Good morning and welcome to Broxtown!

It’s Friday, 7th March, and spring is here—warmer days, brighter skies! If it’s your birthday, Happy Birthday! Let us celebrate with you. Planning something special? Send us an invite!

Last night’s BOB Awards were spectacular, outshining last year’s event. Big thanks to the organisers, Mayor, council, winners, residents, and sponsors for an unforgettable night.

We’re still offering free promotions to charities—get in touch or share this! Plus, we’re finalising the top 10 restaurants for the Broxtown Loyalty Card—stay tuned!

Today’s Headlines:

• Highlights from the 2025 BOB Awards

• World Book Day celebrations

• Show-stopping performances at the BOB Awards

• And more!

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News at a Glance

Broxbourne Celebrates Local Heroes at Glittering BOB Awards Night

Last night, the Spotlight in Hoddesdon lit up as Broxbourne Borough came together to honor its brightest stars at the prestigious BOB Awards. The event celebrated the unsung heroes and organisations that make the borough a vibrant and thriving community, from dedicated volunteers to inspiring football coaches.

The evening kicked off with a heartfelt speech from the Mayor of Broxbourne, setting the tone for a night of recognition and celebration. Attendees were treated to stunning performances by talented young residents, who wowed the crowd with their incredible voices. A delicious three-course meal added to the festivities, creating a warm and celebratory atmosphere.

With over 100 nominations, the competition was fierce, but only 10 exceptional winners took home the coveted awards. Before the winners were announced, Council Leader Bishop Mark Mills-Bishop expressed his gratitude to the nominees and thanked the event sponsors for their support. He also shared exciting news about upcoming borough-wide events to commemorate 80 years of victory, promising more opportunities for community celebration.

The 2023 BOB Award Winners:

• Alan Casbard

• Broxbourne & Sutera Twinning Association

• Candice Collyer

• Cheshunt Animal Rescue

• Christoforos Charity Foundation

• Joe Westmacott

• Justin Honey-Jones

• Men’s Shed, Cedars Park

• Steve Pilcher

• Thomas Carroll MBE

The prestigious Dame Marion Roe Young Citizen of the Year Award was presented to the remarkable Jessica Manning, highlighting her outstanding contributions to the community.

The event was made possible by generous sponsors, including Google, VolkerWessels UK, Fishpools, Conamar, Liberata, Pigeon, BB Living, Danaher and Walsh, SCC, and Pharmaron.

Stay tuned for special features on each winner in the coming weeks, both here and on our podcast, where they’ll share more about their inspiring work. The BOB Awards proved once again that Broxbourne is a borough brimming with talent, dedication, and community spirit—watch this space for more!

World Book Day Delights Children, Schools, and Libraries Across the Borough!

Yesterday, children, schools, and libraries across the country—and right here in our borough—came together to celebrate the magic of World Book Day! Parents rolled up their sleeves (and probably their creativity) to dress their little ones as beloved book characters, while libraries in the area pulled out all the stops to mark the occasion in style.

Hoddesdon Library couldn’t resist giving us a sneak peek inside one of their beloved Book Rooms—a true haven for book lovers. Did you know their entire reference collection is available on the Hertfordshire Libraries catalogue? Dive into their treasure trove of books by visiting Hertfordshire Libraries and clicking "Find a Book."

In a fun social media post, the library shared a quirky reading tip from Jimi, one of their staff members. Jimi loves pairing a fiction book with a non-fiction read to keep the stories straight—right now, he’s engrossed in Emma Healey’s latest bestseller and a gripping biography of the legendary metal band, Metallica!

We hope you had a fantastic World Book Day and have already picked up a great read for the weekend. If not, why not explore the link above and discover your next adventure at a library near you? Happy reading! 📚✨

Valle Academy Shines at BoB Awards with Captivating Performance

Young talents from Valle Academy delivered a show-stopping performance at the Borough of Broxbourne Awards, stealing the spotlight with a powerful choreographed dance inspired by wartime Britain and its victories.

With dim lighting and a glittering stage setting the mood, the audience was captivated from start to finish, erupting into thunderous applause at the final note. The performance showcased professionalism, creativity, and the extraordinary talent nurtured within our community.

Their success is a testament to the dedicated mentors and parents who continuously support young performers through drama schools and creative arts programs. Valle Academy has once again proven itself as a cornerstone of local talent development, and their impact on Broxbourne’s arts scene is undeniable.

As we celebrate our community champions, performances like this remind us why investing in young talent is so important. Congratulations to Valle Academy—a true asset to Broxbourne! 🎭✨

Rising Stars Steal the Spotlight at BoB Awards with Unforgettable Performances

Broxbourne, March 6 – The Borough of Broxbourne Awards (BoB Awards) lit up last night as young local talents took center stage, proving once again that the borough is a hotbed of creativity and skill. From a self-taught pianist to the powerhouse vocals of Evidence, each performer dazzled the audience, leaving everyone in awe of their confidence and artistry.

Mayor of Broxbourne, Cllr Sherie McDaid, introduced the young stars, sharing how she had seen many of them shine in previous competitions. But, she admitted, their BoB Awards performances were on another level—showcasing not just talent, but incredible growth and passion.

In an age where screens often dominate young lives, these performances were a refreshing reminder of the magic of the arts. Behind every note and every step lies hours of practice, dedication, and the unwavering support of parents, mentors, and teachers who nurture these talents.

A massive round of applause to all the young performers who lit up the stage—and to the incredible team behind them. Broxbourne’s creative future has never looked brighter! 🎶✨

Thinking About Solar Panels for Your Business? Here’s Where to Start!

