What's on this weekend...

If you're looking for a way to spend the last weekend of the Easter holidays then look no further. With temperatures set to soar this weekend, we've got loads of activities you can get involved with to get out and about, enjoying the sunshine and the last of the school holidays.

Friday:

Bedford Art Society @ Putnoe Heights Church, 7.15pm for 7.30pm start
Juliette Orton creates beautiful pictures using many different materials. She shows how they are made and where her inspiration comes from. Those keen to try can also have a go themselves. Entry is free for members, or £5 for visitors.

Easter Experiences @ Experience the country, Newton Longville, MK17 0BU
This is the second day of the Easter experiences, where you can take part in a 1 hour activity and off-road thrills ride for £25. Suitable for adults and those aged 12 and up. Add another activity for just £10, including archery, axe- throwing, air rifles and segways. Also available are young person's driving experiences in a Land Defender of £25. Morning and afternoon slots are available and must be pre-booked. Call 01908 630665 to book.

Saturday:

Jahnaiah Fundraising Dinner Dance @ Hilton Hotel, Kents Hill Park, 6.30pm-1am

Fundraising dinner dance in aid of orphans affected by Ebola in Sierra Leone. The money raised will support an existing orphanage in Sierra Leone which is already looking after children whose parents have died during the Ebola crisis, and also to help bring light to the lack of medical equipment and diagnostic materials available in Sierra Leone during this time. Tickets cost £50, and includes a three-course meal, entertainment and much more. Auction and raffle also available. Dress code is black tie/traditional. Click here to buy tickets and for more information.

No 38 Vintage Emporium Event @ High Street Newport Pagnell, 9am-5pm

The No 38 Vintage Emporium on the High Street in Newport Pagnell is celebrating being open for six months. There will be special events all day, including live music, free ice creams from the Shake 'n' Scoop ice cream shack, and a photo booth taking old fashioned style photos. 

Non-Stop Pop, featuring Union J and Stereo Kicks @ Arena MK, Stadium MK, Doors open 5.30pm for 6.30pm start

Headliners Union J will be joined by Stereo Kicks, Bailey McConnell and Harry Mondryk. Show will end at approximately 9.45pm. Tickets cost £14 and are available to buy by clicking here. 

Sunday:

That Time of the Month Comedy Night @ The Cannon, Newport Pagnell, 7pm

Nick Helm, star of BBC3's hit comedy drama, Uncle, Russell Howard's Good News, 8 out of 10 cats, and winner of Breakthrough Artists at the British Comedy Awards 2014, will be performing in a night of stand up comedy entertainment. Tickets cost £8 in advance or £10 on the door.

The Pad Presents: Marika Hackman @ Bedford Esquires, 7.30pm

Marika Hackman with support acts Sophie Jamieson and The Darling Mundaring. Following the release of her debut album, We Slept at last, and new single Animal Fear, Marika Hackman's songwriting speaks adventure; join the adventure for a great night of entertainment from a talented musician. Tickets cost £8 and are available online here.  

HULA Animala Rescue Bunny Bonanza @ Glebe Farm, Aspley Guise, 1-3.30pm

Enjoy some Easter activities at the end of the Easter holidays. Just when you thought all the Easter eggs had been found, come and join the Easter egg hunt and take part in the Easter Bonnet competition. Meet the rabbit welfare association and see a presentation on how to care for your pet rabbit. There will be a dog parade at 2.30pm, workshop, and family fun and refreshments will be available throughout the afternoon.

Education Centre Opening Day @ Howe Park Wood, 11am

Join the Parks Trust education team to celebrate the opening of the new education and visitor centre at Howe Park wood. Parking avaialbe in the car park off Chaffron Way, opposite the Westcroft Centre. 

Whatever you do this weekend, have a great time! As always, if we've missed any events, please feel free to share them to our Facebook page. 

This Weekend's top events

Friday 6th March:

Quiz at Lavendon Village Hall, 7.30pm for an 8pm start.
Tickets cost £5 per person, teams can be up to six people per team.

