WHAT'SON Your essential guide to activities, clubs, events and lots more in your area. There’s something for everyone! ARTS, CULTURE & TALKS Bedfordshire Archives Exhibition Now until – 4th January 2017. Bedford 850 Celebrating the 850th anniversary of the granting of a charter to Bedford by Henry II, the original charter will be on display. There will be a talk to accompany the exhibition on Thursday 1st December 2016. If you wish to attend, please book a free place by emailing archive@bedford.gov.uk or by telephoning 01234 228833 Bedford Art Society Meeting Friday 2nd December 7.15 for 7.30pm Glynis Barnes-Mellish will demonstrate in watercolour One of the country’s leading portrait painters, she is constantly exploring the way in which watercolour can be used to produce light and vitality in her work. (This is a change to the published programme) Putnoe Heights Church, Bedford MK41 8EB Members Free Visitors £5 Jean Patterson 01234 307210 or www.bedsartsociety.co.uk Bedfordshire Family History Society Friday 2nd December 7.15 p.m. Interested in Family History? Then come along to the next monthly talk on “Parish Registers” held in the Drama Hall of Mark Rutherford School, Wentworth Drive, Bedford MK41 8PX Members free, visitors £1. www.bfhs.org.uk Alpine Garden Society, Bedfordshire Group Monday December 5th 7.30 for 8.00pm Tony Goode, a very practical and hands-on gardener from Norwich will be speaking on 'A crocus for all seasons'. They really are not just for Spring come and find out about the possibilities! Plant sales, plant exhibits and refreshments. Visitors very welcome £3 Wilstead Village Hall, MK45 3BX Bedford Floral Art Society Tuesday December 6th at 7.30pm Janet Cooper presents ‘ Christmas Creations’ Raffle of arrangements, Visitors £7 Everyone welcome Addison Centre, Kempston www.bedfordfloralartsociety.co.uk
48
Bedford Local Group of The Wildlife Trust Wednesday 14th December 2016 Meeting 7-30pm 'Over the Sea to Skye' an illustrated talk by Barrie Mason. Priory Methodist Church Hall, Newnham Avenue, Bedford MK41 9QJ. Plenty of 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 Architectural, Archaeological, & Local History Society Wednesday 14th December 7.30pm Illustrated talk: "Auctioning Bedford's Treasures Possessions" David Fletcher (W & H Peacock & BBC1's Flog It!) Putnoe Heights Church & Community Centre Bedford MK41 8EB. Non-members welcome – £2-00 entry. Enquiries (01234) 365095 www.baalhs.org.uk Bedford RSPB Local Group Thursday 15th December Mark Thomas presents ‘The Full Monty’. RSPB’s Wildlife Crime officer talks about the conservation efforts for our Montagu’s Harriers. Suitable for Experts and Novices, RSPB membership not essential. Entrance fee, group members £1 Guest £2 annual group membership £5 More info www.rspb.org.uk/groups/bedford Bedfordshire Family History Society Friday 6th January 2017 7.15 p.m. Interested in Family History? Come along to our next monthly talk on ‘A Nazi in the Family’ given by Derek Neimann held in the Drama Hall of Mark Rutherford School, Wentworth Drive, Bedford MK41 8PX Members free, visitors £1. www.bfhs.org.uk
CHRISTMAS EVENTS Lakeview Christmas Fayre Friday 2nd December 5.30pm – 8pm Festive Games and Gifts, Craft Making, Santa’s Grotto, Face Painting and Tattoos, Hot Food, Raffle and lots lots more! Lakeview School, School Ln, Wixams, Bedford MK42 6BH Wixams Winter Wonderland Saturday 3rd December 2pm-6pm Santa Claus is coming to Wixams, come and meet him in his Sleigh. Christmas tree will be Decorated by the Children of Lakeview School. Christmas songs to sing to, Mince Pies, Mulled Wine, Traditional German Sausages, Fun Fair rides, Food and drink, Arts and Crafts, Plenty of Gifts to buy for your loved ones at Christmas. Lakeview Village Hall, Brooklands Avenue, Wixams, Bedford, MK42 6AB
Please mention bedslife when responding to adverts
