R-Time Online Information for Families in Bedfordshire

Fun for kids - Rest for Parents!

Bedford Athletic Stadium offers a variety of activities for children aged 8-14 years. Qualified coaches run courses for various sports including football, athletics, basketball and the supervisors also run multi-activities. Throughout the Summer period a 6 week playscheme is run to allow parents to leave their children in a totally safe and fun environment.

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The Forest Centre and Millineum Park at Marston Vale are definately worth a visit this summer…..and if you need any extra encouragement then have a closer look at some of the events that are happening………

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The RSPB have again put together a great summer programme for children of all ages.  The Lodge in Sandy is a great place to sepnd some time enjoying the outdoors and taking part in some activities that allow you to take a closer look at some of the plants and animals that are there. For more detail read on………..

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Bedford Borough Council Sports Development Unit are running a series of sports courses this summer. Activities on offer include Holiday Adventure, Paddlesport, Sailing, Golf, Rowing, Archery, Tennis, Xtreme Climb & others. Some are just mornings or afternoons and others for the whole day.

The courses have all been designed for beginners, and the cost includes all equipment. All instructors are experienced and qualified and have had an advanced CRB check.

For more details of specific courses, dates, times and locations please visit www.bedford.gov.uk/sport or contact Kelly Rolfe on 01234 227276.

Location:  Middleton Hall, The Centre:MK, Milton Keynes
Time:  09:30am to 18:00pm
Date:  22nd July 2009 to 2nd September 2009

This summer, to celebrate our 30th birthday you’re invited to the thrilling Pirates of thecentre:mk seaside adventure. (more…)

Bedford Borough Council Sports Development Unit are running their annual Summer Play Scheme and Games Scheme again in a variety of rural & urban locations across the Borough.

These sessions offer a safe and fun filled morning or afternoon for children to take part in a variety of activities under strict supervision. The sessions cannot be booked and are run on a first come, first serve basis.

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The baby’s here and everything is going really well, all except that is your relationship with your old jeans.  That relationship has been placed firmly on hold for a while!

Going to the gym has about as much appeal as the healthy eating plan you keep looking at and then there’s the childcare issue…….

Well look no further…..  what about an exercise that you take baby along, that everyone else there has the same elusive relationship with their old jeans and it’s FREE!  To good to be true?  Then you haven’t tried Power-pramming in Bedford.  For more information CLICK HERE and  start to enjoy exercise again!

For some the summer holidays is a great time free from the school run routine, homework and early mornings to spend time being with your children and having lots of fun. For others it can seem to stretch ahead as an endless period of time in which children need to be entertained. Here are some ideas to help you out, and best of all most of them are free!

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This can be a tricky one…….very often it is a compromise between somewhere ‘ultra child friendly’ but with ‘average food’ or somewhere which has lovely food but is a challenge to keep children quiet and entertained.
As a mum of 2 young boys I have always taken mine out to eat since they were weeks old.

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Do you cringe at the thought of eating in public with your little ones?  Do you find yourself rushing your dinner in a bid to make a speedy exit and then wonder why you paid for the priviledge?
Then look no further…….  read our guide for a relaxed meal out this summer……

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September 13, 2009

The Piazza - Harpur Square

This brand new event on the Bedford calendar is a cultural event to celebrate the Italian community that we have in Bedford.

For more information please visit, www.bedforditalianfestival.co.uk

September 9, 2009 to September 13, 2009

Wednesday 9th September - Suday 13th September

Running for 5 days, this mouth watering market is certainly worth a visit. You will be able to have a real taste of Italy with a huge selection of food on offer.

For more information please visit www.bedforditalianfestival.co.uk

Tel: 01234 228252
Email: lisa.rooney@bedford.gov.uk

The Government’s Aid Support Grant is used by the council to fund the Centre for All Families’ Positive Health (CAFPH).The centre supports people with HIV/AIDS who live in Bedford and the surrounding area. The organisation also raises awareness of HIV/AIDS within Bedfordshire and works to fight stigma and discrimination.

The group can provide information on how to cope with the side effects of medication as well as holding regular sessions on topics including the benefits of complimentary therapies and adopting healthier lifestyles. There will also be a programme of social events set up for people with HIV/AIDS and their carers.

Address: Conduit Road, Bedford MK40 1EQ
Tel: 01234 221270
Web: www.foyer.net

The Bedford Foyer is a bpha project offering affordable accommodation and training for 16 to 24-year-olds to help them get back on their feet.

