Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Your questions answered
Accessibility
Do you have a lift?
Yes. A lift is available, providing access to the first floor and all teaching areas located upstairs.
Can I bring my wheelchair or mobility scooter inside?
Yes, the building is accessible. We have a lift for access to the first floor. Please do let us know about your mobility and the assistance you may require when you make your booking or become a member.
Access via Bushmead Avenue
Members can access the building via the garden by using the entrance gate that connects to Bushmead Avenue. Please note there is no wheelchair or disabled access from Bushmead Avenue due to a set of steps at that entrance. Visitors who require step-free access are advised to use the front entrance.
Help us help others
Bursary Fund
We hold a small bursary fund designed to support individuals who may need assistance in becoming members or enrolling in our courses. Its goal is to ensure that everyone has the chance to participate.
Please contact us to donate to the bursary fund.
Do you offer bursaries or financial support?
Yes. Our bursary scheme helps support learners who may otherwise struggle to afford course fees.
Who can apply for a bursary?
You can apply if you meet certain eligibility criteria, which may include low income, financial hardship, or specific personal circumstances. Full details are available from our admin team or website.
How do I apply?
You’ll need to complete a bursary application form and provide evidence of your circumstances. Our team can help you with the process if needed. The application form will be kept confidential.
What does the bursary cover?
Depending on your situation, a bursary may cover all or part of your membership or course fee.
When will I know if my bursary application is approved?
We aim to review applications promptly. You will be contacted by email with the outcome and any next steps.
Can I apply for a bursary for more than one course?
Yes, you may apply for bursaries for multiple courses, but support is subject to eligibility and available funds.
Booking a Course
Booking one of our courses is easy. You can book online, by phone or in person with our office team.
How do I book a course?
You can book online, by phone or in person with our office team. Full course information, dates and availability are listed on our website and in our brochure. The most up to date information can be found online.
Do I need to be a member to book a course?
Yes, membership is required to book the majority of our courses. However, we open up our Saturday programme and our Easter and Summer Holiday programmes to non-members so they can try out courses and see whether they would like to join. Our courses are designed for adults and all learners must be 18 years of age or over to attend.
Do I need to create an account to book a course?
Yes. As part of the process of becoming a member, an online account is created for you using your email address and a password of your choice. This member account helps you manage your bookings, view course history, update your details and access other member benefits.
Non-members (who only have access to limited courses during the year) can choose to set up a limited account to track their purchases or checkout as a guest without creating an account.
I’ve forgotten my member account details. How do I reset them?
Your account password is easily reset by following the “forget my password” instructions on screen. If you need assistance, please contact the office, who can help you.
Do you offer taster sessions?
Yes. Fancy trying out a class? Get in touch to book a free taster session. We know that committing to a longer course can feel like a big step. That’s why we offer a complimentary taster session, giving you the chance to meet the tutor, experience the teaching style, and get a feel for the level before you decide.
Taster sessions are open to both members and non‑members and are available subject to course duration (3 weeks or more) and space. Contact the office to book your spot admin@recbedford.co.uk or phone 01234302203
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept secure online card payments through our booking system. If you prefer, you can also pay by card in person or over the phone. We do not accept cash, cheques or BAC transfers, unless otherwise agreed.
Taster sessions are open to both members and non‑members and are available subject to course duration (3 weeks or more) and space. Contact the office to book your spot admin@recbedford.co.uk or phone 01234302203
How do I give feedback about a course?
We welcome your feedback at any time. We regularly assess our tutors, our courses and our facilities to maintain high standards, but our door is always open for your comments and suggestions. If you would like to give feedback, you can speak to a member of staff, contact the office, or email us directly. Your views help us improve and continue providing the best possible experience for all learners.
Your questions answered
Our Café & Garden
When is your café open?
Our café is open daily Monday to Friday, from 9.30am to 3.30pm (later on a Tuesday) during term time. The café also opens for our Saturday workshops and our Easter and Summer Holiday programmes.
Do I need to order a meal?
Many of our members do pre-order their meals or snacks but it is not a pre-requisite to eat in the café. For Saturday workshops, we may ask attendees to pre-order and a form will be circulate prior to the event.
Can I eat at the café without being a member?
Our cafe is one of the great benefits of being member here so you do need to be accompanied by a member or attending a course as part our Saturday workshops or our Easter and Summer Holiday programmes.
Can I bring a friend to eat at the café?
Yes. Friends, family members and guests are all welcome to join you in our café. Please sign them into our visitor’s book at reception.
Do I have to be attending a course to enjoy the café?
No. You do not need to be attending a course to come and enjoy the café.
How can I pay for my lunch?
You can pay by cash or card payment. There is a minimum charge of £1.00 for card payments.
Can I use the garden?