Bedford Art Society at Putnoe Heights Church, 7.15pm for 7.30pm start.
Chris Christoforou speaks on The Modern Masters of Realism. Chris has been a professional artist for 30 years and is well known for his depictions of wildlife. This illustrated talk sees Chris reference the 'old masters' who have influenced and inspired the new generation of 'masters.' He will cover a wide variety of subjects. Entry is free for members, £5 for visitors. Click here for more information.

The Bedford Brach of The Royal Anglian Regiment Association- monthly meeting, held at the Keep, Bedford Road, Kempston. 7.30pm for 8pm start. If you are an ex serviceman/woman of any arm you are welcome to join.

Saturday 7th March:

International Women's Day concert at The venue, Walton high, Milton Keynes. 7.30pm.
Sian Edwards will be conducting a very special concert performed on National Women's Day and designed to recognise the high talent of women involved in classical music. An all-female orchestra, with guest soprano Anita Watson. Tickets cost £22 or £10 for adults, £5 for children, click here to book.

Captain Flinn and the Pirate Dinosaurs at Stantonbury Theatre, 2.30pm.
A production from children's theatre company, Les Petits, and is an action packed theatrical experience with live music, puppetry, physical performance and dastardly dinosaurs. Tickets cost £11, and family tickets are £40. Click here to book. Suitable for children over 5 years old.

The 'Cheese bus' will be in Milton Keynes all day on Saturday. Anchor have started a campaign called 'save our sandwich' which is attempting to convince people how good a cheese sandwich can be, rather than the more fancy lunchtime alternatives of today. The Anchor cheese bus will be driving around Milton Keynes from 8am-6pm all day this Saturday, and when you pledge to help save the cheese sandwich you'll get a free sandwich, and be in with the chance of winning some cheese-related prizes.

Sunday 8th March:

Milton Keynes Festival of Running at Xscape, Milton Keynes from 9.30am-6pm.
The Milton Keynes Half Marathon and Festival of Running take place this Sunday. The races start on the central dual-carriageways of Milton Keynes, then through some beautiful scenery. There are a number of different length races to take part in, 5K, 10K and 20 Miles, all starting around 10am. For prices and exact timings, click here.

HULA Animal Rescue 'Mum's the Word' 1pm-3.30pm.
Bazaar and pet bed shed, HULA dog parade at 2,30pm, Beauty treatments (for both humans and dogs!) quizzes, family fun and more! Refreshments will be on sale, £2 per adult, children go free. All proceeds go to the care and welfare of HULA's animals. Dogs are welcome.

Weekend Events near you...

Friday 6th:

Bedford Art Society at Putnoe Heights Church, 7.15pm for 7.30pm start.
Derek Daniells demonstrates painting scenes of buildings and people in oils. Entry is free for members and £5 for visitors visit www.bedsartsociety.co.uk for more information.

The Bedford Branch of the Royal Anglian Regiment Association, 8pm.
Monthly meetings are held on the first Friday of the month. Bar opens at 7.30pm. If you are an ex-serviceman/woman of any arm please feel free to join.

Saturday 7th:

Fusion Youth choir in concert at St. Owen, Bromham. 3-5pm.
Tickets cost £5 for adults, children under 12 are £1. Refreshments are also available.

Olney Ward Councillor Surgeries
At the Pavillion, Lavendon. 12.30-1.30pm
and at Sherington Village Hall on the 21st February 12.30-1.30pm.

Sunday 8th:

HULA Animal Rescue 'Love is in the Hair' at Glebe farm, Salford Road, Aspley Guise 1-3.30pm.
HULA dog parade at 2.30pm, bazaar and pet shed bargains, Valentine card workshop, fun and games for the children. Only £2 per adult, children go free. All proceeds go to the care and welfare of HULA's animals.

HULA January get-together

This weekend, why not visit the HULA animal rescue at South Midlands Animal Sanctuary, for their January get-together?!

Form 1-3.30pm tomorrow, come along for a variety of activities, including a sale in the Bazaar and Pet Bed shop, and the opportunity to help feed the farm animals at 1.30pm. As alway, dogs are welcome, and there will be a dog parade at 2.30pm. Refreshments will also be on sale, in 'The Trough' cafe.