It is more than just a place to stay - staff are on hand 24 hours a day to give advice and support for such things as benefit claims, independent living, training initiatives, education and employment.

Up to 34 young people live at The Foyer in pleasant, comfortable surroundings. The rooms are fully furnished, and most of them have their own shower, toilet and kitchen area. There is also a shared common room fitted out with sofas, TV, and a pool table.

Tel: 01234 352889 or 352887
Web: www.bedsgardencarers.org.uk
Email: sharon@bedsgardencarers.org.uk

BGC was set up by Bedford Mencap in April 1997 as a garden maintenance project to provide hands on work experience for adults with learning disabilities. As well as the Garden Force, we now have a furniture workshop and can offer a variety of Educational experiences.

Address: 22 Grove Place, Bedford MK40 3JJ
Tel: 01234 354193
Web: www.can.org.uk

CAN helps all people of all ages from all backgrounds

CAN recognises the substantial damage that drug and alcohol use may have on individuals, families and communities. In response, we exist to promote change by delivering a range of quality services that raise awareness, prevent misuse and offer interventions to improve people’s lives.

We provide a range of drug, alcohol and homelessness services throughout Northamptonshire, Luton and Bedfordshire.

Tel: 01234 354499 (Cynthia) or 01234 360941 (Franca)
Web: www.bedfordallergy.co.uk

Helping to relieve your suffering

BASG acts in a support role in response to requests for advice from people both locally and nationally (from references in books and directories). Very often their questions are ‘What am I allergic to?’ and ‘How do I cope?’ They also often include ‘My Doctor doesn’t believe or understand me!’ We realise that, increasingly, problems appear to be exacerbated by environmental causes, people’s state of well-being can be unbalanced by illness, allergies, environmental or a combination of all three.

Address: 2a Duke Street, Bedford MK40 3HR
Tel: 01234 327380

Nobody should go through dementia alone……….and it’s our job to see that they don’t.

Services include a ‘befriender’ service, information and advice on services, benefits and all aspects of dementia and a twice weekly drop-in centre.

August 27, 2009

Help the wildlife in your garden get through the chilly winter by making your own hibernation house.

3 Sessions: 10am, 11am and Noon - 30 children per session.  All materials provided. 

Venue: Forest Centre, Millennium Country Park, Station Road, Marston Moretaine, Bedford

Time: 10am, 11am and 12pm
Cost: £1

For more information please visit www.marstonvale.org

September 12, 2009 to September 13, 2009

This festival is a great day out for all the family which celebrates everything to do with wood, woodlands and woodcarft.

Venue: Forest Centre, Marston Vale
Time: 11am - 5pm
Cost: Adults £6, Children 10+ and concessions £4, children under 10 FREE

For more information about this event please see www.marstonvale.org/woodworks/ 

September 12, 2009

Every Saturday from 18th July to 12th September there will be a special programme of children’s activities to include games, treasure hunt, bouncy castle, colouring and more. The tea rooms are open daily from 11am, and there is chance to explore the woods and gardens as well.

Venue: Moggerhanger Park, Park Road, Moggerhanger, Beds, MK44 3RW
Time: 11am - 3pm

For more information please visit www.moggerhangerpark.com  or Tel: 01767 641007

September 5, 2009

Every Saturday from 18th July to 12th September there will be a special programme of children’s activities to include games, treasure hunt, bouncy castle, colouring and more. The tea rooms are open daily from 11am, and there is chance to explore the woods and gardens as well.

Venue: Moggerhanger Park, Park Road, Moggerhanger, Beds, MK44 3RW
Time: 11am - 3pm

For more information please visit www.moggerhangerpark.com  or Tel: 01767 641007

August 29, 2009

Every Saturday from 18th July to 12th September there will be a special programme of children’s activities to include games, treasure hunt, bouncy castle, colouring and more. The tea rooms are open daily from 11am, and there is chance to explore the woods and gardens as well.

Venue: Moggerhanger Park, Park Road, Moggerhanger, Beds, MK44 3RW
Time: 11am - 3pm

For more information please visit www.moggerhangerpark.com  or Tel: 01767 641007

August 22, 2009

Every Saturday from 18th July to 12th September there will be a special programme of children’s activities to include games, treasure hunt, bouncy castle, colouring and more. The tea rooms are open daily from 11am, and there is chance to explore the woods and gardens as well.

