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Good Morning {{first_name | Reader}},
The world feels unsettled right now. The conflict in the Middle East is escalating and de-escalating almost simultaneously, and it is exhausting to watch. Beyond the headlines of leaders claiming to be Jesus or plans to rejoin the EU, the real signal is closer to home: the price board at your local petrol station tells you everything you need to know about how all of this lands on ordinary people.
Closer to home, schools resumed yesterday after Easter, which means the morning routine has returned whether parents were ready for it or not. And somewhere between the chaos, there was a genuinely brilliant moment last week: Artemis II returned safely to Earth after its lunar journey. A reminder that humans are still capable of extraordinary things when they are not busy shouting at each other.
On that note, we have kicked off a project to map out restaurants across Hertfordshire that take group bookings, ready for summer. If you know a great spot in your area, hit reply and tell us. We want to hear from you.
Today's edition is a full one. Every part of the county has something going on, whether that is news, events, or both. Oh, and AI has somehow made it into the Hertfordshire County Council agenda this week. If that sounds like your world, there is even a free online AI Workshop session for Small Businesses coming up locally. More inside.
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Real conversations, shared over a local table
Bringing people together over good food
Hertstown Dinners are small, curated gatherings of six people in local restaurants, built around a clear theme. Thoughtful conversation, not networking or pitches.
Open Theme: Rising Cost of Living
Good food, meaningful discussion, and people who care about their community.
Spaces are limited and allocated by application to keep it intentional.
Future dinners will be announced via this newsletter.
🏛️ HERTFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL
Hertfordshire plants 128,000 trees in a year, smashing its own target
Hertfordshire County Council has exceeded its target of planting 101,000 trees in 2025/26, with 128,245 new trees established across the county by the end of December. The bulk of those came through the Your Tree Our Future scheme, which distributed 94,000 free trees to more than 5,000 residents to plant on their own land. A further 24,547 trees are being delivered through 19 confirmed landowner projects.
AI is making Freedom of Information requests harder to answer, council warns
Hertfordshire County Council is only meeting its 20-working-day FOI response target in 71% of cases, down from the previous quarter, with officers citing a surge in AI-assisted requests as a key factor. In the last three months of 2025 alone, the council received close to 600 FOI requests, up from around 400 in the previous quarter. The council's own report notes that AI is making requests more wide-ranging and more difficult to respond to.
National Pet Day: 40+ dog-friendly spots across Hertfordshire
To mark National Pet Day, Hertfordshire County Council published a curated list of pet-friendly eateries, green spaces and activities across the county. The K9 Capers guide covers dog-welcoming venues from Bishops Stortford to Watford, including pub chains, independent cafes, park cafes and restaurants. Whether you are in Hertford, Hitchin, St Albans or Tring, there is somewhere nearby to take your four-legged companion this week.
CNBC says investors have "nowhere to hide." But one exclusive platform just posted a 22.9% net return. Here's how to get in.
Despite an exciting bull run, gold fell 25% from its January peak.
Bloomberg's Marcus Ashworth said it this week: "No more reliable safe havens."
But Masterworks has been offering fractional investments well outside the norm. Typically those exclusive to the ultra-wealthy.
One of those was an Elizabeth Peyton painting. Total net return to hundreds of their members: 22.9%. Typically 3-10 years, this rare turnaround took just a few weeks.
That's sale number 27. Net annualized returns on sales like 14.6%, 17.6%, 17.8%.
So, despite macro turmoil, the art market has been trending up.
U.S. auction sales jumped 23.1% last year. The $1mm-$5mm segment grew 40.8% in value.
Few people know this. But postwar and contemporary art grew 10.2% annually with near-zero correlation with the S&P 500 over the last 30 years.*
Masterworks lets you invest in shares of works featuring Banksy, Basquiat, Picasso, and more.
70,000+ members. $1.3 billion across 525+ works.
*According to Masterworks data. Investing involves risk. Past performance not indicative of future returns. See important disclosures at masterworks.com/cd.
