Good Morning {{first_name | Reader}},

Hello and happy Tuesday!
It’s half-term week, and while things may feel a little slower for some, others are in full swing, just ask the team at B3Living, who’ve been navigating the chaos of an office move.

Last week, Broxtown celebrated its first anniversary, marking a year of sharing real stories from the people of Broxbourne Borough. It was wonderful to meet so many residents who’ve supported our journey. Meanwhile, The Spotlight saddened theatre fans with the cancellation of its upcoming pantomime, Snow White. There’s a lot going on and we’ve rounded up the key stories making headlines across our towns so you don’t have to.

In today’s issue:

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Labour Demands 20mph Limits Outside Every Hertfordshire School
Labour councillor Alistair Willoughby has called for default 20mph limits on all roads outside Hertfordshire schools to protect children’s safety. He said some schools are still located on roads with speed limits of up to 70mph, posing serious risks during drop-off and pick-up times. The proposal aims to standardise road safety across the county, ensuring consistency and reducing traffic accidents involving pupils. The motion has sparked countywide debate over enforcement costs and road design, with campaigners urging the County Council to prioritise children’s safety over convenience.
(Local Democracy Reporting Service)

Conservatives Demand Return of Food Vouchers for 32,000 Children
Hertfordshire Conservatives are urging the County Council to reinstate £15 supermarket vouchers for families eligible for free school meals during half term. The government funding for the scheme was recently withdrawn, leaving many households without support during school holidays. Councillors say the vouchers provided vital relief to over 32,000 children last year. Labour and Liberal Democrat members have voiced support for exploring alternative local funding options. The debate highlights rising concern about child food poverty across the county and the need for continued support for vulnerable families.
(Local Democracy Reporting Service)

7,000 Residents Speak Out as Hertfordshire Faces Major Council Shake-Up
Over 7,400 Hertfordshire residents have shared their views on proposals to replace the county’s two-tier government system with one or more unitary authorities. Council leaders are reviewing public feedback before submitting recommendations to Westminster in November. Options under review include forming one, two, three or four unitary councils to streamline governance. Supporters say the change could improve efficiency, while critics warn of reduced local representation. The consultation marks one of the largest civic engagements in recent years, reflecting growing interest in how local democracy should evolve.
(Local Democracy Reporting Service)

Home insurance costs continue to climb, with premiums rising over 9% this year and more than 60% in the past five years. However, coverage hasn’t kept pace, leaving many homeowners paying significantly more for less protection. With affordability becoming a growing concern, it’s more important than ever to compare options—check out Money’s handy home insurance tool to find the best fit for you.

Use tool

Broxtown marked its first year of sharing local news and stories with a warm community gathering attended by residents, small business owners, community leaders, and supporters. The event, initially called Birthday Brunch, was humorously renamed Birthday Tea by the Mayor of Broxbourne during her speech.

Founder and Editor Emeka Ogbonnaya reflected on Broxtown’s humble beginnings, describing it as “an accidental creation driven by a passion to connect people through local news.” He thanked readers for their continued support and announced plans to host more local events that encourage open discussion and community storytelling.

Emeka also shared his vision to involve young people in journalism, teaching them how to write stories that inspire action and explore the use of AI in media. The celebration ended with a toast to another successful year of local reporting, community connection, and shared purpose.

Massive thank you to all the readers for your continued support. You make this Newsletter what it is today.

Broxbourne Council has partnered with Calmer, a leading workplace wellbeing organisation founded by Tania Diggory, to deliver a series of fully funded, CPD-accredited burnout-prevention training sessions for local businesses.

The programme is designed to help senior leaders, managers, entrepreneurs, and employees develop practical strategies to manage stress, improve resilience, and build a mentally healthy workplace culture.

The first session for business leaders will take place on 12 November, followed by an employees’ session on 17 November, with additional dates to be announced soon.

Broxbourne-based SMEs are encouraged to take part in this valuable opportunity to strengthen employee wellbeing and workplace performance.

For more details or to register, visit the Broxbourne Council website.

Broxbourne Council is inviting local children to enjoy a free half-term programme of sports, activities, and healthy eating through its HAPpy Halloween with Fit and Fed initiative.

