Good Morning {{first_name | Reader}},

Hello and happy Tuesday,

Last week was meant to be the final Broxtown edition of the year. But we could not resist sending this one, and there may be one more before the year ends.

This edition goes beyond events. It includes important community updates we felt needed to be shared.

Our thoughts are with members of the Jewish community following the tragic events in Australia during Hanukkah celebrations at Bondi Beach. Broxtown extends its condolences to everyone affected. We pray for comfort at this difficult time. No community should face hatred or violence. We urge leaders to speak clearly and consistently against antisemitism and all forms of racism in our public discourse.

On Sunday, we presented the Environmental Impact Award to Bob Ivison. Awards for Andy and the Indian Community Cheshunt will follow shortly. Watch this space.

We have also curated notable events and community updates across the borough, so you do not have to search for them yourself.

If you find Broxtown valuable and want to support the work, you can buy me a virtual coffee using the button below.

Thank you for reading.

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Residents are being urged to get their flu jab now to reduce the risk of illness over the festive period. It’s not too late, and vaccination remains the best protection against flu.

Those most at risk can get the vaccine for free via their GP, the NHS App, local pharmacies, or by calling 119. Others can still book a paid jab at participating pharmacies.

More info: https://orlo.uk/WUk9e

Netflix UK is paying tribute to the animal stars of TV and film, and a local favourite has made the cut.

🐶 Anti, a Hertfordshire-based dog, starred in After Life alongside Ricky Gervais and is being recognised as part of the celebration of on-screen animal talent.

Hertfordshire continues to play a key role in the UK film and TV industry, hosting major productions and supporting homegrown talent, both human and four-legged.

To learn more about Hertfordshire’s role in film and TV, follow the Hertfordshire Film Office or visit
👉 www.hertfordshirefilmoffice.co.uk

Hertfordshire County Council is inviting residents to help shape the county’s future transport plans as work begins on a new Local Transport Plan.

Through the Lets Talk Transport consultation, residents can share views on walking, cycling, public transport, and road use, and highlight what matters most in their area.

The feedback will help guide long-term decisions on how people move around Hertfordshire.

Have your say here: https://ow.ly/aBmr50XFEIq

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Residents across the borough have been marking Hanukkah in a spirit of togetherness, despite the shadow cast by tragic events in Australia. Locally, many came together to show support, warmth, and solidarity with Jewish friends, neighbours, and families observing the festival.

In Broxbourne, the public display of a Hanukkiah was especially meaningful for some residents, with several noting it was the first time they had seen such a visible celebration in the town.

One resident shared:
“Happy Hanukkah to everyone celebrating. Happy Christmas to everyone celebrating. In times of darkness, light shines through. This is how a community should be.”

The messages reflected a wider sentiment across the borough, that Broxbourne remains a place where different faiths and traditions can be celebrated with mutual respect and care.

📍 Cheshunt Library
🗓 Thu 18 December
⏰ 3:30–5:00pm
Drop-in winter crafts with the Family Support Team. No booking required.

📍 Cedars Nature Centre, Cedars Park
🗓 Daily until Christmas Eve
Children receive an Elf Trail on entry, search for clues, and collect reindeer dust for Christmas Eve.

📍 Hoddesdon town centre
🗓
• Sat 27 December, 12–7:30pm
• Sun 28 Dec–Thu 1 Jan, 11am–6:30pm
A family-friendly street fair with entertainment running through to New Year’s Day.

📍 Mayhem Function Hall, Hoddesdon (EN11 8HF)
🗓 Thu 18 December
⏰ 7–9pm
🎟 £25
Paint personalised Christmas ornaments. All materials included, plus festive drinks and snacks.
Book: https://www.splatterandnatter.art/

Meet the Author: Robin Stevens

📍 Hoddesdon Library
🗓 Sat 31 January
⏰ 11:00–12:00
🎟 £7
An author talk celebrating the Murder Most Unladylike series. Recommended for ages 8+.
Tickets: https://tinyurl.com/2p9t29nj

Winter Reads Challenge: Fact Finder
📍 Children’s Library
A non-fiction themed reading challenge encouraging young readers to explore facts and discoveries.

As part of the “Your Heritage, Your Museum” celebration, Lowewood Museum welcomed Waltham Cross Library to mark 100 years of Hertfordshire Libraries. Visitors contributed to a Centenary Art Scroll, creating a shared artwork celebrating local heritage.

Christmas opening and closure

The team thanked volunteers, visitors, and partners for supporting a successful year of projects.

Nominations are now open for the Borough of Broxbourne Awards. Residents are invited to nominate local heroes who make a difference in the community.
Nominate: https://ow.ly/sxRs50XzWuJ

📍 Cheshunt Park, EN8 6QD
🗓 Tue 17 & Wed 18 February
⏰ 9:30–11:00am
Free sessions for children learning to ride.
Book: [email protected] | 01992 875 555

Lewis Cocking joined the annual Santa Dash supporting Teens Unite Fighting Cancer, thanking organisers, volunteers, and participants for backing a vital local cause.

Broxbourne Borough Council is reminding residents to be mindful of recycling habits this Christmas.

More than 1 billion Christmas cards are thrown away each year, using the equivalent of 33 million trees. While plain paper cards can be recycled, cards with glitter, foil, or raised textures cannot and should go in general waste.

Small choices at home can make a big difference over the festive period.

Thank you to our 2025 Christmas tree sponsors and supporters 🎄

Thank you to Nonna’s Kitchen Hoddesdon for sponsoring the Hoddesdon Christmas tree, and Danaher and Walsh for sponsoring the Waltham Cross tree.

We are also grateful to Love Hoddesdon, Christopher Stokes Estate Agency, and Laila Bistro for supporting the Christmas lights and decorations.

Tuesday

10°C 🌡 0°C | 🌧 Light rain and a gentle breeze | ☀ Sunrise 08:01 Sunset 15:50

Wednesday

10°C 🌡 9°C | 🌧 Foggy and a moderate breeze | ☀ Sunrise 08:01 Sunset 15:51

Thursday

12°C 🌡 6°C | 🌧 Heavy rain and a moderate breeze | ☀ Sunrise 08:02 Sunset 15:51

Friday

10°C 🌡 4°C | ☀ Sunny and a gentle breeze | ☀ Sunrise 08:03 Sunset 15:51

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Wishing you a fantastic rest of your day!

Cheers,
Editor-in-chief | Emeka Ogbonnaya

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