The ‘Cathedrals Tour’
Tuesday 14 September 2004

Rolleston Rector Ian Whitehead once more took part in the annual Staffordshire Historic Churches Trust Bike Ride. Instead of cycling around the 12 rural churches of the Tutbury Deanery like last year he cycled from Rolleston to Derby Cathedral, from there to Lichfield Cathedral and back to Rolleston (a distance of 63 miles - and 5 3/4 hours cycling time), accompanied by the local policeman, PC Lear and Rolleston resident Terry Williams. They set off on their ride at 9am (a very damp, windy start) - joined for a short way by Duncan Topliss - and aimed to be back around 4pm - for some well earned refreshments. At one point, the wind was so strong that they had to pedal hard downhill to avoid being blown backwards. However, they arrived back at St. Mary's in brilliant sunshine to be greeted by their families, friends and a bath!! After the Rector had 'freshened up', more than fifty well-wishers sat down to tea and home-made snacks and cakes, organised by Ann Burston and friends in the Old Grammar School.

The £1,600 raised through sponsorship will be split between our own churches, to be used towards an ambitious programme of improvement and refurbishment, and the Trust (NB. the Trust gave £3000 this year to Anslow towards repointing the walls).

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