Yes. All members and their guests are welcome to enjoy our garden during opening hours.
Gift Aid
When can I use Gift Aid at the Centre?
You can apply Gift Aid when making voluntary donations or purchasing a Membership, including any contributions made through our online donations page. You will be asked to complete a short Gift Aid declaration confirming that you are a UK taxpayer and understand that you must pay enough tax to cover the amount we will claim back.
Can I cancel my Gift Aid declaration?
You can cancel at any time by contacting us via email or phone, or by updating your Gift Aid preferences in your customer account.
Can I use Gift Aid on my course booking?
No. Unfortunately we are unable to apply Gift Aid to course bookings.
Join Us
More About Our Membership
Do I need to be a member to attend a course?
The Rothsay Education Centre is run for the benefit of its members and the wider community rather than for profit. Membership is required to book many of our courses. Your membership helps support the Centre’s educational, social and wellbeing activities, and contributes directly to maintaining our facilities, running our programmes, and keeping our services accessible. Your support helps us continue providing high quality‑ learning opportunities for adults.
We do run courses and workshops for non-members during the year on Saturdays and in the holidays.
How do I become a member?
Simply register for an account on our website and purchase your chosen membership. Membership allows you to book courses quickly, update preferences, receive Centre updates and manage your information easily.
What benefits do I receive as a member?
As a member, you’ll enjoy full access to everything our Centre has to offer – including the ability to book and attend our wide range of courses, relax in our café, and make use of our facilities such as our welcoming garden and reading room. You’ll also receive our weekly emails, our newsletter so you can stay up to date with new courses, events and Centre news. Your membership includes a personal online account where you can get priority booking for courses, trips and events‑, manage your details, and track all your courses in one place, making your experience simple and enjoyable.
When can I renew my membership?
You can renew your membership from every June for the next academic year. Simply visit our website to complete your renewal online – it only takes a few minutes. Alternatively, you can purchase membership on a termly basis. Renewing ensures you continue to enjoy access to our courses, café, facilities and garden, along with all the benefits of your online account.
Join us to explore new ideas, develop skills, and be part of a vibrant community.
Your questions answered
Parking
Can I park at the REC?
Unfortunately, we have very limited car parking, which is reserved for staff and tutors. On street parking is available on the road outside the REC, subject to parking charges. There is a parking meter outside our building. There are several public car parks within walking distance of the REC, including St Peter’s car park which is the nearest.
Do you have disabled parking spaces?
No. However, there is a disabled parking bay available directly outside the Centre on the road, available on a first come first served basis.
Is it possible to leave my bicycle at the Centre?
Yes. We provide a designated area where you can safely lock your bicycle during your visit at the side of the building.
Trips
We run a varied programme of trips and visits throughout the year. Members receive priority booking on all excursions, and places are often in high demand, so early booking is strongly recommended. Members are also welcome to book one guest. To be among the first to hear about upcoming trips, please sign up to our mailing list.
I am interested in attending a trip, do I need to be a member?
We open our trips to members as part of our member benefits. However, members do get priority on booking for themselves and one non-member guest, as part of their member benefits. Once the member booking priority window has expired, additional non-members can be added.
How do I book a place on a trip?
You can book online, by phone or in person with our office team.
Spaces are limited, so early booking is recommended.
How will I know what is included in the trip?
We launch each trip with an email to our members, who have agreed to receive marketing communications from us. Each trip listing provides full details, including transport arrangements, itinerary, accessibility information and whether food, entry fees or refreshments are included.
Sign up to our mailing list here.
Link to mailing list
How do I pay for a trip?
Payment can be made securely on our website or in person in the office. All trips must be paid for at the time of booking.
Can I cancel my place on a trip?
Yes, but cancellation terms vary depending on the trip and any external supplier costs. Please check the specific cancellation information provided when you book.
What happens if the trip is cancelled by the Centre?
If we cancel a trip due to unforeseen circumstances, you will be offered a full refund or the option to transfer to another trip (subject to availability).
Can I bring a friend who isn’t a member?
Yes. Members can book for a non-member guest to come along as part of their member benefit. Additional non-members can be booked when the member booking priority window has expired. Dates will be included in the information e-mail.
Are the trips accessible?
We aim to make our trips as accessible as possible. Accessibility information will be provided for each trip, and we encourage you to let us know about any mobility or support needs when booking.
Is transport included in the price of the trip?
Yes, the majority of our trips include coach travel to the relevant destination. The trip description will clearly state whether transport is included.
What should I bring with me on the day?
Trip details will include guidance on what to bring – such as comfortable footwear, weather appropriate–clothing or lunch.
Will staff accompany the group?
Yes. All trips are accompanied by a designated group leader and a Trustee or volunteer, who will support participants throughout the day.