Good Morning {{first_name | Reader}},

Rain or shine, our community kept moving this past weekend, and there’s plenty more to come this week. Thank you for being here, your support is what keeps this going.

I’ve launched something new that I think you’ll really like: Hertstown Dinners, a community gathering designed to bring people together around meaningful conversation. Scroll down to find out more.

There’s been a lot happening locally, and this edition is packed to help you stay up to date. One small favour that really helps, if you enjoy the newsletter, please share it with a friend or family member and encourage them to subscribe. Reaching more readers helps keep this work sustainable, and my goal is to reach 10,000 subscribers this year.

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And if you value this kind of local reporting, you can support the newsletter by buying me a coffee using the link below.

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Hertfordshire Studios was alive with energy as young performers from across Broxbourne Borough took to the stage, playing their hearts out and showcasing incredible passion and drive. Bands, soloists, and performers delivered confident, powerful performances that showed just how much talent is growing locally.

After a tough decision, Lewis Heibert, Annabel Lewis, and Brooke Doherty were selected to perform at the BoB Awards 2026. Annabel Lewis was also named the overall winner and will receive support from the Charlotte Dove Performing Arts Trust to continue pursuing her dream.

A huge well done to all the young performers, and thank you to the organisers, judges, families, and teachers who made it such a special night for youth talent in Broxbourne. 👏🎶

Watch the MP at work - here

It should have been straightforward — but it wasn’t.

Broxbourne MP Lewis Cocking has criticised major property management companies after a tense parliamentary select committee session on rising service charges.

Cocking challenged firms, including Firstport, to explain how much service charges increased last year. He said they were unable to give a clear answer, calling the session “terrible to watch” and raising serious concerns about transparency for leaseholders — particularly in Broxbourne.

The MP has now urged residents affected by service charge rises or poor management to get in touch and share their experiences.

The completed Centenary Scroll was officially unveiled on Saturday 7 February, marking the culmination of a community-led creative project.

Around 80 people attended the reveal, including the scroll’s artist Tiah Algalarrondo and the Mayor of Broxbourne, Patsy Spears. Guests enjoyed a screening of Hertfordshire Libraries’ Through the Decades film, alongside hands-on activities including VR headsets and fruit pianos.

The reveal generated plenty of excitement, with many attendees spotting their own creative contributions within the artwork. Children rounded off the event with a scavenger hunt, searching the scroll for characters featured in its design.

Thanks were shared with contributing venues and community groups, including Lowewood Museum, The Community Skills Hub, and the 3rd Waltham Cross Scouts, as well as the library team who brought the project together.

The finished Centenary Scroll will soon be displayed in the library for the wider community to enjoy.

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Families in Waltham Cross can now set off on a new town-centre adventure with the launch of an interactive Treasure Map Trail. Designed for young explorers, the trail guides children and parents through local landmarks while turning the high street into a fun, educational experience.

The initiative encourages families to stay active, discover hidden corners of the town, and learn more about Waltham Cross’s local heritage, all while enjoying time together outdoors.

👉 Read more to find out how to take part.

Residents across Broxbourne are being urged to take part in a major public consultation on the future of local government in Hertfordshire.

Central Government is proposing changes that would replace the current two-tier council system with new unitary authorities. Broxbourne residents have until 26 March 2026 to share their views, with feedback expected to influence how local services are delivered across the county for years to come.

👉 Have your say before the consultation closes.

Hertstown Media is launching Hertstown Dinners, small, curated gatherings hosted in local restaurants, bringing six local residents together around a clear theme and thoughtful conversation.

The first Hertstown Dinner takes place on Tuesday 25 February, with the theme:
Mid-career professionals quietly rethinking what’s next.

Applications are open now and will close in 7 days. Places are limited and allocated by application to keep each table intentional, balanced, and genuinely conversational.

👉 Apply now to be part of the first Hertstown Dinner.

Valentine’s week is in full swing, and local businesses across the area are getting into the spirit with special offers, giveaways, and Valentine-themed treats. From independents to restaurants, there are plenty of reasons to pop in and enjoy something a little extra.

Local restaurants in particular are pulling out all the stops, creating warm, welcoming spaces for couples, friends, and families to celebrate together. Our favourites this week include Fishy Delishy, Dejavu, and Mysa Restaurant, all offering an extra discount for Broxtown readers. Just mention the Broxtown Newsletter at the till.

If you haven’t booked a table yet, please do so now, tables are running out. ❤️

This Valentine’s Day, Teens Unite Fighting Cancer has teamed up with F&F to celebrate the bonds that matter most.

The partnership launches a limited-edition mini-me t-shirt collection for adults and children, designed around love, connection, and togetherness. For every t-shirt sold between 12 January and 1 March 2026, £2 will be donated to Teens Unite Fighting Cancer, helping the charity reach and support more young people living with, and beyond, cancer.

Supporters are also encouraged to get involved on social media. Spot the t-shirts in store, snap a photo, and share it by tagging @teensunitefightingcancer to help spread the message.

This Valentine’s Day, wear your love and make a difference.

