WHAT'SON Your essential guide to activities, clubs, events and lots more in your area. There’s something for everyone! ARTS, CULTURE & TALKS Behind the Scenes at the Saleroom An evening of antiques with David Fletcher from BBC TV’s ‘Flog It!’ Saturday, 25th February 7pm start Join us for a light-hearted evening of amusing anecdotes and a chance to win £50 in Waitrose vouchers by guessing the value of some of David’s antiques. Tickets are £10 and include a glass of wine and canapés, available from Bedford Guild House between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday or by calling Maggie Fletcher on 0774 818 4429. Bedford Guild House, 56 Harpur Street, Bedford MK40 2QT Tel 01234 352038 www.bedfordguildhouse.org.uk An Artists’ Supper Club with Aid & Abet Thursday 2nd February 7pm – 11pm Join us this February for our next Artists’ Supper Club with Aid & Abet as they take us on an evening of playful exploration into the DIY artist’s mind-set. These events offer rich conversation paired with the opportunity for local artists to meet, connect, share and get to know one another. Herd, 25 St Cuthbert’s St, Bedford MK40 3JG Bedfordshire Family History Society Friday 3rd February at 7.15 p.m. Interested in Family History? Come along to our next monthly talk on ‘Have I found the “Mad Preacher” in the Family?’ given by Noel Evans in the Drama Hall of Mark Rutherford School, Wentworth Drive, Bedford MK41 8PX Members free, visitors £1. www.bfhs.org.uk Bedford Art Society meeting Friday 3rd February 7.15pm for 7.30 start James Green will give a demonstration of using an airbrush to create an image from start to finish. He will cover the equipment and techniques involved. Entry is free for members £5 for visitors. Contact Jean Paterson 01234 307210 or www.bedsartsociety.co.uk for information.
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Bedford Local Group of The Wildlife Trust Wednesday 8th February 2017 Meeting 7-30 pm ‘Keeping Track of Bedfordshire Wildlife’ an illustrated talk about surveying, monitoring and recording by Jackie Ullyett and Katharine Banham Priory Methodist Church Hall, Newnham Avenue, Bedford MK41 9QJ. Plenty parking available, All welcome, no charge but voluntary contributions are appreciated. Further details available under Events on www.wildlifebcn.org or at 01234 266057 Bedford RSPB local group meet at ARA club Manton Lane Bedford MK41 7PF. Thursday 16th February 7.30 pm Peter Holden MBE presents: ‘Born to Travel’. Bird migration & the amazing stories of their journeys. Entrance fee, group members £1 Guest £2 annual group membership £5 Reg. Charity No. 207076, more info www.rspb.org.uk/groups/bedford Bedford National Trust Association Tuesday February 21st. Speaker – Lee Fish, Senior Building Surveyor with NT in East of England “Building Conservation Repair Philosophy” He says, “I will talk through various works I have been involved in, which will be of interest to members of the audience” The meeting is in the Addison Centre in Kempston. Tea and biscuits will be served. It costs £3 for NT guests and £3.50 for non-NT members. For more details contact Betty Thomas on 01480 860421 Busy Quilters & Stitchers (BQS) Saturday 25 February 10.00am – 3.30pm, Workshops in the morning & a speaker in the afternoon, Bring a sewing kit. £5 Further details Val Morgan Tel 01234 266963 Goldington Academy, Haylands Way, Bedford MK41 9BX.
