Good Morning {{first_name | Reader}},
It’s another grey week in Broxbourne, no sign of the sun yet, but that’s never stopped us! I’ve got all the updates from last week’s events and a look at what’s coming up.

Last night’s Broxbourne Community Event at The Spotlight was buzzing with energy and local organisations. Were you there? I hope you found what you were looking for and met a few new faces too.

A few quick reminders before we dive in:
📚 Waltham Cross Library remains closed for refurbishments.
🏗️ The Waltham Cross regeneration project is moving along nicely, exciting things are coming soon!

And now for the big announcement… 🎉
The Broxtown Community Champion Award 2025 is officially open for nominations! Scroll down to see how you can nominate your local hero. Plus don’t forget you’re invited to the Broxtown Birthday Brunch next week at Cleous Bites Kitchen. Yes, you! Come celebrate our first year together. Details are just below.

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Hertfordshire County Council wants your views on possible changes to local recycling centres.

From 3 October to 28 November 2025, residents can share their thoughts on three new ideas:

These ideas replace earlier plans (like shorter hours and a booking system) that were dropped after a council leadership change.

Cllr Paul Zukowskyj says the goal is to keep recycling centres running well while staying safe and financially sound. Regular users are especially encouraged to have their say before the council decides in February 2026.

👉 You can join the consultation on the council’s website under “Recycling Centres Consultation.”

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I Hate it Here is your insider’s guide to surviving and thriving in HR, from someone who’s been there. It’s not about theory or buzzwords — it’s about practical, real-world advice for navigating everything from tricky managers to messy policies.

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Because HR shouldn’t feel like a thankless job. And you shouldn’t feel alone in it.

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Great news for Broxbourne residents, the council is offering up to £30,000 in free home energy upgrades through the government’s Warm Homes Local Grant.

Working with the National Energy Foundation, the scheme covers things like insulation, new heating systems, double glazing, solar panels, and even heat pumps all aimed at cutting your energy bills.

To qualify, your home needs an EPC rating of D–G, and you must either live in an eligible postcode, get means-tested benefits, or earn under £36,000 a year.

Cllr Clune called it “a great chance to save money and make your home warmer.”

Check eligibility at 👉 gov.uk/apply-warm-homes-local-grant

or call 0800 107 0044 (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm) for free advice.

The James Foundation charity will take part in this year’s Wave of Light, a global remembrance event honouring babies who have passed away too soon. 🕯️

The charity is inviting families to join in by sharing their babies’ names, which will be added to a special remembrance template as part of the tribute.

“We want to fill this space with light, love, and remembrance,” the Foundation said in a statement.

Anyone wishing to take part can send a direct message or comment on the Foundation’s social media post to have their baby’s name included. The Wave of Light takes place each year on 15 October, when candles are lit around the world to remember precious lives lost.

The wait is over, nominations are now open for the 2025 Broxtown Community Champions Awards, proudly launched by Hertstown Media, the team behind Broxtown.

This year’s awards celebrate the incredible people of Broxbourne, both new and long-standing residents, who go the extra mile to make our borough a better place. Whether it’s your school football coach, swimming instructor, bin collector, postie, neighbour, or local volunteer, now’s the time to recognise them!

Nominations are open for one month, closing on 15 November 2025.

After that, the Broxtown team will shortlist the top nominees, and the community will vote for the final three between 22 November and 5 December.

The winners will be announced on 12 December, with an exciting presentation event on 13 December.

Last year’s winner, Kev Orkian, took home the title, with Helen Dobson and Maria Vaciago as runners-up. With nominations already rolling in, this year’s competition promises to be even bigger, and wilder!

To submit a nomination, complete the form using the link below.

Both the nominator and nominee must be subscribed to Broxtown for their entry to be valid.

So, what are you waiting for?

Let’s celebrate Broxbourne’s best, let the games begin! 🎉

👉 [Click here to nominate your Community Champion]

It’s official, Broxtown is celebrating its first anniversary!

In just 12 months, we’ve grown into a real community hub sharing stories, promoting local businesses, celebrating good news, and giving Broxbourne a stronger local voice.

To mark this milestone, you’re invited to the Broxtown Birthday Brunch, hosted by Hertstown Media, on Thursday, 23 October 2025, from 11am to 1pm at Cleous Bites Kitchen, Laura Trott Leisure Centre, Cheshunt. 🥂

This is our chance to celebrate what we’ve built together and to thank the readers, contributors, and supporters who’ve helped make Broxtown what it is today. Come say hello, enjoy some good food, and ask me anything about how Broxtown started and where it’s heading next!

And honestly… I don’t want to be alone on the day, so please, come join me! Let’s celebrate together and make it a brunch to remember.

👇 Use the poll below to confirm your attendance.

Your RSVP helps us plan seating and refreshments, and ensures there’s a slice of cake waiting for you! 🍰

📍 Event Details

📅 Date: Thursday, 23 October 2025

🕚 Time: 11am – 1pm

📍 Venue: Cleous Bites Kitchen, Laura Trott Leisure Centre, Cheshunt

Let’s raise a toast to one amazing year, and to an even brighter future for Broxtown! 💛

Share a review of your favourite pub, bar, cafe or Turkish and we’ll give them a shout. nothing says you cant self promote 😉

Tuesday

15°C 🌡 9°C | ☁ Light cloud and a gentle breeze | ☀ Sunrise 07:22 Sunset 18:10

Wednesday

15°C 🌡 8°C | ☁ Light clouds and a gentle breeze | ☀ Sunrise 07:24 Sunset 18:07

Thursday

15°C 🌡 7°C | ☁ Light clouds and light wind | ☀ Sunrise 07:26 Sunset 18:05

Friday

15°C 🌡 7°C | ☁ Light clouds and light winds | ☀ Sunrise 07:28 Sunset 18:03

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Wishing you a fantastic rest of your day!

Cheers,
Editor-in-chief | Emeka Ogbonnaya

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