Good morning and happy Friday!

We’re so happy you’ve joined us on this morning at Broxtown, the one and only newsletter built by residents for residents. From local news to events, sports, and a sprinkle of fun, we’ve got all the quick updates you need, straight from our community to your inbox.

Today we are recovering from the horrible downpour that persisted and the terrible incident at the Cheshunt Railway Station, which I will get into shortly. Hope you have your brolly with you, as we are expecting more rain our way - something we’ll be touching on too.

So, let’s do it! 

At around 3:30 pm, Cheshunt railway station became the scene of a heartbreaking incident when a person was struck and killed by a train. Emergency crews quickly arrived, battling heavy rain as they closed the station to investigate. The tragedy caused significant travel disruptions, halting trains from Stansted Airport to London and rerouting others to nearby stations, including Enfield and Broxbourne.

Social media quickly filled with comments, reflecting the sadness and shock within the community. One witness shared: "I crossed the bridge and unfortunately witnessed the person on the track. It’s a really, really sad thing to see and got me thinking on the way home—everyone takes life for granted. We should appreciate life a lot more." Many expressed sympathy for the train driver as well, calling for Greater Anglia to support their staff during such traumatic incidents. "What the driver must be going through is unimaginable," one commenter wrote, emphasizing the emotional toll on all involved.

While some were understandably frustrated with the peak-time delays, the overwhelming sentiment was one of sorrow for the victim and their family. A Cheshunt resident summed up the day: "A sad day for Cheshunt and the surrounding towns; it deeply impacted many of us."

As more information unfolds, our thoughts remain with the family and all those affected by this tragic event. We will continue to provide updates as they become available.

With record rainfall hitting the UK this September, flood warnings are becoming more frequent, and Broxbourne residents are left wondering if their homes are at risk. The heavy rains bring real dangers, from property damage to potential loss of life. Are we prepared for an emergency evacuation in the middle of the night? What procedures are in place to keep families safe?

As climate change intensifies, it seems the threat is no longer distant—it's at our doorstep. Yet, how prepared are we? Unlike in America, where emergency procedures are widely known, we lack a clear public understanding of evacuation protocols or flood response plans.

With more intense weather events predicted, it's time to think seriously about flood preparedness. Climate change is here, and adaptation is key. Are we doing enough to protect our community?

Let’s stay alert, informed, and ready. More rain could mean more flood risks—let’s ask the important questions now, before it's too late

Air fryers are making waves in kitchens, with many saying they’re quicker, healthier, and more energy-efficient compared to ovens. According to the BBC, air fryers are perfect for crispy, flavorful meals with less oil, while Good Housekeeping emphasizes their speed and convenience. The trend shows no sign of slowing down, but we want to hear from Broxbourne residents! Are you using an air fryer? How does it compare to your traditional oven? Let us know your thoughts—your feedback could be featured in the next Broxtown newsletter!

The banking landscape in Broxbourne is shifting rapidly. Once a bustling financial hub, Cheshunt now finds itself without a single physical bank. As digital banking grows, banks are retreating, with Waltham Cross holding onto just a few branches like Barclays and NatWest—though even those struggle to meet customer needs. Securing appointments for business or personal financial advice has become increasingly difficult. Is this the future we're moving toward? How can we balance the convenience of digital banking with the needs of residents who rely on in-person services?

These are questions our community must address as we adapt to this new financial reality. The future of banking may be digital, but we must ensure it remains accessible to all.

Tottenham kicked off their Europa League campaign with a 3-0 win over Qarabag, despite being down to 10 men from the seventh minute after Radu Dragusin’s red card. Brennan Johnson opened the scoring, followed by a goal from Pape Sarr. Though Qarabag had a penalty opportunity, they failed to convert. Dominic Solanke sealed the victory with a third goal, showcasing Spurs’ dominance. Despite early setbacks, Ange Postecoglou’s side managed an impressive start to their European journey.

Arsenal secured their spot in the Women's Champions League group stage with a 4-0 victory over BK Hacken, overturning a 1-0 first-leg deficit. Goals from Beth Mead, Frida Maanum, Lia Walti, and Mariona Caldentey ensured a dominant win at Meadow Park. Manager Jonas Eidevall expressed excitement, saying the season "starts now" as Arsenal remain in all four competitions. Arsenal will join Chelsea and Manchester City in the group stage draw, marking the first time three English teams have reached this stage.

"Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it." – Henry David Thoreau

Focus on the work at hand and let success find you. It’s the dedication to your craft that will eventually lead to achievement. Keep grinding, and the results will come!

“Believe you can and you're halfway there." – Theodore Roosevelt

Self-belief is your greatest tool. Once you trust in your abilities, the rest becomes easier. Keep going, one step at a time, and you’ll reach your goals. You’ve got this!

INNOCUOUS

Today’s Word of the Day is Innocuous, meaning harmless or not likely to provoke any adverse reaction or offence. It can refer to actions, remarks, substances, or anything that poses no threat or danger.

How to use:

In each case, "innocuous" describes something that isn’t harmful or offensive.

Thanks to Me again - no takers yet.

Submit Word of the Day here.

Join the Broxtown Big Breakfast Challenge. Click on the image for details.

Have a fab Friday and a wonderful weekend. We'll see you again on Monday, nice and early! Got a Question or Suggestions to make our Newsletter better? Click here

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Have a wonderful rest of your day.

Cheers

Emeka Ogbonnaya

Editor in Chief

Broxtown Newsletter