Read More

Thrill-seekers looking to tick skydiving off their bucket list now have the chance to do so while supporting a local cause, as CHEXS launches a charity skydive fundraiser this spring and summer.

The skydives will take place at North London Skydiving Centre Ltd on Friday 8 May and Saturday 13 June, with participants raising funds to support CHEXS’ work. Adding to the impact, all money raised will be matched pound-for-pound thanks to the support of Helping Herts.

With only 25 places available per date, organisers are encouraging anyone interested to book quickly. The fundraiser offers a rare opportunity to experience an unforgettable skydive while making a meaningful difference to a local charity.

👉 Find out more and book a place at: https://www.helpingherts.com/skydive

Families across Hertfordshire now have plenty of ideas for keeping children entertained this half term, as Hertfordshire County Council releases a new list of “Fifty Thrifty” activities.

The curated selection highlights low-cost and free options designed for families and young explorers, from wildlife walks and outdoor trails to museum visits, art activities, and miniature railways. The aim is to help families get outdoors, stay active, and enjoy local attractions without stretching the budget.

With a mix of nature, creativity, and learning, the list offers something for all ages and encourages families to make the most of what Hertfordshire has to offer during the school break.

Residents are also being invited to share their own half-term ideas and hidden gems to help inspire other families across the county.

Improve your digital skills to help grow your business or career with free, in-person training from Google UK.

📅 Thursday 12 February
⌚ 1:30pm
📍 Theobalds Enterprise Centre (EN8 8YD)
👉 Book: https://ow.ly/VXnB50Y3CbT

Enjoy a relaxed, creative evening painting adorable “Otterly in Love” otters in a warm and welcoming setting at Lovers Lake.

📅 Thursday 12 February
⏰ 7:00pm – 9:00pm
🎟️ £25 per person

No art experience needed, all materials are provided. Your ticket includes unlimited tea, coffee, hot chocolate, soft drinks, assorted snacks, and you’ll take home your finished canvas at the end of the evening.

🖼️ Age: 8+ welcome

👉 Book your place: https://www.splatterandnatter.art/

A special Valentine’s menu with a complimentary glass of prosecco on arrival.

📅 Saturday 14 February 2026
⌚ From 7:00pm
💷 2 courses £42.95 | 3 courses £52.95
📞 01992 466666 | 📧 [email protected]

Activities running all week to keep children busy from start to finish.

📅 Monday 16 – Friday 20 February
📍 John Warner Sports Centre
👉 Book: https://www.broxbourne.gov.uk/community/kidz-club

Discover grassroots projects helping communities generate clean power and reduce energy costs.

📅 Tuesday 17 February
⌚ 5:30pm – 8:30pm
📍 Wormley Community Centre (EN10 6DX)
👉 Book: https://ow.ly/b8HH50Y3Bek

Hear from Lorna Pringle (Bank of England) and Ganesh Gnanamoorthy (Broxbourne Council).

📅 Thursday 26 February
👉 Book: https://ow.ly/Cz0v50XZYnB

Top UK stand-up acts, fully stocked bar, pro sound and lighting.

📅 Thursday 27 February
⌚ Doors 7:00pm | Show 8:00pm
📍 Hertfordshire Studios Live Space
🎟️ Paid tickets
👉 https://jongleurs.com

The Right Mindset for Sales and Marketing Success

📅 Friday 27 February 2026
⌚ 9:00am – 3:00pm
📍 Enterprise Hub, University of Hertfordshire
👉 Book: https://ow.ly/VhWL50XJxeU

For Broxbourne-based businesses only.

📅 Thursday 12 March
⌚ 9:30am – 1:00pm
📍 Spotlight Theatre (EN11 8BE)
👉 Book: https://ow.ly/67Pu50X65EW

Teams of up to six, prizes to win, food and drinks all night.

📅 Thursday 12 March
⌚ 7:00pm – 10:00pm
📍 Sópers House
🎟️ Free entry
👉 Register by 10 March: [email protected]

A practical online session to help local businesses build confidence online.

📅 Date TBC
📍 Online
🎟️ Booking required
👉 Details via Michael Niles on social media

Tuesday

12°C 🌡 9°C | 🌧 Light rain and a gentle breeze | ☀ Sunrise 07:25 Sunset 17:05

Wednesday

10°C 🌡 4°C | 🌧 Light rain and a moderate breeze | ☀ Sunrise 07:23 Sunset 17:07

Thursday

10°C 🌡 3°C | 🌧 Light rain and a gentle breeze | ☀ Sunrise 07:21 Sunset 17:09

Friday

6°C 🌡 1°C | 🌧 Light rain and a gentle breeze | ☀ Sunrise 07:19 Sunset 17:11

Saturday

7°C 🌡 1°C | ☀ Sunny and a gentle breeze | ☀ Sunrise 07:17 Sunset 17:12

Sunday

7°C 🌡 5°C | 🌧 Light rain a moderate breeze | ☀ Sunrise 07:17 Sunset 17:12

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👉 Get in touch using the link below.

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Wishing you a fantastic rest of your day!

Cheers,
Editor-in-chief | Emeka Ogbonnaya

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