This sponsored bike ride will be from 28 April to 1 May 2022, travelling between Ford End near Chelmsford and Tunbridge Wells, aiming to raise money for the Tariro charity. (Tariro UK raises money to support orphans or young people whose parents can’t look after them any more. It funds between 45 and 50 such young people in four centres in Zimbabwe, through models which suit the individuals; supporting them through school and then with further education or practical projects until they are able to stand on their own two feet.) Many thanks to those who have already donated. It is in memory of Arthur Shearley Cripps (1869 – 1952). He was born in Tunbridge Wells, was influenced by Charles Gore, became vicar of Ford End, and then a missionary, stirrer for social justice and poet in what is now Zimbabwe. You can find out more about him on: https://www.christiancourier.ca/?s=cripps. His grave in Zimbabwe is regarded as a shrine, and miracles have been attributed to this very unlikely character.
One of our Companions, Peter Sowden, is riding with Fr George. Our route starts at Ford End on the morning Thursday 28 April, and takes us down to the Gravesend ferry. Having crossed the Thames estuary, we make for Lullingstone and the remains of a famous Roman Villa which includes one of the oldest places of Christian worship in Britain: the foundations of a chapel whose Roman frescoes and mosaics are now on display in the British Museum. On the site of this chapel we hope to sing the midday office. We then make for West Malling Abbey, before finally heading to Tunbridge Wells, to St Barnabas’, where Cripps grew up in the faith, and where Fr George will preach on the Sunday. This 90-mile journey will be spread over 3 days. If you would like to join the ride for a part of it, or even the whole, please contact me to let me know.
If you would like to sponsor my bike ride for Tariro please click here.