The Fireworks & Bonfire Night is the only BEC event that typically generates a meaningful surplus. That income is what makes everything else possible — subsidising other events, erecting and lighting the village Christmas tree (kindly donated each year by the Christmas Tree Farm on the Baldon Lane), organising the Carol Singing, and allowing us to make donations to worthy causes across the villages.
Every penny raised stays local. Since BEC was formed we have donated c£6,000 to village organisations, and that figure continues to grow.
Education
Village School
A new computer to support learning at the local primary school, with further support provided in 2026.
Community
Village Halls
Contribution to activities at both Marsh Baldon and Nuneham Courtenay Village Halls, including funding the Youth Club and helping provide a stage at Marsh Baldon.
Community
BNCS & The Seven Stars
We supported the early costs of establishing the Baldons & Nuneham Community Society — including a building survey and a financial donation — helping to bring the village pub into community ownership. We continue to source beer and supplies from The Seven Stars for our events, keeping trade firmly local.
Faith
Village Churches
Donations to the bells at Marsh Baldon church, a hearing loop for Toot Baldon church, and contributions toward the upkeep of Toot Baldon church cemetery.
Young people
Youth Club
Funding activities for young people in the villages, run through Marsh Baldon Village Hall.
Arts & culture
Baldon Players
Ongoing support for the Baldons' own drama group, helping fund their productions and keep live theatre in the villages.
Arts & culture
Village Hand Bells
Supporting the village hand bell ringing group to keep this traditional musical skill alive in the Baldons.
Social
Luncheon & Day Centre Club
Supporting the Day Centre Luncheon Club in Nuneham Courtenay and funding senior citizens' parties across the villages.
Village traditions
Christmas Tree & Carol Singing
We erect and light the village Christmas tree each December — generously donated by the Christmas Tree Farm on the Baldon Lane — and organise the Carol Singing.
Heritage
Baldons History Project
Supporting the Baldons History Project's inaugural Village Exhibition — contributing to the cost of producing high-quality photographic prints and display boards, with images sourced from local residents and the Oxfordshire History Centre. The exhibition drew an impressive turnout from across the villages.
BEC also invests in capital equipment — marquees, tables and the infrastructure that makes village events possible. This equipment is stored at the village hall premises and is available to villagers and community groups at preferential rates. Should BEC ever be disbanded, all equipment would remain the property of the community.
Would you like to hire our equipment, or suggest a cause for us to support?
