10 to 18 May - Children’s Hour

Venue: Dunstable Rep @ The Little Theatre, Dunstable
Tickets: Box office opens 29th April 2013 for booking
Tel: 07940 105864
Email: dunstablerepboxoffice@gmail.com
Website: The Little Theatre

17 and 18 May - Little Shop of Horrors

TADS' latest production, Little Shop of Horrors (PDF 596KB), features a giant, man-(or woman)-eating plant from the dark reaches of outer space. When “Audrey” is taken in by a down-at-heel shop assistant, Seymour, she changes the lives of the folks at Downtown Skid-Row. Through this innocent-looking, but most unusual plant, Seymour finds romance, success and fame. And yet, his new friendship has a most sinister underside . . .

Little Shop of Horrors is a fantastic mix of humour, romance, superb songs and great characters, including a giant, bloodthirsty plant who can rock the joint, and a Dentist whose moral values and mental stability can only be described as questionable.
Come along and find out because...their worth it!

Tickets: Adults £10 concession (seniors, students and U18) £8
Venue: TADS Theatre, Conger Lane Toddington
Phone: 07952633234
E-mail: boxoffice@tadstheatre.org
Online: TADS Theatre

18 and 25 May - Butterfly Walks

Join us on this fun, informative guided walk to look for the butterflies that thrive on the rare chalk grassland of Dunstable Downs and Whipsnade. We might be lucky enough to see the beautiful Chalkhill Blue butterfly flying in the spectacular setting of the Downs. Meet at the Chiltern Gateway Centre.

Cost: £2 per person, booking advisable. Car parking charge of £2 applies. 
Venue: Dunstable Downs, Chilterns Gateway Centre, Whipsnade Road, Dunstable, Beds LU6 2GY
Phone: 01582 500920 for details and to book
Email: dunstabledowns@nationaltrust.org.uk
Website: National Trust - Dunstable Downs
Twitter: @DunstableDwnsNT

18 May - Clophill Church Fete

A traditional Church Fete is being held in the grounds of St Mary's Church. Lots of stalls, exhibitions, maypole dancing, music and children's entertainment. Refreshments and barbeque. Entry is free to this popular annual fete which is a real village event.

Venue: St Mary's Church, High Street, Clophill MK45 4BE 
Further details: 01525 860113

18 May - Conservation Task

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. Wear old clothes and bring lunch if you want to stay all day. We provide tea and biscuits.

Meet at the Forest Centre - finishes about 4.15pm. Please let us know if you would like to attend.

This month’s task is still to be arranged. For further details contact stephen.gascoyne@marstonvale.org or 01234 762614.

Venue: The Forest Centre, Marston Vale Millennium Country Park, Station Road, Marston Moretaine, Bedford.
MK43 0PR
Phone: 01234 767037
Fax: 01234 76260

18 May - Meppershall Festival

Venue: Meppershall Village Hall, SG17 5LX
Tickets: available in Meppershall Post Office and Roger’s Bakery, Meppershall)
For enquiries please contact Carolyn Holmes  carolynscards@btinternet.com

18 and 19 May - Stack UK Kite competition

Come along and watch this fantastic Kite Competition taking place over two days. Numerous teams pitted against each other in this spectacular display. The competition takes place each morning with the afternoons set aside for the public to have a go and receive advice and coaching. A Family Fun weekend with craft stalls, fun fair and much, much more.

Cost: Car parking charge of £2 applies. 
Venue: Dunstable Downs, Chilterns Gateway Centre, Whipsnade Road, Dunstable, Beds LU6 2GY
Phone: 01582 500920 for details and to book
Email: dunstabledowns@nationaltrust.org.uk
Website: National Trust - Dunstable Downs
Twitter: @DunstableDwnsNT

18 May - Dunstable Ladies Choir

The Dunstable Ladies Choir invites you to 'Music for a Spring Evening'. You will hear songs old and new, for the young and the young at heart, conducted by Richard Heyes and accompanied on the piano by Joe Leslie.

Venue: St Augustine's Church, Mayfield Road, Dunstable
Tickets: £8 (includes refreshments)
Phone: 01582 520302 

19 and 26 May - Nordic Walking

Nordic Walking burns more calories than normal walking and uses all the major muscle groups in the body. Once the technique is perfected it feels easier than conventional walking.

Participants join 6 x 1 hour sessions to learn the various techniques. A session or two can be missed and can be picked up quite easily.

