The Great Big Green Week – What’s On Special, June 2024

What's on in Bedford Borough


June 2024


Welcome to a special edition of What’s on, with some of the many events planned during The Great Big Green Week from 8 to 16 June.

Great Big Green Week

Discover the full Great Big Green Week programme

Did you know that many of our teams send their own email bulletins to share news, updates and events, here’s a link for anyone interested in receiving updates from our Recycling and Waste Services Team. These are full of updates and ideas for lowering waste and increasing recycling:

Subscribe to email bulletins from our Recycling and Waste Services Team

Saturday 8

Bromham community litter pick 

Bromham Library

outside bromham libraryHelp clean up Bromham this Saturday from 10.30am to 12.30pm.

Meet at the library, all equipment will be provided.

Contact the library to find out more

Saturday 8

Clothing swap and plant stall

The Panacea Museum

gbgwPop along any time between 12pm and 3pm to take part in the sustainable clothing swap run by Rainbow Bedfordshire.

Either bring items along to swap or you can “shop”, all items are free but donations are appreciated!

They are still looking for donation of clothing, hats, accessories, shoes, bags, wigs etc. If you are able to donate ahead of the swap day, please contact: info@rainbowbedfordshire.co.uk

You can also visit the charity plant stall from 11am to 4.30pm, in aid of Sue Ryder Hospice Moggerhanger and the Bedford Hospital Primrose Unit.

Volunteer Valerie grows, pots-up, trims and waters this permanent stall to raise money for both charities.

Learn more

Sunday 9

Yoga and Wellbeing in the Park

Bedford Park

Yoga and wellbeing in the park


This popular community event, now in its fifth year, has become a staple of Bedford’s summer calendar, offering a day of relaxation, rejuvenation, and holistic wellness for all ages and abilities.

The free to attend day-long event will feature 18 free Yoga and wellbeing sessions, led by fully qualified coaches, covering a diverse range of styles and practices.

Participants can enjoy sessions tailored for various age groups and skill levels, including Hatha, Ashtanga Vinyasana, Chair Yoga, Tai Chi, and more. Additionally, attendees can explore alternative wellness activities such as sound baths, laughter yoga, and mindful games for children and families.

In addition to the yoga sessions, attendees will have access to a Wellbeing Information Desk, offering resources and advice from local mental health services and charities. Visitors can learn about regular weekly activity sessions focused on improving mental health and wellbeing, as well as self-help concepts and other available services.

Discover the full programme

Sunday 9

Community litter pick

Cauldwell Community Centre, Althorpe Street

litter pickJoin the community litter pick starting at 11am and running until 12pm.

Meet us at the community centre.

All equipment will be provided.

Email for more information

Sunday 9

Bedford Flea, Affordable Art & Local Produce Market

St Paul’s Square

Market ProductsPop along to this one-stop shop for all things flea, art & produce, open on the second Sunday of each month on St. Paul’s Square, from May until November.

FLEA: You’ll find a smorgasbord of unique, second-hand goods that fall under antiques, vintage, collectables, bric-a-brac & curiosities. It’s all about the one-offs so if you see something you like, don’t delay!

AFFORDABLE ART: Talented artists with fresh ideas – from photography to glass, intricate oil paintings to contemporary illustration. And, all based within a stone’s throw of Bedford.

LOCAL PRODUCE – NEW: Locally grown ingredients and homemade produce direct to you, from small, artisan businesses that are within a maximum of 30 miles from Bedford (as the crow flies). From freshly baked bread and cheese, locally brewed cider and distilled gin, to sauces and condiments, cakes and skincare!

Learn more

Sunday 9

The Jewel in Bedford’s Crown, a guided walk

Gold post box, St Paul’s Square

EmbankmentTake an entertaining and informative circular walk along the banks of the river, which has been described as one of the finest riverside settings in England.

Learn the story of the Victorian Embankment development and enjoy a walk in the ornamental gardens.

Booking is required and costs £4 per person and £2 for children over 8, the walk runs from 11am to 12.30pm.

Learn more about Bedford’s guided walks and book your place

Tuesday 11 and every Tuesday

Community food growing project

Bunyan Sports Centre

community food growing - mile roadWant to learn new skills, meet new people and grow your own food? Join the community food growing project.

All tools and instruction will be provided and no previous experience is required to take part. Sessions take place every Tuesday between 10.45am and 1.30pm.

Please wear suitable outdoor clothing, sturdy enclosed footwear and bring your own gardening gloves if you have some.

Meet at 10.45am in front of the Bunyan Sports Centre on Mile Road, Bedford.

Learn more

Tuesday 11

A walk amongst the trees

The Forest Centre, Millennium Country Park, Marston Moretaine

tree walkFancy a stroll this weekend?