CLASSES, CLUBS & GROUPS Linedancing Mondays at Priory Methodist Church Newnham Avenue, Bedford MK41 9QJ Beginners/Improvers (Absolute Beginners Welcome) 7.30pm – 8.30pm www.dancingstars.comli.com/ Tele:07969847553
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Kempston and District Model Railway Society Meets every Monday from 7.30pm-10pm At the Church of the Transfiguration rear church hall. New members welcome. Contact Brian Woodcock on 07795251988 or brianwoodcock@btinternet.com Silver lining Club for the silver haired. Park Road Methodist Church Roff Avenue, opposite the high flats. Number 10 bus stops outside. FREE. 2pm-4pm every first Tuesday of the month. Various activities or just sit and chat with a cup of tea or coffee Over 70’s Gentle Exercise Classes Every Monday and Wednesday (except bank holidays) Mondays – Bedford Central Library (3rd floor meeting room) Wednesday – Bedford International Athletics Stadium £4 per session Tel 01234 718835 www.bedford.gov.uk/sport Rotary Club of Bedford de Parys Meet for breakfast every Tuesday at The Embankment Hotel 7.15am for 7.30am start. Fellowship, fundraising and interesting speakers www.bedforddeparysrotary.co.uk Scottish Country Dancing – Beginners class. Tuesday evenings 8pm -10pm ARA Social Club, Manton Lane, Bedford £2.50 per session, first evening free. Singles welcome No experience/partners needed. Wear soft shoes. Keith Rose 01234 781448 keith@krose.plus.com Bedfordshire Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers. Meetings:- 1st Tuesday evening each month 7.30 – 9.30pm 3rd Saturday 10.30am. – 4.30pm each month. A friendly group of lovers of textile related crafts have changed venue to Flitwick Village Hall, 11 Dunstable Rd, Flitwick, Bedford MK45 1HP Local Friendship Group Welcomes new members We meet at a local public house every Wednesday at 8pm Call 07790 904736 or 07925 910639 Email: friendshipclub365@gmail.com
Evening Handcraft – Knitting, Stitching and lots of other hand crafts 1st & 3rd Wednesday of most months. Enjoy craft and good conversation with a relaxed group who support one another. Plus a whole craft shop to shop in if you want to. £4.75 per session which includes any drink off the O For Coffee menu. Tudor Rose Patchwork Unit 1, Oakley Park, Station Road, Oakley MK43 7RB Phone 01234 824983 for further details. Tudor Reeds Folk Dance Club Meet on First, Third and Fifth Wednesday of each month eve 8-10pm We are a friendly social Folk Dancing Club St Marks Church Hall, Calder Rise (off Avon Drive), Brickhill, Bedford MK41 7UY It’s good fun for only £1 incl. refreshments No partner required. Rosemary Mcneilage 01234 405594 MENCAP – Smiley Club Wednesdays 7pm – 8.30pm A fun social club for boys and girls from 9 to 18 who have learning disabilities. The club has a band of loyal volunteers, mostly teenagers and activities include: Art and crafts, board games, outside play in the warmer months and hanging out with friends! Pine Cones Family Centre, (behind Livingstone Lower School) Clapham Road, Bedford. For further information please contact the club leader Jeff Smith on 07798 762 808. MENCAP – Sparkle Club Wednesdays in term time between 7.00pm – 9.00pm Sparkle is a social club for adults with learning disabilities, every week has follows a different theme to keep the activities varies. It is held at Putnoe Primary School, Church Lane, Bedford MK41 0DH. For further information please contact Shilly on 07951514694 Bedford Pipe Band welcome new members. Thursdays 7.30pm – 9.30pm Friendly & relaxed group beginners to experienced. St John’s Church hall (MK42 0DL), Bedford. Contact Pipe Major Donald Reid 01234 268475 Mrs. Barrett (Band Secretary) 01234 360967 www.bedfordpipeband.org.uk
Enjoy Irish Ceili and Set Dancing. Every Wednesday 8 pm to 10 pm at the Reading Room, 1, Barkers Lane, Bedford. £2 per session – first evening free. No partner required. Beginners welcome. Ring Pat [01234 308224] for more details.
