Happy New Year! 💌 

Good morning! It is Thursday 2nd January 2025. We’ve missed you! Can you believe the last time we connected was last year—2024? Okay, it was just a few days ago, but we still missed you dearly!

We hope your New Year’s celebrations were nothing short of spectacular, and now you’re geared up to conquer 2025. This year promises to be big, bold, and brimming with surprises—and we’re here to make sure you’re in the know!

From major developments reshaping Broxtown to exciting updates that could change your day-to-day life, we’ve packed it all in for you. Get ready to dive into the stories that matter most to your community, because this is just the beginning.

If you are new here, welcome to the Broxtown newsletter! You have now joined the hundreds of Broxbourne residents staying informed with local news, events, and stories that matter. Have questions or suggestions? Click here to share.

Important Update: New Publication Schedule

After thoughtful consideration and feedback from our survey, we’ve decided to reduce our weekly newsletters from five to three editions. This change allows us to deliver higher-quality, more engaging content while avoiding inbox overload.

Starting next week, our newsletters will be sent on Tuesdays and Fridays:

• Tuesdays: Focused on news, business updates, and curated, insightful content like editorials.

• Fridays: A wrap-up of the week with highlights and a preview of upcoming events and activities.

This new schedule enables us to dedicate more time to crafting impactful stories and exploring new initiatives, ensuring we continue to meet your needs effectively. Thank you for your understanding and support!

Brace for the Freeze: Stay Safe in the Cold Weather Ahead

Temperatures in the coming days are expected to dip below freezing, creating potentially hazardous conditions for residents. Hertfordshire County Council has issued an early warning, emphasizing the importance of taking precautions to protect yourself and those around you during the cold snap.

To help residents prepare, the Council has created a dedicated website packed with essential tips and advice on navigating freezing weather safely. From staying warm indoors to protecting yourself while outdoors, the site has everything you need to stay safe and well.

Click on the button below for more information and guidance on managing cold weather conditions

🚨 Gritters on Standby as Temperatures Plummet 🚨

With freezing temperatures on the horizon, Hertfordshire County Council has assured residents that gritters are ready to hit the roads to keep them as safe as possible. While the salt trucks are prepared to do their job, drivers and pedestrians are urged to exercise extra caution during these icy conditions.

Stay informed and take the necessary precautions.

Click below for more information on road safety during freezing weather.

Stay safe out there, Broxbourne! 🚗❄️

Broxbourne Residents Face Financial Strain Amid Energy Bills Surge

As of yesterday January 1, 2025, the energy price cap has increased by £21 annually, bringing the typical household's energy bill to £1,738 per year.

This rise means that residents in Broxbourne will need to allocate more of their household budgets to cover energy costs. With bills approximately 50% higher than pre-Covid levels, this increase adds to the financial strain on many families.

Analysts predict a further 3% increase in the price cap in April, followed by a potential decrease in July, and another rise in October. This volatility makes it challenging for residents to plan their finances effectively.

Recommendations for Residents

• Submit Meter Readings: To avoid overpayment based on estimated usage, residents are advised to submit accurate meter readings to their energy providers.

• Explore Fixed-Price Deals: While some fixed-price deals may offer price certainty, residents should carefully consider the terms, as committing to a fixed deal might mean missing out on potential price drops before the fixed term expires.

• Energy Efficiency Measures: Implementing energy-saving practices and considering home insulation can help reduce consumption and mitigate the impact of rising costs.

Support and Resources

Given the financial challenges posed by rising energy costs, residents may seek assistance through local council programs or national schemes designed to support households in managing their energy bills.

Staying informed about energy market trends and being proactive in managing energy consumption will be crucial for Broxbourne residents to navigate the financial implications of these changes.

New Year, New Ride: UNO Takes Over the 242 Bus Route

The 242 bus route is under new management as UNO steps in to replace Metroline, starting January 6th. While this change brings hope for an improved travel experience, it coincides with a significant rise in bus fares that started on January 1st, making it a costly start to 2025 for many commuters.

As of yesterday, the price cap for single bus fares in England has increased from £2 to £3. For those who took the bus on New Year’s Day, the impact of the fare rise may already have been felt. The new £3 cap, which applies to most bus journeys across England, will remain in place until the end of 2025. Urban areas with fares already below £3 will see increases aligned with inflation, ensuring affordability for shorter journeys.

As UNO begins operations on the 242 route, we’ll be asking commuters for their first impressions and how they feel about the new service in light of the fare changes. With both new management and higher fares in play, this is certainly a development to watch closely this January.