Wear clothing and footwear suitable for the ground and weather conditions.

Cost: for 6 sessions £20 if paid in advance (£16 for friends of the Forest Centre) or £6 per session (£5 for friends)  Advance booking essential - contact Dennis Simpson on 07508827279 or
email fortytwa@virginmedia.com
Venue: The Forest Centre, Marston Vale Millennium Country Park, Station Road, Marston Moretaine, Bedford.
MK43 0PR
Phone: 01234 767037
Fax: 01234 76260
Email: info@marstonvale.org 
Website: The Forest of Marston Vale  

21 and 28 - Tuesday morning walkers

Step up for nature with us! Join our weekly walks around the reserve with a leader and a friendly social group, looking for birds, wildlife and enjoying the reserve. All walks start from the Gatehouse shop.

Venue: RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy, SG19 2DL
Tickets: £3 or free for RSPB members (£4 car park charge for non-RSPB members)
Phone: 01767 680541
Website: RSPB

22 and 29 May - Health Walks

Free, no need to book. Most walks start at Reception but some elsewhere – see notice board or ring 01234 767037 to confirm.

Venue: The Forest Centre, Marston Vale Millennium Country Park, Station Road, Marston Moretaine, Bedford.
MK43 0PR
Phone: 01234 767037
Fax: 01234 76260

21 and 28 May - Nordic Walking

Nordic Walking burns more calories than normal walking and uses all the major muscle groups in the body. Once the technique is perfected it feels easier than conventional walking.

Participants join 6 x 1 hour sessions to learn the various techniques. A session or two can be missed and can be picked up quite easily.

Wear clothing and footwear suitable for the ground and weather conditions.

Cost: for 6 sessions £20 if paid in advance (£16 for friends of the Forest Centre) or £6 per session (£5 for friends)  Advance booking essential - contact Dennis Simpson on 07508827279 or
email fortytwa@virginmedia.com
Venue: The Forest Centre, Marston Vale Millennium Country Park, Station Road, Marston Moretaine, Bedford.
MK43 0PR
Phone: 01234 767037
Fax: 01234 76260
Email: info@marstonvale.org 
Website: The Forest of Marston Vale  

23 May - Quiz Night

Prize raffle, licensed bar and snacks not included in price. Closing date for entries Friday 26 April – contact Archives Service on 01234 228833/228777.

Proceeds to Beds & Luton Archives and Marston Vale Trust.

Cost: Price £5 per head (max 6 per team)
Venue: Meet at the Forest Centre Reception, Marston Vale Millennium Country Park, Station Road, Marston Moretaine, Bedford.MK43 0PR

Further information and updates contact the Forest of Marston Vale

24 May - Birds for Beginners

Our ever popular walk has been extended! We’ll now be running this event to help beginners with their bird ID over two sessions during the day, with a break for lunch. Please bring a packed lunch along. Numbers are limited so booking is highly recommended.

Venue: RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy, SG19 2DL
Tickets: £5, RSPB members £4, children £3, RSPB Wildlife Explorers £2
Telephone: 01767 680541
Website: RSPB

28 May - Kites and Windsocks

Come and join us in the Country Park for a gentle walk to hear how the Park was set up and a little about the surrounding area.  The walk will keep to hard surfaced tracks in the Park which are mostly level but have short sections of gradient up to 1:9.

Cost: £3.50 per child.  All children must be accompanied by an adult
Venue: Meet at the Forest Centre Reception, Marston Vale Millennium Country Park, Station Road, Marston Moretaine, Bedford.MK43 0PR
Tel: 01234 767037 or anna.charles@marstonvale for info or to book.

Further information and updates contact the Forest of Marston Vale

30 May - What's that Warbler?

We’ll be listening to the songs of the warblers that breed at The Lodge and giving tips on how to identify these visiting birds on this walk around the reserve.

Venue: RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy, SG19 2DL
Tickets: £4, RSPB members £3, Children £3, RSPB Wildlife Explorers £2
Telephone: 01767 680541
Website: RSPB

31 May - Beautiful Butterflies

Find out what butterflies you could see in the park and make a butterfly headdress or hat.

Cost: £3.50 per child.  All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Venue: Meet at the Forest Centre Reception, Marston Vale Millennium Country Park, Station Road, Marston Moretaine, Bedford.MK43 0PR
Tel: 01234 767037 or anna.charles@marstonvale for info or to book.

