Good Morning {{first_name | Reader}},

Welcome to February, the month that quietly signals a change. Love is in the air, the first signs of spring are starting to show, and even the hedgehogs are waking up. Yesterday was International Hedgehog Day, and Cedars Nature Centre shared snapshots of the prickly residents currently in their care, a small reminder that the seasons are shifting. Sorry, this came a little later than normal. We experienced some technical difficulties, which have since been resolved.

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, I’ll be keeping an eye out for the best local spots to wine and dine, because romance doesn’t have to mean leaving the borough.

This edition also marks the first time news updates and events are combined in one place, following your feedback. I’ve packed this issue with updates from across Broxbourne Borough, and it’s worth reading right to the end if you want a full picture of what’s happening locally.

The aim is simple, you should never feel out of the loop about what’s going on in town.

If you value this kind of local reporting and want to help keep it going, you can support the newsletter by buying me a coffee using the link below.

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The Mutually Accepted Resignation Scheme (MARS), approved on 27 January, offers severance payments to staff as an alternative to compulsory redundancies as the council responds to ongoing financial pressure.

Deputy Chief Executive Scott Crudgington said the scheme follows earlier measures such as recruitment freezes and reduced agency spending. Applications will be tightly controlled to protect essential services, with some staff excluded and roles only left vacant if no cover is required.

Conservative councillors raised concerns about staff morale, with Cllr Richard Roberts calling the move “an element of desperation.” Trade union consultation will take place before the scheme is rolled out. Severance terms and expected uptake have not been disclosed.

Source: Local Democracy Reporting Service

Westminster feels a world away until one of its decisions lands on your street. Lewis Cocking has been quieter than he should be getting credit for in January, so here's what he's actually been doing.

Fighting for fairer SEND funding. Hertfordshire is being underfunded compared to inner London boroughs. Cocking backed the F40 campaign in Parliament, which is lobbying for a real shake-up in how school and SEND funding gets split. This one hits close to home.

Visiting Isabel Hospice. He met staff at the In-Patient Unit to hear the pressures they're facing firsthand. He's committed to raising hospice funding in Parliament.

Grilling the PM on defence. At PMQs, he pressed the Government on a reported £28bn Ministry of Defence shortfall while they plan to spend billions on the Chagos Islands deal. A sharp one.

Calling out youth unemployment. Young people in Broxbourne are struggling to find work. Cocking used a parliamentary debate to lay out what education reform could actually look like, based on conversations with local employers and young people here.

Most MPs let their work vanish quietly. Cocking is at least making his visible. Want to keep up without the noise? Sign up to his monthly newsletter. No spin, just what he's doing for Broxbourne.

👉 Sign up to Lewis Cocking's newsletter here.

For weeks, motor traders at Theobalds Arches have been operating under a cloud of uncertainty, and now the council has finally responded.

Following our earlier reporting on motor traders' concerns about rumoured evictions at Theobalds Arches, we sought clarification on what was actually happening behind the scenes. Traders had told us they feared redevelopment plans could force them out, potentially disrupting long-established businesses and customer relationships.

Following a request for clarity, the council has issued a response. A spokesperson confirmed that, at this stage, there are no formal redevelopment proposals or eviction notices in place, and no confirmed plans requiring traders to vacate the arches. The council added that any future proposals, should they arise, would follow the appropriate consultation processes.

While the response offers short-term reassurance, traders say the lack of long-term certainty continues to create anxiety, particularly for businesses that rely on stability to invest, retain staff, and serve customers. We’ll continue to monitor the situation closely and report on any developments as more information becomes available.

More information about live planning applications can be found on the Council’s website at www.broxbourne.gov.uk/applicationsearch. Available commercial properties owned by the Council are advertised at www.broxbourne.gov.uk/businesspremises”

Who knew pasta could turn into art, and chaos into calm? Hoddesdon Library’s latest Family Fun session invites children into a Flower Pasta Art workshop, inspired by Benjamin Zephaniah’s Nature Trail. The session begins with nature-themed storytelling before little hands get busy crafting colourful floral creations. No stress for parents, organisers handle the mess. Spaces are limited, so booking early via the library’s social channels is essential.

