COMMUNITY
How we get involved
Our long history with De Beauvoir Town, which goes back several hundred years, means that supporting the local community is fundamentally important to The Benyon Estate. We aren’t just passing through, we are here for the long term and that commitment comes with the responsibility to make sure that we are doing what we can to sustain and support our characterful local community.
Community events
Since the opening of De Beauvoir Block in the summer of 2017, we now have the space to host events. For many years, we invited regulated tenants (those that have been with us for over 25 years) to a Christmas party in the Scolt Head pub. We hosted our first Christmas tea party in the magnificent ground floor space of The Block in 2017 and continue this tradition annually.
A key event in the De Beauvoir’s calendar is the annual Party in the Park. On a Saturday in early July, De Beauvoir Square is transformed into a traditional village fete complete with musicians, a tombola and games, and activities for children including a bouncy castle, a magician, crown making with De Beauvoir Gardeners, bracelet making, storytelling and the hugely popular face-painting. Refreshments and food are available. When possible, the police bring their horses and the fire service a fire engine. Established 18 years ago, it’s organised by the De Beauvoir Association and we’re proud to be a sponsor of this excellent community event.
Other events include the Christmas Fair in the crypt of St Peter De Beauvoir. Originally the idea of Jennifer Benyon, the festive event is run by the De Beauvoir Association. During the Covid pandemic, when indoor events were prohibited, the Christmas Trail was established, involving stalls set-up in private driveways across De Beauvoir. Organisers of both parts of the event join forces to make this a wonderful day for all the community, with lots of Christmassy goodies on sale and funds raised for chosen charities.
Behind the scenes, we are involved in all aspects of our local community life. De Beauvoir Welcomes Refugees is another voluntary local group operating under the charitable status of St Peter’s Church – and we are pleased to help support them by providing homes for two refugee families.