The Rothsay Education Centre

We’ve had a great first week back for the start of our Summer Term!

There’s still so much to look forward to - courses and classes galore, a trip to Boughton House, Summer Taster Walks with the Ramblers, and some fantastic Saturday workshops coming up on 16th May.

Choose from:
• What Is Gravity? - 10am–12pm
• Bedford on the River - 10am–12pm
• What Makes a Good Story? - 10am–1pm
• Unsinkable!: Titanic on Screen - 10am–1pm
• Acrylic Painting for Absolute Beginners (One‑Day Course) - 10am–3.30pm

All our Saturday workshops are open to non-members, we'd love to see you there!

We’re now closed for Easter and look forward to seeing you when we return on Monday, 20th April.

In the meantime, we're leaving you with some wonderful cut-up poems created by our Creative writing class. Enjoy!

Keep checking your inbox for updates, and remember you can still book for Easter and Summer online at www.recbedford.co.uk. See you all very soon.

What a brilliant Quiz Night! 🎉
Thursday saw our first quiz night of the year – complete with delicious fish and chips, great company and plenty of laughs!

Round Three turned out to be a real favourite (the staff were especially delighted by this one), so we thought we’d share it here for anyone who fancies testing their knowledge. It’s all about UK Law - True or False? Give it a go! (answers posted in the comments!)

Round 3: UK Law – True or False?
1️⃣ It is illegal to handle salmon under “suspicious circumstances”.
2️⃣ If you are found with a sturgeon you must hand it over to the Monarch.
3️⃣ It is illegal to place a postage stamp upside down.
4️⃣ Shaking a rug in the street is illegal after 8am
5️⃣ A pregnant woman may legally relieve herself in a policeman’s helmet.
6️⃣ All men over 14 must practise longbow for 2 hours every Sunday.
7️⃣ If an MP dies in the Houses of Parliament, they are legally entitled to a state funeral.
8️⃣ It is illegal to wear armour in the Houses of Parliament.
9️⃣ Killing a swan is treason.
🔟 You must give 2 days’ notice if you want to import potatoes from Poland.

If you joined us on Thursday, thanks for making it such a lovely night. And if you didn’t we'll see you next time!

Join us for a gentle history walk exploring Bedford’s eastward expansion during the 1800s.

The REC is well-placed to observe the eastward growth of Bedford in the 1800’s; 1890’s Police HQ is just round the corner!

From a time when St Cuthbert’s Street was the eastern boundary, we can see Little Goldington Highway stretching out towards The Circle (a popular place with the Panaceans), and thence either side of Castle Road towards Russell Park (1894) and Newnham Avenue.

We can see a lot of local history in two hours. The walk is about 1.8 miles (max 3 km), beginning with a short talk in the REC, where bags can be left. Maybe bring an umbrella, although we have other options if it rains.

Non-members very welcome. Tickets £10. Book online here https://recbedford.co.uk/courses/walk-and-talk-history-local-to-rothsay-gardens/

We're thrilled to be featured in The Times today! `Bedford named one of the best places to live in the UK 2026' and we couldn't agree more!

www.thetimes.com

Members of the REC spent a fascinating evening yesterday at the Bedford School Observatory. Led by Linton Guise, from the School’s Physics Department, we had a very interesting presentation in the Planetarium, learning about some of the most prominent features of the night sky. We also got to hold a real meteorite in our hands!

Unfortunately, the cloudy evening meant we couldn’t use the large telescope in the observatory, but it was still impressive to see the equipment and find out a little more about how it all works.

If you have an interest in the stars and planets, the Bedford Astronomical Society offers courses and events through the year, the next available sessions are in September and October. https://www.bedfordschool.org.uk/hire-and-lettings/events-and-venues/astronomy-courses/

For more information on the Bedford Astronomical Society and how to join, please visit their website https://bedsastro.org.uk/

Discover Something New This Easter!

Join us from 14th–16th April for our Easter Programme, featuring 17 inspiring workshops across arts, literature, science, local history and more.

Try silk‑ribbon wildflowers, uncover the mysteries of the dinosaurs, life drawing, or join lively sessions on writers, history, music and other fascinating topics.

Non‑members are warmly welcome, and our café will be open with hot and cold snacks and delicious lunches to enjoy between sessions.

Workshops are filling fast, so if something catches your eye, book early.
Browse and book online or pick up a leaflet at the Centre.
https://recbedford.co.uk/2026/01/28/easter-2026/

Have you spotted our Summer Term Cooking with Confidence course in collaboration with Food etc - Bedford, but aren’t quite sure what’s involved or what to expect?

Take a look at this short video for a quick overview - they’re such a friendly bunch and it gives a great feel for the course!

Cooking with Confidence Food etc’s six week Cooking with Confidence course is for adults who want to learn how to cook more dishes from scratch at home. Not only do they learn a…

Our Café: The Centre of Our Building and Community

Our café sits in the heart of our building, a welcoming space where members, tutors and staff come together. Recently refurbished, you'll receive a warm welcome from all the kitchen team, Jason, Sarah and Maddie.

This week's specials include a delicious Caesar salad, vegetarian chilli stuffed peppers, sausage and mash, cottage pie and a homemade salmon and dill quiche alongside the usual hot menu, cakes and drinks.

What would you choose?

Join us on Thursday 19th March for a wonderful day at the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge, exploring the Made in Ancient Egypt exhibition - including a very special hour‑long lecture from Helen Strudwick, the exhibition’s curator and Senior Curator for the Ancient Nile Valley, available exclusively to members.

Helen will share insights into the exhibition and the museum’s wider Egyptian collection. Her work includes major research on Egyptian coffins and leading conservation projects in Luxor, making this a rare opportunity to hear directly from a leading expert.

👉 Find out more and book your ticket here:
https://recbedford.co.uk/activities/made-in-ancient-egypt-exhibition/
Now open to non‑members.

Celebrating World Book Day and the National Year of Reading is especially meaningful at the REC, where we’re surrounded by gifted writers from our own community.

Our newly curated top‑floor landing display highlights a wonderful mix of books for sale, from local history to fiction and memoir - all written by members and tutors, with proceeds supporting the centre.

Browse the display next time you’re in the building and discover your next great read!