Hello and happy Tuesday!
Long time no see! I’ve missed catching up with you! I took a short breather to recharge before the final stretch of the year, and now we’re firmly in festive-mode across the borough.

To make up for the mini-hiatus, I’ve pulled together everything you need to know this week: key updates, corrections, big announcements, and a packed lineup of events happening today, this weekend, and throughout the season. The Spotlight and Hertfordshire Studios are fully loaded with Christmas shows, so grab your tickets while you can. And yes… stick around to the end, there’s a little surprise waiting.

In today’s issue:

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Hertfordshire social care officials are recruiting "extraordinary people" to join the NEST fostering scheme, offering £80,000 annual allowance per child to care for vulnerable children who would otherwise require residential care. Former police officers, teachers, health professionals and social workers are being targeted for the scheme, which has already placed two children from a pilot programme with three more placements planned by January 2026. The initiative aims to save money compared to residential placements costing over £300,000 annually while providing children with stable family environments. NEST carers must give up existing employment and cannot have other children under 16 at home.

Source: Herts Live

Hertfordshire's Shared Anti-Fraud Service (SAFS) is celebrating its 10-year anniversary during International Fraud-Awareness Week (16-22 November), having identified savings and prevented losses of over £75 million of public funds. The service has grown from a nine-officer pilot in 2015 to a team of 26 dedicated officers now working with eight local authorities, 11 social housing providers and over 20 other public bodies nationwide. SAFS has received more than 10,000 fraud referrals, identified genuine fraud in over 2,500 investigations, secured 100 successful prosecutions and recovered almost 200 properties. Their largest case involved a decade-long adult care fraud totalling £750,000, with three defendants receiving custodial sentences of three to five years.

Find out more about SAFS

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Broxbourne Council has kicked off a major push to make school drop-off zones safer, starting with a hands-on ‘Day of Action’ at Longlands School in Turnford.

Cllr Jim Clune, Cabinet Member for Environment and Community Safety and Conservative councillor for Wormley and Turnford, led the operation, joining forces with Neighbourhood Police and Broxbourne Council Parking Enforcementto tackle persistent concerns around driving and parking on Nunsbury Drive.

Throughout the morning and afternoon rush, officers spoke directly with parents, drivers, and local residents — guiding motorists towards safer parking spots, offering practical road-safety tips, and easing tension on the busy street. Their presence helped smooth out congestion and set clearer expectations for safer behaviour around the school gates.

Cllr Clune said the initiative is just the beginning:

More schools across the borough are already being lined up for the next wave of action as Broxbourne doubles down on protecting pupils and easing pressure on neighbourhood streets.

We’d like to set the record straight following an error in our last newsletter regarding Cllr Alex Curtis.

Our previous report did not clearly state that all allegations of wrongdoing were dropped, and that Cllr Curtis remains a Conservative councillor. While the Broxbourne Borough Council website lists him as unaligned, the Hertfordshire County Council website correctly identifies him as a Conservative councillor for Hoddesdon North (4).

We sincerely apologise for any confusion caused. Our commitment is, and always will be - to provide accurate, transparent information to our community.

The nominations are in and wow, the community showed up! After a lively round of submissions, the shortlist for the 2025 Community Champion Awards has officially dropped.

Two categories had single nominations, making the winners automatic:

Both will be featured alongside the others in a special edition spotlighting their incredible contributions. This will help you understand their contributions in details and help you cast your vote well informed. Voting for the remaining categories opens Friday and runs until 7th December. Winners will be announced on 10th December.

Get in touch if you’d like to help with financial resources required to secure their presents and hampers, do reply this email.

The Broxtown Community Champion Gala, originally planned as a big night out in Hoddesdon to honour our borough’s unsung heroes, has been cancelled due to low ticket uptake.

Organisers say they’re disappointed, especially as the event was meant to celebrate not just the award winners but also the loyal residents who’ve supported Broxtown since day one. Still, the Community Champion Awards themselves will go ahead, and the winners will be honoured. That part is non-negotiable.

Looking ahead, the organiser promises a bigger, better event next year, likely with earlier ticket sales and a venue chosen by the community.

Until then, here’s to the champions, and here’s to 2026.

H.A.B.S Strength and Mind, a trusted, award-winning Hertfordshire charity, has kicked off its Christmas Appeal, calling on the community to help families and children facing hardship this festive season.

