There has always been a strong link between the Church Army and Bekonscot. In the early years, Church Army volunteers would assist the Bekonscot staff running the model railway and village.
Following the death of Bekonscot’s founder, Roland Callingham, the Church Army assisted further in the running of the village. This was formalised in 1978, when the Church Army agreed to co-manage the site and distribute the funds raised for charity.
Today Bekonscot retains those links with Church Army through representation on the board of trustees of the Roland Callingham Foundation, a charity that exists to ensure that the village continues to prosper and to maintain the legacy of its founder. Surplus funds each year are distributed to charities via the Roland Callingham Foundation and the Church Army. To date Bekonscot has donated over £5.5 million to local and national charities.
Because of our unique position as a tourist attraction, visitors to Bekonscot are able to give money to worthy children’s and adults’ charities, whilst preserving the world’s oldest model village for future generations to enjoy.
