Queenβs Park Community Organisation is a grassroots organisation and registered charity (1199226) targeting the most deprived areas in Bedford. We have four objectives, Welfare, Capacity Building, Recreation and Relief of Poverty. As a Bedford Charity, we empower local people to make a difference by building bridges between communities, schools and organisations via our 3 current programmes:
We believe all people should have equal access to the services, funds and opportunities they are entitled to.Β Our Intervention Officers support individuals to navigate statutory and non-statutory services and to manage a wide range of life issues compounded by discrimination, literacy and language barriers, cultural and religious differences.
We support small, inexperienced voluntary groups to set up, become positive influencers for change in their communities, and grow into self-sufficient and sustainable organisations.
QPCO believes that having a youth strategy is core to achieving change in Bedford. This is why we invested in developing a youth programme. As part of that work, we are currently running a social action project to empower young people through a range of recreational and educational activities to learn, get involved in their local area, and help build stronger communities by building bridges between young people and the diverse communities in the area.
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Yesterday we marked a heart-warming day of learning and connection as we joined the families and staff of Kingβs Oak Primary School for a special Slow Cooking Session.π²π
Much like our previous gatherings, the session celebrated the power of food to bring people together. Families explored new recipe ideas, learned practical ways to stretch traditional ingredients, and shared their own tips and experiences. The atmosphere was one of curiosity, teamwork, and community spirit.
To support continued healthy cooking at home, each participating family received a free slow cooker and an ingredients pack, helping them put their new knowledge into practice right away.
We extend our sincere thanks to King`s Oak Primary School and Farm for welcoming us so warmly, and to our supporters (Cadent and the Bedfordshire and Luton Community Foundation ) for helping make this session such a meaningful experience.
Yesterday we marked a heart-warming day of learning and connection as we joined the families and staff of Kingβs Oak Primary School for a special Slow Cooking Session.π²π
Much like our previous gatherings, the session celebrated the power of food to bring people together. Families explored new recipe ideas, learned practical ways to stretch traditional ingredients, and shared their own tips and experiences. The atmosphere was one of curiosity, teamwork, and community spirit.
To support continued healthy cooking at home, each participating family received a free slow cooker and an ingredients pack, helping them put their new knowledge into practice right away.
We extend our sincere thanks to King`s Oak Primary School and Farm for welcoming us so warmly, and to our supporters (Cadent and the Bedfordshire and Luton Community Foundation ) for helping make this session such a meaningful experience.
Wonderful hearing from the East Timorβs ambassador to the U.K. (JoΓ£o Paulo da Costa Rangel) on what 50 years of Timor Lesteβs independence means to him. For those that donβt know: The Democratic Republic of Timor Leste freed itself from foreign rule, twice! Between 60,000- 308,000 Timorese civilians died as a result of this oppression and violence. #timorlesteambassador #independence #proclamationofindependence #proclamationofindependenceday #timor
Wonderful hearing from the East Timorβs ambassador to the U.K. (JoΓ£o Paulo da Costa Rangel) on what 50 years of Timor Lesteβs independence means to him. For those that donβt know: The Democratic Republic of Timor Leste freed itself from foreign rule, twice! Between 60,000- 308,000 Timorese civilians died as a result of this oppression and violence. #timorlesteambassador #independence #proclamationofindependence #proclamationofindependenceday #timor
We had such a lovely time at the Welcome Space today! π
Our embroidery projects are really coming to life β itβs amazing to see everyoneβs creativity shine through. π§΅β¨
Thanks to everyone who joined us for a relaxed afternoon of stitching, chatting, and connecting. Canβt wait for the next one!
A huge thank you to Coop for food donationπ
A big thankyou to our lovely volunteers who give their time week after week we truly appreciate youπ
Fancy coming along next week? All welcome See you there!βΊοΈ
π
When? Every Wednesday
β° Time? 1PM β 5PM
π Where? Bhagwan Valmik Mandir Community Centre, 10β12 Bunyan Road, Bedford, MK42 9JB
π ββ¨ This space is made possible thanks to the hard work of volunteers from Bhagwan Valmiki Sabha Bedford and Queen`s Park Community Organisation staff. Proudly supported by the Living Well Fund (Cadent ) and managed by Bedfordshire and Luton Community Foundation.
#WelcomingSpace #CommunityConnection #BedfordCommunity #WeAreQPCO #CommunityEngagement
We had such a lovely time at the Welcome Space today! π
Our embroidery projects are really coming to life β itβs amazing to see everyoneβs creativity shine through. π§΅β¨
Thanks to everyone who joined us for a relaxed afternoon of stitching, chatting, and connecting. Canβt wait for the next one!