Join the passionate and knowledgeable Community Engagement Officer, Jo Roberts, on an inspiring stroll around the Wetlands Nature Reserve at the Millennium Country Park.

Meeting at Reception at the Forest Centre.

Learn more

Tuesday 11

Free bike servicing

Bedford Central Library

bikeBring your bike in for a free service by a professional from bike repair company EMC.

Bike services will take place on the ground floor from 9am to 3pm.

Please remember that the library is within the pedestrianised area with no cycling permitted between 9am and 3pm.

Learn more

Wednesday 12

Children can learn how to be an air detective

Kempston Library

wicked wednesdayChildren can learn about air pollution and become an air quality detective with Jemma, Bedford Borough Council’s Air Quality Officer from 3.30pm to 4.30pm

If you have any questions about this event please call 01234 276453.

Learn more by contacting Kempston Library

Wednesday 12

Home upgrade grant and heat pump showcase

Harpur Suite

RadiatorDoes your household live in an off-gas property, and struggle with energy bills?

You might be missing out on a vital government grant. Please come along to listen and ask questions about the support available.

We will be joined by Agility Eco, Bedford Borough Council’s delivery agent for the Home Upgrade Grant Scheme, Citizens Advice Bedford and two Heat Pump installers that will showcase the available solutions and answer your questions.

Learn more and register your place

Friday 14 and every Friday

Weekly garden maintenance sessions

Green Man Garden, Addison Howard Park

green man gardenTake part in this weekly volunteer led session with lots of different garden maintenance tasks to get involved in, from planting and clearing, to woodwork.

The Green Man Community Garden is located at the back of Addison Park, near to The Grange/Pigeon Club.

Parking is available in the small car park and walk to the garden by heading towards the right of The Grange, just past the garages.

Learn more

Friday 14 and every Friday

Wellbeing walking group

The Higgins Bedford

Walking to end stalkingJoin us between 11am and 12pm for a relaxing and social mindful walk.

A range of different routes each week. The walk is free and finishes with either a short tour of a gallery or an opportunity for informal chat over coffee in the onsite café.

These weekly sessions aim to improve mental health through physical activity & social engagement.

Sessions are designed to support people who experience generalised anxiety, stress, PTSD & other conditions.

Learn more

Friday 14

Country Park Clean Up

The Forest Centre, Millennium Country Park, Marston Moretaine

 

country park clean upThe Millennium Country Park is a haven for all sorts of wildlife, from resident birds to many species of mammal.

You can help keep your local wildlife safe and your woodland litter-free by joining the Country Park Clean Up.

Please meet at the Forest Centre reception at 11am.

All equipment will be provided, though you are welcome bring your own gloves and litter pickers.

Learn more

Saturday 15

Wootton community litter pick

Wootton Library

wootton libraryWootton community litter pick

Help clean up Wootton this Saturday between 10am and 12pm.

All equipment will be provided.

Learn more

Saturday 15

Plant swap

Putnoe Library

putnoe libraryDrop in anytime from 10.30am and 1pm to see what swaps you can make for your garden.

 

 

Learn more

Saturday 15

Museum activities

 

The Higgins Bedford

The Higgins

Drop in anytime from 11am to 4pm to unleash your creativity through willow weaving and learning the art of mending with the Mend-Up Crew.

The Good Life Garden will be creating mini planters and bird feeders using household recyclables. This is a bookable event, free to book with sessions at 11am, 1pm and 3pm.

The Higgins Garden Volunteers will also be running their popular plant stall with some real bargains, all proceeds will go to The Higgins Garden Project.

Bedford Borough Council’s Recycling Team will be also be on hand to discuss waste reduction ideas such as home composting, as well as all things recycling.

John Bunyan Museum

Drop in to the museum between 11am and 3pm to engage in a felt flower workshop, join in with the community garden planting, and create craft inspired natural sculptures.

Families can also enjoy a camouflage materials trail around the garden, fostering an appreciation for nature’s wonders.

Crafternoon

The Panacea Museum

Bring the craft supplies you won’t use any more and take away the craft supplies you will.

Free to bring and take away, anytime between 11am and 4.30pm.


Sunday 16

Community herb garden maintenance session

Rothsay/Castle Road roundabout

rothsay roadHelp to maintain the community herb garden situated on the roundabout.

Bring hand tools and gloves if you have them, spares should be available.

Regular one hour care sessions are held here and everyone is welcome to join in between 5pm and 6pm.

The next event will be Saturday 29 June at 10am.

If you have any questions please email jane.perrone@gmail.com

Learn more

Sunday 16

Crafternoon

The Higgins

CrafternoonJoin local artist Marisa Straccia at this free drop-in activity between 2pm and 4pm.

Use recycled and scrap materials to make a ROARSOME Lion inspired by the Edward Bawden & Me exhibition.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

No need to book.

Learn more