Local Society: Bedford

At BCS, we’re on a mission to ensure everyone’s experience with technology is positive. It’s something we’ve been committed to since 1957 ... We're over 60,000 members in 150 countries, and a wider community of business leaders, educators, practitioners and policy-makers all committed to our mission ... Whichever your area of interest, our wide-ranging specialist and regional groups offer you a professional and friendly platform to share knowledge and experiences, debate ideas, grow your network and raise your profile.' Apart from the significant number of Events 'open to all' organized by the various BCS Groups, there are also the annual Karen Spärck Jones Lecture, Lovelace Lecture, Roger Needham Lecture, and Turing Talk.

'Formed in January 1987 by a small group of people with a common interest in astronomy. We have now grown to approximately 100 members and cater for all ages, levels of interest and abilities. We meet regularly on the last Wednesday of each month where informal get-togethers are interlaced with talks by eminent speakers, and cover topics as far ranging as the birth of the universe, the namings of stars to meteorites and Apollo space missions. Membership of BAS entitles you to attend all the Society's meetings, talks, presentations and Events that are held throughout the year.'

'A history society based in North-East Bedfordshire, UK ... We try to promote an interest in history, and particularly local history, though regular, monthly meetings and also through our Research Group.'

'We inspire, enable and encourage people to get involved with history, whether in the classroom, at college, in the library or at home. We passionately believe the study of history should be accessible to all people at all levels of study ... The Historical Association is an active organisation with events happening up and down the UK. The local branches all have a lively lecture programme open to both members of the association and any general member of the public wishing to come along.'

'Through its meetings and its advice and information service, IFN, with its member bodies, helps make better known and understood the teachings, traditions and practices of the different faith communities in the UK and the pattern of their inter faith work and builds good relations between people of different faiths in the UK.'

'The photographic society for keen amateur photographers in North Bedfordshire and beyond ... Kempston Camera Club is a small and very friendly group of digital & film photo enthusiasts which has been in existance since 1970. We pride ourselves on being very relaxed and approachable: none of the cliques and stuffiness that characterise so many photo clubs here! ... All interests are catered for, with a mix of competitions, talks, practicals, visits, etc. However, whilst in no way abandoning our film-based heritage, we are very much tuned into the needs of newcomers to digital imaging.'

'Join Us for the following Benefits: * Opportunity to participate in Overseas Study Tours; * Receive Ten Issues of Club magazine The Bulletin every year; * Meetings, normally monthly, at seven local Branches; * Annual Christmas and Overseas Study Tour Reunions in London.; * Access the Club Library.'

'Represents groups of volunteers interested in conserving cemeteries large and small. The Cemetery Friends give their time clearing and maintaining areas, often working with local ecology groups to maintain a balance between wildlife and heritage. Friends may also provide guided walks, open days and special events and work on projects with English Heritage and other organisations.'

'The United Kingdom currently boasts the largest national aerospace industry in Europe and the second largest in the World. The Royal Aeronautical Society has a large number of branches serving all the major hubs of aerospace activity throughout the UK, represented by a diverse range of members from technical, military, and enthusiast backgrounds.'

'Groups which meet and converse in the UK and beyond, usually gathering once every month. The event was founded in London, UK by Dr Scott Campbell in 1999, for all those interested in science, history, psychology, philosophy, investigative journalism and how to examine extraordinary claims of all types. A speaker (or number of speakers) is invited each month to present a topic of interest, which is followed by a discussion in a relaxed and friendly pub atmosphere.'

'Exists to arouse, stimulate and maintain interest in ships, shipping and related matters amongst the general public; to promote understanding of these subjects and their rich heritage by compiling, publishing and preserving records and illustrative material concerning ships and their part in mercantile and naval activity; and to promote and advance public education in current and historical nautical affairs ... Branch meetings, held throughout the world, allow members to share their knowledge, experience, and joy of the shipping and naval industries. From the young to the elderly, the membership is diverse and reflects a wide range of maritime or naval history. Yet all share an abiding love for the ships that travel the seas.'