A huge thank you to Coop for food donationπ
A big thankyou to our lovely volunteers who give their time week after week we truly appreciate youπ
Fancy coming along next week? All welcome See you there!βΊοΈ
π
When? Every Wednesday
β° Time? 1PM β 5PM
π Where? Bhagwan Valmik Mandir Community Centre, 10β12 Bunyan Road, Bedford, MK42 9JB
π ββ¨ This space is made possible thanks to the hard work of volunteers from Bhagwan Valmiki Sabha Bedford and Queen`s Park Community Organisation staff. Proudly supported by the Living Well Fund (Cadent ) and managed by Bedfordshire and Luton Community Foundation.
#WelcomingSpace #CommunityConnection #BedfordCommunity #WeAreQPCO #CommunityEngagement
On Saturday the 29th we celebrated 50 years of Timor Lesteβs proclamation of independence with the Timorese community in Bedford.
Thank you to all in attendance!β€οΈπΉπ± Especially our dignataries:
Our working with the Timorese community is part of our βBack To Our Rootsβ programme. The celebration arrives at a time when migrant communities across the UK are facing increased hostility and misinformation. QPCO stresses that events like this are vital in countering negative narratives and providing space for genuine connection and understanding.
β¨ Camilia King - The High Sheriff of Bedfordshire / @bedshighsheriff
β¨ JoΓ£o Paulo da Costa Rangel - Timor-Leste Ambassador to the UK /
β¨ Hannan Ali - Deputy Lieutenant to His Majestyβs Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire Mrs. Susan Lousada / @bedfordshirelieutenancy @hannanalidl
β¨ Eric Masih - Former High Sheriff of Bedfordshire for 2021-2022
β¨ Tom Wootton - Mayor of Bedford Borough / @bedfordboroughcouncil
β¨ John Tizard - Bedfordshire Police & Crime Commissioner / John Tizard - Bedfordshire PCC @bedsopcc
β¨ Bishop Richard - @stalbansdio / The Diocese of St Albans
β¨ Mohammad Yasin - Labour Member of Parliament (MP) / Mohammad Yasin MP for Bedford and Kempston @yasinforbedford
Your attendance brought honour to the event and demonstrated a shared commitment to uplifting under-represented communities and celebrating the rich cultural heritage that strengthens our region.
#weareqpco #b2or #Timorleste #tebedai #easttimor #bedford #tebetebe
On Saturday the 29th we celebrated 50 years of Timor Lesteβs proclamation of independence with the Timorese community in Bedford.
Thank you to all in attendance!β€οΈπΉπ± Especially our dignataries:
Our working with the Timorese community is part of our βBack To Our Rootsβ programme. The celebration arrives at a time when migrant communities across the UK are facing increased hostility and misinformation. QPCO stresses that events like this are vital in countering negative narratives and providing space for genuine connection and understanding.
β¨ Camilia King - The High Sheriff of Bedfordshire / @bedshighsheriff
β¨ JoΓ£o Paulo da Costa Rangel - Timor-Leste Ambassador to the UK /
β¨ Hannan Ali - Deputy Lieutenant to His Majestyβs Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire Mrs. Susan Lousada / @bedfordshirelieutenancy @hannanalidl
β¨ Eric Masih - Former High Sheriff of Bedfordshire for 2021-2022
β¨ Tom Wootton - Mayor of Bedford Borough / @bedfordboroughcouncil
β¨ John Tizard - Bedfordshire Police & Crime Commissioner / John Tizard - Bedfordshire PCC @bedsopcc
β¨ Bishop Richard - @stalbansdio / The Diocese of St Albans
β¨ Mohammad Yasin - Labour Member of Parliament (MP) / Mohammad Yasin MP for Bedford and Kempston @yasinforbedford
Your attendance brought honour to the event and demonstrated a shared commitment to uplifting under-represented communities and celebrating the rich cultural heritage that strengthens our region.
#weareqpco #b2or #Timorleste #tebedai #easttimor #bedford #tebetebe
π Post-Event Thank You β Timor-Leste Independence Celebration πΊ
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended and supported our Timor-Leste Independence Day celebration. Your presence whether as a guest, performer, volunteer, partner organisation, or community member, helped create a truly unforgettable event.
