Hello and happy Friday and what a Friday it is! We’ve reached the final one of both the month and the summer season. Yes, the rain may have signalled summer’s gentle farewell, but we’re stepping confidently into a new season full of fresh energy, new routines, and plenty of local spirit.

As schools gear up and diaries fill, things may feel a little quieter on the events front but don’t worry, we’ve still captured the best of what’s happening around our community this weekend.

Looking ahead, we’re incredibly excited to announce something special. We’re creating a brand-new photo book that reimagines Hertfordshire’s story, a modern portrait of our county’s towns, villages, and heritage, told through your eyes and lenses. With the upcoming reorganisation of Hertfordshire on the horizon, this project is more important than ever.

📸 We’ve launched a photography challenge to collect stunning images from across the county and we want you to take part. See details below. Especially here in Broxbourne, we want our commuter towns and aristocratic connections to shine in the story.

We're also asking: Would you be interested in owning a beautiful coffee table book that captures Hertfordshire as it is today — historic, elegant, and evolving? If so, let us know by filling out the short survey below. Your feedback will help shape this project from the ground up.

👉 Take the survey below.

Now, without further ado, here’s what’s happening across the borough this weekend!📬

Got an event coming up? Post it with us here
📢 Want to advertise your business across Hertfordshire? Click here to get started

👶 Submit your Kids creative work here

🐶 Think your pet has what it takes for Pet of the Week? Send your submission here
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💼 Interested in sponsoring a section of the newsletter or an editorial? Get in touch with us here

🎙️ Want to join us on the next series of Voice of Our Towns Podcast? Get in Touch

A warm welcome to all our new subscribers—thank you for joining the Broxtown family! Got thoughts or suggestions? We’d love to hear from you. Let’s make Broxtown your go-to for everything local!

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📅 Throughout Autumn 2025
🕒 Various times
📍 Multiple locations across Hertfordshire
💷 FREE | 🌿 Suitable for all abilities

🔗 Find a walk near you or call 01992 555888

Join one of Hertfordshire’s fun and friendly Health Walks this autumn. Led by trained volunteers, these free walks are perfect for getting active, meeting new people, and often end with a well-earned cuppa. With 29 beginner-friendly walksavailable across the county, there’s something for everyone, no matter your fitness level.

📅 Saturday 7 & Sunday 8 September 2025
🕒 11:00 AM – 3:30 PM (appearances at intervals)
📍 Hertfordshire Zoo, Broxbourne
💷 Standard zoo entry applies | 🧒 Family friendly
🔗 Event Info

Peppa Pig and her family are making a special visit to Hertfordshire Zoo! Catch them at intervals throughout the day, enjoy the zoo's wild residents, and take part in family-friendly activities. Perfect for little ones and Peppa fans of all ages.

📅 Saturday 30 & Sunday 31 August 2025
🕒 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
📍 Hertfordshire Zoo, Broxbourne
💷 Standard zoo entry | 🧒 Family wildlife experience
🔗 Event Info
Wild animal talks, merchandise, and themed activities all weekend.

📅 Saturday 30 August 2025
🕒 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
📍 Queen Eleanor Square, Waltham Cross
💷 FREE | 🎈 For children and families
Magic shows, face painting and balloon modelling to end the summer holidays.

The Government is inviting the public to give feedback on its proposed Automated Passenger Services (APS) permitting scheme — which could shape how self-driving vehicles operate across the UK, including here in Broxbourne.

🗓️ The consultation is open until 11:59 PM on Sunday 28 September
📄 Take a look and share your views: View the consultation

This is your chance to help shape the rules for the next generation of transport — from driverless taxis to autonomous shuttles.

📷 Show Us Your Hertfordshire!
Hertstown is creating a stunning new photo book that captures the true spirit of our towns and villages — and we need your lens on it.

We're calling on residents across Hertfordshire to put their cameras to work and send in images that represent the heart of their community. Whether it's a hidden gem, a well-known landmark, or a moment of everyday beauty, we want to see what makes your town special.

🌄 From Broxbourne to Baldock, Ware to Watford, let’s tell the story of Hertfordshire — one photo at a time.

💌 Submit your photos and help shape a fresh, visual celebration of where we live.

👉 Click here to Submit your images

🔥 Worried About Rising Energy Bills This Autumn?
Let’s turn your home into a money-saving, energy-smart machine, without breaking the bank.

If you're a Hertfordshire homeowner thinking about making your home warmer, greener, and cheaper to run, now is the perfect time to act. From solar panel installation and loft insulation to air source heat pumps, draught proofing, triple glazing, smart meters, and underfloor insulation, we’ve got the right solution and the right local tradespeople to help you.

💡 Some of these upgrades could be completely free if you meet eligibility criteria
But first, you need to register your interest.

🛠️ We’ll match you with trained and trusted local trades through our Green Trade Directory, so your project gets done properly by professionals who care about sustainability and your wallet. You can learn more about the types of retrofit projects on the Hertfordshire Green Trades website.

⏳ Don’t wait until the cold sets in and the bills go up
Click below to take the first step toward a low carbon home that’s built for the future and costs less to run.

👉 [Get Started Now].

Friday

19°C 🌡 10°C | 🌦 Heavy rain showers and a gentle breeze | ☀ Sunrise 06:07 Sunset 19:54

Saturday

16°C 🌡 9°C | 🌧 Light rain and a gentle breeze | ☀ Sunrise 06:10 Sunset 19:50

Sunday

19°C 🌡 10°C | 🌦 Light rain showers and a gentle breeze | ☀ Sunrise 06:10 Sunset 19:50

INCISIVE

Today’s Word of the Day is INCISIVE  means "impressively direct and decisive." It is generally applied to either something communicated in a way that is very clear and direct, or to a person who is able to explain difficult ideas clearly and confidently.

🔹 Examples in use:

If someone is incisive, they cut through confusion — like a sharp knife through butter to get to the point.

Have questions or suggestions to improve our newsletter? Got a story to share? Email us at [email protected].

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Support it by buying me a coffee! Your contribution helps keep this weekly resource alive and thriving. Thank you!

Wishing you a fantastic weekend!

Cheers,
Editor-in-chief | Emeka Ogbonnaya

P.S. Want to sponsor our newsletter? Email us at [email protected]