Community Links
Bidborough School is at the heart of the local community.
St. Lawrence Church
Ever since Reverend Bisgby, in the 1850’s, persuaded Sir Charles Hardinge to give some land for the building of the school, the church and school in Bidborough have remained closely linked.
There are still folk living in the village who remember spending all their schooldays in the one school room (where Reception Class meets during the week).
Many families are represented in both the school and the church, and it is a delight that we are able to welcome one another in these two key places in the community. As a church we use the school for Sunday-school groups and other occasional events
Church members seek to support the school in a number of ways. Amanda Harris and Stephen Hills are Foundation Governors. Stephen, and sometimes other clergy in the parish take weekly acts of worship in the school and various church members help out during the week. Occasional prayer meetings are held in the school to which staff and parents are invited.
The school’s motto ‘Faith in our Future’ reflects the desire that children grow in confidence in themselves and their place in the wider world, and also that they have a good understanding of the Christian faith, which is embedded in the foundational ethos of the school. For those who choose to embrace that faith in their own lives, there are always opportunities within the church-school life for worship, fellowship and learning.
For more information about the church, please visit: https://towerandsteeple.org/
BIDBOROUGH PARISH COUNCIL
The parish has a 7-person council who are responsible for certain matters relating to the village including general upkeep, planning, managing open spaces (recreation grounds, cemetery, allotments, village green, Brookhurst Field, Birch Wood) and delivering certain services. Where: Bidborough Village Hall (small hall) When: Council meetings are held on the last Monday of every month (other than August and December) at 7pm and the general public are very welcome to attend. The agenda for the meetings are placed on the village noticeboard and the council's website about 3 days before each meeting. Contact: Neil Harris, Parish Clerk on clerk@bidboroughpc.org.uk
Website: www.bidboroughpc.org.uk - the website gives information on the council and on other aspects of parish life.
Facebook: We run a Facebook Page - search for 'Bidborough Parish Council'
BIDBOROUGH SPORTS ASSOCIATION
The Bidborough Sports Association is a charity with the object of promoting community participation in healthy recreation, in particular by the provision of facilities for the playing of sports in the Parish of Bidborough which include Bowls, Cricket, Stoolball and Tennis. Currently the association is endeavouring to formulate a plan to revamp the existing Herbert Cruickshank pavilion.
Where: The association has a long term lease from the Bidborough Parish Council on an area of land, part of the Arthur Nicholson Recreation Ground, that is occupied by the Herbert Cruickshank sports pavilion, the bowls pavilion, the bowls green and the tennis court.
Who: As well as a chairman, secretary and treasurer, the consists of a President, Life Vice-presidents. a Pavilion Custodian two members of Bidborough Parish Council and two members from the Bidborough Bowls Club, the Bidborough Cricket Club, the Bidborough Stoolball Club and the Bidborough Tennis Club.
Contact: Contact Colin Barber on telephone 01892 528156 or at email colinbarber@nappa-bidborough.co.uk
BIDBOROUGH VILLAGE HALL
CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION (C.I.O.)
Bidborough Village Hall CIO is a Charitable organisation run by Trustees on a voluntary basis. It is a well equipped facility and can cater for nearly all types of events from children's parties to wedding receptions. Income from hiring out the hall contributes to running costs, general maintenance and hall improvements.
Where: Bidborough Ridge just down from the village shop. Postcode – TN3 0XD.
When: Bidborough Village Hall is open all year for Societies, Clubs, regular users and residents who benefit from preferential rates. The large and small halls can be hired separately or combined. The trustees meet 4 times a year. Local residents are welcome to attend the AGM in July.
Contact: For booking enquiries please contact our Booking Secretary Deenah Wheeler on 01892 520967
Website: Full details on what the hall provides and Terms & Conditions for hiring can be found on our website - www.bidboroughvillagehall.com
Clubs and associations
Bidborough plays host to a variety of clubs and associations.
Here a just a few of them. We are hoping that more details will follow. Please let your club know about this feature.