Events like this remind us of the power of community. When we come together to share culture, food, history, music and stories, we strengthen the bonds that make Bedford such a vibrant and welcoming place. Celebrations like these donβt just honour heritage. They build understanding, belonging, and pride for future generations.
We are incredibly proud of our Timorese community for showcasing their beautiful traditions, and grateful to all who contributed their time, energy and spirit to make this festival possible.
Thank you for standing with us in championing diversity, culture, and unity. Together, we continue to build a community where every voice is valued, every culture is celebrated, and every person feels they belong. Obrigada barak / Thank you all. πΉπ±π
π Post-Event Thank You β Timor-Leste Independence Celebration πΊ
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended and supported our Timor-Leste Independence Day celebration. Your presence whether as a guest, performer, volunteer, partner organisation, or community member, helped create a truly unforgettable event.
Events like this remind us of the power of community. When we come together to share culture, food, history, music and stories, we strengthen the bonds that make Bedford such a vibrant and welcoming place. Celebrations like these donβt just honour heritage. They build understanding, belonging, and pride for future generations.
We are incredibly proud of our Timorese community for showcasing their beautiful traditions, and grateful to all who contributed their time, energy and spirit to make this festival possible.
Thank you for standing with us in championing diversity, culture, and unity. Together, we continue to build a community where every voice is valued, every culture is celebrated, and every person feels they belong. Obrigada barak / Thank you all. πΉπ±π
πΉπ± Timor-Leste Independence Day Celebration β A Thank You to Our Dignitaries πΉπ±
We are proud to share this heartfelt letter from the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire, who joined us for our first Timor-Leste Festival and expressed deep appreciation for the warmth, culture and contribution of the Timorese community in Bedford.
This celebration was made even more special by the presence and support of several distinguished guests who champion community cohesion and cultural recognition:
β¨ Camilia King - @bedshighsheriff
β¨ JoΓ£o Paulo da Costa Rangel - Timor-Leste Ambassador to the UK
β¨ Hannan Ali - Deputy Lieutenant to His Majesty`s Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire Mrs. Susan Lousada
@bedfordshirelieutenancy
β¨ Eric Masih - Former High Sheriff of Bedfordshire for 2021-2022
β¨ Tom Wootton - Mayor of @bedfordboroughcouncil
β¨ John Tizard - Bedfordshire Police & Crime Commissioner
β¨ Bishop Richard - @stalbansdio
β¨ Mohammad Yasin - Labour Member of Parliament (MP) @yasinforbedford
Your attendance brought honour to the event and demonstrated a shared commitment to uplifting under-represented communities and celebrating the rich cultural heritage that strengthens our region.
Our mission with Back to Our Roots is to highlight the positive impact that diverse communities bring to Bedford and its surroundings. Too few platforms exist to showcase these vibrant traditions and we are determined to change that.
We are grateful that the High Sheriff, along with all the dignitaries present, had the opportunity to experience the music, dance, traditions and hospitality of the Timorese community. Thank you for recognising their contribution to British life and for supporting our work.
Hereβs to many more Timor-Leste festivals and to continuing to build a Bedford where every culture is seen, valued and celebrated.
πΉπ± Timor-Leste Independence Day Celebration β A Thank You to Our Dignitaries πΉπ±
We are proud to share this heartfelt letter from the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire, who joined us for our first Timor-Leste Festival and expressed deep appreciation for the warmth, culture and contribution of the Timorese community in Bedford.
This celebration was made even more special by the presence and support of several distinguished guests who champion community cohesion and cultural recognition:
β¨ Camilia King - @bedshighsheriff
β¨ JoΓ£o Paulo da Costa Rangel - Timor-Leste Ambassador to the UK
β¨ Hannan Ali - Deputy Lieutenant to His Majesty`s Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire Mrs. Susan Lousada
@bedfordshirelieutenancy
β¨ Eric Masih - Former High Sheriff of Bedfordshire for 2021-2022
β¨ Tom Wootton - Mayor of @bedfordboroughcouncil
β¨ John Tizard - Bedfordshire Police & Crime Commissioner
β¨ Bishop Richard - @stalbansdio
β¨ Mohammad Yasin - Labour Member of Parliament (MP) @yasinforbedford
Your attendance brought honour to the event and demonstrated a shared commitment to uplifting under-represented communities and celebrating the rich cultural heritage that strengthens our region.
Our mission with Back to Our Roots is to highlight the positive impact that diverse communities bring to Bedford and its surroundings. Too few platforms exist to showcase these vibrant traditions and we are determined to change that.
