What’s On

GOLDEN FRIENDSHIP CLUB – FOR THE OVER 50’S EVERY THURSDAY – 2PM TO 4PM, ENTRY £1

Refreshments, raffl e, bingo, games, crafts and more Also occasional meals and outings. For information call Marion on 01234 304382 Christ the King Parish Hall, Harrowden Road, Bedford MK42 0SP

BEDFORD ART SOCIETY MEETING FRIDAY 7 JANUARY 7.15PM FOR 7.30PM START

Bedford born artist Oliver Winconek has painted many well-known actors and members of society. He will demonstrate painting a portrait in oils and acrylics at our fi rst actual meeting of the year. Entry is free for members, £5 for visitors. Contact Jean Paterson 01234 307210 or www.bedsartsociety.co.uk for information.

PAPAS & PRESCHOOLERS SATURDAY JANUARY 8 12.30PM – 2PM

Are you the only dad at the music group? Do you feel a bit lonely? It turns out, even that yellow haired rag doll is a girl! Who knew?! Or are you grandad, who thought he’d done his time so is now looking to fi ll the grandkids up on sugar before giving them back?

Do you need to talk about stuff that the wife just doesn’t understand? Like what makes Catie’s machines so amazing or why lego instructions are the only ones you will ever follow?

Do you fancy getting some lunch with other local dads and fi nding new friends for your children, that you can later blame for that swear word your little one copied from you in the car? Let’s have some fun....... and a sandwich! Friendly Nettle Café, Beauvais Square, Shortstown MK42 0GE

BEDFORD REPAIR CAFÉ SATURDAY 15 JANUARY 12PM

After a long wait, we are fi nally returning to repair your loved items.

The Bedpop Repair Shop is a pop-up community repair cafe. They are volunteers who want to teach you how to fi x your stuff and are passionate about the right to repair and avoiding landfi ll. Run completely by the kindness of volunteers and sponsors. Booking slots dropping soon, but please save the date and take note of our NEW VENUE: The Place Theatre, Bradgate Road, Bedford MK40 3DE

THE BEDFORD KILO SUNDAY 16 JANUARY 10AM – 4PM

Come and shop TONNES of sustainable, vintage, retro & branded fashion for just £20 per kilo. You will need to choose a ticketed time slot, but there is no time limit to how long you can stay in the event, and you can come and go all day if you fancy doubling your shopping time! Please wear a face covering and bring your own bag. Fresh stock will be added to the rails throughout the day! Corn Exchange, 13 St Paul’s Square, MK40 1SL shopkilo.co.uk

THE HIGGINS KNITTING AND CROCHET GROUP EVERY THIRD TUESDAY OF THE MONTH: 18 JANUARY, 15 FEBRUARY,15 MARCH 11AM – 1PM

Get creative and join like-minded crafters to create items for charities and events. Sessions will be running both at The Higgins Bedford and online. Free Entry. Booking Essential To book, or to receive the Zoom login, please email thehiggins@bedford.gov.uk

‘FOR MEN TO TALK’ TUESDAY 18 JANUARY 6PM – 8PM

For Men To Talk is a chance for men suffering with anxiety, depression and grief to talk with other fellow sufferers. St Neots Golf Club, Crosshall Road, St Neots PE19 7GE

GRIEF WELLIES DEATH CAFÉ THURSDAY 20 JANUARY 5.30PM

A Death Café is an informal gathering of people (often strangers) to talk about death over a cup of tea and a piece of cake. The topic of discussion is generated by the group and there is no agenda, objective or prescribed theme. A Death Café is an open, accessible and confidential space for those interested in talking about anything in relation to death. For further information, please join the Grief Wellies group on Facebook, or visit the Death Café Website deathcafe.com The Place Theatre, Bradgate Road, Bedford MK40 3DE

BEDFORD RSPB LOCAL GROUP THURSDAY 20 JANUARY 7.30PM AIMING TO FINISH BY 9.30PM

Wilf Powell – “Jewels in the Air”. Wilf, previously Chairman of the Bedfordshire Natural History Society, will describe aspects of the biology and behaviour of hummingbirds. illustrated with photos taken on trips to Ecuador, Costa Rica, Trinidad, Cuba and Brazil, with the main emphasis on Ecuador, which boasts 132 species. An amazing and entertaining evening guaranteed. Suitable for Experts and Novices, RSPB membership not essential. Entrance fee, group members £1 Guest £2 annual group membership £5 under 18s enter free. The facilities, including refreshments, are at ground level and there is secure parking.

Covid restrictions may apply i.e. Masks and Sanitiser Meet at ARA club, Manton Lane Bedford MK41 7PF Soup & Sandwich Friday 28 January 12pm-2pm Enjoy Soup & Sandwich with tea &coffee £2.50. Together with a couple of hours of fellowship. Everyone is welcome. Park Road Methodist Church, Park Road West, Bedford MK41 7SB

PORTABLE ANTIQUITIES SCHEME WEDNESDAY 26 JANUARY 1PM – 3PM

Have you ever found archaeological objects whilst digging in the garden, taking the dog for a walk or metal detecting? Would you like to find out more about them? Matt Fittock, Finds Liaison Officer for the Portable Antiquities Scheme, can help. Free Entry, Booking Essential. Limited timed sessions available at The Higgins Bedford, book your place by emailing Matthew. Fittock@stalbans.gov.uk

AFTERNOON VINTAGE TEA FRIDAY 28 JANUARY 2PM – 4PM

Entry £3, Includes tea, home-made cake and friendship For information call Myriam on 07590 558275 Christ the King Parish Hall, Harrowden Road, Bedford, MK42 0SP

BEDFORD SINFONIA WITH JESSICA ELLIS (OBOE) SATURDAY 29 JANUARY 7.30PM

The Bedford Sinfonia, conducted by Ian Smith, is thrilled to welcome eighteen-year-old oboist Jessica Ellis, a rising star, to perform Vaughan Williams’ Concerto for Oboe in A Minor. Richard Strauss’ Symphony for Winds (‘Happy Workshop’), Elgar’s dynamic and exciting Introduction and Allegro for strings complete the programme for the evening. Bedford Corn Exchange, St Paul’s Square Bedford MK40 1SL bedfordcornexchange.co.uk/events/bedfordshireorchestral-society/

BEDFORD MUM2MUM MARKET SUNDAY 30 JANUARY 2PM – 4PM SUNDAY 30TH JANUARY 2-4PM

Over 20 stalls to browse with snacks and refreshments available. £2 admission for adults. Kids go free Free parking. This is a CASH only event! Lakeview Village Hall, Brooklands Avenue, Wixams MK42 6AB

BedsLife Magazine cannot be held responsible for any event changes, amends or cancellations. Please ensure to check ahead before attending.

To list an event in our February issue please email christa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk by Friday 14th January. Priority will be given to non-profit events.