WHAT'SON Your essential guide to activities, clubs, events and lots more in your area. There’s something for everyone! ARTS & CRAFTS, CULTURE & TALKS Learning Lunchtime Talk – 20th Century Firefighting Monday 8th January 11am to Midday Norman Tarling looks at the fascinating history of the profession that’s saved countless lives, from the creation of the world’s first municipal fire brigade in Edinburgh, to the first steam fire engine. Approx. 1 hour, with time for questions. Free, but, as there is a cost involved in putting on these events, donations to the Forest of Marston Vale are much appreciated. The Forest of Marston Vale, The Forest Centre, Station Road, Marston Moretaine, Beds MK43 0PR Bedford Local Group of The Wildlife Trust Wednesday 10th Jan Meeting 7-15 for 7-30 pm ‘Recent Developments in Recording Bats in Bedfordshire’ An illustrated talk by Bob Cornes and Jude Hirstwood 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 Architectural, Archaeological, & Local History Society Wednesday 10th January 7:30pm Illustrated talk “Flight Research at the Royal Aircraft Establishment(Bedford)”. Barry Tomlinson (Bedford Aeronautical Heritage Group).Putnoe Heights Church & Community Centre Bedford MK41 8EB.Non-members welcome – £3:00 entry.Enquiries (01234) 365095 www.baalhs.org.uk Learn to Crochet Thurs 11th Jan, 7pm to 9pm £8 per person, includes wool and use of tools Saxon Games and Crafts. Great Denham MK40 4FU To book call 07877951630 Bedfordshire Family History Society Friday 12th January 7.15 p.m. Interested in Family History? Then come along to the next monthly talk on ‘Letters from the Front’ by Margaret Butt Drama Hall, Mark Rutherford School Wentworth Drive, Bedford MK41 8PX Members free, visitors £1. www.bfhs.org.uk
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Learning Lunchtime Talk – Bedford & Milton Keynes Waterway Park Monday 15th January 11am to Midday Jane Hamilton, Chair of the Bedford & Milton Keynes Waterway Trust, will provide an up-to-date perspective on the progress which is being made towards making the Waterway Park, between the two towns, a reality. Approx. 1 hour, with time for questions. Free, but, as there is a cost involved in putting on these events, donations to the Forest of Marston Vale are much appreciated. The Forest of Marston Vale, The Forest Centre, Station Road, Marston Moretaine, Beds MK43 0PR Biddenham Gardeners Association Tuesday 16th January at 7.30 My Garden Presentation by BGA members Visitors very welcome Admission £5 per meeting – includes Raffle and Refreshments Biddenham Village Hall www.biddenhamgardenersassociation.org.uk Bedford RSPB local group Thursday 18th January 7.30 pm Jennifer Smart presents: ‘Breeding Wader Research’ a talk focusing on the conservation of lowland breeding waders. Suitable for Experts and Novices, RSPB membership not essential. Entrance fee, group members £1 Guest £2 annual group membership £5. Meet at ARA club, Manton Lane Bedford MK41 7PF. Reg. Charity No. 207076, more info www.rspb.org.uk/groups/bedford Learn to Basket Weave – without glue Thurs 25th Jan, 7pm to 9pm £15 per person, Saxon Games and Crafts Great Denham MK40 4FU. To book call 07877951630 Learning Lunchtime Talk – The Heritage of Bedford River Valley Park Monday 29 January 11am to Midday Darren Woodward and Mervyn Askew look at the rich heritage that exists within the Bedford River Valley Park covering a range of periods from the Neolithic and Bronze ages, to Roman and Post-Medieval all the way through to the Industrial Period. Approx. 1 hour, with time for questions. Free, but, as there is a cost involved in putting on these events, donations to the Forest of Marston Vale are much appreciated. The Forest of Marston Vale, The Forest Centre, Station Road, Marston Moretaine, Beds MK43 0PR
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CLASSES, CLUBS & GROUPS MONDAYS
“Ouse Valley Singers A four-part harmony mixed choir who perform mainly for charitable purposes at churches, church halls, etc. In the North Beds area. Rehearsals are held in Sharnbrook Methodist Church every Monday evening at 7.30 p.m. performing mainly light music e.g. show music, folk songs, etc. We commence our autumn term on 11th September and we would welcome new members. Contact Sue Plant 01234 314229.” Linedancing Monday Priory Methodist Church Newnham Avenue, Bedford MK41 9QJ Beginners/Improvers (Absolute Beginners Welcome) 7.30pm – 8.30pm www: http://dancingstars.comli.com/ Tele:07969847553 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
TUESDAYS
Bedford Camera Club 7.30pm Just starting out with a new camera, or a photography enthusiast? Come and join a group of friendly, like minded people for talks and competitions. We meet every Tuesday at Scott Lower School, Bedford. Contact John Gough 07748572845. www.bedfordcameraclub.co.uk. Reading, Writing and all things books Tuesdays – 10am to noon Saxon Games and Crafts. Saxon Way, Great Denham MK41 4GP. £3 pp includes refreshments Call 07877951630 for details Bedford Advanced Drivers – Royal Society for Prevention of Accidents We meet bi monthly on the third Tuesday of each odd month in the Lecture Room at the Bedford Athletic Stadium in Barkers Lane, Bedford at 8.00pm. Our next meeting will therefore be Tuesday 21st November. Any enquiries about the group can be directed to our website ‘www.roada-bedford.org.uk’ or by telephoning 01234 266070.