Christmas Tree Festival & Farmers' Market Saturday & Sunday 3 & 4 December 11am to 3pm Local, home-made gifts & crafts, fresh produce, Santa’s Grotto, crafts for kids, face painting and live music. Free entry & parking – donations welcome The Forest of Marston Vale, Station Road, Marston Moretaine, Beds MK43 0PR St James’s Church Christmas Bazaar Saturday 3 December 2pm – 4.30pm A wide range of stalls, gifts and activities for all ages. Tea and cakes! Special visit by Father Christmas! Entrance £1 (children free). Biddenham Village Hall, Nodder’s Way, Biddenham MK40 4BJ Christmas Fayre Saturday 3rd December from 1pm Entry 50p – children free Raffle (1st prize £200), tombola, bottle stall, Christmas crafts, refreshments, and lots more. Christ the King Church Hall, Harrowden Road, Bedford. Christmas Shopping Evening Monday 5th December 7pm Gifts, Jewellery, Wreaths, Mince Pies. The Crown Willington, 17 Station Road, Willington MK44 3QH Twinwoods Adventure Christmas Fayre – Hosted by Playhouse Thursday 8th December 12-7pm Local businesses selling fabulous Christmas Gifts Twinwoods Business Park, Thurleigh Rd, Milton Ernest, MK44 1FD Victorian Christmas on the Green Sunday 11th December 12 noon – 5pm Come and enjoy the first Victorian Christmas on the Green in Harrold. Ice Rink, Carol Singing, Mulled Wine, Hog Roast, Mulled Cider and lots of stalls. Harrold Green, Harrold MK43 Christmas Emporium at The Ship Thursday 15 December 4pm-10pm Join us for our very first Christmas Market. The Ship, 7 St Cuthberts Street, Bedford MK40 3JB
CHRISTMAS SERVICE St Peters Church – Christingle Service Sunday 4th December 10.15am Children are invited (with their parents/carers) to come and make Christingles on Saturday 3rd in the church between 10-12noon where we will also have some stalls selling hand-made goods and light refreshments
St Peters Church – Crib Service, Saturday 24th December 4pm Children are welcome to come and take part in the service (please arrive a little early if you would like to dress up) St Pauls Church – Christmas Eve Crib Service and Christingle at 4.00pm Carols round the tree at 10.20pm Midnight Mass at 11.00pm St Pauls Church – Christmas Day Family Service at 10.15am For further information on Christmas services at St Paul's please check the website at www.stpaulschurchbedford.org.uk and our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ stpaulschurchbedford2016. Alternatively please call the church office on 01234 340163.
CHRISTMAS PANTOMIMES Cinderella Wednesday 28th Dec – Monday 2nd Jan 2017 2pm & 6pm (there is no 6pm showing on 31st Dec, 1st Jan & 2nd Jan) Brought to you by the award-winning Bedford Pantomime Company, traditional, family panto at its best. Live band, fabulous lighting, costumes and sets. Slapstick and mayhem on stage and loads of opportunity for the audience to join in the fun with every child in the audience invited on stage to join the cast in a song. Tickets £16 Adults, £14 Over 60, £11 Child, £45 family (either 2x Adults & 2x Children OR 1x Adult & 3x Children) Bedford Corn Exchange, St Pauls Square, Bedford Tel 01234 718044. www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk Beauty & the Beast Wednesday 28th December Show times -2pm matinee & 6pm evening TaleGate Theatre Productions presents ‘Beauty and the Beast’. Packed with songs, slapstick, silliness, breathtaking special effects, audience participation and all the fairytale magic of traditional pantomime! This production promises to be our funniest and most spectacular pantomime ever! Tickets £8 per person St Cuthberts Hall, Newnham Street, Bedford MK40 3JR Tel 07951 604586 www.stcuthbertshall.co.uk
To advertise with us please get in touch – www.bedslifemagazine.co.uk
49
WHAT’S ON CLASSES, CLUBS & GROUPS Evening Handcraft – Knitting, Stitching and lots of other hand crafts 7th December, 4th/18th January – 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 Rd, Oakley MK43 7RB. Phone 01234 824983 for details Embroiderers' Guild, Bedford Branch Thursday December 15th 7.30 for 8.00pm Interested in textiles? Come and join us at our Christmas meeting. We will be eating, drinking and stitching on a Christmas cloth for our refreshments table. Lots of chat, lots of fun.The sales table and our scrapbooks will help you to find out what we do through the year and how to join us. Visitors welcome. St Mark's Church, Calder Rise, Brickhill MK41 7UY All Saints Natter Club – Christmas Natter Club Thursday 15th December, 2pm – 5pm Church Hall Kempston Christmas carols, sherry and mince pies. Entry £1 including teas, coffees & cakes. Raffle tickets £1 All Welcome. Further info – Vikki Clarke 01234 843669 Linedancing Mondays – Beginners/Improvers (Absolute Beginners Welcome) 7.30pm – 8.30pm Priory Methodist Church Newnham Avenue, Bedford MK41 9QJ www: http://dancingstars.comli.com/ Tel: 07969847553 Bedfordshire Family History Society welcomes new members at their monthly meetings held in the Drama Hall of Mark Rutherford School, Wentworth Drive, Bedford MK41 8PX on the 1st Friday of every month but see under What’s On for details of this month’s talk given by an invited expert in genealogy. Members free, visitors £1. Contact Lynn on 01234 306482 www.bfhs.org.uk 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 a social club for adults with learning disabilities. It is held on Putnoe Primary School, Church Lane, Bedford MK41 0DH. 