Friends of Bedfield Heritage

About The Friends of Bedfield Heritage

The Friends of Bedfield Heritage are an independent group of 65+ members of the local community. The group is friendly, welcoming, sociable and a lot of fun! The Friends are a registered charity (ref: 1206355).

It’s aims are to firstly, to preserve the historic fabric of St. Nicholas Church and the wider history of the community and secondly, to encourage and actively develop the community life of Bedfield.

The Friends are led by a small group of Trustees – Jane Sullivan (Chair), Lin Ford (Secretary) and Chris Leverick (Treasurer). Our current project is to install a fully accessible, composting toilet in the churchyard which will be open to all – villagers, walkers and church visitors alike.  Please see our Annual Report for the latest news.

The Friends give their time and their talents to support community events and activities, to fundraise and to help with the maintenance of the church. For example, we ran an Open Gardens Weekend in June 2024 where eighteen gardens were opened for public viewing. A Welcome Centre was set up at the Community Hub where guests could buy tickets, receive a guide, enter the tombola and buy plants. Two cafes were run in two of the gardens for guests to enjoy snacks, lunch and ice-creams. 149 people purchased tickets to go around the gardens over the weekend.

This event was only possible due to our local volunteers – 23 people running the Welcome Centre and cafés, bakers and numerous gardeners and helpers in the gardens. Generous donations were received for the tombola and plant stall together with sponsorship from Clark and Simpson, a local estate agent. Over £2800 was raised.

Friends can be involved in as few, or as many, things as they like with no pressure – just bring yourself and some laughter. Membership is free and is open to all - without any qualms about whether one  attends services or not, what your beliefs are – or were – or whether you have any religious beliefs at all. The group has in its membership some of the most christian, non-Christian members!

The church building is, of course, the oldest in the village and the most impressive building that is open to all of us. It is a focal point – and one which could be used much more: not just more weddings and christenings but for more community gatherings – such as concerts, talks, quizzes etc. Imagine attending an event and your relief that you know that there is an accessible toilet in the churchyard!

Do you want to join our friendly Friends? Can you help with our projects and/or our fundraising events? We would love you to join us! Please contact Jane Sullivan on 07580 386015 or at friendsofbedfieldheritage@gmail.com

2nd December 2025: Festive Frolic
This is the best sale online of homemade festive foods, crafts and other items that you could ever be involved in. Fastest buyers and highest bidders bag the goodies! Previous items for sale have included:

* Homemade cakes, jams, chutneys, chocolate bombs, cheesecakes, Smartie baubles
* A range of homemade crafts including the much sought after crocheted owl and gnome Chocolate Orange covers
* Amazing hampers
* An Antique buying experience guided by a local expert
* A holiday in Norfolk

Please contact us to be added to the relevant Festive Frolic WhatsApp groups if you are:

* A creative – and can make & donate items and/or
* You wish to be a shopper.