At Oxfordshire Historic Churches Trust, we are always delighted to see communities finding new ways to support and celebrate the county’s rich heritage of churches and chapels. One such initiative is the return of a creative and collaborative challenge from the parish of Cowley St John—now in its second year.

For Ride + Stride 2025, Cowley St John is once again forming Team Cowley St John, inviting the whole parish to take part in a summer-long challenge to visit as many churches and chapels as possible before Ride + Stride Day on Saturday 13th September.

Rather than limiting participation to the traditional single day, this initiative allows parishioners to begin their journeys from the end of July, giving them seven weeks to explore churches across Oxford, Oxfordshire and even further afield. The aim is to bring the parish together as one team, building community spirit while engaging with the region’s historic places of worship.

Participation is simple and open to all. Parishioners are invited to join the Team Cowley St John Facebook page, where they can upload a selfie in front of each church or chapel they visit, along with the church’s name. For those not using Facebook, a list of visited churches can be emailed directly to the parish curate, who will ensure every visit is counted. Regular progress updates will be shared with the parish throughout August and early September, with the final tally announced during the joint service at St Mary & St John on Sunday 15th September.

Support for the challenge is equally straightforward. Donations can be made online at: https://www.goodhub.com/go/oxfordshire-historic-churches-trust-15538 

As with all Ride + Stride events, funds raised will be split equally between the parish and OHCT – helping to maintain Cowley St John’s own churches while also supporting the preservation of historic churches and chapels throughout the county.

Cowley St John’s Summer Challenge is a brilliant example of how Ride + Stride can evolve to suit the interests and rhythms of local communities. It not only encourages wider participation by offering flexibility and fun over the summer months but also fosters deeper engagement with the ecclesiastical landscape that OHCT exists to protect.

We’re thrilled to see this initiative continue into its second year, and we hope it inspires other parishes to think creatively about how they take part in Ride + Stride. Whether through a team effort, a themed route, or a long-distance challenge, every visit and every donation helps ensure our churches remain vibrant and accessible for generations to come.