Pembroke business Bedingfield Pharmacy celebrated 40 years in business last week with a health fair at the Pembroke Senior Citizens’ Center.

The doors to the health fair opened at 10 a.m. to a crowd of 30 awaiting senior citizens. For the next four hours a steady stream of well wishers and customers enjoyed cake and refreshments while, pharmacy students from South University in Savannah gave free blood sugar and blood pressure screenings and Hospice of Savannah and Bedingfield Pharmacy gave away fun freebees and door prizes.

"The students volunteered their time as part of South University’s community out reach service," said Dr. Andi McKeever, the faculty advisor. "We like to instill a philanthropic spirit in our students."

During the reception Pembroke Mayor Judy Cook presented a proclamation in to Nelson Bedingfield for his forty years of service to Pembroke and the surrounding area.

"Our community is extremely lucky to have businesses like Bedingfield Pharmacy," said Cook. "The longevity of their success in Pembroke shows the loyalty our community feels to local businesses. It also shows that great customer service and dedication pays off. Bedingfield’s is one of a hand full of businesses that have been here for over 40 years and we wish them continued success."

Bedingfield purchased the pharmacy from local Dr. W.E. Smith on March 17, 1968. The UGA graduate and Caudwell, Georgia native happened to Pembroke by accident.

"I was in the area looking for a pharmacy in Brooklet that was for sale," said Bedingfield. "I got a little mixed up and ended up in Pembroke. When I spoke with Dr. Smith’s wife she told me the pharmacy was not for sale. To my surprise, I later received a call from Dr. Smith informing me that he would indeed sell me pharmacy."

For the past 40 years Bedingfield has been located in downtown Pembroke, originally it was located on the corner of Bacon Street and Main Street. In the 80’s it moved one building down to its current location 27 N. Main Street.

In 1991, Bedingfield welcomed a new partner to his business fellow UGA alumni Teresa Futch Smith. Beddingfield and Smith welcomed Smith’s sister, pharmacist Christina Futch a year and a half ago to the business. Christina Futch attended South University in Savannah.

"We really enjoy serving the community and look forward to a long future in Pembroke," said Bedingfield.