We are grateful that the High Sheriff, along with all the dignitaries present, had the opportunity to experience the music, dance, traditions and hospitality of the Timorese community. Thank you for recognising their contribution to British life and for supporting our work.
Hereβs to many more Timor-Leste festivals and to continuing to build a Bedford where every culture is seen, valued and celebrated.
πΌ Join Us at the Welcome Space! πΌ
This week weβre continuing our journey into the world of beautiful embroidery, and weβd love for you to be part of it. Whether youβre a seasoned stitcher or trying something new, thereβs a seat for you, a warm cuppa, and friendly faces all around.
Come along, get creative, and enjoy a relaxing moment with us. β¨π§΅βπ¬
Everyone is welcome β hope to see you there!
π
When? Wednesday 3rd December
β° Time? 1PM β 5PM
π Where? Bhagwan Valmik Mandir Community Centre, 10β12 Bunyan Road, Bedford, MK42 9JB
π ββ¨ This space is made possible thanks to the hard work of volunteers from Bhagwan Valmiki Sabha Bedford and Queen`s Park Community Organisation staff. Proudly supported by the Living Well Fund (Cadent ) and managed by Bedfordshire and Luton Community Foundation.
#WelcomingSpace #CommunityConnection #FamilyFun #BedfordCommunity #WeAreQPCO #CommunityEngagement
πΌ Join Us at the Welcome Space! πΌ
This week weβre continuing our journey into the world of beautiful embroidery, and weβd love for you to be part of it. Whether youβre a seasoned stitcher or trying something new, thereβs a seat for you, a warm cuppa, and friendly faces all around.
Come along, get creative, and enjoy a relaxing moment with us. β¨π§΅βπ¬
Everyone is welcome β hope to see you there!
π
When? Wednesday 3rd December
β° Time? 1PM β 5PM
π Where? Bhagwan Valmik Mandir Community Centre, 10β12 Bunyan Road, Bedford, MK42 9JB
π ββ¨ This space is made possible thanks to the hard work of volunteers from Bhagwan Valmiki Sabha Bedford and Queen`s Park Community Organisation staff. Proudly supported by the Living Well Fund (Cadent ) and managed by Bedfordshire and Luton Community Foundation.
#WelcomingSpace #CommunityConnection #FamilyFun #BedfordCommunity #WeAreQPCO #CommunityEngagement
π TODAY IS THE DAY! Join us as we honour 50 years since the Independence of Timor-Leste β a day filled with culture, remembrance, and celebration. πΉπ±β¨
π
Saturday 29 November 2025 βπ 2:00 PM β 6:00 PM
π Queenβs Park Community Centre, 52 Marlborough Rd, Bedford, MK40 4LF
β¨ Whatβs On (Official Schedule):
π 2:00 PM β Official Opening & Welcome
π 2:15 PM β History Presentation
π€ 2:45 PM β Speeches from Dignitaries
β 3:00 PM β Refreshment Break
π 3:30 PM β Traditional Performances
π¨ 4:00β6:00 PM β Cultural Exhibition (tais weaving, clothing, art, artefacts & more)
All are welcome β come and celebrate culture, community, and connection! β€οΈπΉπ±
#TimorLeste50 #CelebrateTimorLeste #BedfordCommunity #CultureConnect #TimoreseHeritage
#CommunityTogether #UKEvents #CelebrateDiversity #BedfordEvents
π TODAY IS THE DAY! Join us as we honour 50 years since the Independence of Timor-Leste β a day filled with culture, remembrance, and celebration. πΉπ±β¨
π
Saturday 29 November 2025 βπ 2:00 PM β 6:00 PM
π Queenβs Park Community Centre, 52 Marlborough Rd, Bedford, MK40 4LF
β¨ Whatβs On (Official Schedule):
π 2:00 PM β Official Opening & Welcome
π 2:15 PM β History Presentation
π€ 2:45 PM β Speeches from Dignitaries
β 3:00 PM β Refreshment Break
π 3:30 PM β Traditional Performances
π¨ 4:00β6:00 PM β Cultural Exhibition (tais weaving, clothing, art, artefacts & more)
All are welcome β come and celebrate culture, community, and connection! β€οΈπΉπ±
#TimorLeste50 #CelebrateTimorLeste #BedfordCommunity #CultureConnect #TimoreseHeritage
#CommunityTogether #UKEvents #CelebrateDiversity #BedfordEvents
