In 2006 the Bealings Village Hall's ageing play equipment was deemed ‘unsafe’ under new Health and Safety rules and most of the equipment had been removed. The swings were the only piece of equipment which remained and the main sports field had a serious slope with ageing goal posts and scrub was fast encroaching on the space available. With support from our parish councils and our then county councillor, Peter Bellfield, the starter funds were used to carry out a feasibility study and consultation process. The result of the consultation showed very strong support and commitment within the Bealings communities. The Friends of Bealings Playingfield took up the mantel and worked with Bealings Village Hall Trust to raise funds and to redevelop the field.  The renovated playingfield has been named in honour of our first major donor, the late John Belstead ,a son of Suffolk soil and a resident of Great Bealings for many years.  He was a former leader of the House of Lords and Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk.  John was a keen sports enthusiast with a particular passion for tennis. He also served as Chairman of Suffolk Playingfields Association, President of Felixstowe Lawn Tennis Club and President of the Lawn Tennis Association. He played tennis for the county and was a member of the All-England Lawn Tennis Club and the MCC. It is only fitting that we named our new field in his honour.    The Grand Opening was held on 5th May 2008.