To update your details here, please contact office@bidborough.kent.sch.uk
ART AND CRAFT GROUP
An informal, sociable group which meets to work on independent projects e.g.knitting and painting. A small charge is made to cover the hire of the hall
Where: Bidborough Village Hall – Small Hall
When: Monday afternoons – 2-4pm
Contact: Tricia Arnold - 01892 527008
BIDBOROUGH BADMINTON CLUB
Bidborough Badminton Club is a friendly and sociable village club with a bit of competitive spirit for those who want it. Some (but not much) previous experience is required for the adult section. The junior section for age 11+ is professionally coached. All fees are very reasonable.
Where: Bidborough Village Hall
When: Adults meet 8pm to 10pm on Wednesdays or Thursdays. The Junior sessions are on Wednesday evenings at 6pm or 7pm, depending on age and experience.
Contact: Mike Harris – 07595 838051
BIDBOROUGH BOWLS CLUB
Bidborough Bowls Club is a friendly club and would like to encourage more members. Bowls is easy to take up. The rules are simple, the basic technique is not complex and you don’t need lots of new kit. Bowls is a sports for men and women of all ages, providing an opportunity for gentle exercise in a friendly yet competitive spirit.
Where: Arthur Nicholson Recreation Ground by the Sports Pavilion
When: Monday evenings 5 -7pm (April to September) casual play or any time by arrangement. Bowls provided and coaching available. Matches Wednesdays and weekends for available players.
Contact: Alan Robinson - 01892 542852, Barbara Ide - 01892 521596
BIDBOROUGH BROWNIES
Bidborough Brownies is a term time group for girls aged 7 to 10, running the girls' choices of activities alongside the girl guiding proogramme of tried and tests activities, plus ad hoc outings and occasional sleep overs and Adventure Pack Holidays at PGL
Where: Bidborough Village Hall
When: Mondays from 6-7.15pm
Sign up: https://www.girlguiding.org.uk/information-for-parents/register-a-child Contact: Anne Musker (Brownie name "Hedgehog") - 07717 693739 or 01892 539150 or email Anne.Musker@gmail.com
BIDBOROUGH CHESS CLUB
A monthly club for all ages and abilities. Do bring a chess set and/or clock, if you have one.
Where: Bidborough Village Hall (Small Hall)
When: First Monday of the month 6-8pm
Contact: Richard Swain - richardswain99@hotmail.com
BIDBOROUGH CRICKET CLUB
The Club has 3 Saturday teams and also plays occasional Sunday fixtures. There is a thriving junior section, with All Stars and Dynamos for our youngest members. We are hoping to introduce a ladies’ soft ball side and are lookingfundraise for a new pavilion. New members are welcome.
Where: Arthur Nicholson Recreation Ground
Contact: Steve Waller, Secretary - enquiries@bidboroughcricket.org.uk
Website: https://www.bidboroughcricketclub.org.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bidboroughcc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bidboroughcricketclub?igsh=ZmF2M3V6cWV3Y2J6
BIDBOROUGH DRAMATIC SOCIETY
Bidborough Dramatic Society is an amateur theatre company that has been entertaining the village for over 50 years. Currently looking for more young members who are interested in any aspect of the theatre.
Where: Bidborough Village Hall
When: Usually two productions a year in Spring and Autumn
Contact: Patty Judge (Chairman) - sidjudge@btinternet.com
Website: www.bidboroughdrama.org
BIDBOROUGH FRIENDS OF HOSPICE IN THE WEALD GROUP
One of many groups set up in villages and towns by the hospice many years ago, to fundraise and raise awareness. £8 million has to be raised annually to support all ages who need care.
When: Fund-raisers throughout the year
Contact: Carole Marks 01892 542233 Marilyn Hayward 01892 536217
Website: www.hospiceintheweald.org.uk
BIDBOROUGH GARDENING ASSOCIATION
Bidborough Gardening Association has regular monthly meetings with interesting speakers, as well as day and evening outings to well-known gardens, an annual holiday, three flower shows a year and a Christmas Party.