Further information and updates contact the Forest of Marston Vale

31 May - Blows Downs Nature Reserve Youth Wildlife Rangers

If you are aged between 13 and 19 and you would like to help your local wildlife then come along and join in with various activities, including, butterfly surveys

Event: Outdoor activity
Booking: Essential
Location: The Paddocks Blows Downs Nature Reserve, LU5 4AE
Price: Free. Donations gratefully accepted
Wheelchair Access: No
Mobility: Uneven steep slopes in areas
Contact: Ruth Sneath (Education and Community Involvement Officer) 01525 874317 / 01234 768542 ruth.sneath@wildlifebcn.org
Website: The Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire

1 June - Market Charter Celebrations in Leighton Buzzard

Venue: Leighton Buzzard High Street
Phone: 01525 631920
Email: info@leightonlinslade-tc.gov.uk

2 June - Medieval Big Lunch Banquet in Leighton Buzzard

Come and join in our Big Lunch with seating for over 600 people whilst being entertained by various medieval characters including jesters and Knights with music and craft workshops providing all day entertainment.

Free event but ticket needed for entry. Contact Leighton-Linslade by phone or email to get your ticket.

Venue: Leighton Buzzard High Street
Phone: 01525 631920
Email: info@leightonlinslade-tc.gov.uk

2 June - Shortmead Open Gardens

This is a rare opportunity to visit the grounds of Shortmead House and enjoy the beautiful ornamental and informal gardens.

All proceeds go to Friends of Shortmead, a charity which supports the restoration and conservation of the grounds to protect the site for future generations.

Light refreshments available in the marquee, plant sales. WC, baby-changing facilities available. No dogs except guide dogs

Admission: £3 accompanied under 16s free. Tickets sold on the day.
Location: Biggleswade, Beds SG18 0FG
Website: Shortmead
Contact: Marilyn Bond
Tel: 01767 313663
Email: marilyn@shortmead.com
Directions: Take Hill Lane (A6001) off the A1, the north Biggleswade junction, turn left into Sun Street, left into Fairfield Road and then straight on leading to Shortmead Lane – Shortmead is along the right hand fork in the road.

2 June - Sunday Stroll

Come and join us in the Country Park for a gentle walk to hear how the Park was set up and a little about the surrounding area. The walk will keep to hard surfaced tracks in the Park which are mostly level but have short sections of gradient up to 1:9. Call 01234 767037 for more details.

Cost: £1 payable on the day - no need to book.
Venue: The Forest Centre, Marston Vale Millennium Country Park, Station Road, Marston Moretaine, Bedford.
MK43 0PR
Phone: 01234 767037
Fax: 01234 762606
E-mail: info@marstonvale.org

Meet at reception. Walks last approximately 2 hours. 

Why not finish the morning off with lunch in our Forest Centre Restaurant? Call 01234 767037 for details.

2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 June - Music in the Park - Leighton Buzzard

Music in the Park programme of summer band concerts on the bandstand in Parson’s Close Recreation Ground, Leighton Buzzard starts today. The concerts showcase bands from the Three Counties area and take place from 15:00 to 17:00 every Sunday throughout the summer until Sunday, 1 September with the exception of the August Bank Holiday Weekend. Refreshments are provided by local charitable organisations.

Venue: Parson’s Close Recreation Ground, Leighton Buzzard
Phone: 01525 631916
Email: info@leightonlinslade-tc.gov.uk

2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 June - Nordic Walking

Nordic Walking burns more calories than normal walking and uses all the major muscle groups in the body. Once the technique is perfected it feels easier than conventional walking.

Participants join 6 x 1 hour sessions to learn the various techniques. A session or two can be missed and can be picked up quite easily.

Wear clothing and footwear suitable for the ground and weather conditions.

Cost: for 6 sessions £20 if paid in advance (£16 for friends of the Forest Centre) or £6 per session (£5 for friends)  Advance booking essential - contact Dennis Simpson on 07508827279 or
email fortytwa@virginmedia.com
Venue: The Forest Centre, Marston Vale Millennium Country Park, Station Road, Marston Moretaine, Bedford.
MK43 0PR
Phone: 01234 767037
Fax: 01234 76260
Email: info@marstonvale.org 
Website: The Forest of Marston Vale  

4, 11, 18 and 25 June - Nordic Walking

Nordic Walking burns more calories than normal walking and uses all the major muscle groups in the body. Once the technique is perfected it feels easier than conventional walking.

