R-Time Online Information for Families in Bedfordshire

October 24, 2009

A fun open day with a range of activities for all the family including making bird cake and bird ringing (weather dependent).Cost: Free entry and car parking but there will be small charges for some activities. Car parking at The Lodge headquarters.
Time: 10am-4pm
Location: RSPB, The Lodge Nature Reserve, Potton Road, Sandy, Beds. SG19 2DL
Contact details: 01767 680541 or www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge

October 10, 2009

Leighton Buzzard town centre is being transformed for this action packed family day out. A variety of regiments including John Bright’s Regiment of Foote will be participating along with specialist re-enactors like carpenter, blacksmith, apothecary, weaving and many more. There will also be a large military display including 30 minute drill and a skirmish including a loud cannon!

Venue:Leighton Buzzard Town Centre
Time: 10am - 3.30pm
Cost: FREE

For more information please visit www.leightonlinslade-tc.gov.uk

October 11, 2009

Crews from local clubs, schools and from around the region race against the clock over a 2km course from Queens Park to  Longholme. Best viewing points are along the Embankment, Sovereign Quay and the Butterfly Bridge.

Venue: River Great Ouse, Bedford
Time: 9am - 4.30pm
Cost: FREE

For more information visit www.bedfordrowing.co.uk

October 4, 2009

A lively day out for all the family. There will be steam vehicles and stationary engines working, and chance to talk to the experienced volunteers who look after these vintage vehicles.

Venue: Stockwood Discovery Centre
Time: 11am - 4pm
Tickets: FREE

For more information please visit www.museumsluton.com

October 3, 2009

Bedford Museum is celebrating the opening of their Edwrad Bawden exhibition with a Big Draw event inspired by the creativity of this original artist.

Venue: Bedford Museum, Castle Lane, Bedford
Time: 11am - 4pm
Tickets: FREE

For more information Tel: 01234 353323

September 13, 2009 11:00 am to 4:00 pm

The Barns Hotel is situated in a beautiful riverside location, within three and half acres of landscaped gardens, yet just ten miles form the M1 and eight miles from the A1. The tranquil setting offers views of the Great River Ouse and the local country park and wonderful grounds in which to relax and take a stroll. For more strenuous activities, you have access to the local Oasis Fitness and Leisure Club.
Samuel Whitbread, founder of the brewing business, was born in the main house in 1720 and it remained within the Whitbread family until 1890’s becoming a hotel in 1987.  The Tithe Barn, dating back to the 13th Century, has a traditional timber frame with rend brick noggin and a red tiled roof. It’s size 20m x 6m with a maximum capacity of 120, makes an ideal for a perfect wedding

Location:  The Barns Hotel, Bedford
Date:  Sunday 13th September
Time:  11:00am - 16:00pm

More info:  www.foliohotels.com/barns

September 12, 2009 11:00 pm to September 13, 2009 4:00 am

Ladies, get your friends, family and colleagues together for a Saturday night out with a big difference!
This ladies-only sponsored walk hits the streets of Bedford on Saturday 12th September. It’s not a race, just a personal challenge to complete a 10 mile circular route around the town - and help raise money for Keech Cottage Children’s Hospice.

Walk in memory of someone special in your life, to keep fit or just to enjoy the buzz and excitement on the night. Whatever the reason, your sponsorship will help Keech Cottage provide essential hospice care for children and their families in the local area.

Entry is £15 and every walker will receive a special Midnight Walk t-shirt, refreshments and medal at the finishing line.

To register, call the Keech Events team on 01582 707940 or visit the website.

More info:http://www.pasque.org/midnightwalk

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

Time:13:00:00 to 17:00:00

Traditional Show with horticultural Competitions for all ages. Stalls, sideshows and fun things for children.

* W.I.    * Tea Tent.  * Pimms Bar.   * Punch & Judy.   *  Racing Cars & Much more.

To be opened by Sarah Kennedy at 2-00pm.

Venue:  Riseley
Time:  13:00pm - 17:00pm
All enquiries:   01234 708412

* Have your children started school for the first time leaving you wondering what to do with your days?
* Do you need to contribute to the family income but not want to pay expensive childcare?
* Have you always wanted to be your own boss and turn a hobby or skill into a business?

If so, why not come along to one of Mum’s The Boss Start-Up events at Bedford i-kan during September to find out how to start your own business.

Dates: Tuesday 15^th, 22^nd and 29^th September
Times: 10am - 2pm
Venue: i-kan Business Centre, Mill Street, Bedford

These events have been put together to specifically attract mums who may be thinking about starting a business, or are in the early stages. We have organised the day to fit in with ‘school run’ times, and you are welcome to bring your younger children along if you want to.

The format is simple; they are informal drop-in sessions, so there is no need to book and you can come for 5 minutes, pop in during your lunch hour at work or stay all day. Drinks and cakes are provided, and there will be a free goodie bag of information for you to take away.

On each date there will be a selection of professionals and business advisors who should be able to answer all your questions about starting a business, and also how and where to take the next steps towards your goal. In addition to this we have also invited along some of our wonderful Mum’s The Boss members. We felt it was really important that you had a chance to hear from real mums how they started, how they manage to juggle it all, and to gather their hot tip for starting & succeeding in business.

For more information about the Start-up Events please visit www.mumstheblog.co.uk/mums-the-event/
For more information about Mum’s The Boss and our monthly, child-friendly network and support meetings please visit our website - www.mumstheboss.co.uk or email Sam or Helen at info@mumstheboss.co.uk

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

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

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.

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

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

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

June 5, 2009 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm September 4, 2009 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm

MILTON KEYNES BIRTH INFORMATION GROUP (MK BIG)

New birth information support group in Milton Keynes.  Regular meetings with local midwives and mothers.  Opportunity to discuss all aspects of birth preparation

Milton Keynes has one of the highest birth rates in the country. Milton Keynes Birth Information Group aims to help couples by providing information and support for pregnancy and new parenting.

MK BIG has existed in Milton Keynes for twenty years, but has been inactive for the past fifteen. Local Independent Midwife, Valerie Gommon (www.3shiresmidwife.co.uk) has decided to revive the group as a forum for information and support surrounding birth and early parenting issues, for example birth at home, birth in water, birth after previous caesarean section, active birth, hospital birth, breastfeeding and early parenting.

Initially there will be regular lunchtime meetings; the first meetings being held on Friday 5th June and Friday 4th September from 12 - 2 pm.

More details can be found on the website www.mkbig.org.uk or email info@mkbig.org.uk, alternatively Valerie can be contacted on 01908 511247

September 6, 2009 11:00 am to 4:00 pm

Date:  Sunday 6th Septempber 2009
Location:  The MK Dons Football Stadium, Stadium Way, Milton Keynes, Bucks
Time:  11:00am - 16:00pm

More details to follow……

September 27, 2009

September 27th, 2009 10am

Judging starts at 11am.
5 Pedigree classes and 11 Novelty classes. Rosettes awarded to 5th place.
Dogs must be over 6 months old, but do not need to be KC registered. No bitches in season please.

There will also be a Tombola, bric-a-brac stall, raffle and the chance to have your dog’s photograph taken by a specialist local photographer.

Venue: Marston Social Club, Station Road, Marston Moretaine, Beds
Time: 10 am
Cost: £1 per class

For more information please visit www.arasrescue.org.uk
or Telephone Lesley on 01525 840508