They’re back on the move, hungry, thirsty, and increasingly at risk. To mark International Hedgehog Day, Friends of Cedars Park shared an update on their hedgehog rescue work, run with Cheshunt Animal Rescue for the past 18 months. Injuries from garden strimmers, roads, and open drains are common. As hedgehogs emerge from hibernation, residents are urged to leave out a shallow dish of water and meaty kitten food (no fish flavours) overnight. Hedgehogs are now officially on the Red List, and small actions can make a real difference.

The Year of the Horse is galloping into Waltham Cross Library with a free, family-friendly celebration. Expect a festive storytime followed by creative crafts, open to all ages. No booking, no barriers, just drop in and join the celebration.

Lowewood Museum is back, and it’s stepping out in style. The museum has reopened alongside the launch of its new website, with more content on the way. A brand-new exhibition, “Behind the Seams: Costumes from the Collection”, opens on 6 February and runs until 4 July 2026, showcasing historic costumes and accessories from the archive. Entry is free, donations welcome. Open Fridays and Saturdays, 10am–4.30pm. The reopening is supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

School holidays don’t have to drain your wallet. Hertfordshire County Council has pulled together a Kids Eat Free and low-cost dining guide just in time for half-term. Perfect for family days out, and easy to share with anyone who could use a break on food costs. The full list is available via the council’s social media channels.

CHEXS has teamed up with Helping Herts for February’s 12 for 12 Fundraising Challenge, and every pound raised will be matched. Participants choose an activity to complete for 12 consecutive days, from daily walks to dancing or ditching sugar. Funds support children, young people, and families locally. Sign up by creating a donation page via Helping Herts and email your chosen challenge to [email protected].

What if a walk through Waltham Cross turned into a journey through its ancient history?

This February, families can take part in a treasure map adventure trail that reimagines Waltham Cross through real locations, playful routes, and hidden clues. The map encourages explorers to slow down, look closer, and uncover overlooked corners of the town. Maps are available from local libraries and shops. Those who complete the trail can earn certificates, from Cadet up to Master.

To go deeper, we’ve also published an editorial on the history of Waltham Cross to add context to the adventure.
👉 Read the editorial and start the hunt.

Your weekends just got louder. Basketball sessions have returned to Waltham Cross Playing Fields every Saturday, with Divine, Matteo, and Dimitri running this week’s session. No experience needed, all ages welcome. Turn up, bring a friend, and get involved.

New year, new habit. Cheshunt Library is encouraging residents to set a reading goal for 2026, whether that’s one book a week, a new genre, or even a new language. With thousands of free titles available, there’s no excuse. New members can sign up online through the Hertfordshire Libraries website.

The community shop opened again this week thanks to Jane Claire keeping things running smoothly. Gift Vouchers for the Bee Keeping Experience are also available. Looking ahead, a community litter pick is planned for Sunday 8 February, meeting just behind the café at 10am. Everyone welcome.

📝 Description: A free drop-in session for parents and carers focusing on managing screen time and digital devices at home.
📅 Date: Wednesday 4 February
⏰ Time: 12:00–1:00pm
📍 Venue: Waltham Cross Library
🎟️ Ticket: Free (booked places priority, walk-ins welcome if space allows)
🔗 Learn More: [email protected] | 07970 498 966

📝 Description: A practical workshop for entrepreneurs, senior leaders, and managers on recognising and preventing burnout at work.
📅 Date: Thursday 5 February
⏰ Time: 10:00am–1:00pm
📍 Venue: Online
🎟️ Ticket: Free
🔗 Learn More: Calmer social media channels

📝 Description: Relaxed painting sessions with zero pressure. Themes include Lovers Lake and Otterly in Love. All materials provided.
📅 Date:
• Saturday 7 February
• Thursday 12 February
⏰ Time:
• 1:00–3:00pm
• 7:00–9:00pm
📍 Venue: Mayhem Function Hall, Hoddesdon EN11 8HF
🎟️ Ticket: £25 (includes unlimited drinks & snacks, ages 8+)
🔗 Learn More: https://splatterandnatter.art