Participants join 6 x 1 hour sessions to learn the various techniques. A session or two can be missed and can be picked up quite easily.

Wear clothing and footwear suitable for the ground and weather conditions.

Cost: for 6 sessions £20 if paid in advance (£16 for friends of the Forest Centre) or £6 per session (£5 for friends)  Advance booking essential - contact Dennis Simpson on 07508827279 or
email fortytwa@virginmedia.com
Venue: The Forest Centre, Marston Vale Millennium Country Park, Station Road, Marston Moretaine, Bedford.
MK43 0PR
Phone: 01234 767037
Fax: 01234 76260
Email: info@marstonvale.org 
Website: The Forest of Marston Vale  

4, 11, 18, 25 June - Tuesday morning walkers

Step up for nature with us! Join our weekly walks around the reserve with a leader and a friendly social group, looking for birds, wildlife and enjoying the reserve. All walks start from the Gatehouse shop.

Venue: RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy, SG19 2DL
Tickets: £3 or free for RSPB members (£4 car park charge for non-RSPB members)
Phone: 01767 680541
Website: RSPB

4 June - The Playground - scratch n pitch

The Playground is a night where creative artists from the world of theatre, dance, music, digital installation, live art and spoken word performances test out their creative ideas in front of an audience. If you are interested in giving your creative ideas a try then send us an email: oluwatoyin.odunsi@lutonculture.com

Ages 14+  Run time 90 minutes

Venue: The Hat Factory, 65 - 67 Bute Street, Luton LU1 2EY 
Tickets: £3 per person
Telephone: 01582 878100
Website: The Hat Factory

5, 12, 19 and 26 - Health Walks

Free, no need to book. Most walks start at Reception but some elsewhere – see notice board or ring 01234 767037 to confirm.

Venue: The Forest Centre, Marston Vale Millennium Country Park, Station Road, Marston Moretaine, Bedford.
MK43 0PR
Phone: 01234 767037
Fax: 01234 76260

8 June - Wildlife Walk

Join us for a walk to view the flora and fauna of the Millennium Country Park.

Led by knowledgeable Volunteers, these walks are for anyone, whatever their expertise. Wear suitable clothes and shoes. Some unmade paths and slopes.

Cost: £3 per person, £1 reduction for concessions, Volunteers and Friends. Book in advance but pay the leader
Venue: The Forest Centre, Marston Vale Millennium Country Park, Station Road, Marston Moretaine, Bedford.
MK43 0PR
Phone: 01234 767037
Fax: 01234 76260

8 June - Andy Abraham’s History of the Big Bands

Leighton-Linslade Music Centre Trust proudly presents an evening with Andy Abraham to celebrate 30 years of the Music Centre. Dress to impress at this exciting jazz concert and take part in the silent auction.

Venue: Leighton Buzzard Rugby Club
Tickets: £40
Email: llmctrustevents@gmail.com 
Website: History of the Big Bands

8 June - St Andrew's CofE Lower School Summer Fete

Bouncy castle, stalls, raffle, arena events, family chillout zone, community zone, pantomime horseracing, BBQ & refreshments and lots more! We would love to hear from past pupils and will be launching an ‘Old Boys & Girls’ network at the fete. If you have some stories to tell about your days at St Andrew’s or Rose Lane School please get in touch or come along on the day.

Venue: St Andrew's CofE VA Lower School, Brunts Lane, Biggleswade
Tickets: Free
Email: standrewsptfa@hotmail.co.uk

8 June - Swing Jazz evening - Lidlington

Dust off your dancing shoes for an evening of Swing Jazz with live music from The Open Band. This event is a fundraiser for two great causes:

• Noel Holmes Hospital Jamaica
• Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (UK)

There will be refreshments for sale including hot finger food, beer, wine and soft drinks.