HABS provides early intervention, targeted emotional-wellbeing support, crisis assistance, counselling, coaching, and practical help for families in tough situations. Their mission is simple but vital: ensure no child is left without support, especially when life gets difficult.

CEO Leigh Cole is urging residents to get involved in any way they can this Christmas, saying every bit of help makes a real difference to a young person struggling through the holidays.

If you’d like to donate or take part, visit their appeal page:
habsfamily.co.uk/get-involved

Citizens Advice East Herts is recruiting volunteers for a one-day-a-week role. No experience needed, just curiosity and solid IT skills. Training includes weekly sessions in Buntingford, shadowing advisers, and learning to support clients with housing, benefits, debt, and more.

Interested? Email [email protected] by the end of December or call 01920 459944 for a callback.
Starts: Wednesday 14th January 2026
Location: The Manor House, Buntingford, SG9 9AB

One last Digital Skills session is available for 2025 in Stanstead Abbotts. Perfect for beginners or anyone feeling left behind by tech. Volunteers will help you or a loved one use phones, tablets, and laptops with confidence — from online shopping to virtual appointments.

Booking essential: Call 0300 123 1034
Date: Wednesday 10th December 2025, 2:30–4:00pm
Location: Nigel Copping Community Building, SG12 8GA

Arthritis UK and Live Longer Better Hertfordshire are hosting an online session to help people understand arthritis, bust myths about exercise, and learn simple self-management techniques.

Date: Tuesday 18th November 2025, 1:00–2:30pm (Online)
Questions: [email protected]
Register: via the event link.

📅 Sun 30 Nov • 4:45pm
📍 Elsie House → Town Centre → Sainsbury’s

The parade leaves Elsie House at 4:45pm, passing the old Police Station, Lowewood Museum and Spotlight Theatre before entering the town centre. Best views are along this stretch where crowds are lighter. The parade pauses briefly at Conduit Lane and the Clock Tower before finishing near Sainsbury’s fuel station.

Great alternative viewing spots: Burford Street, Brewery Road, and Morrisons car park. Wheelchair-friendly viewing available behind The Pavilion.

Marshals wanted: [email protected] / 07889 194090
🎆 Fireworks: 6:10pm after the Christmas tree lights.

📅 Sat 22 Nov • 10am–4pm
📍 Pavilions Shopping Centre

A festive family day with a VR sleigh ride, Santa & The Grinch, stilt walkers, crafts, face painting, raffles, Christmas stalls and the Deputy Mayor’s lights switch-on at 11am.
Free entry.

📅 Saturday
📍 Outside Dobsons, LMA Studios & Cheshunt Library

Meet Santa, enjoy festive entertainment, food and drink, games, and Christmas shopping in the heart of Cheshunt.

📅 Thu 20 Nov
⏰ 7:30pm – 10:00pm
🎟️ £18

A modern couple tries living like it’s the 1950s — but being a “perfect housewife” in 2025 isn’t all tea sets and tidy kitchens. Expect laughs, chaos and cracks in the “perfect marriage” façade.

📅 Fri 21 Nov
⏰ 7:00pm – 10:00pm
📍 Hertfordshire Studios
🎟️ £5 per child | Book: hertfordshirestudios.com

A brand-new youth club night featuring:

Info: 01992 899000 / 07904 333923
Limited tickets — book early!

A stunning 5-bed detached family home boasting over 3,100 sq ft across three floors, just a short walk from top schools and Broxbourne Station. This spacious property features five double bedrooms, three reception rooms, a luxury 19'3" x 17'3" kitchen/breakfast room, three en-suites, a family bathroom, underfloor heating, and a west-facing gardenoverlooking the New River. With a garage and parking for several vehicles, it’s the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and modern family living.

Tuesday

7°C 🌡 4°C | 🌧 Light rain and a gentle interval breeze | ☀ Sunrise 07:23 Sunset 16:07

Wednesday

6°C 🌡 1°C | 🌧 Light rain and a moderate breeze | ☀ Sunrise 07:25 Sunset 16:05

Thursday

5°C 🌡 -2°C | ☀ Sunny intervals and a moderate breeze | ☀ Sunrise 07:27 Sunset 16:04

Friday

5°C 🌡 2°C | 🌧 Light rain showers and light winds | ☀ Sunrise 07:28 Sunset 16:03

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Wishing you a fantastic rest of your day!

Cheers,
Editor-in-chief | Emeka Ogbonnaya

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