Learn new skills at Bedford Arts and Crafts Centre

Bedford Arts and Crafts Centre’s open day attracted visitors from the town and across the county to see the courses on offer and meet with tutors.

The centre, reopened in August, has been taken over from Central Bedfordshire Council by a not-for-profit new community interest company passionate about keeping arts and crafts alive for the people of Bedford and the wider community.

It is based at Raleigh House, an old Victorian building that has been used for education since 1879, opposite Bedford Hospital next to the railway bridge in Althorpe Street.

Mandy Thurland, pottery tutor, said: “This is an exciting time for us and with the community behind us we will be able to deliver learning in skills that would have been lost to future generations.

“Visitors were very enthusiastic to learn about what we are doing as a new company; keeping traditional arts and crafts alive in the town, and are keen to be a part of this new venture.”

Subjects being displayed included sewing, flower arranging, bookbinding, pottery and stained glass making. Modern foreign languages are offered too.

Courses that still have places available include art, jewellery making, sewing, sugar craft, flower arranging, patchwork and quilting, cake decorating, ceramics, toy making, Christmas cards and scrapbooks.

For further details visit www.bedfordcraftscentre.co.uk - you can pop in to the centre between 9.30am and 2.45pm, Monday to Friday, call 01234 266510 or you can email frances.darlow@bed
fordcraftcentre.co.uk.