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
WEDNESDAYS
Local Friendship Group Welcomes new members We meet at a local public house every Wednesday at 8pm. Call 07835 732412/07925 910639. Email: friendshipclub365@gmail.com 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. 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
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 To advertise with us please get in touch – www.bedslifemagazine.co.uk
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WHAT’S ON
WHAT’S SERVICES ON
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.
THURSDAYS
Follow on beading course Thurs 9th Nov 7pm to 9pm £10 per person. Saxon Games and Crafts Saxon Way, Great Denham MK40 4FU Call 07877951630 for info or to book Follow on crochet course to make ‘Dragon Scale’ gloves Thurs 26th Nov – 7pm to 9pm £12 per person. Saxon Games and Crafts, Saxon Way, Great Denham. MK40 4FU Call 07877951630 for info or to book An evening making Christmas decorations Thurs 30th Nov 7pm to 9pm £10 per person. Saxon Games and Crafts Saxon Way, Great Denham MK40 4FU Call 07877951630 for info or to book 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. Contact Ken Baddley 01234 310018 www.bedfordgalleryquire.org.uk Bedford Folk Dance Company Meet Thursday eve 8 – 10 pm. 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
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Art Friends – Art for fun and friendship for all Thursdays 09.30am – 12.30pm A supportive club where beginners to those more experienced can develop their art work Suggested donation £4 Bromham Baptist Church, Village Road, Bromham, MK43 8JP Enquiries please call: Jackie 07880 518465, Kevin 07780 756436 or Lindsay 07960 329609 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 Thursday 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/ Tel:07969847553
FRIDAYS
Putnoe Heights Machine Knitting Group. Meets on alternate Fridays 9.30 – 12.30 September to July Beginners and Improvers all welcome Contact Marion Sutton on 01234 217647 Bedford Fine Companions Folk Dance Club 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). We are a friendly group always ready to welcome new members. No partner required. Contact David Cooke on 01234 823920, https://finecompanions.wordpress. com or find us on Facebook. Bedfordshire Family History Society Welcomes new members at their monthly meetings on the 1st Friday of every month. Contact Lynn on 01234 306482 Held in the Drama Hall of Mark Rutherford School, Wentworth Drive, Bedford MK41 8PX www.bfhs.org.uk 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
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SUNDAYS
Chill out Zone A little pause away from busy life Sun 3rd and 17th Dec 7pm – 9pm. Free Saxon Games and Crafts. Saxon Way, Great Denham MK40 4FU. For information call on 07877951630
COMMUNITY / CHARITY EVENTS Table Top Sale Saturday 13th Jan 9am to Noon Entry 50p. Refreshments available Christ the King Parish Hall, Harrowden Road, Bedford MK42 0SP For information call 01234 965497 Afternoon Vintage Tea Friday 26th Jan 2pm to 4pm Admission £3 – Tea, cake and dancing Christ the King Parish Hall Harrowden Road, Bedford MK42 0SP For Information call 01234 404563 Quiz night Friday 26th Jan 7.30pm Tickets £7.00 includes fish and chip supper Bar available. Christ the King Parish Hall Harrowden Road, Bedford MK42 0SP For information call 01234 965497 Great Barford Community Quiz Night Friday 26th Jan 7.30pm In the village hall, bar open from 7pm, quiz starts 7.30pm. Teams of 4, £7 per person includes supper. To book and for more info call Louise 01234 870443.