COMMUNITY UPDATES
MP Lewis Cocking brings 250 older residents together for second annual fair
Broxbourne's MP Lewis Cocking hosted his second Older Persons' Fair at The Spotlight, Hoddesdon on Friday 10 April, drawing over 250 residents and 30 exhibitors including Age UK, the NHS, Hertfordshire Zoo, police and fire services. The event was designed as a one-stop resource hub for older people in the borough, with Tesco Extra Cheshunt providing refreshments on the day. Cocking used the occasion to restate his campaign priorities: restoring in-person banking to high streets, improving bus provision, and making healthcare easier to access locally.
Cedars Nature Centre is changing its animals. Here's what's staying and what's going
Cedars Nature Centre is making changes to its animal collection after Easter, with skunks, reptiles, and white-faced owls being moved off-show or rehomed. In their place, the centre is introducing guinea pigs, cockatiels, rabbits and budgies. These are more visible, daytime-active animals responding to visitor feedback. The tropical house is also being converted into a heated indoor classroom for school visits, parties, and educational experiences year-round. Kookaburras, the burrowing owl, meerkats, ferrets, rats and fish all remain.
Nonna Kitchen opens its kitchen to local kids for a free Easter pizza class
Many children joined Nonna Kitchen's Easter pizza-making class. It was a hands-on session that opened the restaurant's kitchen so local kids could learn the craft from scratch during the school holidays. It was exactly the kind of thing Easter in Broxbourne should look like: a local independent business giving something real back to the community. The next pizza classes are scheduled for the May half-term holiday, with dates to be confirmed on the restaurant's website soon.
LEGO Builders: the real kind
You may have seen the viral AI-generated LEGO videos doing the rounds online. The ones depicting conflict and war in unsettling miniature detail. This is not that. Future Builders at LEGO Big Build held a morning session where younger members of our community built their own original models. Some paying homage to classic video game characters, others entirely new creations. Before finishing with a round of Pac-Man in true retro style. More than 120 junior designers showed up. Good to see bricks being used for the right things.
Men's mental health evening: Hertfordshire Studios and HABS Strength In Mind
A men's mental health evening took place at Hertfordshire Studios, backed by local organisation HABS Strength In Mind as a chance for men across the borough to connect, listen, or simply show up for one another. The event required no agenda or confession. Just presence and community. Watch for future sessions if you missed this one.
Hoddesdon Library's family fun this month: Building Buildings
Hoddesdon Library's monthly Family Fun session this April is Building Buildings, inspired by the picture book In the City by Holly James and Hannah Tolson. Children get to hear the story, then build their own DUPLO houses and help construct a giant town together. Spaces are limited so book your place via the link below.
Sponsorship opportunities open for Broxbourne's St George's Family Fun Day
Broxbourne Borough Council is seeking sponsors for its upcoming St George's Family Fun Day, with packages available covering birds of prey displays, medieval reenactments and a family puppet show. Sponsors will receive on-the-day visibility and promotional inclusion across the event's communications. Interested businesses or individuals should contact [email protected] for more information.
Register to vote before Monday 20 April: local elections are coming
The deadline to register to vote in the upcoming local elections is Monday 20 April at 11:59pm. You can vote in person, by post, or by proxy. If voting in person, make sure you have accepted photo ID or apply for a free Voter ID card now.
Broxbourne firm HB Accountants promotes Karen Chase to Managing Director after 20 years
HB Accountants has appointed Karen Chase as Managing Director, following more than two decades with the firm in which she progressed from graduate level to leading its audit and accounts function. The appointment comes as Keith Grover, who served as Managing Director for 10 years and spent 40 years at HB in total, begins a gradual retirement. Grover will remain a director alongside Catherine Hill and continue to support clients and the leadership team through the transition.
Chase said she is passionate about the firm's people, clients and future, and credited Grover with laying the foundations the business continues to build on. Under her leadership HB will continue its apprenticeship and training programmes, community involvement, and sustainability initiatives that have brought the firm regional and national recognition.