Venue: Moggerhanger Park, Park Road, Moggerhanger, Beds, MK44 3RW
Time: 11am - 3pm

For more information please visit www.moggerhangerpark.com  or Tel: 01767 641007

August 15, 2009

Every Saturday from 18th July to 12th September there will be a special programme of children’s activities to include games, treasure hunt, bouncy castle, colouring and more. The tea rooms are open daily from 11am, and there is chance to explore the woods and gardens as well.

Venue: Moggerhanger Park, Park Road, Moggerhanger, Beds, MK44 3RW
Time: 11am - 3pm

For more information please visit www.moggerhangerpark.com  or Tel: 01767 641007

August 8, 2009

Every Saturday from 18th July to 12th September there will be a special programme of children’s activities to include games, treasure hunt, bouncy castle, colouring and more. The tea rooms are open daily from 11am, and there is chance to explore the woods and gardens as well.

Venue: Moggerhanger Park, Park Road, Moggerhanger, Beds, MK44 3RW
Time: 11am - 3pm

For more information please visit www.moggerhangerpark.com  or Tel: 01767 641007

August 1, 2009

Every Saturday from 18th July to 12th September there will be a special programme of children’s activities to include games, treasure hunt, bouncy castle, colouring and more. The tea rooms are open daily from 11am, and there is chance to explore the woods and gardens as well.

Venue: Moggerhanger Park, Park Road, Moggerhanger, Beds, MK44 3RW
Time: 11am - 3pm

For more information please visit www.moggerhangerpark.com  or Tel: 01767 641007

July 25, 2009

Every Saturday from 18th July to 12th September there will be a special programme of children’s activities to include games, treasure hunt, bouncy castle, colouring and more. The tea rooms are open daily from 11am, and there is chance to explore the woods and gardens as well.

Venue: Moggerhanger Park, Park Road, Moggerhanger, Beds, MK44 3RW
Time: 11am - 3pm

For more information please visit www.moggerhangerpark.com  or Tel: 01767 641007

July 18, 2009

Every Saturday from 18th July to 12th September there will be a special programme of children’s activities to include games, treasure hunt, bouncy castle, colouring and more. The tea rooms are open daily from 11am, and there is chance to explore the woods and gardens as well.

Venue: Moggerhanger Park, Park Road, Moggerhanger, Beds, MK44 3RW
Time: 11am - 3pm

For more information please visit www.moggerhangerpark.com  or Tel: 01767 641007

September 1, 2009

This is a great opportunity for the children to join the Rangers on a special day out in this lovely Country Park right in the heart of Bedford. Activities include archery, pond dipping, river adventure (canoe trip) and crafts!

Booking is essential. For more details and booking please call 01234 211182.

August 21, 2009

This is a great opportunity for the children to join the Rangers on a special day out in this lovely Country Park right in the heart of Bedford. Activities include archery, pond dipping, river adventure (canoe trip) and crafts!

Booking is essential. For more details and booking please call 01234 211182.

July 31, 2009

This is a great opportunity for the children to join the Rangers on a special day out in this lovely Country Park right in the heart of Bedford. Activities include archery, pond dipping, river adventure (canoe trip) and crafts!

Booking is essential. For more details and booking please call 01234 211182.

July 24, 2009

This is a great opportunity for the children to join the Rangers on a special day out in this lovely Country Park right in the heart of Bedford. Activities include archery, pond dipping, river adventure (canoe trip) and crafts!

Booking is essential. For more details and booking please call 01234 211182.

September 20, 2009 10:00 am to 12:00 pm

An informal walk identifying woodland birds and improving your bird watching.

Cost: adults £3  |   RSPB members £2  |   children £2  |   RSPB Wildlife Explorers £1
Date: Sunday 20 September
Time: 10am-12noon
Location: The Lodge Nature Reserve, Potton Road, Sandy, Beds. SG19 2DL
Contact details: 01767 680541

September 27, 2009 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Leaves, roots, barks and berries to treat anything from burns to constipation! Our herbal walk offers a fantastic opportunity to discover the many medicinal uses of plants with expert medical herbalist Julie Dore.

