Happy Friday, Broxbourne! ☀️

The sun is finally out — and it looks like it’s here to stay for the weekend! It’s been a week of major moments both at home and abroad. From the historic election of a new pope at the Vatican to heartfelt VE Day celebrations across Broxbourne, there's been no shortage of stories to share.

Closer to home, political tides are shifting. The Council Leader has stepped down following election results, and the Mayor bid an emotional farewell at a special dinner in Hoddesdon. It’s a time of change, and we’re here to bring you the full scoop.

In today’s edition:

• A review of the Council’s VE Day celebration

• Council Leader resigns amid election loss

• First American Pope Elected

• Mayor says farewell to Broxbourne

And there’s even more inside — so make sure to read through to the end!

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News at a Glance

🇬🇧 VE Day in Broxbourne – A Day to Remember

On Thursday 8 May, Broxbourne Borough commemorated 80 years since Victory in Europe Day with a meaningful programme of events across the community.

The day began with the raising of the VE Flag and reading of the VE Day Proclamation at the Council Offices in Cheshunt. Residents then joined the Dig for Victory event at Cedars Park, followed by a remembrance service by the Tommy statue and WW1 replica tank, including 1945-style refreshments and a two-minute silence.

Celebrations continued at Grundy Park with performances by local singers and the Enfield Brass Band, children’s activities, military vehicle displays, and traditional fish and chips.

At 9:30pm, Mayor Sherrie McDaid lit the Lamp of Peace VE Day Beacon, joining over 1,000 communities across the UK in a moving tribute to peace and freedom.

A heartfelt day of reflection, unity, and gratitude.

🗳️ Cllr Mark Mills-Bishop Steps Down as Broxbourne Conservative Leader

Councillor Mark Mills-Bishop has announced his resignation as leader of Broxbourne Borough Council’s Conservative group, following a narrow defeat in the recent Hertfordshire County Council elections, where he lost his seat in Flamstead End & Turnford to Reform UK by just 28 votes.

After nearly 20 years in local politics, Cllr Mills-Bishop said it was time for “fresh leadership” to tackle new challenges ahead, including local government reform and major developments like the Brookfield Centre and Sunset Studios.

He will remain a borough councillor for Goffs Oak, while the Conservative group prepares to elect a new leader in the coming days.

🕊️ First American Pope Elected – Pope Leo XIV

In a historic moment for the Catholic Church, Robert Prevost, a 69-year-old from Chicago, has been elected Pope, taking the name Leo XIV. He becomes the first American ever to lead the Church.

Crowds in St Peter’s Square erupted in cheers as he greeted them from the Vatican balcony, saying:

Pope Leo XIV is known for his reformist views and spent many years as a missionary in Peru, later serving as an archbishop. His election marks the beginning of a new and hopeful chapter for the global Church.

We wish Pope Leo XIV God’s protection, wisdom, and courage as he steps into this sacred role. May he be guided in truth and grace as he leads the Church through times of both challenge and renewal.

🎉 A Night to Remember: Mayor’s Farewell Dinner Celebrated in Style

The warmth and gratitude of a borough were on full display as friends, family, councillors, and residents gathered at Nonna’s Kitchen for a joyous farewell dinner honouring Mayor Councillor Sherrie McDaid.

The popular Italian restaurant in the heart of Hoddesdon was filled to capacity, as guests came together to celebrate the Mayor’s year of service and leadership. Laughter, applause, and live music filled the air, creating an unforgettable evening of reflection and celebration.

From heartfelt toasts to warm embraces, it was an emotional night that captured the Mayor’s enduring connection to the community she has served with distinction. Live singers entertained throughout the evening, adding energy and sparkle to a room already buzzing with pride and appreciation.

The Mayor thanked attendees for their support during her term, reflecting on a year filled with community engagement, civic pride, and lasting memories.

As her time as Mayor draws to a close ahead of the Annual Council Meeting on 13 M

🏛️ Broxbourne Prepares for Annual Council Meeting on Tuesday 13th May

Broxbourne Borough Council will hold its Annual Council Meeting on Tuesday 13 May 2025 at 7:00pm in the Council Chamber at Bishops’ College, Cheshunt. This key meeting formally begins the new civic year and outlines leadership roles and responsibilities for the borough.

A major agenda item will be the election of the new Mayor, with Cllr Patsy Spears expected to take on the ceremonial role for 2025/26, succeeding Cllr Sherrie McDaid. The council will also confirm the new Deputy Mayor, allocate committee and cabinet appointments, and hear the Leader’s address, which sets the administration’s focus for the year ahead.