HULA is a registered charity which aims to relieve suffering and distress in animals, by providing refuge and care to unwanted domestic animals and facilitating their rehoming. The charity has been helping animals and their owners since 1972, where it started out in a back garden in Luton, and has since grown. Today, as well as rehousing small pets and animals, HULA also rescues larger animals, such as sheep, pigs, cows, ponies and more.

Come and find out more about HULA, and help them fund their work by enjoying their January get-together. Admission is £2 per adult, and children go free.

Weekend what's on Listings...

As always there's a weekend filled with activities and various things to do coming up, why not visit one of these events with family or friends this weekend?

Macmillan Coffee morning, run by Jane Smith financial planning. Come along between 9.30am and 12.30pm to 7 Osier Way, Olney for cake, coffee, entertainment and shopping from a range of local shops and businesses.

Ampthill Fireworks- Possibly one of the last local fireworks events of the year, the Ampthill display features a pre-show of live acts, fairground and various food outlets, with the lighting of the Ampthill beacon at 7.30m and fireworks starting at 8pm.

'The Pad Presents' Heaven 17 and Blancmange at Bedford Corn Exchange. Kicking off at 7.30pm, it's a show featuring two of the UK's most original experimental synthesiser bands. Tickets cost £22.50.

Olney Senior Citizens Club run every Friday, this week it's a night of whist.

Bedford Art Society- featuring John Somerscales. 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start. John Somerscales has been involved in the visual arts his entire working life. He has staged exhibitions, exhibited at the Mall gallery in London and has published articles in Paint and The Artist magazines. He will be at the art society in order to talk about composition, and demonstrate watercolour landscape painting. Entry is free for members, £5 for visitors.

The Bedford branch of the Royal Anglian Regiment Association meets on the first Friday of the month at The Keep, Bedford Road, Kempston. The bar opens at 7.30pm and meetings begin at 8pm. Ex Servicemen/women from any arm are invited to join.

Coffee morning and bric-a-brac table top sale at Olney United Reformed Church. From 10am-1pm.

Cliff Richard tribute pub night, at Westbury Grange, Newport Pagnell. Come along from 7.30pm to enjoy an excellent evening's entertainment at a modest cost (only £6) As well as the tribute act there will be a raffle and nibbles, and the bar will be open for drinks.

HULA animal rescue- Winter warmer at Glebe farm, Aspley Guise. Open form 1-3.30pm, there will be a wide variety of events, including dog parade, children's workshops, bazaar, book sale, Christmas goodies and more. Refreshments will be available in 'the Trough' cafe. Dogs are welcome. Admission is £2 for adults, £1 for children.

Bletchley Park Presents- Remembrance Parade. Held by the Royal British Legion from 9am-11.20am. Starting from Bletchley Park and ending at the Bletchley cenotaph, the Parade will be followed by a service in St Mary's Church, all are welcome to attend.

Plus local remembrance services and parades at your local church or war memorial.

The Club at Hanslope- Beer Festival.  A number of beers and ciders from local breweries, 12 real ales and 3 ciders. Free admission all weekend.
Friday- 6pm-11pm, chip van from 9.30pm
Saturday 12 noon-11pm, International rugby England vs New Zealand at 2.30pm
Sunday 12 noon-11pm, Brazilian Grand Prix at 4pm, Quiz at 7pm.
Sky and BT Sports available all day, games and competitions including skittles, darts and wheel of fortune.

What's on this weekend

It's the weekend again (hooray!) and as always, there are plenty of events in and around the local area to keep you entertained. 

Saturday: 

Turvey Bloomers Apple Pressing Day @ Turvey Village Hall from 11am-2pm. 

Come along for a great free event at Turvey Village hall, with fresh and bottled apple juice, cider, breakfasts, ploughman's lunches, cakes, honey, bread and pies, all locally produced. There'll also be plants (to buy, not to eat!) and there'll be musical entertainment to enjoy along with your food and drink.

The Ancient Order of Foresters- Annual Charity Brunch @ The Harrold United Reformed Church from 10am-noon.