Venue: Lidlington Village Hall
Time: Doors open at 1830 with the show starting at 1930
Tickets: £6.50 available from the Lemon Larder, Church Street Lidlington or Sonia Nockels 01525 404170
Email: soniacnockels@hotmail.com

9 June - HULA, Purrfect Open Day

- Lots of cat themed fun!
- Charity Bazaar and Book Store
- Children's fun and games
- Meet rescued pets and farm animals
- Refreshments

Download an event poster

Entry: tbc
Venue: Glebe Farm, Salford Road, Aspley Guise MK17 8HZ Between M1 Junction 13 and Woburn Sands (Nr. Aspley Guise Rail Station)
Enquiries: (01908) 584000
Website: HULA Animal Rescue
Email: hularescue@tiscali.co.uk

All Proceeds from this events goes to the Care and Welfare of HULA's Rescued Animals

Download the HULA calendar of events for 2013 (PDF 66KB)

Rgd. Charity 1094115

9 June - Beeston Open Gardens

Ten gardens will be opening in the village of Beeston for the annual Beeston Open Gardens event. Come along and enjoy the beatiful gardens in the summer sunshine. Car parking and toilets are at the northern end of The Green. Refreshments, raffle and plant stalls will be available all afternoon.

Venue: Beeston
Tickets: £3 (Under 13's go free)
Website: Beeston Open Gardens

15 and 16 June - National Gardens Festival

Private gardens across England and Wales will open their gates to the public for the first ever National Gardens Festival Weekend. The Festival is being organised by the National Gardens Scheme (NGS) and aims to raise £500,000 for nursing and caring charities, including Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie Cancer Care and Carers Trust. There will be 6 gardens opening in Bedfordshire over the weekend in Milton Earnest, Sandy, Barton le Clay, Wrestlingworth and Stevington.

Venue: Various
Website: National Gardens Scheme 

15 June - Open Day

Come along to Meppershall Pre-School open day! Speak to our experienced staff whilst your children learn and have fun in our pre school. Refreshments will be available.

Venue: Meppershall Village Hall, High Street, Meppershall, SG17 5LX
Email: info@meppershall-ps.co.uk
Website: Meppershall Pre-School

15 June - Orchard Hunt and Nature Walk

Join us on this fantastic walk and discover the natural gems of the Downs.

Hopefully the orchids will be in full bloom and you will be surrounded by hundreds. Our wardens will guide you through the different fascinating and beautiful wildlife and plant life found at the Downs. There will be walking up and down the hills. Please wear suitable clothing for the weather and meet at the Chiltern Gateway Centre. Booking is essential.

Venue: Dunstable Downs
Tickets: £2 (Car parking charge of £2)
Phone: 01582 500925
Email: dunstabledowns@nationaltrust.org.uk
Website: National Trust 
Twitter: @DunstableDwnsNT

15 June - Car Boot Sale

Come along to the Stotfold Car Boot Sale and have a look at what's on offer. Pitches are available for £4 for as much as room as you like and there's no need to pre-book. All proceeds go to Friends of St. Mary's Church

Venue: The Green, Stotfold, Bedfordshire, SG5 4AB
Phone: 01462 834108 

16 June - Conservation Task

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. Wear old clothes and bring lunch if you want to stay all day. We provide tea and biscuits.

Meet at the Forest Centre - finishes about 16.15. Please let us know if you would like to attend.
For further details contact anna.charles@marstonvale.org or 01234 762614.

Venue: The Forest Centre, Marston Vale Millennium Country Park, Station Road, Marston Moretaine, Bedford.
MK43 0PR
Phone: 01234 767037
Fax: 01234 76260

16 June - Open Gardens

Southill Parish is holding an Open Gardens event where around a dozen different gardens will be open in the villages of Broom, Southill and Stanford. As well as visiting a variety of lovely gardens, you can also enjoy teas, plant stalls and a raffle.

Entry is by programme. Programmes are available before the day from the Southill Village Stores and Tea Room on the High Street in Southill, or on the day from the first garden you visit – just follow the signs!

Refreshments and toilet facilities will be available at All Saints Church, Southill. All proceeds in aid of All Saints Church, Southill.

Venue: Southill, Broom and Stanford
Tickets: £3 adults (Free for children accompanied by an adult)
Phone: 01767 314669

20 June - Guided walk at Polehanger Farm

Join us at Polehanger Farm for a guided summer evening walk around the farm’s award-winning permissive paths. The route, across open farmland and through riverside woodland near Meppershall, is easy walking with some inclines on stone and grass tracks. You’ll enjoy a wide variety of views and scenery and have the opportunity to spot a range of flora and fauna.

The walk will end at about 8.30pm. Donations are welcome and proceeds will be split equally between Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) and Polehanger Farm’s charity of choice, Farm Africa.