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WHAT’S ON
WHAT’S ON
Bedford Gallery Quire 1st, 3rd, 5th Thursday of each month 7.30 pm Priory Methodist Church, Newnham Ave, Bedford We welcome those interested in singing/playing’West Gallery’ music from the early 18th century to the mid19th century. www.bedfordgalleryquire.org.uk Contact Ken Baddley 01234 310018 Bedford Folk Dance Company Meet Thursday eve 8 – 10 pm. We are a friendly Country and Folk Dance Club Putnoe Heights Church, Bedford MK41 8EB It’s good fun for only £2 incl. Refreshments No partner required Ron Law 01234 825574 www.bedfordfolkdanceclub.com Magpie Ladies Group A friendly group who meet on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month at 7.30 pm At St Mark’s Church, Calder Rise, Brickhill. (No meetings in August) Guest Speakers and social events Tea/Coffee and cake included. New members welcomed Please Contact: Rosemary 01234 405594 or Barbara 01234 304960 Art Friends – New Art Group Art for Fun and Friendship For All Every Thursday 9.30am – 12.30pm Bromham Baptist Church Enquiries please call Jackie 01234 825663 07880 518465 Flower School Thursday evenings 5pm – 7pm April Flowers, 90 High Street, Clapham Various arrangements covered with a demo followed by the opportunity for students to complete the same design which they can take home. Booking essential Call Amy on 01234 343335 07794 827137 P.M Bridge Group First and third Thursdays of each month 11am to 2.45pm Friendly duplicate bridge Good standard buffet lunch £6 including lunch, tea or coffee. Renhold Village Hall. Tel Ann on 01234 212066 Linedancing Thursdays Kempston Hammers Social And Sports Club 134 High Street High Street Kempston Bedford MK42 7BN Beginners/Improvers (Absolute Beginners Welcome) 7.00pm – 8.00pm Improver/Intermediate 8.00pm – 10.00pm www: http://dancingstars.comli.com/ Tele:07969847553 Bedford Fine Companions Folk Dance Club We are a long established folk dance club who meet every Friday in term time from 8pm to 10pm at Hazeldene School Bedford MK41 9AT (use Hartshill entrance). No partner required. Contact David Cooke on 01234 823920, www.finecompanions.synthasite. com or find us on Facebook
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Friday Daubers This friendly group of amateur daubers meets at 5 Lansdowne Road Bedford every Friday between 1pm and 4pm to spend a few hours enjoying our hobby. Between us we use a variety of media. If you enjoy drawing and/or painting why not join us. If you are interested why not contact one of us to find out more – Anne 07548 840856 or Jenny 01234 824568 or email Marianne marianne.sellers@virginmedia.com
COMMUNITY / CHARITY EVENTS Jobs Fair – Recruitment Event Wed 1st Feb 10am – 2pm Jobs, Apprenticeships, Training plus more Bedford Corn Exchange, St Paul’s Square, Bedford MK40 1SL www.thejobsfair.co.uk mum2mum market Bedford Saturday 4th February 1:30pm until 3:30pm Quality second-hand baby, children’s and maternity clothes, preloved baby equipment and toys and much, much more. Goldington Academy, School Hall, Haylands Way, Bedford MK41 9BX Bedfordshire Police – Special Constable Recruitment February 6th 7.00pm Volunteer Police Officers, also known as Special Constables, work alongside full-time police officers and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) on the front line. As a Special, you will be given training and provide vital support and help patrol Bedfordshire’s rural and urban communities. Join us today and support our vision to become a well-respected, high performing, efficiently run police service working together to protect people, fight crime and keep Bedfordshire safe. The Mall Luton, 37 The Mall, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU1 2LJ For further information please contact Sharna Raine on 07590465193 or Sharna.raine@bedfordshire.pnn.police.uk Public Tree Planting Sunday 12 February 11am to 3pm Free event with shuttle buses running from the Forest Centre all day. For more details nearer the event go to www.marstonvale.org The Forest Centre, Station Road, Marston Moretaine, MK43 0PR Pavenham W.I. Jumble Sale Saturday 18 February 2pm 2pm Admission 20p, children free. Pavenham Village Hall Bedford Road, Pavenham, MK43 7PH Blunham Giant Book Sale Saturday 18th February 10.00 to 3.00 pm Come to our Browse and Buy Second Hand Giant Book Sale. Selection of second hand/nearly new books, Homemade cakes, teas and coffees, homemade soup and a raffle. All proceeds to Blunham Church Fabric Fund Blunham Parish Church, Beds, MK44 3NQ