Cost: adults £4  |   RSPB members £2  |   children £3  |   RSPB Wildlife Explorers £1
Date: Sunday 27 September
Time: 2-4pm
Location: The Lodge Nature Reserve, Potton Road, Sandy, Beds. SG19 2DL
Contact details: 01767 680541

August 13, 2009 2:00 pm to August 16, 2009 7:00 pm

Get in a fight. Cross-dress. Throw on some yellow stockings. Love can make you do the funniest things…! The Pantaloons present their own brand of open-air Shakespeare mayhem. Family-friendly fun with live music and audience participation!All of our performances are in the open air. Bring along a picnic and something to sit on and dress for the weather - it’s going to be a hot summer!

Tickets can be purchased from The Lodge shop or from The Pantaloons website.
Cost:  £10 adults & £6 children
Date:  13 - 16 August 2009
Time: 2pm & 7pm
Location: RSPB Lodge Nature Reserve, Potton Road, Sandy, Beds. SG19 2DL
Contact details: 07531 756659
Web: www.thepantaloons.co.uk

October 31, 2009 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Dare to take a night-time walk through the woods on Halloween. Wear suitable footwear and clothing and bring a torch.  Booking essential.

Please note that this event is not suitable for young children.

Cost: adults £3  |   RSPB members £2  |   children £2  |  RSPB Wildlife Explorers £1
Date: Saturday 31 October
Time: 5-7pm
Location: The Lodge Nature Reserve, Potton Road, Sandy, Beds. SG19 2DL
Contact details: 01767 680541

October 31, 2009 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

A Halloween walk on the reserve, bring your pumpkins and costumes. Prizes for the best dressed and best carved pumpkin. Children must be accompanied.   Booking essential.

Cost: adults free  | children £3  | RSPB wildlife explorers £2
Date: Saturday 31 October
Time: 1-3pm
Location: The Lodge Nature Reserve, Potton Road, Sandy, Beds. SG19 2DL
Contact details: 01767 680541

September 13, 2009 11:00 am to 1:00 pm

Walk among the heather to discover how RSPB are restoring this unique habitat.

Cost: adults £3  |   RSPB members £2  |   children £2  |   RSPB Wildlife Explorers £1
Date: Sunday 13 September
Time: 11am-1pm
Location: The Lodge Nature Reserve, Potton Road, Sandy, Beds. SG19 2DL
Contact details: 01767 680541

September 6, 2009

Take this rare opportunity to explore the interior of the RSPB’s headquarters in the company of local historians Barry Groom and Derek Niemann. There will be morning and afternoon tours of the gardens and mansion which was built for Victorian statesman Arthur Wellesley Peel.  Phone to book your tour time.
Please book and pay in advance.

Cost: adults £4  |   RSPB members £2  |   children £3  |   RSPB Wildlife Explorers £1
Date: Sunday 6 September
Location: The Lodge Nature Reserve, Potton Road, Sandy, Beds. SG19 2DL
Contact details: 01767 680541

August 23, 2009 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Find out about the latest way to take great wildlife photographs using telescopes and digital cameras. No equipment necessary. Booking essential.

Cost: adults £4  |  RSPB members £3  |   children £3  |   RSPB Wildlife Explorers £2
Date: Sunday 23 August
Time: 2-4pm
Location:  The Lodge Nature Reserve, Potton Road, Sandy, Beds. SG19 2DL
Contact details: 01767 680541

August 22, 2009 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm

Join our experts as they safely trap and record these intriguing creatures and get a closer look at the species we find. A Moth Count event in association with Butterfly Conservation. Event held at The Lodge headquarters.

Cost: Free event and car parking.
Date: Saturday 22 August
Time: 8.30-10.30pm
Location: RSPB,  The Lodge Nature Reserve, Potton Road, Sandy, Beds. SG19 2DL
Contact details: 01767 680541

August 15, 2009 10:30 am to 4:00 pm

Visit our demonstrations of carving and spinning where wood sourced from the reserve and wool from the Manx Loghtan sheep will be used. Get involved and carve with the wood carver.

Cost: Free demonstrations, various prices to make a wooden product to take home.
Date: Saturday 15 August
Time: 10.30am-4pm
Location: RSPB, The Lodge Nature Reserve, Potton Road, Sandy, Beds. SG19 2DL
Contact details: 01767 680541

August 8, 2009 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm

Wrap up warm and come on a walk to detect bats around the reserve. Please bring a torch. Please book and pay in advance.

