In partnership with
Good Morning {{first_name | Reader}},
How’s your week shaping up? Ignore the rain. The forecast is creeping into double digits and that only means one thing. Spring is waking up.
It’s been a quieter stretch on hard news, but events are bursting through like the sunshine. Markets, meet-ups, school dates, business gatherings. It’s picking up fast. I’ve pulled the strongest updates together so you don’t have to scroll endlessly. If it’s not here, it probably wasn’t worth your time.
Today’s edition is proudly supported by Fishy Delishy in Cheshunt, serving what many locals call the best seafood in the Borough. If you’ve not booked a table lately, you’re missing out.
We’re also backed by Hertfordshire Green Trades, the county’s dedicated directory for energy-efficient home retrofit specialists. If you’re thinking insulation, solar, heat pumps or smarter upgrades, that’s where to start.
Right, let’s get into it.
A warm welcome to our new subscribers, glad you're here! Got an event coming up? Send it our way and we'll share it with the community. And if you'd like to support our local journalism, you can always buy me a coffee (virtually).
Fishy Delishy
🐟 Most People Know the Name. Few Know the Legend Behind It.
Everyone in Cheshunt knows Fishy Delishy. But most people only know half the story.
Behind the familiar fish and chips counter is an award-winning seafood restaurant that has been serving Hertfordshire with unmatched quality for over 20 years.
This isn’t just a local shop. It’s a destination.
Customers travel from Hertford, Bishop’s Stortford, and across the county for one reason, consistency. Exceptional food. Exceptional service. Every single time.
Fishy Delishy isn’t surviving. It’s setting the standard.
If you haven’t experienced the restaurant, you haven’t truly experienced Fishy Delishy.
📍 Cheshunt
⭐ Award-winning seafood restaurant
📞 01992 624414 Book a table. See why people keep coming back.
News from Hertfordshire County Council
🏛️ Hertfordshire County Council
Your Rates Are Going Up - Here's Exactly Where £1.2 Billion of Your Money Is Going
Hertfordshire County Council has passed its biggest ever budget, hiking council tax by 4.99% , an extra £88 a year for Band D households - while simultaneously planning £55 million of savings. Adult care swallows the lion's share at £563 million, but roads, schools and children's services all get significant boosts too. Opposition councillors called it a budget "built on a wing and a prayer." Make up your own mind.
The Council May Change How Your Teen Gets to School and They're Asking for Your View Now
Hertfordshire County Council has opened a consultation on its Post-16 transport policy, which determines whether young people over 16 including those with special educational needs get help getting to school or college. With finances under pressure, changes could be coming. The window to have your say closes 12 April. If this affects your family, don't miss it.
Your Local Councillor Has £10,000 to Spend on Your Community - Is Your Group Getting Any of It?
County councillors across Hertfordshire have been quietly awarding grants to local causes through the Locality Budget scheme, from domestic abuse helplines to music groups for people with dementia. Each councillor has £10,000 a year to direct to community projects. If your organisation has a local need, your county councillor could be the person to speak to.
Gravité Cologne for Men: Confidence in a Bottle
No gimmicks, no fluff. Just a great scent. Gravité Cologne for Men by Particle is a true head-turner, engineered for men who want to smell amazing without overcomplicating things.
The secret is its balance: a powerful blend of crisp citrus, middle notes of apple and nutmeg, and a deep base of cedar and musk, it’s scientifically engineered to last all day.
Fresh, masculine, and bold but not overpowering, Gravité is sure to earn you compliments and become your everyday go-to.
Get it for yourself or as the perfect gift, now for an exclusive 20% off and free shipping with the code BH20!
COMMUNITY UPDATES
📍 Your MP Out and About. What Lewis Cocking Has Been Working On
Lewis Cocking has been active across the constituency this month, from local classrooms to Westminster debates.
🏫 Visiting St Paul’s in Cheshunt
At the invitation of St Paul’s Catholic Primary School, he met pupils to explain what an MP does and the skills needed for the world of work. School visits like this are a regular part of constituency life, keeping national politics grounded in local communities.
📺 Speaking Out on SEND Funding
Lewis has also appeared in the media highlighting concerns over special educational needs and disabilities funding. He argues that families in Broxbourne are disadvantaged by national funding disparities and says reform must prioritise fairer distribution.
🏛️ Pressing the Issue in Parliament
Following the Government’s announcement of proposed SEND reforms, Lewis says he has been contacted by hundreds of local parents worried about both current pressures and future changes. He has pledged to scrutinise the plans and push for clarity on whether funding gaps affecting Broxbourne families will be addressed.
Residents with issues they would like raised in Parliament can contact Lewis via his website: www.lewiscocking.uk/contact
What's Going On With That Land Off the A10 and the Old Police Station?
