Beadnell Community Volunteers have raised around £40,000 over the last 13 years through car boot sales, with the money invested back into the village and its people. What began as a fundraiser for the village Christmas lights has grown into 14 years of dedicated volunteer work, making the village a place people want to visit and a lovely place to live.
Core volunteer group and key events
The group has a core team of 35 volunteers, with many more helping when needed. They run key events such as the Christmas Lights turn-on and car boot sales three times a year, alongside other fundraising activities that benefit local businesses and the village itself.
The car boot sales take place on bank holidays, with the most recent one held in August despite rainy weather. From 7.30am, stalls and marquees were set up on the village green for sellers and visitors. Stalls offer books, plants, jigsaws, clothes, toys, bric-a-brac and other bargains, while the marquee features cakes, local artwork, ice cream, coffee and a tombola.
Fundraising and community impact
At £5 per car, collected at the end of the day, everyone is encouraged to book a spot on the green. Volunteers collect money from attendees with buckets, raising £1,200 at the event. The event also showcases local talent, with a volunteer playing keyboard music and local artist Peter Jenkinson capturing the fun in hand-drawn artwork.
Over the last 13 years, the car boot sales have raised around £40,000, which has been invested back into the village. The success comes from the coordination of volunteers who bring events to life and show pride in their village.
Additional fundraising and village improvements
Alongside car boot sales, volunteers run The Stall on the Wall, leaving preloved and handmade items on a local garden wall. From knitting, homegrown fruit and veg, china, bikes, books, plants and toys, the stall has raised £21,000 since its start.
The money funds the annual Christmas lights, village upkeep, and community groups that create social bonds and memories. Recent clubs include Easter crafts workshops, Knit and Natter exhibition, Book Club, Pickle Ball, Walking Club and Wine Appreciation.
Funds have also been put towards the village’s annual planting scheme, benches, picnic tables, waste bins, play equipment, bike repairs and repairs on the village clock. The volunteers’ care and spirit bring joy to residents, seen in the popularity of events and spontaneous responses like painted stones added to the village herb boat.