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Table top sale Christ the King Church Hall Sat 18th February 9am to Noon Refreshments available. Entry 50p – children free Harrowden Road, Bedford MK42 0SP For details please ring 01234 965497 Quiz Night, Sharnbrook Mill Theatre. Saturday 18th February. Bar opens 7.00 for 7.30pm start. Teams 6 max. Cash Prize! Ticket £5 Amelia Newman 07976 218573 amelia.newman@hotmail.co.uk Mill Rd, Sharnbrook, Bedford MK44 1NP [For Sharnbrook Mill Theatre H&V ‘Warm Up’ Appeal; Reg. Charity] Behind the Scenes at W&H Peacock, Bedford Auctioneers & Valuers With Friends of St Owen’s, Bromham Thursday 23 February 6.30 for 7.00pm Talk, Tour, Light-hearted Quiz & Refreshments Limited Places – Booking Essential Tickets £14 from 01234 826551 Friends of Bedford Cemetery Sunday 26th February at 2.30 p.m.~ Kevin Varty Presents: “The Great War through the Magic Lantern” Enjoy a lavishly illustrated meander through the censorship at the time and then contrast this with a rare set of uncensored American slides. Refreshments available The Chapel Foster Hill Road, Bedford MK41 7TD Tickets £5 or £4 for Friends (available on the door or telephone 01234 718150) Details available from – www.bedfordcemeteryfriends.org.uk Wrest Park Volunteer Open Days Wednesday 1st March 1-3pm and 5-7pm Would you like to be a part of an outstanding team? Would you like to spend time in one of England’s most prestigious and fascinating Gardens with a story that spans over 600 years. Would you like to share your enthusiasm and love of history? Would you like to meet like-minded people and try something new? Then why not come and volunteer for English Heritage at Wrest Park Whether it is welcoming and chatting to visitors or telling the stories of our unique house and garden, there are plenty of ways to get involved here at Wrest Park. Anti-Library of the Mansion House Wrest Park, Silsoe, Bedfordshire MK45 4HR
Bedfordshire Police – Special Constable Recruitment March 6th 7.30pm Volunteer Police Officers, also known as Special Constables, work alongside full-time police officers and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) on the front line. As a Special, you will be given training and provide vital support and help patrol Bedfordshire’s rural and urban communities. Join us today and support our vision to become a well-respected, high performing, efficiently run police service working together to protect people, fight crime and keep Bedfordshire safe. Bedfordshire Police Headquarters, Woburn Road, Kempston, MK43 9AX For further information please contact Sharna Raine on 07590465193 or Sharna.raine@bedfordshire.pnn.police.uk Bedford Farmers Market Every 2nd and last Thursday of the month Local producers market with a range of fresh locally produced supplies. Harpur Square Bedford 8.30am – 3pm A Different Brew – A Cafe with a difference’ Summer Opening Times Monday- Friday 10am till 8pm and Sundays 11am till 6pm 106 Clapham Road, Bedford Licensed to sell alcohol with food. Sunday menu includes a roast, different meat each week. Staffed by adults with learning difficulties working both front and back of house. A Different Brew is a project of Beds Garden Carers (BGC) Find us on Facebook Beds Garden Carers – Learning Disabilities Charity Panacea Museum The museum tells the story of the Panacea Society – a remarkable religious community formed in the early twentieth century. General Opening Hours Museum and Gardens Open February half term to October half term Thursday, Friday and Saturday. 11.00am – 5.00pm Gardens only April – September Monday – Wednesday from 11.00am – 4.00pm.
HEALTH & WELLBEING Bedford Macular Support Group Third Monday of each month at 10:30 am. Volunteer Centre, 43 Bromham Road Offering practical and emotional support to people suffering central vision loss or Macular Disease. Speakers on a range of related topics. Info 01234 781372 Hearts In Beds Cardiac Support Group First Tuesday each month 7pm Priory Methodist Church Halls, Newnham Ave, Bedford, MK41 9QJ (We hold a gentle exercise session from 7 – 7-30 pm under a qualified trainer. Everyone welcome, you don’t need to have a cardiac condition to join us. Raffle at the end of the evening. Contact Sid Luff, 01234 404671 or Ted Jolliffe 01 234 327791 for further details of the Group.
