are open and numbers who do the chase! So it would be good if more people would volunteer to take part and be sponsored. The church sitters will have a tedious time if nobody turns up!

I know that there is a big strain on our finances these days but this charity was very dear to the late Canon Unwin's heart and I always feel saddened by our Deanery's poor response.

I know that suburban areas have fewer churches open than the picturesque rural ones, but I enjoyed travelling round the East, the Tynemouth and Bedlington Deaneries. The metro is always full of Steeplechasers and the over 60's have a free travel pass! So, come on! Take a sponsor form and a list of churches open from the table at the back of church and get chasing.