Residents are welcome to attend or follow the meeting online:

👉 Watch live here

The Annual Council is a key date in the borough’s civic calendar and offers a glimpse into the leadership and direction for the year ahead.

MEME of The Day

UPCOMING EVENTS

🎨 The Creative Blueprint – Free Branding Workshop

Join us for an inspiring session with branding expert Anna Peck from Midnight Blue Marketing, who will guide you through a practical blueprint for building a brand that truly connects with your audience.

🗓️ Wednesday 14 May
🕙 10am – 12pm
📍 Theobalds Enterprise Centre, EN8 8YD

🎟️ Free but limited spaces – book now:
👉 Eventbrite Link

Perfect for creatives and entrepreneurs ready to level up their brand

🌿 Broxbourne Big Green Fest 2025 – Call for Stallholders!

Our events team is looking for creative, cultural, craft, and heritage stallholders to take part in the Big Green Fest 2025 — a celebration of sustainability and community in Broxbourne!

🗓️ Date: Sunday 8 June 2025
🕙 Time: 10am – 5pm
📍 Location: Cedars Park, Broxbourne

This exciting event will promote environmental sustainability across the Borough and we’re looking for local makers, artists, and community groups to join us with engaging, eco-conscious stalls.

🎪 If you’d like to get involved, please email:
📧 [email protected]
📅 Deadline to apply: 12 May 2025

🎨 Artist Opportunity at Waltham Cross Library

To mark 100 years of Hertfordshire Libraries, Waltham Cross Library is seeking an artist to design a community scroll artwork celebrating the centenary.

🗓️ Apply by 7 May
📧 Email your design idea and experience to: [email protected]

The scroll will be completed by visitors over the coming months. A great chance to be part of a lasting community project!

🦁 Summer Evenings at Hertfordshire Zoo – Extra Date Added!

📅 Saturday 31st May 2025
🕡 6:30pm – 9:30pm
🎟️ Tickets from £16 | Under 2s go FREE
📍 Hertfordshire Zoo

An unforgettable summer evening awaits! Join us for a magical night of entertainment, delicious food, and family fun at Hertfordshire Zoo.

What to expect:

• 🌮 Indian Street Food

• 🍹 Summer Drinks

• 🎭 Stilt Walkers & Bubbleologist

• 🎨 Face Painting & Henna Artist

• 🥁 Indian Drummers & Dancers

🎟️ Book your tickets now and prepare to make roaring memories that will last a lifetime!
👉 Visit: hertfordshirezoo.com

Weekend Weather ☀️ 

Friday

18°C 🌡️ 6°C | ☀️ Sunny and a moderate breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 05:18 Sunset 20:36

Saturday

20°C 🌡️ 9°C | ☀️ Sunny and a moderate breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 05:16 Sunset 20:38

Sunday

22°C 🌡️ 11°C | ☀️ Sunny and a moderate breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 05:14 Sunset 20:39

FOOTBALL ⚽️ 

⚽ All-English Europa League Final: Man United vs Tottenham

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur will face off in an all-English Europa League final on 21 May in Bilbao.

United cruised past Athletic Bilbao 7-1 on aggregate, while Spurs beat Bodo/Glimt 5-1. United aim for their second Europa title in eight years, while Spurs seek their first European trophy in 41 years — and their first silverware of any kind in 17.

It marks the sixth all-English final in major European competition, with Spurs involved in three of them.

Tottenham have already beaten United three times this season, but both camps expect a tight, emotional showdown.
“It will be a titanic battle,” said Glenn Hoddle.
Paul Scholes added: “United know how to win trophies. Tottenham don’t.”

The winner also joins five other English clubs in next season’s Champions League.

WORD OF THE DAY

MODICUM

Today’s Word of the Day is MODICUM means a small amount of something, especially something desirable or valuable like truth, respect, or patience.

Usage:

• A limited or modest quantity — not much, but just enough to be noticeable or significant.

  🔹 Examples in use:

  1. "She showed a modicum of interest in the project."
     → She showed a small amount of interest.

  2. "Even a modicum of honesty would have helped the situation."
     → A little honesty could have made a big difference.

  3. "They had only a modicum of hope left, but they didn’t give up."

  It’s often used in formal writing or speech and tends to highlight a lack or insufficiency in a subtle way.

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 Friday!

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Wishing you a fantastic weekend!

Cheers,
Editor-in-chief | Emeka Ogbonnaya

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