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As you start your week, we've curated the top updates from the borough to keep you informed in under 5 minutes.

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After financial setbacks paused the main Sunset Waltham Cross Studio project, management, in collaboration with Broxbourne Borough Council, has shifted its focus to expanding the backlot instead. While a backlot—a space for building exterior film sets—may keep the project moving, residents are left wondering whether this new direction will deliver the economic benefits initially promised, such as jobs and local investment.

The proposed backlot expansion, including a bridge over the New River and replacing the Cheshunt Country Club with a workshop, seems far removed from the larger vision that once excited the community. Although the studio hopes this will attract productions, there are doubts about whether this smaller-scale effort will have a meaningful impact on the local economy or create the jobs many were hoping for.

Is this new plan a stepping stone or simply smoke and mirrors? Only time will tell if the project will truly deliver for Broxbourne.

If you’ve been paying attention along the A10, you may have noticed some changes at the B198 and College Road traffic lights. We stopped by the site to speak with the workers and got a glimpse of what’s in store. According to them, not only will a new car wash, Sky Hand Car Wash, be opening, but the location will also include an MOT workshop, diagnostic services, tyre services, and general car maintenance.

They shared some ambitious building plans that sounded promising, but we were a bit disappointed to hear that the official launch isn’t scheduled until March 2025. So, while there's exciting development ahead, it looks like we’ll have to wait a while before booking their services.

While small businesses appreciate the convenience of accepting card payments, many are quietly expressing frustration over the high fees imposed by banks—often around 3% per transaction. This issue has become more prominent since the shift to contactless payments during COVID-19, an unintended consequence of the pandemic.

Although card payments have helped reduce cash-based black market activity and make money tracking easier, business owners feel the pinch from rising transaction costs, which eat into their profits. Some still prefer accepting cash, but most have given in to the growing trend of card use, especially as the busy shopping season approaches. Many expect card payments to surpass last year’s volumes despite their concerns.

Starting tomorrow, Big Local is once again offering free breakfasts for the Wormley community throughout the colder months. From Monday to Friday, 7:45-8:30am, you can enjoy a warm meal at the Wormley Community Centre. Due to building works, the Breakfast Club will now be held in the Studio room instead of the Foyer.

Whether your kids need breakfast before school, you want a quick bite before work, or you'd just enjoy a warm space and good company, come down to the Wormley Community Centre. The Big Local Breakfast Club is here for everyone—so make the most of it and start your day with a hearty meal!

England bounced back from their UEFA Nations League loss to Greece with a 3-1 win over Finland in Helsinki, but the performance remained underwhelming. Jack Grealish opened the scoring in the 18th minute, but Finland had several chances to equalize. England secured victory late on with a brilliant free-kick from Trent Alexander-Arnold and a close-range finish by Declan Rice. Finland managed a late consolation goal through Arttu Hoskonen. Despite the win, England still struggled to fully convince under interim manager Lee Carsley.

Join us for the Broxbourne Community Event on Thursday, 17th October from 12:30pm to 2:30pm at the Laura Trott Leisure Centre, Cheshunt. This is a fantastic opportunity to meet local community groups and charities, explore volunteer opportunities, and learn about the support and services available to you.

Hosted by Broxbourne Alliance PCN, in partnership with Broxbourne Council, Communities 1st, and Carers in Herts, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to get involved, give back, or simply find out more about what’s happening in your community, all are welcome.

We look forward to seeing you there!

📅 Date: Thursday, 17th October
⏰ Time: 12:30pm - 2:30pm
📍 Location: Laura Trott Leisure Centre, Cheshunt

Need assistance with technology? Hoddesdon Library's IT Champions are here to help! Their friendly volunteers are available to guide you on how to use library computers or assist with your own devices.

📅 Drop-in Sessions:

Come by and get the support you need—whether it's getting online or improving your tech skills. We're excited to help you!

The Borough has a fantastic lineup of events to wrap up the year and take us into 2024, including:

🎃 Pumpkin Patch
🎄 Festival of Carols
🎭 Pop-up Panto
🇬🇧 Remembrance Day Parade
🎅 Hoddesdon Loves Christmas
🎉 New Year Street Fairs

Get ready for festive fun, community spirit, and entertainment for all ages! For more details, visit the link in our bio or check out the full event list on our website.

👉 Broxbourne Council Events

12°C 🌡️ 8°C |  :cloud  Heavy rain and a gentle breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 07:24 Sunset 18:07

"Your talent determines what you can do. Your motivation determines how much you’re willing to do. Your attitude determines how well you do it." —Lou Holtz

As you start this week, remember that your talent is a gift, but it’s your motivation and attitude that truly drive success. Stay determined and keep a positive mindset—great things are within your reach!

"The happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts." —Marcus Aurelius

This Monday, focus on cultivating positive, empowering thoughts. The way you think shapes your happiness and how you approach challenges. Choose thoughts that uplift you!

GRANDIOSE (adj)

Today’s Word of the Day is GRANDIOSE - refers to something that is overly ambitious or impressive, often to the point of being unrealistic or exaggerated. It can also describe someone who has an inflated sense of self-importance.

How to use:

"The CEO’s grandiose plans to expand the company into 10 new countries within a year were met with skepticism by the board."

In this case, "grandiose" suggests that the CEO’s plans are seen as overly ambitious and perhaps impractical.

Submit the Word of the Day by clicking here. 👈

Join the Broxtown Big Breakfast Challenge this October. Click here for details of the challenge.

Refer with the link below for it to count.

While sharing Broxtown with your friends is a huge favour to us, we want to make sure your efforts don’t go unnoticed. To show our appreciation, we have some special rewards lined up for those who go above and beyond in helping us grow! 🏆🌟

We'll see you again tomorrow bright and early!

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Have a wonderful rest of your day.

Cheers

Broxtown Newsletter Team