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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