Programme of Friends Lectures and Events 2026
We are thrilled to present our new 2026 programme of talks.
Coming this Autumn –
Tuesday 15 September
Stephen Coleman, on Woodland Archaeology in Bedfordshire
7.30pm at St Andrew's Church Hall, Kimbolton Road
Tuesday 29 September
Martin Snaith, on The 1931 Schneider Trophy Race
7.30pm at St Andrew's Church Hall, Kimbolton Road
Tuesday 27 October
David Longman, on Tales from Bedfordshire Churches: The Admiral, the Rector and Long John Silver
7.30pm at St Andrew's Church Hall, Kimbolton Road
Wednesday 4 November
Group visit: Lowry Exhibition MK Gallery
For tickets and enquiries email fothbedford@btinternet.com
Tuesday 1 December
Matthew Edwards, on The finding of Richard III
7.30pm at St Andrew's Church Hall, Kimbolton Road
Tuesday 12 January
Dr Roger Bowdler, on Sculpture in the Gardens of Death
7.30pm at St Andrew's Church Hall, Kimbolton Road
Tuesday 9 February
Dr Nikki Frater, on Rex Whistler
7.30pm at St Andrew's Church Hall, Kimbolton Road
Tuesday 9 March
Matthew Hirst, a Trustee of Wentworth Woodhouse, on Wentworth Woodhouse
7.30pm at St Andrew's Church Hall, Kimbolton Road
Tuesday 23 April
Hugh St Clair on the artist John Banting
7.30pm at St Andrew's Church Hall, Kimbolton Road
Tuesday 22 September
Tony Ploszajski on The Birds of Bedfordshire
7.30pm at St Andrew's Church Hall, Kimbolton Road
Tuesday 13 October
Tim Knox, Director of the Royal Collection, on Royal Patronage
7.30pm at The Quarry Theatre in association with Bedford School Lecture Programme and
Sponsored by Cheffins Fine Art Auctioneers
Tuesday 3 November
Damien Odell on Haunted Bedfordshire
7.30pm at St Andrew's Church Hall, Kimbolton Road
Tuesday 24 November
William Rees, on The Martin Brothers
7.30pm at St Andrew's Church Hall, Kimbolton Road
Tuesday 8 December
Christmas Special - James Willis the History of Art in 90 minutes
7.30pm at St Andrew's Church Hall, Kimbolton Road
Tuesday 26 January
Adrian Woodhouse, on Angus McBean
7.30pm at St Andrew's Church Hall, Kimbolton Road
Tuesday 23 February
Hugh St Clair on Cedric Morris
7.30pm at St Andrew's Church Hall, Kimbolton Road
Tuesday 6 April
Antony Mackay, on Landscape Painting Live
7.30pm at St Andrew's Church Hall, Kimbolton Road
Talks are free with Friends’ membership and members are encouraged to bring guests.
For guests we currently operate an honesty policy and ask for a donation of £10 cash at the door or £8.00 min via our JustGiving web page.
For further information about all of the lectures visit and special events https://www.friendsofthehiggins.org/events-and-lectures
Joining the Friends of The Higgins Bedford
The Friends organisation plays an important part in the life of the art gallery and museum, and individual members enjoy an excellent range of benefits; joining the Friends will put you at the heart of The Higgins Bedford.
As a Friend you will enjoy:
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Regular talks and lectures
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Exclusive visits to private museums and houses (extra charges can apply
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Special access to new exhibition previews
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Discounts in The Higgins Bedford shop
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Discount on daytime purchases at The Higgins Pantry
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Opportunities to socialise with like minded people
For membership rates and a link to the joining page click here https://www.friendsofthehiggins.org/join-the-friends
Donations via JustGiving:
https://www.justgiving.com/onecheckout/donation/direct/charity/3086310
To find out more about the work of The Friends please visit the Friends of the Higgins website.