R-Time Online Information for Families in Bedfordshire

FREE……….FUN……..FITNESS

Those three words are ones that you would not often see or use together, but they perfectly describe a very popular and growing trend in Bedford - power-pramming.

Power-pramming is really very simple - turn up with a baby or toddler and a pushchair and you walk, jog or run at your own pace with other people.

Founder of Power-pramming in Bedford, Janet Lehain explains; “You start at the bottom and walk or run at your own pace and then each week we just build it up gradually. We’ll also do a few other exercises as well.”

While all the participants keep fit by running with their prams, it’s not just about the exercise. Unlike any other toddler and baby groups, mums actually get chance to talk and make friends as the children are occupied as they are strapped in their buggies. Being at home with a baby can be quite isolating and this is a great way to meet similar people and get some exercise.

There is much more motivation to go if you have other people to go with, and the structured approach means that you do not do too much too quickly - you build up gradually so you are more likely to continue with it.

It is very hard to get back into a regular exercise routine after having a baby, gyms can be expensive and exercise classes are often in the evenings when as a mum of young children all your energy has gone! Power - pramming is also good for the children as they get to enjoy time in the fresh air.

Janet started the Bedford group 2 years ago after seeing the idea on T.V. Since then the group has just grown and grown. Some of the members do much more than the running with the group; “One lady came to us a year ago having never done any running before” said Janet, “I don’t think she realised it was a running group, but now she has run her first half marathon!”

Power- pramming currently happens in Bedford Park (meet at the bandstand) on Wednesday mornings at 10.30am and on The Embankment (meet near Eat Fish) on a Friday at 2.30pm.

In September a third NEW Power-pramming group will be starting on a Tuesday mornings in Jubilee Park. This will start with a 6 week course for absolute beginners - details are still being finalised so contact Janet if you are interested in joining this group.

Power pramming takes place all year round and you can have any type of buggy and be of any level of fitness. For more information contact Janet Lehain on 07970186876 or janetlehain@hotmail.com.

Address:  Classes right accross Bedfordshire
Tel:  01525 405178  or   01480 216090

 Something to do together …..and get fit!

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Address:  Classes in Bedfordshire
Tel: 01525 405178
Web:  www.bedsdancefitness.com

Get fit and have fun with Jazzercise……….

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Classes In:  Biggleswade & Sandy
Tel: 01480 216090
Email: jazzercise@btinternet.com
Web:  www.jazzfitness.co.uk

Get fit and have fun with Jazzercise………

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November 30, 2008 11:00 am to 3:00 pm

Planting a tree can be great fun, even in the depths of winter, and for many people that’s enough. But there are plenty of other reasons to plant a tree – it makes a contribution to the growing Forest, it’s a bit of exercise, it could mark an important moment, or it might be a way for you to do something for the planet’s well-being.  Fantastic for Children.

Everyone will receive a warm welcome. We will provide everything you need – trees, tools, tea and a toilet. Just bring warm clothes and a generous dollop of enthusiasm. The piece of land we are planting is between Rectory Farm and Marston Thrift. More than 20,000 trees will create a lovely addition to the expanding new woodland.

We will run a regular, free shuttle bus service to the planting site. Please don’t drive into Rectory Lane – there just isn’t space. For a route map please click below for more info.

Location: Ampthill Market Square, Ampthill Beds
Date: 30 November 2008

More info:http://www.marstonvale.org/events

November 29, 2008 5:00 pm

Location:  Highfield Road, Flitton, Beds MK45 5EB
Web:  www.highfieldlights.co.uk

Christmas is a happy time. We aim to spread the festive cheer by decorating our homes and inviting people to visit our gardens and share a moment of happiness.

Grand SwitchOn on Saturday 29th November at 17:00pm

It started as a single string of lights around the roof but now many of the residents join in by lighting their homes up over the Christmas period. The residents also use this as an opportunity to raise money for charity.

Following the dedication and help from the team during x-mas 2007, Highfield Lights will again be raising money for Midshires Search & Rescue (MSAR) in 2008.Meet members from Midshires Search & Rescue

Come along and post your letters to Santa, Gifts for the children, Interactive areas and SNOW!!!