AI Workshop for Local Small Businesses
Most local businesses are sleepwalking into a disadvantage.
Your competitors are already using AI to save time, cut costs, and move faster.
If you’re not, you’re falling behind. Simple.
This hands-on workshop is for local businesses and entrepreneurs who want to build real applications using AI tools, not just talk about it.
No fluff. No theory. Just practical ways to gain an edge before someone else takes your market.
⚠️ Learn it now, or compete with those who did.
👉 Register your interest: https://tally.so/r/woYA6b
📅 UPCOMING EVENTS
💼 Working Well: Preventing Burnout (Employees)
📍 Waltham Cross Community Skills Hub, Pavilions Shopping Centre
🗓️ Wednesday 15 April 2026
⏰ 9:30am – 1:00pm
🎟️ Free entry
👉 Book your place: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/working-well-preventing-burnout-in-the-workplace-for-employees-tickets-1984632068943
🌿 Friends of Cedars Park: Community Litter Pick
📍 Cedars Park (behind the café), Cheshunt
🗓️ Sunday 19 April 2026
⏰ 5:00pm
🎟️ Free entry
☕ CHEXS SEND Support Session
📍 Cheshunt Library
🗓️ Tuesday 21 April 2026
⏰ 12:00pm – 1:00pm
🎟️ Free entry (booking recommended)
👉 Book your place: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/d/united-kingdom--london--92111/chexs/
🎉 Hoddesdon Spring Fayre & Heritage Day
📍 Hoddesdon Town Centre
🗓️ Saturday 18 April 2026
⏰ 10:00am – 5:00pm
🎟️ Free entry
👩 Women in AI and Data
📍 Theobalds Enterprise Centre, Cheshunt
🗓️ Thursday 23 April 2026
⏰ 10:00am – 12:00pm
🎟️ Free entry
👉 Book your place: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/women-in-ai-and-data-tickets-1985500101251
💼 Community Alliance: Using Tech to Budget, Write and Report Smarter
📍 Nigel Copping Community Building, Stanstead Abbotts
🗓️ Wednesday 21 May 2026
⏰ 1:30pm – 4:30pm
🎟️ Free for members (free membership available)
👉 Book your place: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/from-plans-to-proposals-crafting-strong-competitive-funding-applications-tickets-1984291337807
🏴 St George’s Family Fun Day
📍 Cheshunt
🗓️ Friday 25 April 2026
⏰ Daytime hours
🎟️ Free entry
👉 Sponsorship enquiries: [email protected]
💼 Landlord and Letting Agent Forum
📍 Broxbourne Borough Council, Churchgate, Cheshunt
🗓️ Tuesday 28 April 2026
⏰ 5:30pm – 7:00pm
🎟️ Free entry
👉 Book your place: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/landlord-and-letting-agent-forum-tickets-1985904538935
💼 Working Well: Preventing Burnout (Entrepreneurs & Leaders)
📍 Online
🗓️ Thursday 30 April 2026
⏰ 10:00am – 1:00pm
🎟️ Free entry
👉 Book your place: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/working-well-preventing-burnout-in-the-workplace-for-managers-tickets-1984633929508
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🌿 May Day Fayre at Lowewood Museum
📍 Lowewood Museum Garden, Hoddesdon
🗓️ Saturday 2 May 2026
⏰ 10:00am – 4:00pm
🎟️ Free entry
👉 Learn more: https://lowewood.org.uk
💼 Business Start-Up Fundamentals
📍 Online
🗓️ Tuesday 12 May 2026
⏰ 11:00am – 12:00pm
🎟️ Free entry
👉 Book your place: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/business-start-up-fundamentals-tickets-1984633217378
🎬 Free Outdoor Cinema: Waltham Cross
📍 Queen Eleanor Square, Waltham Cross
🗓️ Tuesday 26 May 2026
⏰ 11:00am – approx. 5:00pm
🎟️ Free entry
👉 Showings: Zootropolis 2 (11:00am), The SpongeBob Movie (1:00pm), Wicked: For Good Sing-Along (3:00pm)
💼 Social Media & Digital Marketing Surgery (1-to-1)
📍 Online
🗓️ April 2026 (multiple dates available)
⏰ 45-minute sessions
🎟️ Free entry (Broxbourne residents & businesses only)
👉 Book your session: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/social-media-and-digital-marketing-surgery-april-2026-tickets-1981319442789
Picture Of The Day
Lego Builders
HEALTH & WELLBEING TIPS
A simple walk can do more than clear your head, it can strengthen your connections too.
