Clubs and Societies in Bedfordshire
Here is a small selection of some of the clubs and societies available to people in Bedfordshire.
Art
Bedford Art Society
The Bedford Art Society, AKA Bedford Art Circle, exists to promote the visual arts. The membership includes both professionals and amateurs of all abilities. The society offers practical art demonstrations, group gallery visits, plus an annual programme of meetings and events.
Biggleswade and District Art Society
Similar intentions to the other three art societies listed, though meetings are only monthly and membership is limited due to the size of premises available to them.
Hitchin Art Club
Yes, Hitchin is not in Bedfordshire. It's across the state line in Hertfordshire, but it's only 9 miles from Luton, so that counts. Like most art clubs they offer a weekly meeting of like minds, as well as professional demonstrations. They have members at all ability levels and do a few critiquing sessions annually.
Leighton Buzzard Art Society
Activity is centred on their monthly meetings which often feature a demonstration or talk by a professional artist. They aim to cover all areas of interest and different media, including oils, watercolour, acrylics, pencil, inks, printing, mixed media and many others. Membership includes amateurs and professional. Guests are welcome for a small fee.
Archaeology, Architecture & History
Ampthill Archaeological and History Soc.
Members can attend monthly meetings and join in with visits to buildings and sites of interest. The group is occasionally involved in excavations, as well as helping to research various enquiries of a historical nature. Guest visitors to meetings are also warmly welcomed.
Bedford Archt. Archaeol. & History Soc.
This group share a common interest in the history and archaeology of Bedford and its neighbourhood. They are also actively involved in trying to ensure that Bedford's buildings of special architectural and historic interest are protected and to increase public awareness of their importance.
Beds. Local History Association
In their words: 'The BLHA organise a variety of events, such as walks, lectures, visits, workshops, exhibitions and conferences throughout the county, as well as publishing our newsletter, History in Bedfordshire, four times a year. We can also provide information and assistance in the study of local history.'
Beds. Historical Record Society
Founded in 1912, the BHRS is dedicated to the research and publication (books) of historical records and materials relating to Bedfordshire. The group has just one annual meeting and lecture per year - so they clearly don't like to go overboard. That said, they are very open to new works, articles, manuscripts, photos, and ideas, plus contributions to their website. Appropriate ones.
Astronomy
Bedford Astronomical Society
They have a programme that includes talks by eminent speakers, and they have use of the Piazzi Smyth observatory at Bedford school. Currently the membership stands at over 100, each of whom are entitled to borrow the society's telescopes and binoculars from time to time.
Luton Astronomical Society
Members enjoy lectures and learning about the universe (and beyond probably), as well as having access to a field telescope for observations. Based at Putteridge.
Modelling & RC Flying
Bedford Model Engineering Society
Model engineering enthusiasts (trains, boats, steam engines) who also run a cool railway near Haynes. Bedford MES are always keen to greet new members. The header picture at the top of this page is from Bedford MES.
Ivel Model Aircraft Club
North of Bedford, at Wilden, the club is keen to stress their willingness to teach new flyers how it's done. Model aircraft types include foam, balsa, homemade, and shop bought; both electric powered and combustion engines. Top hobby.
Bedford & District Aeromodelling Club
As with the other RC clubs in Bedfordshire, Bedford and District, near Cardington, are pleased to offer tuition and certification for new flyers. They fly all kinds of aircraft, including gas turbines - that's real jets. Unbelievably cool when you see and hear them.
Luton & Dunstable Aeronautical Society
What a great hobby RC flying is! You can build planes, learn to fly them and sometimes enjoy mid-air collisions (when it's not your plane). Friendly members will supply advice and training, and cover your flying exploits on the society's insurance.
Wilstead Model Flying Club
A 20-year -old club catering for beginners and established RC flyers. As with the other flying clubs they are happy to take on newbies and supply the right training.
Musical
Ampthill & District Choral Soc.
Rehearsals are on Monday evenings, and they are always on the lookout for new members. No audition necessary. Their website doesn't say how they would deal with you if you are tone death. Tactfully, I expect.
Bedford Choral Society
If you live near Bedford and are looking for some Gareth Malone-type action, this is the place for you, as the choir is always on the lookout for new members, especially sopranos and tenors. After a few weeks of attendance, entry into the choir is via an informal audition. So, I'm out.
Bedford Orchestral Society
The society promotes two orchestras: The Bedford Symphony Orchestra and Bedford Sinfonia. The BSO has musicians from all age groups and would-be players can contact the orchestra. The Sinfonia, on the other hand, offers memberships by invitation only. One imagines that you'd have to play your banjo real purty to get the call.