November 23, 2008 2:30 pm

Cats Protection is a national charity which was founded in 1927, and it therefore celebrated its 75th birthday in 2002. This makes Cats Protection the oldest cat charity in the UK, and it is also the biggest, helping more than 165,000 cats and rehoming around 70,000 cats every year.

Come along this Sunday and support our Christmas Fayre, with good quality bric-a-brac, tombola, lucky dip and refreshments. Admission is 30p.

Time :  14:30pm
Venue:  Great Barford Village Hall, Green End Rd, Great Barford, Bedford, MK44 3HA
Tel:       01234 870569
For more info:  http://www.bedfordcatsprotection.org.uk

November 23, 2008 7:00 pm

Following its outstanding success in 2007 this fantastic party night returns to theatres in 2008.

Combining the heady spice of Bangkok’s exotic nightlife with the glamorous showgirl appeal of Las Vegas, this spectacular and flamboyant show is performed by sixteen of the world’s most beautiful showgirls (who just happen to be men!) in a glamorous and funny review show. You won’t believe your eyes.

“A show that is outrageously extravagant, wittily unique and above all great fun….its fun, fun, fun all the way.” - Manchester Evening News

Location:  Bedford Corn Exchange,  St. Pauls Square, Bedford, MK40 1SL
Tel:          01234 269519
Time:       19:00pm
More info:  www.ladyboysofbangkok.co.uk

November 22, 2008 10:15 am

Join our volunteer team to do something for the environment, get some exercise and have fun. We carry out a variety of practical projects throughout the Vale.

This weekend we will be sowing wildlflower seed at Lake View Wood and pruning some of the mature trees. This event will be led by Colin Carpenter from the Community Tree Trust.

Wear old clothes and bring lunch. Meet at the Forest Centre. Meet at 10:15am . See you there.

Location: Marston Vale Country Park, Station Road, Marston Moretaine, Bedford MK43 0PR
Tel: 01234 767037
E-mail: info@marstonvale.org

For more info:   http://www.marstonvale.org/events

November 22, 2008 1:00 am to 3:00 pm

St Mark’s Annual Christmas Craft Fayre with over 20 professional craft stalls. Ploughmans Lunches. Father Christmas will be paying a couple of visits to the event.

Grand Prize Draw 1st Prize a 15″ LCD HD DVD Combi television

Cost: 50p per person
Venue: St Mark’s Community Centre, Calder Rise, off Avon Drive, Bedford
Time: 10:30am to 15:00pm

November 21, 2008 7:30 pm to November 23, 2008 7:30 pm

Panto by The Fairfield Players. ‘Children will be opened mouthed as the Goblins kidnap Santa. But never fear, Christmas won’t be ruined….’
Times:    Friday: 7.30pm  |  Saturday: 1.30pm & 5.00pm  |   Sunday: 1.30pm
Cost:       Friday & Saturday Evenings: £6; Matinees: £5
Tickets can also be otained from Cards n’ Crafts, High Street, Stotfold
Venue:   Memorial Hall, Hallworth Drive, Stotfold
Tel:        01462 626169

Address:  Manton Lane, Bedford, MK41 7NT
Tel:  01234 332500
Email:  info@bedmod.co.uk
Web:  www.bedmod.co.uk

Address:  Church End Lower School, Church Walk, Marston Mortaine, Bedford, MK43 0NE
Tel:  01234 765966
Email:  info@chimneytots.org
Web:  www.chimneytots.org

We offer childcare for children from 2 years old, across two sites in Marston Moretaine, Bedfordshire. We are registered with Ofsted to accept children from 2 years old.   In addition at the Church End site, a lunch club operates from 11:45 to 12:45 (Attendance at the lunch club is subject to additional cost).

Address: Village Hall, Church Road, Westoning, Bedford, MK45 5JL
Tel: 07768925159
Contact: Mrs Reine Honour
Email: reine.honour@btinternet.com

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The original dance exercise phenomenon! Each 60-minute workout blends dance and muscle toning movements choreographed to today’s hottest music, including Top 40, jazz, country, funk, and classics. The instructors make all the routines fun and easy-to-follow. Every class includes a gentle warm up, 30-minute aerobic workout, muscle toning and strengthening segment with weights, and a stretch finale.

