happened in February 1985 when Bedhampton and Stockheath First schools amalgamated to become Bidbury First School, renamed Bidbury Infant School in 1994. Just across the recreation ground is a Roman Catholic Primary School, St Thomas More's. Parks The Hermitage Stream Walk runs to the north of the parish, from New Road in the east to Purbrook Way in the west. Havant Borough Council have prioritised the environmental well-being of the habitat, and erected signs and information panels to highlight its importance. In the centre of Bedhampton is a large open space bounded by Hooks Lane, part of which is home to Havant RFC. To the south of Bedhampton Road is Bidbury Mead, a large tree-ringed recreation ground – home to Bedhampton Mariners Cricket Club and Bedhampton Bowling Club. The locality borders onto Old Bedhampton, the area around St Thomas the Apostle parish church. The fourth, and least known, space in Bedhampton is Scratchface Recreation Ground, situated to the west of the village within the parish boundary. Churches Some include St Josephs R.C. Church here (because of its proximity to Bedhampton railway station) but most do not. There has been a church in Bedhampton since 1086. The present parish church, St Thomas The Apostle, situated in Old Bedhampton, dates from the 12th century. In 1953 a church centre was built, and dedicated to St Nicholas. There are also a Methodist church, a modern building in Hulbert Road replacing an earlier primitive chapel by the station, and a Gospel Hall, built between 1901 and 1922 with funds provided by local benefactor Miss Meiklam. History Botanist Anne Brewis has commented on the different kinds of trees and flowers in the area. The author of Jane's Fighting Ships, Fred T. Jane, lived in Bedhampton and founded the first Bedhampton Scout troop. References Bibliography Smith,M 1968 Bedhampton School Centenary History (copy lodged at Havant Museum) Hind,R.W. 2003 The Naval Camps of Bedhampton,Havant and Leigh Park External links Villages in Hampshire