Residents have been asking questions. It's time we started getting answers.
We've been receiving messages from people across the borough who want to know what's happening on their doorstep, but can't get a straight answer. One email that landed in our inbox flagged two specific concerns that we suspect many of you have noticed too: the land off the A10 where sheds have appeared, and the ongoing work at the old police station site. What's being built? Who approved it? What's it going to be used for?
These are exactly the kinds of questions your local councillors and the council should be answering, and we intend to make sure they do. We'll be putting questions directly to the local authority on your behalf, but we want to do it properly. That means gathering enough questions from residents first, so we can go in with a clear, collective voice rather than a trickle of individual queries.
So here's what we're asking: send us your questions.
Whether it's about the A10 land, the old police station, or anything else happening in the borough that you feel you deserve a straight answer on, get in touch. We'll collate everything, put it to the council and relevant councillors, and report back what we find out.
📧 Send your questions to us and we'll do our best to get you answers.
Hertfordshire Council Restructure Consultation Open
The government is consulting on replacing Hertfordshire's county and district councils with two, three, or four unitary authorities. This represents the most significant change to local governance structure in decades, potentially affecting services from bin collections to planning decisions. Residents can review the full proposals and respond until March 26.
If you haven’t completed the consultation survey, you may need to read this first to avoid mistakes. Click here for the article.
🗳️ Confused About the Council Consultation? Hertstown Hosts Open Q&A
With major changes proposed to Hertfordshire’s council structure, many residents are still unsure what each option really means before submitting their response.
Hertstown is hosting a live virtual town hall to help residents complete the Local Government Reorganisation consultation fully informed. The session will provide an open hour for questions on the proposed two, three, or four unitary authority models, what they could mean for local services, and how to approach the consultation form.
If you are stuck on a question or simply want clarity before submitting your views, this session is designed to help.
📅 Event Details
🗳️ Hertstown LGR Virtual Town Hall
📍 Online
🗓️ Tuesday 3 March 2026
⏰ Open Q&A Session
🎟️ Free to attend
Funding and Grant Opportunities
If you think your project or organisation may be eligible, start your application now — some deadlines are close.
KFC Youth Foundation Up to £6,000 for projects empowering disadvantaged young people aged 11–25 — safe spaces, diversionary activities and life skills. Open to local charities and community interest companies in high-deprivation areas. ⏰ Deadline: Friday 27 February 2026 Apply here →
Hertfordshire Community Foundation — General Grants Up to £5,000 (and up to £10,000) for groups addressing need and deprivation across Hertfordshire. Decisions made on a rolling basis. ⏰ Deadline: Friday 24 April 2026 Apply here →
Henry Smith Charity — Holiday Grants for Disadvantaged & Disabled Children £500–£3,000 for schools, charities and youth groups funding UK recreational trips for disadvantaged or disabled children aged 13 and under. Covers up to two-thirds of trip costs. Priority given to applicants from the 20% most deprived areas. ⏰ Deadline: Thursday 19 March 2026 (apply at least 6 weeks before your trip) Apply here →
NHS ICB Microgrants — Mount Vernon Cancer Centre Consultation £750 for VCSE organisations to host one community conversation (60–90 mins) about proposed changes to cancer services, plus £15 thank-you payments for each participant and a fund for travel, childcare or interpretation. ⏰ Expression of interest deadline: Tuesday 24 February 2026 📧 Questions: [email protected] Express interest here →
🏫 St Joseph’s Nursery School Opens September 2026 Applications
Parents in Waltham Cross are being invited to apply for nursery places at St Joseph’s Nursery School, with spaces still available for the September 2026 intake.
The nursery is open to children born between 1 September 2022 and 31 August 2023 and welcomes families of all faiths. As a 30-hour provider, the school also offers wraparound care from 7:45am to 5:30pm, supporting working parents.
📍 St Joseph’s Nursery School, Waltham Cross
📞 01992 629 503
📧 [email protected]
Parents are encouraged to apply early as places are limited.
Hertstown Dinners
Not a networking event. Not a panel. Not a pitch.
Hertstown Dinners are small, curated gatherings for people who care about where they live and want better conversations than the internet allows.
In a time when online spaces are noisy and AI makes it harder to know what’s real, we’re bringing people back to the table. Literally.
Good food. Thoughtful discussion. Real people from your community.
Limited seats. Curated tables. No awkward small talk.
📅 UPCOMING EVENTS
Behind the Seams: Costumes from the Collection — Lowewood Museum A free exhibition showcasing clothing and accessories from the Borough of Broxbourne's history, brought out of the museum stores and into public view.
