Its aims
Established in 1969, Friends of Freshford is a community association which aims to enhance the character, amenities and rural environment of Freshford.
Activities and achievements
Over the past 20 years, Friends of Freshford has raised over £48,000 for village projects through organising fundraising events like the annual quiz, film nights and other social/musical events. Organisations that have benefited include Freshford Parish Council, Galleries Shop and Cafe, FLiSCA, Freshford Village Memorial Hall, The Hop Pole Inn, St Peter’s Church, Freshford Church School, and Freshford Preschool.
In 2006, Friends of Freshford decided to reinvigorate the garden on the Bath bound platform of Freshford Station, creating a sustainable and organic garden suitable for its rural setting in the Cotswold Natural Landscape (formerly CAONB).This was a collaboration with Freshford Parish Council and Heart of Wessex Rail Partnership. The garden was officially opened in July 2007, and since then under the auspices of Friends of Freshford and led currently by gardener Paul Jupp, a group of local volunteers has maintained it. In 2024 the garden won both a gold award and special award.
Responding to the climate emergency, Friends of Freshford drew up a proposal to enhance habitats and increase biodiversity on the Tyning and in the cemetery. A community consultation took place in February 2021 and the eight priority projects on the Tyning received an approval rating of over 80%. Friends of Freshford has now implemented a number these projects, including planting thousands of bulbs and seeds, a community orchard, a new native hedge, three heritage trees, and eighteen trees to increase biodiversity and protect the grassland along Tyning Lane. In 2025 there is a plan to plant a copse near the cemetery wall.
Another recent initiative is Men in Maintenance. This has the aim of bringing men together for projects as well as coffee and a chat. It takes place on a Wednesday morning at 9am at Homewood and all men are welcome whatever skill level you have. The current main project is preserving the Freshford station sign.
Membership
Friends of Freshford is a voluntary association; its membership is comprised of individuals and families from the community and there are eight committee members. Lifetime membership costs £20 per individual or per family group. If you wish to become a Life Member, please let Friends of Freshford know by the email address shown below.
Contact and Information
Please email: friendsoffreshford@gmail.com.
Information updated: 21 October 2022