This event is being organised by Gill and Brian Hillier on behalf of The Ancient Order of Foresters, in aid of Sense for deaf-blind people. Come along and enjoy an English breakfast or danish pastry and tea or coffee, all for a donation. Enjoy the wonderful, foot-tapping sounds of the Bedford Ukulele group as you eat or drink. There will also be a raffle, cake stall and the chance to get in there early and buy some Christmas cards and wrapping paper.

Local Choirs and the Hospice sing @ Newport Pagnell Parish Church at 7.30pm.

Join the Newport Pagnell singers and the Cranfield based Sounds Familiar Community Choir in celebrating the role of the Hospices in our local communities. The concert is organised by the choirs in association with the Friends of Willen Hospice. Tickets cost £8.

Bark in the park @ Ouzel Valley Park at 10am.

The monthly dog-walking social is back, at just £1 per dog, come along and meet other dog walkers and enjoy a new dog-walking route. Walks typically last between 1-1.5 hours and involve on and off lead walking. Meet in the car park on Simpson Drive, off H9 Groveway. 

Row row row your boat- What's on this Weekend?

As well as the events on through part of the MK Heritage Open days today, there are also a number of other events on this weekend...

Saturday

The Olney model railway club exhibition will be held at the Carlton house Club in Olney from 10.30am-4.30pm. Come along to see layouts, trade support, society stands and refreshments. Adults cost £2.50 and a family of four is £6.  Visit the website for more information.

The Milton Keynes Regatta also takes place today, consisting of two lane racing over a 500 meter course, with a variety of events in all categories including rowing, sculling, junior, senior and masters events. Racing will begin at 8.30am until 5pm, so do come along and cheer the rowers on at the rowing club on Caldecotte lake.

In the evening, come along to St Laud's Church in Sherington at 7.30pm to hear 'Ed and friends' play a light and varied programme of instrumental and vocal music. Tickets are £8 and are available on the door or from John and Pam Fielding. The concert is being held in aid of Prostate Cancer UK and St Laud's Church.

Sunday

HULA have another of their popular fete and dog show's today, including a variety of activities such as dog classes for all, doggie games and a fun photo competition (bring your pet photos). There will be assorted stalls, fun and games for children, bazaar and book stall and delicious refreshments, and the opportunity to come and meet the resident farm animals. Admission is £2 for adults and £1 for children, with all proceeds going to the care and welfare of HULA's animals. visit the website for more information.

Part of the Milton Keynes Heritage Weekend includes the medieval family fun day at Milton Keynes discovery centre, Bradwell Abbey, from 11am-4pm. The day will include a variety of hands-on activities, such as archery, birds of prey, medieval re-enactors and encampment, face painting, arts and crafts and more. There will be a great selection of refreshments, including hog roast, tea/coffee and cakes.

Visit the Cowpers Oak Country Pub and dining room from 4pm to enjoy 'last of the summer tapas'- enjoy some tapas and sangria as we say goodbye to summer!

HULA's summer open day- tomorrow

If, when you hear the word' hula' you instantly think of hula-hoops, then you must have missed the regular events held at the HULA animal sanctuary in the past! There's another of these great events lined up for you tomorrow; the summer open day, and as always there's a great variety of entertainment on offer.

The day will include a variety of events and activities, including an American and classic car display (weather permitting) with free entry if you arrive in your own classic car! There will be the opportunity to help feed the farm animals at 1.30pm, fun and games for the children, a car boot sale and bazaar and book store bargains. There will be the HULA dog parade at 2.30pm, and delicious refreshments will be served throughout the day. Dogs are welcome. Admission is £2 for adults and children go free, all proceeds go to the care and welfare of HULAs animals.

HULA Animal Rescue will be open from 1-4pm tomorrow (Sunday 10th August) at the South Midlands Animal Sanctuary , Glebe Farm, Aspley Guise, MK17 8HZ.

What's on in and around MK this weekend

It looks like summer is actually here, so we'd better make the most of it! As always, check the Phonebox Magazine's 'live and local' listings, in print or online, for ideas of what's on, in and around the Milton Keynes area.