Where: Bidborough Village Hall
When: 3rd Friday of the month. January, February and November at 2.30pm March, May, October and December at 7.30pm Spring Show, April; Summer Show, June and Autumn Show, September
Contact: Membership Sec - Kelvin Paterson - kelvinmpaterson@gmail.com
Website address: www.bidboroughgardening.co.uk BGA has a Facebook page
BIDBOROUGH LADIES
We are a very informal group who meet once a month for talks on a variety of topics, followed by tea or coffee and a chat.
Where: Bidborough Village Hall
When: 4th Friday of the month at 2:30pm
Contact: Jane Hebditch – 01892 539401 or thelathams3@hotmail.co.uk
1st BIDBOROUGH RAINBOWS
A fun Girlguiding group for 4-7 year old girls.
Where: Bidborough Village Hall
When: Tuesdays in term time, 5-6:15pm
Contact: Elizabeth Lash, Unit Leader - 1st.bidborough.rainbows@gmail.com
Website address: https://www.girlguiding.org.uk/information-for-parents/register-a-child/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1stBidRainbows
BIDBOROUGH STOOLBALL CLUB
A sports club for girls and ladies. Youngsters must be of secondary school age and above. All abilities welcome.
Where: Bidborough Recreation Ground
When: Monday and Wednesday nights from the beginning of May until the end of July. Contact: Kerry Thorne – kerrythorne@ymail.com
BIDBOROUGH TENNIS CLUB
Your local village tennis club that has one well maintained court in the lovely setting of the Arthur Nicholson Recreation Area. We are always interested in welcoming new members, young and old, and have a particular focus on introducing this wonderful game to the children living within the village.
Where: Bidborough Recreation Ground
When: The court is available to members all year round
Contact: Dominic Cole DomFCole@Outlook.com or Chris Hollyoak c.hollyoak@btinternet.com .
Website: We have a website that provides an online booking system for the court for our members:- https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/BidboroughTennisClub
BIRCH WOOD ASSOCIATION
Management and conservation of the Parish Council owned Birch Wood.
Where: Birch Wood (entrances from St Lawrence Avenue, Brookhurst Field and Birchwood Avenue)
When: 2 or 3 work parties between October and March, plus ad hoc activities. Work parties for 18 year olds and over only.
Contact: birchwoodassociationbidborough@gmail.com or Martin Derham 07935 861822 or admiralhardinge@btinternet.com
Website: Birch Wood tab on Bidborough Parish Council home page: https://www.bidboroughpc.org.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/1628802727371113
CAMEO
Lunches organised by volunteers from St Lawrence and St Peter’s. A chance for people to get together and to enjoy each other’s company over lunch.
Where: Bidborough Village Hall
When: One Friday in alternate months (February, April, June, August, October, December)
Contact: Email towerandsteeple@gmail.com for more information.
MAHJONG CLUB
Mahjong is a Chinese game played with tiles and can be played by groups of either three or four players. We play for fun and there is no requirement to have played before.
Where: St Lawrence Church, Bidborough
When: We usually meet from 2-4pm on the first Monday of the month.
Contact: Shirin Haque on 01892 510924 or email shirin.haque@btinternet.com for more details.
ST LAWRENCE TOTS AND CO
A group for parents/carers and little ones (babies up to preschoolers) that meets for friendship and fun. Each session consists of free play, a craft activity, refreshments, singing and story-time.
Where: Bidborough Village Hall
When: Fridays in term-time from 9:30 – 11/11:15am
Contact: Amanda Harris – 01892 528797 or amandakate.harris@btinternet.com
Facebook: You can find us at Bid Tots and Co. A members only group, for safeguarding reasons.
YOUTH GROUP
An opportunity for our local young people of secondary school age to come together in church for fun and friendship. We meet one evening a month for games, activities, snacks and fellowship.
Where: St Lawrence Church, Bidborough
When: 4th Friday each month .
Contact : Alison Boulton 07739 378637