Cost: adults £3  |  RSPB members £2  |  children £2  | RSPB Wildlife Explorers £1
Date: Saturday 8 August
Time: 8.30pm-10pm
Location: RSPB, The Lodge Nature Reserve, Potton Road, Sandy, Beds. SG19 2DL
Contact details: 01767 680541

July 26, 2009 11:00 am to 1:00 pm

The Lodge gardens attract a wide variety of butterflies and the old swimming pool is an ideal habitat to find many dragonfly and damselflies. Discover these unusual creatures with our insect expert.

Cost: adults £3  | RSPB members £2  | children £2  | RSPB Wildlife Explorers £1
Date: Sunday 26 July
Time: 11am-1pm
Location:  RSPB, The Lodge Nature Reserve, Potton Road, Sandy, Beds. SG19 2DL
Contact details: 01767 680541

July 31, 2009 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm August 14, 2009 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm August 31, 2009 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Find out about wildlife on this journey of discovery around the reserve. Children must be accompanied by an adult.  Booking Essential

Cost: Free for adults  | Children £3  | RSPB Wildlife Explorers £2
Date: Friday 31 July, Friday 14 August and Monday 31 August
Time: 2-4pm
Location: RSPB, The Lodge Nature Reserve, Potton Road, Sandy, Beds. SG19 2DL
Contact details: 01767 680541

July 21, 2009 10:00 am to 4:00 pm July 23, 2009 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm July 24, 2009 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm July 27, 2009 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm July 29, 2009 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm August 4, 2009 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm August 6, 2009 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm August 10, 2009 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm August 12, 2009 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm August 18, 2009 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm August 20, 2009 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm August 26, 2009 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Kids love finding creepy crawlies. Let them discover some of the fascinating bugs, beetles and minibeasts that we find on the reserve. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Booking essential

Cost: Free for adults  |   Children £3  |  RSPB Wildlife Explorers £2.
Date: July: Tuesday 21, Thursday 23, Monday 27, Wednesday 29
August: Tuesday 4, Thursday 6, Monday 10, Wednesday 12, Tuesday 18, Thursday 20, Monday 24, Wednesday 26.
Time: 2-4pm
Location:  RSPB, The Lodge Nature Reserve, Potton Road, Sandy, Beds. SG19 2DL
Contact details: 01767 680541

July 14, 2009 11:30 am to 2:00 pm

Come and join in the fun at the Lodge Nature Reserve’s First Teddy Bear’s Picnic. Bring along a picnic and something to sit on, and don’t forget to bring your favourite Teddy. There will be face painting, puppet shows, a sing along, story telling, chance to make and colour a mask & the Teddy Trail to follow. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Free Parking. Booking essential.

Cost: Free for adults. Children £4.
Date: Tuesday 14th July
Time: 11:30am - 2pm
Location:  RSPB, The Lodge Nature Reserve, Potton Road, Sandy, Beds. SG19 2DL
Telephone:  01767 680541

July 22, 2009 to September 2, 2009

This summer, to celebrate our 30th birthday you’re invited to the thrilling Pirates of thecentre:mk seaside adventure. You’ll be amazed to discover a wrecked pirate galleon on a desert island and delighted to meet swashbuckling Captain Jack who will take you on a fantastic 3D undersea adventure. Hurry and book now for the 3D show by visiting www.wishticket.com or follow the link from the home page of thecentremk.com

Also on Pirate Island you’ll find a sandy beach with palm trees to climb, a carousel, Punch and Judy shows and a lighthouse helter skelter. No seaside treat is complete without candy floss, sticks of rock, treasure hunts, donkey rides and sandcastle competitions. Look out for the exciting treasure hunt with prizes each day or a cruise at the end!

Location:  Middleton Hall, The Centre:MK, Milton Keynes
Time:  09:30am to 18:00pm
Date:  22nd July 2009 to 2nd September 2009

September 10, 2009 to September 13, 2009

If you value beautiful and original handmade items, visit the Craft and Gift Fayre in Middleton Hall.

Admission is free.

Location:  Middleton Hall, The Centre:MK, Milton Keynes
Time:  09:30am to 18:00pm
Date:  10th September to 13th September 2009

October 2, 2009 to October 4, 2009

As you look forward to your wedding day, you are bound to realise just how many details there are to plan. Help is at hand with the Milton Keynes Wedding Show, where you are sure to find everything you need. With over 110 exhibitors, the show is the largest in the region and admission is completely free too.
Enjoy the bridal fashion shows taking place on the catwalk each day, (the Friday show is different to the the Saturday and Sunday shows). See the fantastic choice of gowns, menswear, venues, cars and carriages, photographers, videographers, florists, stationers, cake suppliers, balloons, bonbonnieres, discos and bands…the list goes on!