📍 Lowewood Museum, High Street, Hoddesdon, EN11 8BH
📅 6 February – 4 July 2026 | Fridays & Saturdays, 10am – 4.30pm
🎟 Free entry (donations welcome) Read more →
Highland Cow Painting Class — Splatter and Natter A guided painting session for all abilities — no experience needed, all materials provided, and you take home your finished canvas. 📍 Mayhem Function Hall, Hoddesdon, EN11 8HF
📅 Thursday 26 February 2026 | 7pm – 9pm
🎟 £25 (includes drinks and snacks) Read more →
Beauty & the Beast — Adult Panto An adults-only, drag-filled, innuendo-packed twist on the classic fairy tale, back at The Spotlight by popular demand. 📍 The Spotlight Theatre, High Street, Hoddesdon, EN11 8BE 📅 Tuesday 24 February 2026 | Meet & Greet from 5.30pm 🎟 Standard £29.50 | Meet & Greet £44.50 Read more →
🧠 Working Well: Preventing Burnout in the Workplace (Employees)
📍 Hertfordshire
🗓️ Tuesday 25 February 2026
⏰ See booking page for time
💷 See booking page
👉 Book here
🍽️ Herts Chamber: February Chamber Lunch
📍 Hertfordshire
🗓️ Wednesday 26 February 2026
⏰ See booking page for time
💷 See booking page
👉 Book here
😂 Jongleurs Comedy Night
📍 Hertfordshire Studios Live Space, Hoddesdon
🗓️ Thursday 27 February 2026
⏰ Doors 7:00pm | Show 8:00pm
💷 Paid ticket
👉 Learn more: https://jongleurs.com
📈 The Right Mindset for Sales and Marketing Success
📍 Hertfordshire
🗓️ Thursday 27 February 2026
⏰ See booking page for time
💷 Free / See booking page
👉 Book here
☕ Love Cheshunt Networking Meeting
📍 Cheshunt
🗓️ Monday 3 March 2026
⏰ See booking page for time
💷 Free / See booking page
👉 Book now
Blended Paediatric First Aid — CHEXS & Keepabeat A practical first aid course for parents, childminders, early years staff and community leaders, combining 6 hours of online learning with a full in-person day.
📍 Venue TBC — email [email protected] to book
📅 Tuesday 3 March 2026 | 9am – 4pm 🎟 £110 per person Read more →
The Mersey Beatles — Live at The Spotlight The world's most acclaimed Beatles tribute, with 600+ Cavern Club appearances to their name, play two unforgettable hours of Fab Four hits from Beatlemania to Abbey Road.
📍 The Spotlight Theatre, High Street, Hoddesdon, EN11 8BE
📅 Friday 6 March 2026 🎟 £29.50 Read more →
The Parent Space — Meet-Up for Parents of Young People Living with Cancer
A relaxed afternoon of connection, wellbeing and support for parents and carers of young people aged 13–24 affected by cancer, hosted by Teens Unite.
📍 Near Aldgate East Station, London (address confirmed on registration)
📅 Saturday 7 March 2026 | 1pm – 4pm
🎟 Free Read more →
Hometown Glory — Adele Candlelit Concert
Award-winning tribute star Natalie Black performs Adele's biggest hits — from Someone Like You to I Drink Wine — in a glamorous candlelit evening with full live band.
📍 The Spotlight Theatre, High Street, Hoddesdon, EN11 8BE
📅 Saturday 7 March 2026 | 7.30pm 🎟 £26 Read more →
Hamilton International Training Academy: A Star is Born
A spectacular student showcase featuring Gold-winning World Champion routines alongside tap, jazz, contemporary and musical theatre performances.
📍 The Spotlight Theatre, High Street, Hoddesdon, EN11 8BE
📅 Sunday 8 March 2026 | 7pm 🎟 £25 adults | £18 children under 8 Read more →
Ireland the Show
A high-energy night of Irish music, song, dance and comedy featuring Fields of Athenry, Galway Girl, Whiskey in the Jar and more — with over 1,500 five-star reviews worldwide. 📍 The Spotlight Theatre, High Street, Hoddesdon, EN11 8BE
📅 Monday 9 March 2026 🎟 £28 Read more →
Working Well: Preventing Burnout in the Workplace — Free Event
A free session from Calmer on managing stress, anxiety and mental health to prevent workplace burnout.
📍 The Spotlight Theatre, High Street, Hoddesdon, EN11 8BE
📅 Thursday 12 March 2026 🎟 Free Read more →
Basic First Aid — CHEXS & Keepabeat A half-day essential first aid course open to anyone wanting life-saving skills, ideal for parents, volunteers, coaches and youth workers.