Stay tuned for feedback and updates from fellow commuters as we navigate these changes together. 🚌💷

RANDOM OPINIONS

AI Takes Over New Year Greetings, But it’s That All It Can Do?

Scrolling through WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram this New Year, we noticed a surge in AI-generated themes and greetings—a fascinating shift!

While many individuals and businesses are embracing AI for creative purposes, we wanted to know whether businesses are exploiting AI to unlock productivity and growth opportunities.

We’ll be reaching out to local businesses to explore how they’re leveraging AI—or why they might not be. For those not yet up to speed, this could be the perfect chance to skill up and unlock AI’s potential.

Interested in an AI and business workshop? Let us know! 🚀

Imagine a Thriving Broxbourne Borough as a Tourism Hub

Imagine a thriving Broxbourne Borough; a hub of tourism and heritage bustling with visitors drawn to its rich history and unique attractions. Picture city dwellers from London and travellers from abroad exploring the fascinating exhibits at Lowewood Museum, watching the many small animals you’ll find at Cedar Nature Centre at Cedars Park, or enjoying family adventures at Hertfordshire Zoo.

Broxbourne has all the ingredients to become a must-visit destination, and we’re committed to bringing this vision to life. To celebrate and share our borough’s story, we’ll soon release an exclusive editorial that highlights the remarkable history and heritage that define Broxbourne.

We invite you to be part of this journey. If you’re passionate about sharing what makes Broxbourne extraordinary, join us in transforming our borough into a beacon of tourism and cultural pride.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Hoddesdon New Year Street Fair: Today is the Final Day! 🎡

It’s your last chance to experience the magic of the Hoddesdon New Year Street Fair! Thrilling rides like Super Trooper, Miami, and more are waiting for you—but only until the event wraps up today.

📍 Location: Hoddesdon Town Centre
🗓️ Final Day: Tuesday, 2nd January

Bring your friends and family and make this final day unforgettable. Don’t miss out—see you there!

FOOTBALL

Arsenal Secure Comeback Victory Over Brentford in 2025 Premier League Opener

Brentford 1 | 3 Arsenal

Arsenal boosted their title hopes with a 3-1 comeback win against Brentford in the first Premier League fixture of 2025. Bryan Mbeumo opened the scoring for the hosts after a mistake by Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard, but Gabriel Jesus equalized before halftime.

The Gunners took control in the second half with quick goals from Mikel Merino and Gabriel Martinelli, sealing the victory. Manager Mikel Arteta’s decision to start 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri paid off despite the absence of Bukayo Saka due to injury.

The win keeps Arsenal second in the league, six points behind leaders Liverpool, while Brentford remains 12th.

MEME OF THE DAY

Thursday Weather

4°C 🌡️ -3°C | ☁️ Light cloud and a gentle breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 08:07 Sunset 16:02

Word of the Day

REJUVENATE

Today’s Word of the Day is REJUVENATE - means to make someone or something feel or look younger, fresher, or more energetic. It can also refer to restoring vitality or renewing something that has become worn out or less effective.

How to use it:

• Literal sense (physical or emotional renewal):

  • After a week-long vacation, she felt completely rejuvenated and ready to tackle her work.

  • The spa treatments are designed to rejuvenate your skin and relax your mind.

• Metaphorical sense (restoring or revitalizing):

  • The city council’s plan to rejuvenate the downtown area includes new parks and cultural events.

  • This company needs fresh ideas to rejuvenate its product line and attract younger customers.

In essence, rejuvenate is a versatile term used across contexts to signify renewal or revival.

Submit the Word of the Day by clicking here. 👈️ 

Do Us A Little Favour

We need your help to grow the Broxtown community, and we’d love it if you could share our newsletter with your friends and family. To show our appreciation, we’ve prepared some exciting rewards for those who go the extra mile:

🎉 Get 3 people to sign up: Receive a birthday shout-out in our newsletter.
🎉 Get 5 people to sign up: A birthday shout-out for you and your best mate.
🎉 Get 15 people to sign up: Dinner for two at a secret restaurant in the Borough—on us.
🎉 Get 100 people to sign up: A free Broxtown branded hoodie (worth £65).
🎉 Get 1,000 people to sign up: A luxurious Spa Weekend for you and your best friend anywhere in Hertfordshire!

Your support means the world to us, and every new subscriber brings us closer to building a stronger, more connected community. Share Broxtown with your network today and help us grow! Use your unique link below.

Thanks for Reading—See You Friday!

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Wishing you a fantastic rest of your day! See you in he new year. Happy New Year

Cheers,
The Broxtown Team