Location:  Middleton Hall, The Centre:MK, Milton Keynes
Time:  09:30am to 18:00pm
Date:  2nd October 2009 to 4th October 2009

October 16, 2009 to October 18, 2009

Calling all foodies. Around 100 stalls will showcase the very best in local and worldwide food and drink. From cheese, nuts, seeds, smoked meats and ice cream, to cakes, marinades, dips, organic produce and exotic spices.
Entrance is free.

Location:  Middleton Hall, The Centre:MK, Milton Keynes
Time:  09:30am to 18:00pm
Date:  16th October 2009 to 18th October 2009

October 29, 2009 to November 1, 2009

Visit the Christmas Gift and Food Fayre in Middleton Hall, where you can browse the stalls for individual handmade crafts and unusual Christmas gifts for the special people in your life.
For special food, gifts, crafts and handmade items to cherish, come to the Christmas Fayre in Middleton Hall from 29 October to 1 November. Admission is free.

Location:  Middleton Hall, CentreMK, Milton Keynes
Time:  09:30am to 18:00pm
Date:  29th October 2009 to 1st November 2009

October 22, 2009 to October 25, 2009

See the most up to date and contemporary designs to transform your house into a home to be proud of. For four days we will be giving you ideas on everything from designer kitchens and state of the art bathrooms to wood flooring and fireplaces. View the latest trends in soft furnishing, furniture and accessories and find out how to give your home some tender loving care.
This event takes place in Middleton Hall. Entry is completely free.

Location:  Middleton Hall, CentreMK, Milton Keynes
Time:  09:30am to 18:00pm
Date:  22nd October to 25th Ocotber 2009

October 26, 2009 12:30 am to 6:00 pm

Come and discover new ideas that could make family life and bringing up children that little bit easier! Visit Middleton Hall from 9.30am to 6pm and find out about the services and courses that exist to support parents and carers, as well as how you as a parent can get help when you need it.
Mums, dads and carers might take the opportunity to register for a range of free workshops and accredited courses looking at issues such as managing children’s behaviour or talking to them about relationships.

Location:  Middleton Hall, CentreMK, Milton Keynes
Time:  09:30am to 18:00pm
Date:  26th October 2009

July 12, 2009 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

TREASURE HUNT & BOUNCY CASTLE
See the rescued pets awaiting adoption  | Feed the Farm Animals  | Fun & Games for the Children

Charity Bazaar  | Home made Refreshments - including STRAWBERRIES & CREAM

Admission only £2 adults - accompanied Children FREE

***GIFTS OF DOG FOOD & BLANKETS ALWAYS WELCOME***

ALL PROCEEDS FOR THE CARE & WELFARE OF HULA’S RESCUED ANIMALS

Location:  South Midlands Animal Sanctuary, Glebe Farm, Salford Road, Aspley Guise MK17 8HZ
Between M1 Junction 13 & Woburn Sands (Nr. Aspley Guise Rail Station)
Date:  12th July 2009
Time:  1pm to 4pm

Enquiries: 01908 584000 Rgd. Charity 1094115
Website: www.hularescue.org
Email: hularescue@tiscali.co.uk

July 11, 2009 10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Harry Potter related crafts and activities - come join the magical mayhem!

Time: 10am - 12pm
Venue: Biggleswade Library
Cost: FREE

For more information please contact the library on Tel: 0300 300 8055

July 25, 2009 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm

The Wildlife Trust of Bedfordshire is holding a family fun event in Priory Country Park, Bedford. There will be many stalls at the event to showcase a diverse range of interesting activities such as pond-dipping, mini-beasts, bee-keeping, and countryside craft demonstrations. A central piece of art will also be created by the public on the day, for display in Priory Country Park’s visitor centre. There will also be a live band and food stall.
The Wildlife Trust is a wildlife conservation charity which works to secure a better future for all kinds of wildlife in the area, and to help people to enjoy and understand their local wildlife.

More info:http://www.wildlifebcnp.org

Location: Priory Country Park, Barkers Lane, Bedford
Date:  Saturday 25th July 2009  |  Time: 12:00pm to 16:00pm

July 4, 2009 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Marston’s annual summer fayre 2009 promises to be the biggest yet.

