Bidwell was born in 1934, the son of a wine importer, and was schooled at Stonyhurst. Undergoing National Service in the East Surrey Regiment in 1953, he served in Nyasaland, Kenya with the 1st Btn King's African Rifles.[1]
Bidwell began working in the food industry with the breakfast cereal maker Viota, and became a director of Viota in 1962.[1] Bidwell was subsequently chairman of the food company Pearce Duff, headed the food arm of Gill & Duffus, and joined Allied Lyons in 1985.[1]
Bidwell was married twice, first to Jenifer Webb in 1962, with whom he had two sons, and a daughter. Webb died in 2001.[1] Bidwell married for a second time to Priscilla Pode (née Hunter). His wife and three children survived him at his death.[1]
Bidwell was buried with his first wife in the cemetery of Holy Cross Church, Goodnestone, Kent.