📝 Description: A local clean-up to keep the area tidy and welcoming.
📅 Date: Sunday 8 February
⏰ Time: 10:00am
📍 Venue: Meet behind the café, community area
🎟️ Ticket: Free
🔗 Learn More: Just turn up

📝 Description: A full week of fun activities to keep kids busy during the school holidays.
📅 Date: Monday 16 – Friday 20 February
⏰ Time: Various sessions
📍 Venue: John Warner Sports Centre, Hoddesdon
🎟️ Ticket: Paid
🔗 Learn More: https://broxbourne.gov.uk/community/kidz-club

📝 Description: Rupert Dickens explores the stories behind iconic album artwork.
📅 Date: Tuesday 17 February
⏰ Time: Doors 7:30pm | Talk 7:50pm
📍 Venue: United Reformed Church, Mill Lane, Broxbourne EN10 7BQ
🎟️ Ticket: £5 on the door (cash only), free for Friends members
🔗 Learn More: Friends of Lowewood Museum

📝 Description: Learn how grassroots energy projects are helping communities cut costs and generate clean power.
📅 Date: Tuesday 17 February
⏰ Time: 5:30–8:30pm
📍 Venue: Wormley Community Centre EN10 6DX
🎟️ Ticket: Free
🔗 Learn More: Local listings

📝 Description: A night of stand-up comedy from top UK circuit acts, with a fully stocked bar and pro sound and lighting.
📅 Date: Thursday 27 February
⏰ Time: Doors 7:00pm | Show 8:00pm
📍 Venue: Hertfordshire Studios Live Space, Hoddesdon
🎟️ Ticket: Paid
🔗 Learn More: https://jongleurs.com

📝 Description: A practical online session to help local businesses build confidence and traction online.
📅 Date: Date TBC
⏰ Time: Confirm on booking
📍 Venue: Online
🎟️ Ticket: Booking required
🔗 Learn More: Via Michael Niles on social media

📝 Description: Bring your friends, bring your brain, and bring someone to blame when it all goes wrong. Expect geography, sport, music, TV & film, plus sound and taste rounds to keep things lively. Food and drinks available all night at The Terrace.
📅 Date: Thursday 12 March
⏰ Time: 7:00–10:00pm
📍 Venue: Sópers House
👥 Teams: Up to 6 people
🎟️ Ticket: Free entry (prizes up for grabs)
🔗 Learn More: Register by 10 March – [email protected]

Set along the sought-after Cozens Lane West in Broxbourne, this five-bedroom detached home offers over 3,100 sq ft of beautifully arranged living space across three floors. Priced at £1,150,000 (£370 per sq ft), it’s a standout family home combining generous proportions with modern comfort.

The property features three reception rooms, a spacious kitchen and breakfast room, utility, cloakroom, garage, and four bathrooms including three en-suites. Underfloor heating runs across the ground and first floors, with double glazing throughout.

Overlooking the New River, the home is ideally positioned close to excellent schools, local shops and restaurants, Hertfordshire Golf & Country Club, and Broxbourne Station, offering fast links into London Liverpool Street and Stratford..

Price: £1,150,000 | Type: Detached | Beds: 5 | Baths: 4 | 3 Reception

Tuesday

5°C 🌡 4°C | 🌧 Light rain and a moderate breeze | ☀ Sunrise 07:37 Sunset 16:52

Wednesday

10°C 🌡 4°C | ⛅ Sunny intervals and a gentle breeze | ☀ Sunrise 07:37 Sunset 16:52

Thursday

8°C 🌡 5°C | 🌧 Light rain and a gentle breeze | ☀ Sunrise 07:33 Sunset 16:56

Friday

9°C 🌡 6°C | 🌧 Light rain and a gentle breeze | ☀ Sunrise 07:32 Sunset 16:58

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Wishing you a fantastic rest of your day!

Cheers,
Editor-in-chief | Emeka Ogbonnaya

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