📍 Venue TBC — email [email protected] to book
📅 Tuesday 17 March 2026 | 9.30am – 1.30pm 🎟 £45 per person Read more →
Free Cyber Security Awareness Event — Aldenham Golf & Country Club An interactive Cyber Escape Room for business leaders covering phishing, data leakage and password security — no technical experience needed.
📍 Aldenham Golf & Country Club, Church Lane, Watford, WD25 8NN
📅 Tuesday 24 March 2026 | 9am – 1pm 🎟 Free (max 2 per organisation) Read more →
🧠 Working Well: Preventing Burnout in the Workplace (Managers)
📍 Hertfordshire
🗓️ Thursday 12 March 2026
⏰ See booking page for time
💷 See booking page
👉 Book here
🧠 Sópers House Quiz Night
📍 Sópers House, Broxbourne
🗓️ Thursday 12 March 2026
⏰ 7:00pm–10:00pm
👥 Teams of up to 6 people
💷 Free entry (prizes to be won)
👉 Register by 10 March: [email protected]
🌟 Generation Broxbourne
📍 Broxbourne
🗓️ Tuesday 17 March 2026
⏰ See booking page for time
💷 See booking page
👉 Book here
💼 LinkedIn Local: Cheshunt and Broxbourne
📍 Cheshunt / Broxbourne
🗓️ Thursday 19 March 2026
⏰ See booking page for time
💷 Free / See booking page
👉 Book here
🚀 All the Help You Can Get – Herts Growth Hub
📍 Hertfordshire
🗓️ Friday 20 March 2026
⏰ See booking page for time
💷 Free / See booking page
👉 Book here
PICTURE OF THE WEEK
MEME of The Day
Gif by magicedenofficial on Giphy
HEALTH & WELLBEING TIPS
Eating with others is one of the simplest ways to improve both social and physical health. Shared meals strengthen trust and belonging, reduce loneliness and stress, and create space for meaningful conversation that boosts mood and cognitive engagement.
People tend to eat more mindfully, digest better, and make healthier choices when they feel relaxed and connected. For children, regular family meals are linked to stronger language skills, resilience, and academic outcomes.
A shared table is not just about food, it is a powerful ritual that reinforces community, safety, and wellbeing.
🎨 TUESDAY MOTIVATION
Breath is the bridge which connects life to consciousness, which unites your body to your thoughts.
— Thich Nhat Hanh
Courtesy: Ray Lowe
LOCAL JOBS & OPPORTUNITIES
🏊 Operations Officer / Lifeguard (Ref: OO)
Employer: Broxbourne Borough Council
📍 Location: Laura Trott Leisure Centre / John Warner Sports Centre
💷 Pay: £25,521.60 per year
🕒 Type: Full-time, 40 hours per week
🗓️ Posted: Recent vacancy
👉 Find on Broxbourne Borough Council Current Vacancies (search: Operations Officer / Lifeguard – Ref: OO)
https://www.broxbourne.gov.uk/currentvacancies
🏗️ Assistant Planning Officer
Employer: Broxbourne Borough Council
📍 Location: Broxbourne Borough
💷 Pay: £33,881.64 per year
🕒 Type: Full-time
🗓️ Deadline: 22 February 2026
👉 Apply here:
https://ow.ly/SXVM50Ybz0X
🏙️ Town Centre Manager (Ref: TCM)
Employer: Broxbourne Borough Council
📍 Location: Waltham Cross Town Centre
💷 Pay: £39,538.20 – £41,500.68 per year
🕒 Type: Full-time
🗓️ Posted: Current vacancy
👉 Find on Broxbourne Borough Council Current Vacancies (search: Town Centre Manager – Ref: TCM)
https://www.broxbourne.gov.uk/currentvacancies
Email us to discuss how to post your job openings on our Job Board (coming soon)
Weather 🌧 Tuesday - Friday
Tuesday
14°C 🌡 7°C | 🌧 Drizzle and a moderate breeze | ☀ Sunrise 06:57 Sunset 17:30
Wednesday
16°C 🌡 8°C | ☀ Sunny and a gentle breeze | ☀ Sunrise 06:55 Sunset 17:32
Thursday
13°C 🌡 10°C | 🌥 Light cloud and a moderate breeze | ☀ Sunrise 06:53 Sunset 17:34
Friday
13°C 🌡 3°C | 🌧 Light rain and a gentle breeze | ☀ Sunrise 06:51 Sunset 17:36
What did you think of today’s edition?
Thanks for Reading!
Have a question, a story tip, an event to submit, or an advertising or sponsorship enquiry?
👉 Get in touch using the link below.
If this newsletter was forwarded to you, subscribe and share it with friends and family so they stay in the loop too.
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]