Aimed at young people aged 8 to 15 who receive free school meals, the programme combines fitness, fun, and food education to promote healthy lifestyles during the school break.

Places are limited, and families are encouraged to book early.

To find out more or reserve a spot, email [email protected] or call 01992 785555 ext. 5309.Hoddesdon Food Businesses Win County Health Awards

The Spotlight Theatre in Broxbourne has announced the cancellation of its much-anticipated pantomime, Snow White, citing “circumstances beyond our control.”

In a statement released by the venue, management expressed deep regret over the decision, saying that despite exploring every possible option, the production would not have met the high standards expected by audiences.

“We sincerely apologise for any disappointment and thank you, as always, for your continued support,” the statement read.

Ticket holders will be contacted directly to arrange refunds. The Spotlight has asked customers not to call the Box Office while the refund process is underway, as staff anticipate a high volume of enquiries.

Across the world, classrooms are changing but not fast enough. While schools in China are already teaching students like Tan, who began learning artificial intelligence at age 11, many UK schools are still playing catch-up. When these children enter the global job market, Tan will be ready to thrive, while those without AI skills will struggle to keep up.

Hertstown Media is taking action. We have developed a practical AI course for children aged 11 to 17, designed to equip them with the knowledge, creativity and entrepreneurial skills needed for the future. From mastering AI tools to building projects and exploring ethical innovation, this programme helps students stay ahead of the curve, not left behind.

To give families a first-hand experience, we are hosting a free one-hour AI taster workshop this Friday. Parents and children will discover what learning AI looks like and the powerful outcomes it can lead to.

This is more than a course. It is an investment in your child’s future. The jobs of tomorrow will belong to those who understand AI. Do not let your child be the one left behind when the world moves forward.

👉 Spaces are limited. Sign up now here to secure your spot for Friday’s free workshop and give your child the skills to lead, create and succeed in the AI era.

Broxbourne, this is your moment to celebrate the people who make our community shine. The Broxtown Community Champion Awards are just around the corner, but we still need your help to make them truly special.

We have very few nominations so far none yet for the main Community Champion Award or the Lifetime Achievement Award, none for the Business Award, and only one entry for Volunteer of the Year. These awards are about recognising the everyday heroes who give their time, energy and passion to make Broxbourne better for everyone.

Please don’t put it off. Take a moment now to nominate someone who deserves to be celebrated. The more nominations we receive, the richer and more meaningful this celebration will be for our community.

👉 Click the link below, select a category and submit a name. You can even make more than one nomination across different categories, every entry counts.

We are preparing a Gala Recognition Night on 13th December, an evening filled with entertainment, fine dining and heartfelt celebration of Broxbourne’s local heroes and outstanding businesses. Early bird tickets are selling fast, so secure yours today and join us for this unforgettable night.

If you or your business wants to sponsor this event - get in touch now.

Set on 0.75 acres with stunning views of London’s skyline, Stanford House is a luxurious five-bedroom, five-bathroom detached home in the tranquil setting of Theobalds Park.

Featuring a grand entrance hall, elegant lounge with bespoke bar, and a high-spec open-plan kitchen and dining area, this modern home combines style and comfort. The master suite boasts two en-suites and a private balcony, while all other bedrooms include en-suites, some with balcony access.

Additional highlights include a one-bedroom annexe, garden office, beautifully manicured gardens, and secure gated parking.

Close to Cuffley and Goffs Oak with rail links to London, this home offers countryside calm with city convenience.

Price: £2,999,000 | Type: Detached | Beds: 5 | Baths: 5

Tuesday

14°C 🌡 9°C | ☀ Sunny intervals and a moderate breeze | ☀ Sunrise 06:46 Sunset 16:41

Wednesday

12°C 🌡 3°C | 🌧 Light rain and a gentle breeze | ☀ Sunrise 06:48 Sunset 16:39

Thursday

12°C 🌡 11°C | ☀ Light rain and a gentle breeze | ☀ Sunrise 06:50 Sunset 16:37

Friday

15°C 🌡 11°C | 🌧 Drizzle and a moderate breeze | ☀ Sunrise 06:52 Sunset 16:35

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Wishing you a fantastic rest of your day!

Cheers,
Editor-in-chief | Emeka Ogbonnaya

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