Swap one solo walk this week for a walk with someone, a friend, partner, neighbour, or even a colleague. You’ll boost your mood, reduce stress, and have conversations that don’t happen sitting across a table.
No pressure, no agenda. Just movement and conversation.
Sometimes the easiest habit is the one that gives you the most back.
Sponsored by Our Resident Doctor.
🎨 TUESDAY MOTIVATION
The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.
The subconscious mind is one million times more powerful than the conscious mind.
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Broxbourne Borough Council | Cheshunt (Corporate Office)
£35,270 progressing to £38,000
Posted: 2026‑04‑06 | Apply Now
Broxbourne Borough Council | Cheshunt (Planning & Policy)
£38,000 progressing to £42,000
Posted: 2026‑04‑05 | Apply Now
Broxbourne Borough Council | Cheshunt (Senior Litigation Lawyer)
£55,000 progressing to £60,000
Posted: 2026‑04‑04 | Apply Now
Broxbourne Borough Council | Cheshunt (Communications Officer)
£32,000 progressing to £35,270
Posted: 2026‑04‑03 | Apply Now
Broxbourne Borough Council | Cheshunt (Assistant Centres Manager)
£28,000 progressing to £31,000
Posted: 2026‑04‑02 | Apply Now
Broxbourne Borough Council | Cheshunt (Operation Officer – Lifeguard)
£25,521 progressing to £27,000
Posted: 2026‑04‑01 | Apply Now
Broxbourne Borough Council | Cheshunt (Environmental Services Casual Staff)
£12.27 per hour (pro-rata equivalent)
Posted: 2026‑03‑31 | Apply Now
Broxbourne Borough Council | Cheshunt (Rehousing Pathways Officer)
£33,000 progressing to £36,000
Posted: 2026‑03‑30 | Apply Now
Broxbourne Borough Council | Cheshunt (Financial Services / Accountancy)
£38,000 progressing to £41,000
Posted: 2026‑03‑29 | Apply Now
Broxbourne Borough Council | Cheshunt (Legal – Junior Lawyer)
£32,000 progressing to £35,000
Posted: 2026‑03‑28 | Apply Now
MONDAY WEATHER 🌦 GOFF'S OAK
GOFF'S OAK
Tuesday 15 April 15°C 🌡️ 6°C | ☀️ Sunny | ☀️ Sunrise 06:10 | Sunset 18:08
Wednesday 16 April 16°C 🌡️ 3°C | ☀️ Sunny | ☀️ Sunrise 06:08 | Sunset 18:09
Thursday 17 April 16°C 🌡️ 3°C | ☀️ Sunny | ☀️ Sunrise 06:06 | Sunset 18:11
Friday 18 April 14°C 🌡️ 4°C | ☀️ Sunny, misty start | ☀️ Sunrise 06:03 | Sunset 18:13
Saturday 19 April 13°C 🌡️ 5°C | ⛅ Sunny intervals, 10% chance of showers | ☀️ Sunrise 06:01 | Sunset 18:15
Source: Met Office (Cheshunt), updated 13 April 2026
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Wishing you a fantastic rest of your day!
Cheers,
Editor-in-chief | Emeka Ogbonnaya
P.S. Want to sponsor our newsletter? Email us at [email protected]