This month marks a milestone I never imagined when I sent out that first newsletter twelve months ago: Broxtown turns one. What began as a small experiment has grown into something far more meaningful, a shared platform, a growing community, and a voice for Broxbourne.

I'll be honest: Broxtown happened almost by accident. In 2024, I was writing about sustainability, a topic I still love deeply but something wasn't clicking. The audience I hoped to reach wasn't there, and I struggled to connect with people who shared my passion. I had already invested in Beehiiv, a brilliant newsletter platform, and didn't want to let it go to waste.

Then it hit me: why not write about what's happening right here in our community? Information was easy to gather, and people were accessible. After worrying for all of five minutes about what others might think, I dove in. I started hunting for local stories - (here’s my first), reaching out to the people making things happen, politicians (not for politics, but for their stories), community leaders, and local heroes. That's when I met our young MP and began following what the council was doing.

I also noticed something important: the local Mercury had stopped delivering news both online and in print. There was a gap, an opportunity to fill a real need. What I didn't realize then was that I was laying the foundation for what would become a local media company.

From the beginning, Broxtown has been driven by a few core beliefs:

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The past year has been extraordinary. Broxtown has interviewed leaders of local businesses, community champions, government representatives, councillors, and two mayors. I have also been to the Parliament, thanks to Lewis Cocking MP. I've delivered 20,898 newsletters to residents, published just over 200 issues to nearly 2,000 subscribers, and built audiences of over 1400 followers on both Facebook and Instagram. Today, I’m reaching approximately 3,400 residents across Broxbourne each week.

Did I expect this in just twelve months? Absolutely not. Is it where I ultimately want to be? Not yet, but I'm thrilled with what I've accomplished in such a short time.

I've attended countless events, with last summer being a personal highlight. Last Christmas, I met some incredible community heroes who were honored as the Community Champions of 2024. Now I’m already looking ahead to 2025's honourees.

Along this journey, I've met remarkable people who've become some of my greatest supporters. Lewis Cocking MP, Ray Lowe from the now-closed Ray Lowe Studios in Cheshunt has been wonderful. Maria G Vaciago, a talented local author whose books you should absolutely buy for your children, has been a champion. Andy Morrison from UK Property Development has been another great ally. There are countless residents to whom I owe a coffee, and those generous souls who've bought me coffee, both physically and virtually. I cannot forget the council also. They have allowed me to cover some of the exclusive events in the borough. They are very supportive bunch at the council.

Broxtown represents all the towns within Broxbourne Borough, from Waltham Cross to Hoddesdon, Goffs Oak, Wormley, Flamstead End, Turnford, Cheshunt, and Bury Green. Broxtown is becoming synonymous with local news, exactly as I envisioned. This borough is unique: more London than Hertfordshire, yet perfectly balanced. Those in London wish they were here, and those in Hertfordshire come here for that London feel. We have great leaders and, thanks to Hertfordshire Police, one of the best safety records around.

For the next twelve months, I want to tell your stories. I want to help others write about the human experience in this small but beautiful borough.

Here's what's coming in Year Two:

Having recently become a Community Interest Company (CIC) - Mediatown Community CIC, I'm more dedicated than ever to serving the people of Broxbourne and Hertfordshire as a whole. Through newsletters, editorials, and interviews, Broxtown aims to:

While I'm passionate about this work, I can't do it alone. Here's how you can help make Broxtown even stronger:

Share and Subscribe: Help us reach tens of thousands by sharing Broxtown with friends and subscribing if you haven't already.

Tell Your Stories: Have an event to promote? A job opening? A business to showcase? Broxtown is your platform.

Partner with Us: We're looking to collaborate with local schools to share notices for parents, churches to connect with congregations, and anyone with a story worth telling.

Write with Us: If you have a passion for writing or storytelling, we want to hear from you. We have AI tools to help where you need support—I use them myself to optimize my work, which is how I've been able to accomplish so much on my own.

Sponsor Us: If you run a local business in healthcare, property, trades, or any family enterprise and want exclusive access to our growing audience of 3,500+ residents, let's talk.

To every person who's read an article, shared a post, sent us a tip, replied to an email asking for clarification (yes, even about that controversial ad!), or simply said, "I love what you're doing" - thank you. You are the reason Broxtown exists.

A special shout-out to the local restaurants that have welcomed me: Dejavu Cheshunt, Shahansha, Mantos, Mysa in Hoddesdon, and the amazing team at Hasley Masonic Hall. You've made this journey even sweeter.

If I haven't met you yet, that means there's a story waiting to be told. If you have a voice yearning to be heard or simply want to be part of something building Broxbourne from the inside out, this is your invitation.

Happy 1st Birthday to Broxtown, and here's to many more stories, many more voices, and many more reasons to be proud of our town.

Let's write the next chapter together.

Over the next few weeks, we will be rolling out plans leading up to our celebration Brunch 11am - 1PM on the 23rd October in Cheshunt.

Want to support Broxtown? Buy me a virtual coffee | Have a story to share? Get in touch | Interested in sponsorship? Let's talk

I’ll be hosting a special giveaway featuring the Hertstown Media Hertfordshire Wall Calendar — the last of its kind following the Local Government Reorganisation.

A few lucky winners will receive this exclusive calendar for free, while others will have the chance to purchase it on the spot.

Keep an eye out for the upcoming questions and instructions on how to win your 2026 Hertfordshire Wall Calendar, beautifully illustrated with hand-drawn watercolour landmarks from across the county.

Have questions or suggestions to improve our newsletter? Got a story to share? Email us at [email protected].

Interested in advertising with us? Drop us a line at the same email address.

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Have a fab day!

Cheers,
Editor-in-chief | Emeka Ogbonnaya

P.S. Want to sponsor our newsletter? Email us at [email protected]