Kempston Firefighters will be there along with Pony & Tractor rides,local Folk band “Hair o the Dog”, barbeque, bar & Pimms tent, the Wildlife Trust, local community groups, all the usual sideshows, virtual shooting competition, + much more!

Location:Church End lower school, Church walk, Marston Moretaine, Beds, MK43 0NE
Date:  Saturday 4th July 2009   |    Time:  14:00pm to 17:00pm

July 11, 2009

Oakley Carnival is held every 2 years and attracts about 2500 people. It starts with a procession around the village and then continues all afternoon at the Recreational Ground.

We have a fair, 3 bouncy castles, bbq, hog roast, cream teas, bar, Smartie Artie the Clown, Animal Encounters (bats, snakes etc for children to hold and learn about), arena events (including tug of war), family dog show and lots of craft stalls and children’s games (hook a bag etc).

It is an afternoon for families with something for everyone and all money raised goes back into village organisations.

Location:  The Recreational Ground/Oakley Sports and Social Club, Behind the Village Hall, Church Lane, Oakley, Bedford
Date: Sat 11th Jul 09
Contact:  Kathryn Horn
Telephone:  01234 823097
Email: OllieKathryn@aol.com

July 26, 2009 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm

Volunteer Leader Judith Knight. Children must be accompanied by an adult, booking is essential.
Venue: Stockgrove Country Park
Time: 1.30 - 3-pm
Cost: Children and adults £1For more information please contact Bob Hook 01525 237760 or visit www.greensandtrust.org/events.html

July 5, 2009 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Volunteer Leader Judith Knight. Children must be accompanied by an adult, booking is essential.
Venue: Stockgrove Country Park
Time: 1.30 - 3-pm
Cost: Children and adults £1

For more information please contact Bob Hook 01525 237760 or visit www.greensandtrust.org/events.html

July 11, 2009

Come to the Handmade markets and see what talented neighbours you have. These craftspeople gather to display their skills with enthusiasm and pride. They enjoy encouraging others and passing on their knowledge. From painting to pottery, needlecrafts to calligraphy…the market embraces a diverse range of crafts which need your support, and-if your craft is not represented please apply to join the market. Besides selling from their stock the stallholders will happily discuss commissions and take orders. Buy British in Bedford. Summer Saturdays will not be the same with the launch of the “Handmade in Bedford” Craft Markets. These will take place on the second Saturday of the month on Midland Road from  May through to September 2009.  

Venue: Midland Road, Bedford
Time: All day
Cost: Free

July 4, 2009 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Lots of fun for all the family:Face painting, tattoos, balloon race, games and stalls.
Free entry and refreshments available.
Great raffle with fantastic prizes to be won.
Stalls available to traders for £10 - all proceeds raised go towards funds raised by the PTFA - contact Chair Cathryn Watters on cathrynwatters@mac.com to book your table.

Venue: Cranfield VC Lower School
Time: 1 - 4pm
Entry: Free

July 11, 2009 9:30 am to July 12, 2009 1:30 pm

The all new Bedfordshire County Show will be the largest, most exciting, action-packed county themed event held in Bedfordshire.

With a massive line up of shows, displays, competitions and demonstrations planned, the show will celebrate the county’s rich rural heritage and cultural diversity over one spectacular weekend.

Tickets:  Adults £8.50  |  Children £5  |   Concessions £7.50  |  Family Ticket (2+2) £22

Location: Old Warden Park, Nr Biggleswade, Beds
Web:  www.bedfordshirecountyshow.co.uk

March 20, 2009 9:00 pm May 29, 2009 9:00 pm June 26, 2009 9:00 pm July 31, 2009 9:00 pm

TASTY HOT FOOD AVAILABLE ON THE NIGHT FOR ONLY £14.00 A TICKETBAR OPEN LATE GREAT EVENING TO ENJOY A DRINK WITH FRIENDS

“Bedford really is starting to become more of a landmark on the comedy map of Britain and the Harpur Suite Comedy Club seems to be attracting bigger and better names from the circuit.” (Bedford Times & Citizen May 2008)   Over 18s only

Doors open at 8pm, show starts at 9pm

Tickets:  £8.50 in advance | £9.50 on the door |  tickets for the show and meal cost £14 (advance only).

Location:  The Corn Exchange, Harpur Suite, Harpur Street Bedford, MK40 1LE
Central Bedford Box Office:  01234 269519
Web:  www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk