Dementia Action Week is a national event that sees the public coming together to take action in supporting people that are affected by dementia. This year, there are free activities at The Higgins Bedford for all who are interested in or are affected by dementia.

Tibbs Art Activitea at The Higgins
Monday 16 May, 2pm - 3:30pm

Mayor Dave Hodgson has made improving skills, creating jobs and promoting growth priorities as Bedford Borough recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic. In March, Mayor Dave launched the new Skills Led Recovery Plan, in May he visited the Jobs Hub and later this year he will launch the Council's new Growth Plan for 2023-2027.

This year, the High Street will be closed for the River Festival weekend as it plays host to the One Hundred Motoring Display.

Over 100 dazzling vehicles will be displayed down the length of the High Street and around St Paul's Square.

This High Street closure is sponsored by Bedford BID, and will really see the town centre brought into the River Festival as part of this fantastic weekend which, also includes the Embankment, Russell Park, Mill Meadows and St Mary's Gardens.

A full timetable will return to the Bedford-Bletchley Marston Vale line from next Monday (16th May).

Check out the timetable at https://www.marstonvalecommunityrail.org.uk/news/.

Mayor Dave Hodgson has announced a scheme to encourage residents to come together to invest in renewables through a group-buying scheme for solar panels and battery storage - 'Solar Together Bedfordshire'.

Bedford Borough Council is working in partnership with Central Bedfordshire and Luton Councils as part of Solar Together Bedfordshire.

COVID-19 has not gone away. It's still really important to make sure that you and your family are protected, and people across Bedford Borough are getting protected with their booster and spring booster vaccinations.

You can book all of these vaccinations online on the NHS website at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination/.

In just four weeks we will be celebrating the Queen's Platinum Jubilee and there will be a number of events taking place across Bedford Borough.

We have waived the fee for road closures to enable residents to hold street parties but you still need to apply.

Street parties are a fantastic way for communities to gather together, and celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee over this long bank holiday weekend. I'm delighted we have been able to waive the application fee for holding a Jubilee street party, enabling people to close their street for the day and come together, celebrating right on their doorsteps with neighbours, friends and families.

Mayor Dave Hodgson attended the Bedford and District branch Royal British Legion Branch Centenary Service at St Peter-de-Merton Church this afternoon.