When a priest revealed that her bucket list included a pillion ride on a motorbike, little did she know that this would evolve into a grand adventure.
The Reverend Lynda Sebbage, Rector and Assistant Rural Dean for the Thingoe Deanery, later described her throwaway remark as a “Rashly expressed wish”. It prompted parishioner Stephen Spencer, a keen motorcyclist, to organise a two-wheeled tour of local churches with Lynda riding pillion, an experience she described as “a wonderful way of seeing our glorious countryside.”
The Five-P Challenge – a pillion perambulation of proximal parishes by priest – saw them visit eleven churches, stopping to admire churchyards and interiors and to sign the visitor’s book. Risby’s unofficial photographer, Norman Savigar, was there to record the event, and it is hoped that a charity calendar will follow.
So far, the challenge has raised over £1000 towards a more environmentally-friendly heating system for St Giles Church, Risby, already holder of a gold eco church award.
Stephen Spencer
