The Revd Gill Alexander is raising money for St Cuthbert’s Haydon Bridge, and also Haydon Old Church, by cycling to all churches dedicated to St Cuthbert in the Diocese of Newcastle.
Gill, who is Associate Priest at St Cuthbert's, will start her Cycling Camino of St Cuthbert in Haydon Bridge on 7 September, finishing on 14 September in time for the church's Harvest Market on the same day. She will cycle through the diverse rural, coastal and urban landscape of Northumberland and Newcastle during a journey of approximately 250 miles.
There are 14 churches dedicated to St Cuthbert in the Diocese of Newcastle reflecting the importance of St Cuthbert as a northern saint. The churches are spread across the length and breadth of the diocese. They reflect the story of the Christian faith in the region and range from churches with Saxon and medieval origins where Cuthbert’s body is said to have rested, to churches built as part of the industrial expansion in the 19th century.
Funds raised will support a pressing campaign to re-roof the historic Haydon Old Church, located to the north of Haydon Bridge, and also to enable substantial improvements at St Cuthbert's, which needs to improve accessibility by providing a toilet and kitchenette to enable the church to offer hospitality.
Gill has a long association with St Cuthbert's Haydon Bridge. She was curate there for several years before serving as Interim Minister during a three-year vacancy, which ended in May following the appointment of the Revd Ollie Dempsey.
She said: "St Cuthbert’s Haydon Bridge is an important space at the heart of the community. Its tower is part of the topography of the village. It was preceded by the 12th century Haydon Old Church on Haydon Fell which is thought to be a place where Cuthbert’s body rested.
"Both buildings have been a sign of God’s presence for centuries, however, they need substantial and urgent investment if they are to continue to serve the community into the future. The options to attract grant aid to support places of worship are limited and we will need to raise a significant amount locally."
You can sponsor Gill online through her Just Giving page here.
All are welcome to attend the St Cuthbert's Harvest Market which will take place from 10am to 1pm on Saturday 14 September - and give Gill a warm welcome on her return!
The Harvest Market will include local produce, with allotment holders showcasing their fruit and vegetables. There will be arts and crafts, plants, candles, and various activities and competitions for children, including the much-loved wood crafts.
The market will also feature a raffle, tombola, homemade pies, cakes, biscuits, dog treats, and St Cuthbert's 2025 calendars, which feature photography of Haydon Bridge.