Cost: free for CPRE Members and £2.50 for non-members. Everyone is welcome
Venue: Meet at Polehanger Farmhouse (SG17 5LH)
Phone: 01234 353331
E-mail: info@cprebeds.org.uk
Website: CPRE Beds

Directions:
On the A507 Shefford Bypass find the roundabout with the Esso/Tesco Express garage. Turn uphill (to the right if coming from the west or left if from the east) towards Meppershall, but turn immediately right after 50 metres into the farm drive by the telegraph pole. Follow the car park signs down the drive to the end, ignoring the two cottages halfway. 

7, 14, 21, 28 July - Nordic Walking

Nordic Walking burns more calories than normal walking and uses all the major muscle groups in the body. Once the technique is perfected it feels easier than conventional walking.

Participants join 6 x 1 hour sessions to learn the various techniques. A session or two can be missed and can be picked up quite easily.

Wear clothing and footwear suitable for the ground and weather conditions.

Cost: for information please contact Dennis Simpson on 07508827279 or email fortytwa@virginmedia.com
Venue: The Forest Centre, Marston Vale Millennium Country Park, Station Road, Marston Moretaine, Bedford.
MK43 0PR
Phone: 01234 767037
Fax: 01234 76260
Email: info@marstonvale.org 
Website: The Forest of Marston Vale  

2, 9, 16, 23, 30 July - Nordic Walking

Nordic Walking burns more calories than normal walking and uses all the major muscle groups in the body. Once the technique is perfected it feels easier than conventional walking.

Participants join 6 x 1 hour sessions to learn the various techniques. A session or two can be missed and can be picked up quite easily.

Wear clothing and footwear suitable for the ground and weather conditions.

Cost: for information please contact Dennis Simpson on 07508827279 or email fortytwa@virginmedia.com
Venue: The Forest Centre, Marston Vale Millennium Country Park, Station Road, Marston Moretaine, Bedford.
MK43 0PR
Phone: 01234 767037
Fax: 01234 76260
Email: info@marstonvale.org 
Website: The Forest of Marston Vale  

3, 10, 17, 24, 31 July - Health Walks

Free, no need to book. Most walks start at Reception but some elsewhere – see notice board or ring 01234 767037 to confirm.

Cost: free
Venue: The Forest Centre, Marston Vale Millennium Country Park, Station Road, Marston Moretaine, Bedford.
MK43 0PR
Phone: 01234 767037
Fax: 01234 76260

6 July - Classical Concert

A programme of well-known classical pieces by Handel, Elgar, Mozart, Vivaldi and others in the Forest Centre, played by Symphonia Academica. Concert presented by the University of Bedfordshire and the Marston Vale Trust.

Venue: The Forest Centre, Marston Vale Millennium Country Park, Station Road, Marston Moretaine, Bedford
Tickets: £10 (£8 for Under-16s, students, Friends of the Forest) 
Phone: 01234 767037
Email: info@marstonvale.org
Website: The Forest of Marston Vale

12 to 20 July - Calendar Girls

Director - Angie Goss

Venue: Dunstable Rep @ The Little Theatre, Dunstable
Tel: 07940 105864
Email: dunstablerepboxoffice@gmail.com  
Website: The Little Theatre

13 July - Big Tidy Up

Stotfold Town Council is running a ‘Big Tidy Up’ in the town. All volunteers are welcome and litter pickers / gloves and ‘Big Tidy Up’ vests will be given out on arrival. Tea, Coffee and squash will be available to those involved, with sweets and fizzy drinks available to purchase from the Football Club tea hut.

Venue: Stotfold Football Club, Roker Park, The Green, Stotfold, SG5 4AN
Phone: 01462 730064
Email: enquiries@stotfoldtowncouncil.gov.uk    
Website: Stotfold Town Council

27 July - Linslade Canal Festival - Leighton Linslade

Linslade Canal Festival takes place from 11:00 to 17:00 at Tiddenfoot Waterside Park, Linslade. This free community event provides all day fun and entertainment for the whole family with over 100 arts & craft stalls, traditional rural craft demonstrations, music and Morris Dancing.

A number of working, historic, trade and private narrow boats along with the popular pleasure boat trips will provide a colourful attraction down on the canal. Car parking £3 per car, free parking for blue badge holders. Water taxi service available from Tesco Wharf (please note this is not suitable for prams, pushchairs, wheelchairs or people with poor mobility).