Natural History
Bedfordshire Natural History Society
It's all about the Flora and Fauna: helping to monitor, preserve and protect it. They encourage the recording and reporting of sightings of various insects and they are associated with the Bedfordshire Bird Club. The membership are invited to attend field meetings during the year, as well as indoor ones - mainly at Maulden Village Hall.
Bedfordshire Bird Club
Its main functions are to record and document the avifauna within the county and to provide a forum for local birdwatchers. There is a full programme of indoor (Maulden) and outdoor events each year. Members are encouraged to help by reporting sightings, so that others will know where to locate birds of interest.
Bedfordshire Bat Group
Affiliated to the BNHS, the group's mission is to, 'work for bat conservation within Bedfordshire and Luton, carry out surveys of bats and maintains a database of bat records. It works with people to provide information and raise awareness of bat conservation, and, when necessary, carries out bat care and rehabilitation.' Talks and bat walks available to members each year.
Paranormal
Luton Paranormal Society
Who'ya gonna call? LPS provides around 24 events for members every year. As well as staking out the local ghosts in old buildings around the county, members also get access to UFO, Bigfoot and crop circle investigations. Come on! You know you want some of it.
Performing Arts
Barton Players
Barton Players are always happy to welcome new members to help work towards their 2-3 main annual productions. It doesn't have to be in a performing role either; there's always scenery, costumes, lights, refreshments, etc., in the event that you are not drawn towards the footlights.
Bedford Drama Company
Bedford Drama Company was formed in 1929. Their 3-4 yearly productions, including some musicals, are performed at The Place theatre in Bedford. Auditions are carried out at intervals during each year. New members and new ideas welcome for all disciplines, not just performing.
Leighton Buzzard Drama Group
Like other am-dram groups, they are not just after 'the talent', the group are always on the look-out for those who would seek other, no less vital, roles, such as sourcing costumes and props, scenery design, and building sets. Their website even has an explainer video (as they are called) to help you get the idea.
Luton Phoenix Players
They put on all kinds of productions throughout the year, from pantomime to full-scale musicals and murder mysteries - and they've been at it since 1946. Probably not the same cast, though. They are always happy to hear from would-be new members for various on and off-stage roles.
Sharnbrook Mill Theatre Trust
Drama, musicals and variety. They are a 'friendly, inclusive, open and multi-award-winning amateur theatrical society, entirely run by volunteers.' Always interested to hear from volunteers and new members to take on various positions in their annual productions.
Photography
Bedford Camera Club
Sounds like a great club for anybody wanting to improve their photography. They have a full annual programme of events and lectures, and they work to hone the skills of their members through competitions, interactive evenings, and by encouraging them to exhibit their work. All skill levels are welcome.
Shillington & District Camera Club
In their own words 'Shillington and District Camera Club is a warm and welcoming camera club, meeting at Barton Village Hall, Hexton Road, Barton Le Clay MK45 4JY, each Monday evening between September and April. '
Ampthill & District Camera Club
As with other clubs, the idea is to learn from each other through meetings, lectures, exhibitions, show and tell, etc. Members can enter work for critiquing and analysis; always with a view to encouraging, garnering enthusiasm and buliding experience.
Rambling
Bedford Rambling Club
A Bedford based rambling club which walks on Sundays and Mondays in the Bedford area. They choose circular walks, generally of 5-6 miles in length. The club is very receptive to new memers, as well as non-members.
List of Beds Rambling Clubs
Here's a short list of rambling clubs in Bedfordshire, not all of which have their own website.
Sports
A Directory of Cycling Clubs
Want to know how it feels to be part of a rolling roadblock peloton? Then why not call one of these groups and join up?
Bedford Rowing Club
Bedford Rowing Club is located on the River Great Ouse and is very much a part of the town's landscape. Anybody strolling along by the river during the day is likely to see the club in action. It caters for all age and ability ranges, from beginners to elite athletes. The clubhouse has its own bar and gym facilities.
Bedford Rifle Club
Bedford Rifle Club is a premier precision small-bore rifle and airgun target shooting club. The club offers internationally recognised precision target disciplines, and is happy to open its door to non-members who would like to go and give the sport a try.
A Directory of Running Clubs
If you feel the urge to run, there are places where you can do this without being chased by dogs. For enthusiastic amateurs and elite runners, this is what Bedfordshire has to offer.
Volunteering
Voluntary Works
A database of organistations looking for volunteers. You chance to make a difference.
Writing
Bedford Writers' Circle
A group of friendly writers and poets who have weekly meetings to encourage, critique and inspire each other. New members very welcome.
Luton Poetry Society
Roses are red, Violets are blue, Others have joined, So can you. Let it sink in. Monthly meetings.