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WHAT’S ON
WHAT’S ON
KIDS
SPORTS & OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Half Term at the Higgins – Sponsored by Polam School Spread a little love and kindness this half term with our family craft activities. Tuesday 14th February 2017 – Bookmarks for your Bestie Handcraft something special for the one you love on Valentine’s Day Wednesday 15th February 2017 – Crafted with Care Show someone you care by creating a unique compliment card Friday 17th February 2017 – Bighearted Boxes It’s Random Act of Kindness Day. Decorate a box of smiles to give away. The Higgins, Castle Lane, Bedford MK40 3XD www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk A Winter Tale – Kids’ Outdoor Activity Tuesday 14 February 10am to 3pm £4 per child. Sessions last 1hr 15mins approx, and start at 10am, 11.30am and 2pm. Booking and parental supervision essential. To book, call 01234 767037 or email info@marstonvale.org The Forest Centre, Station Road, Marston Moretaine, MK43 0PR Badgers in a Box – Kids’ Craft Sessions Thursday 16 February 10am to 3pm Indoor craft session. £3 per child. Sessions last 45mins approx, and start at 10am, 11am, 1pm and 2pm. Booking and parental supervision essential. To book, call 01234 767037 or email info@marstonvale. org The Forest Centre, Station Road, Marston Moretaine, MK43 0PR
MUSIC, DANCE & THEATRE Bedford Music Club – Music on Thursdays Thursday 16 Feb 7.45pm Phoenix Piano Trio Haydn, Ireland, Brahms Bedford Girls School, Cardington Rd, Bedford MK42 0BX Tickets £18, Students (18-25) £5, Under 18 £2 on the door or from 01234 261811 www.bedfordmusicclub.co.uk Bedford Organ and Keyboard Club Organ Concert with PAUL ROBERTS Wednesday 22 February 7.30 – 10.00 pm In aid of Funds for the Addison Centre Members £5 Non-Members £6 Pay at door Addison Centre, Kempston, Bedford Tel: 01234 344423 The Quarry Theatre, Bedford; Lucy Parham, distinguished concert pianist with celebrated actor Henry Goodman, Elegie-Rachmaninoff-a heart in exile, Sunday 26th February. Champagne-Reception: 6.30/Concert: 7.00pm. £20; Quarry Theatre, 01234-362337 www.quarrytheatre.org.uk [For Sharnbrook Mill Theatre ‘Warm-Up’ Appeal; Reg. Charity].
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Winter Wonders Bird Walk Saturday 4 February 8am to 11am £4 per person, £1 off for Volunteers, Members and concessions. 01234 767037 to book but pay leader on day. The Forest Centre, Station Road, Marston Moretaine, MK43 0PR Bedford Parkrun every Saturday Meet at The Bandstand at 9am. Join us for a 5km run around the park (dogs, children and buggies all welcome). Register for free on the Parkrun UK website http://www. parkrun.org.uk Rambling Club We’re a friendly walking group who meet on a Sunday morning for a 5/6 mile walk. For further information or a copy of our programme please contact brclub75@yahoo.co.uk or phone 01234 360769. Ouse Valley Archers Currently offering a four week introduction in target archery. Courses run by Archery GB approved coaches and all equipment is provided. For experienced archers or those who have completed a beginners course the club shoots indoors/outdoors on Tuesday & Thursday 7.00pm – 9.00pm and Sunday 2.00pm – 4.00pm at Putnoe Primary School & Field Bedford For further details visit our website or contact info@ ousevalleyarchers.com Walking Football Summer sessions at Bedford Cricket Club Mondays 7-8pm Thursdays 2-3pm For more information and to book a place please email: info@walkingfootballleagues.co.uk Mowsbury Park Bowling Club Try lawn bowls for FREE any Wednesday or Friday 2pm to 4.30pm. Just bring flat shoes. For more info about our club please contact Anne Haynes on 01234 211828 or visit our NEW web site www.mowsburyparkbowlsclub.co.uk Health Walks – Forest of Marston Vale Wednesdays 10.30am Free, no need to book. Most walks start at Reception but some elsewhere – see notice board or ring 01234 767037 The Forest Centre, Station Road, Marston Moretaine, Beds MK43 0PR Bedford FC Mini Soccer Club Every Saturday at Goldington Academy 10.30am till 12.15pm. Open to boys and girls aged 4-10yrs. Cost per child £3.00 and £5 for two children. Our sole aim is to provide children of all abilities with a unique footballing experience, developing their physical, social and communication skills in a safe environment. Full usage of toilet and changing facilities and plenty of car parking spaces. www.bedfordfcminisoccer.com.
