About The Bedford Woman’s Club

Welcome to our website www.gfwcbedford.org. GFWC (General Federation of Women’s Clubs) is an international organization over 60,000 strong world-wide. There are clubs in all 50 states, Washington DC and in 12 countries overseas.

In our homes, the kitchen seems to be the gathering place for family and friends. Our club began in 1971 in the kitchen of Mrs. Gene Hart meeting with Mrs. Bernice Johnson to lay out the blueprint of GFWC Bedford Woman’s Club. On March 2, 1972, twenty-three women met and chartered the club as we know it today.

We are volunteers in our community. Like our sister clubs we identify areas where we can be of service and help others to live a better life. Our focus is on health and wellness, the arts, the environment, education, libraries, civic engagement, historic preservation, domestic violence and child abuse awareness, plus participation in local events and building partnerships.

We encourage our members to become leaders in our organization on all levels. Club - District - State - Regional and International.

Our priority is to help our neighbors. There are so many ways in which we can do this working together as a team to reach our goals. Each member brings their skills, knowledge, talents, enthusiasm to the table to “Live the Volunteer Spirit” in our community.

Would you like to learn more about our club? Please join us for our monthly meeting on the first Thursday of each month, September through June at the Bedford Boys Tribute Center Classroom and Auditorium at 110 N Bridge St. in Bedford VA. Most of our meetings are held during the day beginning at 11:45 for social time with the business meeting starting at 12:15. There are times when we meet during the evening on the first Thursday. At that time we begin with social time at 6:15 pm and the meeting at 6:45 pm. Notification will be given in advance of the change in meeting times.

Please keep in mind, as our club grows the need to meet in the evenings on a regular basis may be something we need to consider. If so, we have already agreed to hold evening meetings. We are glad to help provide transportation to members not comfortable driving at night.

Questions? Please contact us at gfwcbwc@gmail.com.

Would you like to learn more about joining our club? Click on the buttons below to see our FAQ page and an application for membership. Contact us at gfwcbwc@gmail.com or call Carolyn at 434-941-4962 to discuss further. We would like to hear from you!

Our Members Thoughts

  • Anita Carroll - Lifetime Member

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    I learned about the GFWC Bedford Woman’s Club while attending their annual craft show held in the fall. I was impressed and felt determined to get to know the ladies who arranged it all.

    ”

  • Teresa Craig - Past GFWC Virginia President

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    I fell in love immediately with the ladies, projects and the promise of contributing to the community while forming friendships. The decision to join has never been a disappointment or regret.

    ”

  • Carolyn Fellers

    I joined the club in 2011. I was welcomed with open arms. I knew then I found a place to grow, learn and be part of something great.

  • Bobbie Peasley

    To me, being a member of the Bedford Woman's Club means making new friends, enjoyment and participation. I also feel that the Bedford Woman's Club brings a valuable purpose to my life.

  • Diana Martin

    GFWC Bedford Woman's Club membership means giving back to others in our communities and throughout the world. I have made great friendships. I have learned so much about women's history and our involvement in making new laws and finding our way throughout life.

  • Debbie Bragg

    Making Bedford our permanent home in 2022 after retiring from NC I was searching for a place to “fit in” and get to know others. Joining GFWC Bedford Woman’s Club in late 2023 has definitely brought new friendships and involvement with helping others in the Bedford community. 


  • Yolanda Adams

    Moving to a new community where you know nobody can be a dauting and lonely move. Lucky for me I was invited to a GFWC Bedford Woman’s Club meeting by a co-worker and that transformed my life in my new town. That chance invitation has given me friends, an extended family and an opportunity to participate in making our town even better.


  • Susan Arthur

    After living three years in Bedford and spending most of that time helping with my mother-in-law's care giving, after her passing I suddenly had more free time on my hands. I joined the Woman's Club to feel more connected to Bedford and to meet some kind, smart, interesting, and fun women. The Woman's Club has given me the opportunity to learn about many of the local non-profits and their needs and to meet so many more people in the area. Getting to know the other club members while volunteering together, friendships develop and memories are made.


  • Sally Santmyer

    I've enjoyed getting to know the members better, this time around. It feels great knowing that I am helping the Bedford community in some way. And learning more about women's history.

  • Linda Parker

    I am so glad I joined. Only being in Bedford six years it is a great opportunity to get to know a lot of wonderful women and be involved in community service knowing this club helps so many in our community.