It's Foster Care Fortnight 2019 across the UK, and Mayor Dave Hodgson and Bedford Borough Council are issuing a call for more foster families in Bedford Borough.

According to The Fostering Network, the UK's leading fostering charity which runs Foster Care Fortnight, over 8,000 more people with the right skills and experience are needed to offer loving, stable and secure homes to children and young people across the UK. In Bedford there is a particular need for those people who might be able to care for children over the age of 8, sibling groups and those who can look after children on a long term basis until they reach adulthood.

Mayor Dave Hodgson has encouraged people to use their vote in today's European elections.

Commenting on Facebook, Mayor Dave wrote:

"Voting is well underway in today's European elections. Make sure you use your vote!

I've cast my vote, for the Liberal Democrats, and if you haven't voted yet polling stations are open until 10pm.

The Bedford International Kite Festival is less than two weeks away, with this popular free event for all ages returning to Russell Park on Saturday 1^st and Sunday 2^nd June.

For the first time, the long-standing Kite Festival will be joined by the inaugural Bedford Festival of Motoring. This year will also see 'Party in the Park' on Saturday evening, hosted by the team behind the dance stage at 2018 River Festival.

Mayor Dave Hodgson helped re-open the Post Office at Queens Drive Shopping Parade yesterday in Goldington, Bedford. Mayor Dave joined the Postmaster and colleagues in the Londis store to celebrate the reintroduction of the range of Post Office services, at the same location as the branch that closed with the former shop on the site.

Following his recent re-election for a fourth term, Mayor Dave Hodgson has announced his new Cabinet. The new Bedford Borough Council Executive features one Independent and three Labour members in addition to 4 Liberal Democrat Councillors, reflecting the Liberal Democrats' increased strength in becoming the largest group on the Council following their six gains in the May 2^nd Council elections.

In his latest regular email, Mayor Dave Hodgson has once again thanked all those who supported him in the recent mayoral election, and given an update on the first week of the new term, including talks with representatives of all Council groups to "establish and consolidate good working relationships."

A public consultation event is taking place at Aspects Leisure Park on Tuesday May 14th on the plans for major redevelopment and upgrade of the complex. The event is taking place in the building adjacent to Pizza Hut, from 2pm to 8pm. You can see a copy of the flier on the Newnham Liberal Democrats Facebook page.

It's Love Your Local Market weekend in Bedford town centre this weekend, on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th May, and Mayor Dave Hodgson is encouraging everyone to go along and support their markets this weekend and throughout the year.

On Saturday, there will be lots on for the kids with free face painting from 10-4pm and free balloon modelling from 12.30pm-4.30pm. In addition, Gumbles Amusements will be back in Harpur Square with children's inflatables and rides.