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Bedford Girls and Ladies FC We are a voluntary sports club for girls age 8 and upwards. If you’d like to find out more info please call Jill on 01234 772668 or 07850540631. Bedford Thunder Basketball club Mixed gender sessions Age 10-13 3.00-4.30 every Saturday Age 14-16 4.30-6.00 every Saturday Men’s club 7.35-9.45 every Tuesday All session in Bedford Academy, for further information contact bedfordthunder@outlook.com or visit our website www.bedfordthunder.com Wootton Badminton Club Wootton Upper School, Hall End, Wootton, Beds, MK43 9HT Thursdays from 7.30pm to 10.00pm This friendly club welcomes anyone who does or has played badminton, sorry no absolute beginners. Contact: Freda Dunlop 01234 270638 Email: garry.freda@btinternet.com www.woottonbedfordbadmintonclub.weebly.com Bedford mighty eagles dodgeball team We are a club that plays at a high level but would love anyone from any sporting ability and background to come down and give it a go as long as you are 15 and above. We have a men’s and women’s squad. It is great fun and a fantastic way to keep fit. We train on Tuesday’s 8-9 at: Hastingsbury school, Hill rise, Bedford, Mk42 7EB First training session is FREE and then each session is only £3 after that Bedford United Football Club Bedford United is a non-profit making football club holding the FA Charter Standard status and providing a fun, friendly, safe and structured environment to learn, play and enjoy football. We have an established range of teams from our Academy right through to our Adults so if you’re interested in playing, coaching or helping out visit us at www.bedfordunitedfc.co.uk.
Bedford Borough Bowling Club Bedford Borough Bowling Club established over 100 years are now enrolling new members. and forming a junior section. Probably the most prestigious bowling club in the Bedford area with both indoor and outdoor bowling greens. We offer FREE tuition from qualified instructors, with all equipment provided, we just ask you to wear flat shoes.Afterwards, you can obtain a cool drink or a coffee from the bar and relax in the comfortable lounge area. There are also restaurant facilities for lunch time meals. So give it a try, bring the family all are welcome. Free parking. Check our web site www.boroughbowlin.org.uk or telephone 01234 340736 for more details Shefford & Sandy Hockey Club Sandy Sports Centre Astro, Engayne ave, Sandy. SG19 1BL Tuesdays 6.00-7.30pm – Juniors (5 to 14 years old) Tuesdays 7.30-9.00pm – Adults Whether you are new to the sport or returning after a break S&SHC welcome you to our club training nights. For more info please call Tessa on 07787 970810 www.sheffordandsandy.com Roller Skate Club Every 2nd Sunday of the Month 11.15am – 1.15pm Come and enjoy the unique experience of roller skating in a family friendly environment. Music, refreshments, prizes, surprises, competitions. All levels welcome. Princeton Court, Brickhill Drive, Bedford MK41 7PZ Info tel 07737 195057 www.rollbackskating.com Guided History Walk in Bedford Park First Monday of the month 10.30am for 11am Join us for a guided walk around the stunning Bedford Park with an expert local historian. Walks last 60 minutes and cost just £6 (inc tea/coffee & cake) Meet at The Pavilion Book in person or call 01234 351104
Cyclists Touring Club, Bedfordshire. We meet on a regular basis and have rides to various places, and cater for all abilities. We ride as a group for the pleasure of riding and socialising, nobody gets left behind ! See website ctc-bedfordshire.co.uk for details of our forthcoming rides, or ring 01234 219148 for further information. Social Table Tennis Mon/Tue 7.30pm-10.00pm Sports Hall, Lincroft School, Oakley All Ages Welcome. Just Turn Up £4 per player per session, Bats Available, Free Hire Coaching Available Call John 07921 093199
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To list your event in February please email christa@ bedslifemagazine.co.uk
by Monday 13th February To advertise with us please get in touch – www.bedslifemagazine.co.uk
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