Venue: Tiddenfoot Waterside Park, Linslade
Phone: 01525 631920
Email: info@leightonlinslade-tc.gov.uk

2 August - Minibeast Safari

Join us on a hunt for minibeasts in the park. Search with sweep nets in the long grass, look under logs and see what’s hiding on the bushes. All equipment provided.

Venue: The Forest Centre, Marston Vale Millennium Country Park, Station Road, Marston Moretaine, Bedford
Tickets: £3.50 (20 children per session. All children must be accompanied by an adult) 
Phone: 01234 767037
Email: info@marstonvale.org
Website: The Forest of Marston Vale

4 August - Sunday Stroll

A Gentle Sunday Walk
Come and join us in the Country Park for a gentle walk to hear how the Park was set up and a little about the surrounding area. The walk will keep to hard surfaced tracks in the Park which are mostly level but have short sections of gradient up to 1:9. No need to book ahead. Please meet at reception

Venue: The Forest Centre, Marston Vale Millennium Country Park, Station Road, Marston Moretaine, Bedford
Tickets: £1 payable on the day
Phone: 01234 767037
Email: info@marstonvale.org
Website: The Forest of Marston Vale

4, 11 and 18 August - Music in the Park - Leighton Buzzard

Music in the Park programme of summer band concerts on the bandstand in Parson’s Close Recreation Ground, Leighton Buzzard starts today. The concerts showcase bands from the Three Counties area and take place from 15:00 to 17:00 every Sunday throughout the summer until Sunday, 1 September with the exception of the August Bank Holiday Weekend. Refreshments are provided by local charitable organisations.

Venue: Parson’s Close Recreation Ground, Leighton Buzzard
Phone: 01525 631916
Email: info@leightonlinslade-tc.gov.uk

7, 14, 21, 28 - Health Walks

Free, no need to book. Most walks start at Reception but some elsewhere – see notice board to confirm.

Venue: The Forest Centre, Marston Vale Millennium Country Park, Station Road, Marston Moretaine, Bedford
Phone: 01234 767037
Email: info@marstonvale.org
Website: The Forest of Marston Vale

15 August - Holiday Harvest Time

While you’re on holiday, farmers in the Marston Vale are working hard. Find out about harvest time and make a corn dolly.

Venue: The Forest Centre, Marston Vale Millennium Country Park, Station Road, Marston Moretaine, Bedford
Tickets: £2.50 (25 children per session. All children must be accompanied by an adult) 
Email: info@marstonvale.org
Website: The Forest of Marston Vale

18 August - Conservation Task

Join our Volunteers to do something for the environment, get some exercise and have fun. We carry out a variety of practical projects throughout the Vale. Wear old clothes and bring lunch if you want to stay all day. We provide tea and biscuits. This month’s task is hay raking. Places may be limited so please let us know if you wish to attend.

Venue: The Forest Centre, Marston Vale Millennium Country Park, Station Road, Marston Moretaine, Bedford
Phone: 01234 762614
Email: stephen.gascoyne@marstonvale.org
Website: The Forest of Marston Vale

19 August - Pond Dipping and Design

Back by popular demand – come and discover who lives in the pond and make a pond on a plate. Three sessions, 20 children per session - 10.00 – 11.15am, 11.30 – 12.45pm & 1.30 – 2.45pm

Venue: The Forest Centre, Marston Vale Millennium Country Park, Station Road, Marston Moretaine, Bedford
Tickets: £3.50 per child (All children must be accompanied by an adult) 
Phone: 01234 767037
Email: anna.charles@marstonvale.org
Website: The Forest of Marston Vale

16 November - Black Tie and Tiara Ball

Come and celebrate 60 years of incredible care at this year’s St John’s Hospice Black Tie and Tiara Ball.

This year’s milestone evening promises to be a fabulous night to remember. Kicking off at 7pm with a glittering drinks and canapé reception, there will be a delicious three course meal followed by music and dancing to a live band and disco until 1am.

And that is not all! Other attractions will include a bar, tombola, fantastic raffle and auction, and for those who fancy a flutter there will also be casino tables.

So polish your tiara, dress to impress, and join us for a Sue Ryder charity birthday evening of glitz and glamour.

You will have a wonderful time while helping us to continue providing the incredible care we have become renowned for over the past 60 years.

Venue: Park Inn, 2 St Marys Street, Bedford, MK42 0AR
Tickets: £50 per person
Contact: jessica.wilson@sueryder.org for further details.