Saturday 14th June

Odell Village Fete and Family Dog Show 
@ Scout field, Horsefair Lane, Odell, MK43 7AA, 2pm
Held in the pretty North Bedfordshire village by the river Ouse near Harrold and Odell Country Park. Come along for a great day out. There will be a number of attractions at the fete and dog show, including:

• Bouncy castle
• Gift and bottle stalls
• Tombola
• 'White elephant'
• Side shows
• Bedford Brass Band
• Children's sports
• Refreshments including ice cream, Pimms and more

Stony Riverside Fair
@ Millfield, Willow Lane, Stony Stratford, 1pm-4pm

Presented by the volunteers of the Stony Stratford Riverside Parks Group, it's the annual family Stony Riverside Fair on Millfield. It's set to be a wonderful afternoon with fun activities and free attractions for children.

World Cup- England's first game, 11pm England v Italy
Chances are you'll be watching this late match from the comfort of your own home, but if you'd rather see it in a crowd there are a few places you can watch the match. Olney Football Club is one such place, where they'll be showing all of the England matches on their big screen. Come along and cheer on England as they play their first World Cup match, against Italy.

Sunday 15th June

HULA Animal Rescue: Purrfect open day
@ South Midlands Animal Sanctuary, Glebe Farm, Salford Road, Aspley Guise, MK17 8HZ, 1pm-4pm

It's national microchipping awareness month, so come and have your dog, cat or rabbit microchipped for just £10. Entry is just £2 for adults, kids go free.
Events during the day include:

• Bazaar and book store bargains
• Meet the resident farm animals
• HULA dog parade at 2pm
• Fun and games for the children
• Delicious refreshments
• Children's toys, books and clothes 

Bletchley Park Presents: Sir John Dermot Turing
@ Bletchley Park, 2pm-4pm

Sir John Dermot Turing is the nephew of Alan Turing (1912-1954), who is well known to have been one of Bletchley Park's leading cryptanalysis, as well as a founder of the science of artificial intelligence. He will present an overview of the family background, life and achievements of his famous ancestor. Ticket-holders are welcome to arrive throughout the day to enjoy Bletchley Park at their leisure. The session will begin at 2pm with a talk from Sir John Dermot Turing, followed by a Q&A session at 3pm and then tea and cake at 3.15pm in the Billiard room, followed by a book signing.

As always, there's a great deal on this weekend, and on top of these events, as the usual things to see in and around milton Keynes, if the sun stays out why not visit a lake, woods or country park?
Whatever you may be up to this weekend, have a good one!

Sunday in Milton Keynes

Don't get those post-Monday blues today, there's still a whole day of the weekend left to be enjoyed! As always, Milton Keynes is home to a variety of different events, and we've rounded up just a few of them to give you an idea of how you could spend the day...

HULA animal rescue are holding a fete and dog show at South Midlands animal sanctuary, Glebe farm, Aspley Guise, from 12-4pm. There will be a fun dog show (entries from 11.30am), doggie games, car boot and assorted stalls, pet photo competition (bring your best photos), bargains in the bazaar and pet bed shed. Come and meet some of the animals in search of a new home, there'll also be fun games for the children and delicious refreshments. Admission is £2 per adult and £1 for children. All proceeds to the care and welfare of HULA's animals.

Hackleton and District WI plant sale is being held at Hackleton village hall, from 10am-1pm. If you're sorting out your garden or just need a few extras to go in it, head over to the plant sale where you'll find a variety of shrubs, perennials and bedding for your borders, tubs and baskets. Homemade cakes and tea will also be available.

Lawnmower day. Milton Keynes museum have a selection of old mowers and their machines and are open from 11am-4.30pm. Family tickets cost £22 for 2 adults and up to 4 children.

Aspley Guise Open Gardens. Gardens will be open around the village from 12.30-5.30pm. The gardens range from those tucked behind small Victorian terraces to larger modern landscaped vistas and some classic gardens with period houses. The amazing gardens at Flaxbourne farm are also included. £4 admission. Light lunches, teas and plants for sale in the village hall where there is also plenty of free parking.