Get your first week absolutely FREE!  Quote r-time 21* to your instructor to claim your first weeks classes free.  What are waiting for, that little black dress is calling you! *offer subject to conditions

Address:  Templefield Lower School, Malham Close, Flitwick, Beds MK45 1AJ
Tel:          01525 719144
Email:     committee@windmillpre-school.org
Web:       www.windmillpre-school.org

December 12, 2008 4:00 pm

We are holding an event to mark the completion of the redevelopment work in Church Square on Friday 12th December. The Mayor will officially reopen the site at 4pm with various Street Entertainment, accompanying some visual lighting effects around the adjacent buildings.

This is sure to be a fantastic event; we hope you will join us for a fun packed afternoon.

For more information please visit:  www.bedfordevents.co.uk/

Help and support for Mothers with Twins or more…..

Venue:  Clophill Village Hall, Mill Lane, Clophill, Bedford,  MK45 4BX
Time:   13:00pm - 15:00pm (Fortnightly)

We offer coffee mornings, play sessions and organise Family Days Out:  Please visit our website for full details:  www.midbedstwinsclub.com

December 6, 2008 11:00 am to 3:00 pm

Christmas food and drink extravaganza ! Building on the success of the Spring Kimbolton Food Festival, the Christmas Festival brings you a wide range of stalls offering local produce, gourmet foods, wine tasting, food sampling, refreshments and even a Santa’s Grotto for the children!Price: £1.00 adult (children free); £2.50 for a visit to Santa’s Grotto

Location:  Mandeville Hall Kimbolton, PE28 0JG
Tel:             01480 861925

December 4, 2008 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm

An evening of shopping in time for christmas WITH the children! NO hassle as all enclosed in our nursery.

Have a glass of wine and some nibbles as you browse. Get your christmas shopping done early and with no hassle.

Get out of going round the shops in town, where it’s cold and busy and with lots of queing!!

For more imformation please contact Suzi.

If you are a small business and are intersted in holding a stall here then please also get in touch.  WE WILL NOT TAKE ANY COMMISSION IF YOU HAVE A STALL HERE!!

Entry:  FREE

Location:  Kiddi Caru Day Nursery , 7, Holme Street, BEDFORD, BEDS, MK42 9AU
Time:        19:00pm - 21:00pm

Contact:   Suzi Wuidart
Tel:            01234 272 262
Email:      suziewuidart@hotmail.com

November 29, 2008 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm

Friends of Moggerhanger Lower School Xmas Bazaar

Venue:  Moggerhanger Lower School, Blunham Road, Moggerhanger, MK44 3RD
Time:   12pm - 14:00pm
Contact:  Carrie Irvin
Email:      friendsofmls@hotmail.com

Village School Xmas Bazaar. 12-2pm in the school.

Christmas shopping maybe? Fun for the children definitely - Santa has promised to pop by! Hot & Cold refreshments available.

November 15, 2008 7:30 pm

Acorn Pre-School is hosting a Christmas Shopping Evening.

Come along for a fabulous selection of Christmas gift ideas, including all the favourites like body shop and phoenix cards, plus homemade gifts from individual companies. We also have a few pamper treatments to ease you into the festive season and if that’s not enough, we have a buffet and wine on offer too.

Venue:  Shefford Community Hall, Ampthill Road, Shefford, Beds, SG17
Time:    19:30pm onwards

Tickets on sale now, please contact for more details

Web: www.acornpre-school.co.uk
Tel:  01462 816281

November 22, 2008 10:30 am to 2:30 pm

Southill Lower School are holding a Retail Therapy Morning

Take the opportunity to do some Christmas shopping, catch up with friends over a cup of tea and a slice of cake.

There will be a christmas craft workshop for children coming along to the event.

Stalls include Body Shop, My Secret Kitchen, LKT Jewellery, Phoneix Cards, Mini IQ, Usborne Bookes, Shoes Galore and many more.

Entry £1.00 per adult and entry to the Craft Room is 50p

Venue:  Southill Village Hall, Southill, Bedfordshire
Time:  10:30am - 14:30pm

Contact: Jessica Andrews
Tel: 07792370958
Email: jaa_rja@hotmail.com

December 6, 2008 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Starts at 14.00 with The Woburn Sands Band playing here live followed by each child visiting Father Christmas to tell Santa what they would like for Christmas and to take away a token present.

