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.

Mayor Dave Hodgson has announced the creation of the Bedford Borough Council Climate Change Committee, which will work on a cross-party basis to maintain and accelerate the Council's remarkable progress in tackling climate change.

Mayor Dave, who was re-elected last week for a fourth term, will invite representatives from all political groups on the council to join the new Executive Committee as non-Executive members. The move will help ensure those of all parties and of none can contribute to ongoing work on this priority area for the Council.

Mayor Dave Hodgson has been re-elected as Mayor of Bedford Borough, for a further four year term. His victory with an increased percentage of the vote was also reflected in an excellent result for The Liberal Democrats, who won seats from Labour and the Conservatives and, with 6 gains, are now the largest party on the council.