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
50
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 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 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 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 Linedancing Thursdays – Kempston Hammers Social And Sports Club 134 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 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 details. 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 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 £2.50 incl. Refreshments No partner required Ron Law 01234 825574 www.bedfordfolkdanceclub.com
Please mention bedslife when responding to adverts
WHAT’S ON 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 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 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 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 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 Christmas Tree Festival: Stars at Christmas Wednesday 30 Nov-Sunday 4 Dec 10am – 5pm (Sundays 2pm-5pm) 60 trees decorated by local charities and businesses. Children’s & community choirs daily. To be opened by the Lord Lieutenant and the High Sheriff. Admission £2.50, children free. Refreshments served. St Paul’s church, Bedford
Community Voluntary Services Every Thursday, 10am – 1pm Drop in session for those interested in Volunteering. We will chat to you about what you want from volunteering and find suitable vacancies that fit your requirements. 43 Bromham Road,Bedford. www.voluntaryworks.org 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
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.
MUSIC, DANCE & THEATRE Carols in the Cafe Monday 19 December 3pm to 4pm The choir of St Mary's Church, Marston Moretaine return to the Lakeside Cafe to perform a set of Christmas Carols. Free entry – donations to the Forest of Marston Vale welcome. The Forest of Marston Vale, Station Road, Marston Moretaine, Beds MK43 0PR Christmas Concert: 'Further Beyond Tango' Friday 2 December 7.30 pm South American flavour with Adrian Varela. Tickets at www.bedfordhospitalcharity.org.uk/ southamericaconcert Details for booking trees to decorate and concert tickets 01234 340163 admin@stpaulschurchbedford. org.uk or at http://www.bedfordhospitalcharity.org.uk/ treefest
To advertise with us please get in touch – www.bedslifemagazine.co.uk
51
WHAT’S ON SPORTS & OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES 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. 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 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 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 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 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. 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. Mander Badminton Club Friendly badminton club looking for new members of a reasonable standard Every Tuesday evening 7-9pm at Bedford Modern School Sports Hall. Visitors £5 per session – 1st Session free. Contact Anita Watson Tel: 01234 930047
52
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 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. 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 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. Info: Call John 07921 093199 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 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 BedsLife Magazine cannot be held responsible for any changes, amends or cancellations of an event.
To list your event in January please email christa@ bedslifemagazine.co.uk
by Friday 9th December
Please mention bedslife when responding to adverts