At 15.00 the Christmas party and disco begins. A childrens Christmas buffet is included in the price. Please be aware places are limited so please book early to avoid disappointment.

Tickets cost £10.00 per child

Saturday 6 Dec 08 - 14.00pm - 17.00pm

Location:  The Forest Centre, Station Road, Marston Moretaine, Bedford Bedfordshire MK43 0PR

Web: www.marstonvale.org.

Tel: 01234-767037
Fax: 01234-762606

December 6, 2008 to December 7, 2008

A stunning display of Christmas trees decorated by local clubs, groups and organisations. Stalls, tea, coffee, cake , mulled wine, raffle and live music throughout the weekend.

Entry £2.50 for adults. If you are under 14 you can come in free.

There is no charge for entry during services.

6th December 10.00 am - 17.30pm

7th December 11.00 am - 18.00pm

Location:  St Andrew’s Church, Ampthill MK45 2EL

November 8, 2008 5:30 pm

On Saturday the 8th November, there is a fireworks display which will be held at Renhold Lower School

Admission is £2 per adult & £1 per child. Refreshments will be available on the evening.

So why not come along with your friends and family and enjoy the fun of the Renhold Lower Fireworks Display.

Venue:  Renhold Lower School, Church End , Renhold, Bedford, MK41 0LU
Time:   Gates open at 17:30pm - display at 18:00pm

Contact: Vicky Thompson
Email: v.v.maskell@talk21.com

November 8, 2008 5:30 pm

Clophill Lower School are having a Firework Party

Tickets:  £10 family (2 Adults & 2 Children)    /   £1 extra child under 16
£4 Adult  /  £2.50 Child
On the Door:  £4.50 Adult  /  £3.00 Child

Please note NO sparklers allowed

Venue:  St Mary’s Lower School, High Street, Clophill
Time:    Gates open at 17:30pm

November 8, 2008 5:30 pm

Houghton Conquest Lower School are holding a Firework Display

Gates open 5.30pm, Guy Competition 6.00pm £1.00 entry on night, Fireworks 6.30pm. BBQ, refreshments, candy floss, popcorn, sweets, bouncy castle, gladiator jousting……………….. Event Sponsors Conquest Oil, Vision Blinds, Physiotherapy, Sports & Spinal Clinic.> FREE Parking available at the village hall car park
> Disabled access
> Start Gates open 5.30pm
> Advance tickets available from The Physiotherapy, sports and Spinal Clinic in Russell Drive, Ampthill, the school and Toddlers on a Wednesday and Friday morning in the village hall.

Advance tickets Adults £4.00 Children £2.00 & Under 2’s FREE
Tickets on the night Adults £5.50 Children £3.00 & Under 2’s FREE

Location:  Houghton Conquest Lower School, High Street, Houghton Conquest, Bedfordshire, MK45 3LL

November 7, 2008 6:00 pm

Bedford’s biggest display, children’s entertainment from 6:30pm with Kids display at 7:15pm. Funfair, hot food, bars open. Buy your Tickets in advance for easy access.

Parking: none available on site, you must park in the surrounding area.
Disabled access

Tickets:  £5 Adult £3 Child (2-14yrs) £15 Family Ticket (2 Adults & up to 3 children)

Location:  Bedford Rugby Club Goldington Road Bedford, MK40 3NF
Time:          Gates open at 18:00pm (Main display at 20:00pm)

For more information and tickets please Tel: 0871 871 1886

November 1, 2008 to November 2, 2008

A great idea for that special Christmas gift and a great day out for all the family! Why not combine a prestigious craft event with entry to the Safari Park?

In it’s 10th year, this is one of the finest craft shows in Bedfordshire. And to make the day even more enjoyable they’ve added a real Christmas flavour to the show with lots of festive music, food & drink to really get you in the mood.

Entrance Adults £7 Senior Citizens £6 Children £4.50
Price includes entry to the Safari Park and the Christmas Craft Show

Tel: 01525 290407

(Please note: Tesco clubcard token, free winter return visit voucher & all other promotional offers and discounts cannot be used for admission on this weekend)