FAMILY
Hearts In Beds Cardiac Support Group First Tuesday each month 7pm Priory Methodist Church Halls, Newnham Ave, Bedford, MK41 9QJ. Gentle exercise sessions 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 01234 327791
MUSIC, DANCE & THEATRE Music on Thursdays 18 Jan 7.45pm British Albion Quartet at Bunyan Meeting. Tickets £18, Students 18-24 £5, Under 18 £2, on the door. www.bedfordmusicclub.co.uk The Foxglove Trio at Mill Race Folk Saturday, 20th January 2018. Doors 7:30pm Bromham Mill, Bridge End, Bromham, Beds MK43 8LP The Foxglove Trio seek out lesser-known folk songs and, with care and creativity, transform them into moments of breathtaking beauty. Their passionate performances will take you on a journey from subtly political contemporary songs to jaunty Yorkshire tales and soulful Welsh laments! Tickets £10. Dinner available to buy from cafe. Tel 07580 183205 Bedford Organ and Keyboard Club Wednesday 31 January 7.30 – 10.00 pm Present JOHN COOPER in Concert Addison Centre, Kempston, Bedford, MK42 8PN Members £5 Non-Members £6 Pay at door Refreshments/Bar/Raffle Tel: 01234 344423 www.organfax.co.uk/clubs/bedford
SPORTS & OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Singalong@St Pauls Wednesday 10th January 10-10.30 am Songs and stories 0-3 yr olds plus their adults on 2nd Wednesday of the month term time. St Paul’s church, St Paul’s Sq, Bedford, MK40 1SQ Parking not available. Further details 01234 340163
HEALTH & WELLBEING Over 70’s Gentle Exercise Classes Every Monday and Wednesday (except bank hols) Mondays – Bedford Central Library (3rd floor meeting room). Wednesday – Bedford International Athletics Stadium. £4 per session Tel 01234 718835 www.bedford.gov.uk/sport 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
ARCHERY
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 Thursday 7.00pm – 9.00pm and Sunday 2.00pm – 4.00pm at Putnoe Primary School & Field, Church Lane, Bedford For further details visit our website or contact info@ ousevalleyarchers.com
BADMINTON
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
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WHAT’S ON BASKETBALL / DODGEBALL Bedford Thunder Basketball club (See advert on P47)
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
BOWLS
Kempston Park Indoor Bowls Club We are an indoor bowls club with superb facilities We offer bowls coaching from qualified coaches for beginners of all ages whether or not you are a club member. We provide you with bowls and bowls shoes and up to five lessons without any obligation to join. 290 Hillgrounds Road Kempston MK42 8UB 01234 852291. www.kempstonparkbowls.co.uk Bromham Short Mat Bowling Club Tuesday evenings 7.00 pm – 9.30 pm (year round) and Monday afternoons 2.00 pm – 4.30 pm (September to June only) We are a friendly group of people that play short mat bowls. It is a fun, in-expensive, sociable game for all ages with a cuppa at half time. We meet in Bromham Village Hall and the first two sessions are free and where training can be given. All that you would require to bring is a pair of flat shoes or even your slippers! Contact Sue Amor on 01234 823610 for more details and we hope you will come along and give it a try. Mowsbury Park Bowling Club Try for FREE any Weds 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 Bedford Borough Bowling Club Est 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 Bedford Bowling Club Welcome Sessions Every Tues and Fri 2pm – 4pm The Bedford Bowling club holds taster sessions in Bedford Park (near the café), and welcomes anyone who would like to try the game. We are a warm, friendly club and the green is in a sheltered & idyllic part of the park. We provide all equipment for these sessions, and only ask you wear flat soled shoes to protect the green. There is no cost or obligation and tea and biscuits are provided. For full information ring Ray on 305695, Warwick on 403551, or Alison on 343257. Or check out our new web site google “bedfordbowlingclub, Bedford – hugo fox”.
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CYCLING
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.
FOOTBALL
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 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 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. Toilet and changing facilities and plenty of car parking spaces. www.bedfordfcminisoccer.com. Bedford Girls and Ladies FC 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.
RUGBY
Little Scrummers Rugby Club Every Saturday at Kings Oak Primary School 8.30am until 11.10am. Exciting, fun & inspiring children’s tag rugby classes for girls and boys from 18 months up to 7 years old! We want to bring rugby to children at a young age to enable them to build their confidence, enjoy sport & have fun! For more information & to book in for a FREE TRIAL please visit us at www.littlescrummers.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 12th January
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Options Choices Careers Evening Thursday 1st February 2018
5.00pm – 6.30pm Year 9 into Year 10 with a presentation in the Drama Hall at 5.00pm 7.00pm – 8.30pm Year 11,12,13 – Next Steps: Formal presentation at 7.00pm followed by an opportunity to visit department and business stands Thinking about your next steps? Do you want to join a high achieving and very successful Sixth Form? Do you want to work in a supportive and caring environment with dedicated and experienced teachers? Then why not join Mark Rutherford Sixth Form? Year 9 into 10 and Sixth Form: Come to our Options, Choices, Careers evening and see what we can offer you. There will be: • 60 business and academic stands including subject stands for GCSE, AS, A Level and BTEC courses • Information on how to become part of our excellent Sixth Form
Web: www.markrutherford.beds.sch.uk Tel: 01234 290200 • Email: mark.rutherford@mrus.co.uk Mark Rutherford School, Wentworth Drive, Bedford, Bedfordshire MK41 8PX