Switching to solar energy is a smart move for businesses looking to cut costs and reduce their carbon footprint. But with so many options, where do you begin?

Good news! You can now apply for up to 25 solar panels through Solar Together Broxbourne, a hassle-free way to make your business more sustainable.

🔗 Apply here: solartogether.co.uk/broxbourne/home

Take the first step towards lower energy bills and a greener future today! 🌱⚡

MEME of The Day

UPCOMING EVENTS

Shape Your Future in Broxbourne!

Broxbourne’s future is bright—and you can be a part of it! 🌟 Join us for an exciting event designed to inspire and guide students in Years 10 to 13 as they explore incredible career opportunities right here in the borough.

📅 When: Tuesday, 18 March | 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM
📌 Where: Spotlight Theatre, High Street, Hoddesdon, EN11 8BE

Whether you’re dreaming of a creative career, a role in tech, or something entirely unique, this is your chance to discover pathways, meet local employers, and get inspired to take the next step.

Don’t miss out! Learn more and secure your spot today:
👉 Book Now

Your future starts here—let’s make it amazing! 🤝✨

Love Hoddesdon BID Business Networking

📅 Date: Monday, 10 March 2025
⏰ Time: 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
📍 Location: Esquires, 8 Fawkon Walk, Hoddesdon, EN11 8TJ
💷 Cost: £10 (Free for BID payers & voluntary members – one space per session)

Join local professionals for an evening of networking, collaboration, and idea-sharing. Perfect for growing your business and building connections in the community.

👉 Book Now: Reserve Your Spot

South Herts Artists' Monthly Meet-Up – Connect & Create!

Join us for a friendly and informal gathering where local artists can connect, share, and get inspired! Whether you’re into sketchbook sharing, collage sessions, or just looking to expand your art network, this is the perfect space to engage with fellow creatives.

📅 Date: Monday, 24th March
⏰ Time: 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 Location: South Herts Area (Details on Registration)

🔹 A relaxed space for all things art!

📩 Register to attend: [email protected]
🌐 More info: Visit Herts Visual Arts

🎭 Come along, meet fellow artists, and get inspired!

Goffs Oak Summer Fayre – A Fun-Filled Family Day Out!

Get ready for an unforgettable day of community fun, entertainment, and festivities at the Goffs Oak Summer Fayre!

📅 Date: Saturday, 14th June 2025
⏰ Time: 12 Noon – 5 PM
📍 Location: Goffs Oak Playing Fields (Behind Library & Surgery)

A perfect event for families, this free-entry fayre is a chance to enjoy great food, thrilling performances, and a lively atmosphere while supporting the local community.

📢 For updates and more details, visit www.goffs-oak-community.com

🎭 Expressive Kids Easter Half-Term Camp – Book Now! 🐣🎨

Looking for an exciting and creative way to keep the kids entertained this Easter break? Expressive Kids is back with a fun-filled Easter Half-Term Camp, designed to help children learn, play, and express themselves in a vibrant and supportive environment!

📍 Location: Flamstead End School
📅 Dates: Easter Half-Term (Check website for details)
🎟 Early Bird Discount Available – Book Now!

From drama and storytelling to art and movement, this camp is the perfect opportunity for kids to build confidence, develop creativity, and make new friends.

Spaces are limited, so don’t miss out! Book now to secure your spot and take advantage of the early bird discount 👉 Register here

Let the Easter fun begin! 🐰✨

Revamp Your Business Strategy in Just One Day!

📅 Date: Tuesday, 25 March
⏰ Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
📍 Location: Theobalds Enterprise Centre, Innovation Place, Platinum Way, Cheshunt, EN8 8YD
💷 Cost: FREE

Join Julie Creffield, Innovation Director at Broxbourne Enterprise Centres, for a dynamic workshop designed to help you finally nail your business plan. Kickstart your creativity with morning exercises (post-it notes included!) and harness the power of AI in the afternoon to turn ideas into action.

👉 Book Now: Reserve Your Spot

Don’t miss this chance to refresh your strategy and take your business to the next level! 🚀✨

Weekend Weather ☀️ 

Friday 7th

15°C 🌡️ 5°C | ☀️ Sunny and a gentle breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 06:33 Sunset 17:50

Saturday 8th

15°C 🌡️ 5°C | ☀️ Sunny and a gentle breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 06:31 Sunset 17:52

Sunday 9th

16°C 🌡️ 6°C | ☀️ Sunny and a gentle breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 06:29 Sunset 17:54

Get a Birthday Shoutout When Your Refer Us

While sharing Broxtown with your friends is a huge favour to us, we want to make sure your efforts don’t go unnoticed. To show our appreciation, we have some special rewards lined up for those who go above and beyond in helping us grow! 🏆🌟

• Get 3 friends or family to sign up and we will give you a birthday shout out.

• Get 5 folks to join and we will give you and your best mate a birthday shout out

• Get 15 and we’ll pay for your dinner with a friend at a secret restaurant in the Borough.

• Get 100 and I’ll give you a free Broxtown branded hoodie (£65 value).

• And if you somehow get 1,000 I will buy you a Spa Weekend for you and your best friend anywhere in Hertfordshire.

Thanks for Reading—See You Soon!

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I’d love to grab coffee with some of you, and now you can treat me to one virtually. Thanks in advance! ☕😊

Wishing you a fantastic rest of your day!

Cheers,
Editor-in-chief | Emeka Ogbonnaya

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