A Family’s Ride+Stride Journey – 23 Years in the Making

At St Mary’s Church, Kingswood, Ride+Stride isn’t just a date in the diary – it’s part of the heartbeat of our community. For many years, families, friends, and neighbours have come together to cycle, walk, and explore in support of our churches.

This year, the Copeland family and friends took on a leisurely but impressive 30-mile cycle, visiting nine beautiful local churches, enjoying picnics, heritage sites, and the joy of riding together. Their route even tied in with Heritage Open Days, with English Heritage opening the Kingswood Abbey Gatehouse to visitors.

But what made this year truly special was a moment of history recreated. Bob Copeland shared two photographs of his son, Andrew – taken at exactly the same spot, 23 years apart, during Ride+Stride. A powerful reminder that this event is about more than fundraising – it’s about memories, tradition, and the joy of passing something meaningful from one generation to the next.

Along for the ride were Sally-Anne Barnes, Andrew Copeland, Bob Copeland, Rachel Copeland, and John Green – all making new memories while celebrating the enduring spirit of Ride+Stride.

Ride+Stride connects people, places, and generations – and we can’t wait to see where the journey takes us next year.

Photos: Andrew Copeland at the same spot during Ride+Stride, 23 years apart; our riders enjoying the sunshine outside Cromhall Church and lunch in Oldbury village.