Good morning and welcome to December!

Happy Monday! It’s the second day of Advent and Cyber Monday, a perfect time to hunt for bargains—but stay vigilant. Cybercriminals are out in force, ready to take advantage of unsuspecting shoppers. We have a new section below for small business owners - scroll down to see it, if you are business owner.

In today’s issue:

• Cheshunt Without a Banking Hub: Residents continue to face challenges.

• Waltham Cross Landmark Closure: A permanent fixture of the town is saying goodbye.

• More

Before we get started, a warm welcome to our new subscribers! 🎉 We’re thrilled to have you join the Broxtown community. Got feedback or ideas? Drop us a line—we’re here to make Broxtown your favourite local read!

Let’s get started! 💌

News at Glance

Cheshunt Banking Hub: Residents and Businesses Face Challenges

Cheshunt continues to struggle without a banking hub, leaving residents to travel to Waltham Cross for essential services like personal banking, business banking, and bill payments—many of which require appointments. MP Lewis Cocking recently raised the issue in Parliament, urging the minister to address this gap in local banking infrastructure.

Impact on the Community

The lack of a local banking hub poses significant challenges:

• Residents: Everyday tasks like depositing cash or paying bills become inconvenient and costly.

• Businesses: Delays in accessing financial services hinder cash flow and operations.

• Vulnerable Groups: Elderly residents and those without transport face additional difficulties.

What’s Next?

As the community waits for action, residents must explore alternatives. This Thursday’s editorial will offer practical tips on managing finances, utilising digital banking, and maintaining cash flow in the absence of local facilities.

Share your experiences and thoughts as we continue to advocate for improved banking services in Cheshunt. Stay tuned!

The Monarchs Way Underpass is scheduled for permanent closure

The Monarchs Way Underpass is scheduled for permanent closure on Monday, 9 December 2024. This decision is part of the Waltham Cross Town Centre regeneration project, aiming to enhance pedestrian accessibility and safety. In place of the underpass, two new signalised pedestrian crossings will be installed on Monarchs Way, facilitating easier and quicker access to and from the town centre.

These street-level crossings are designed to promote greater security, especially during evening hours, by providing well-lit and direct routes for pedestrians. Prior to implementation, traffic modelling was conducted to ensure the new crossings integrate smoothly with existing traffic flow, minimizing potential disruptions.

For more detailed information about the Waltham Cross Town Centre regeneration and the closure of the Monarchs Way Underpass, please visit the Borough of Broxbourne Council's official webpage.

Hertfordshire Council Calls for Foster Parents: Share Your Everyday, Change a Life

Becoming a foster parent isn’t about being perfect—it’s about sharing the small, meaningful moments that make up everyday life. Packing lunches, morning routines, family dinners, backyard games, and helping with homework may seem ordinary, but for a foster child, these moments can mean the world.

When you open your home to a foster child, you provide more than just a safe place to stay. You offer them stability, warmth, and belonging. These simple routines build trust, create normalcy, and give children the foundation they need to thrive.

Fostering local children also helps keep them connected to their schools, friends, and communities, ensuring continuity in their lives during challenging times. Your support could be the key to giving them the stability and care they deserve.

Hertfordshire Council is looking for compassionate individuals and families who are ready to make a difference. You don’t have to be perfect—you just need to be willing to share your life and love.

Become a Foster Parent Today

If you’re ready to make an incredible difference in a child’s life, reach out to your local council to learn more about fostering. Together, we can help children stay connected to their communities and give them the support they deserve.

Your everyday could mean the world to a foster child. 💕

Final Call: Vote Now for the Broxtown Community Champions Award!

The Broxtown Community Champions Award is well underway, and we are thrilled by the enthusiastic response so far. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has already cast their vote to recognize those making a difference in our community!

For those who haven’t yet voted, there’s still time to make your voice heard. Voting closes at midnight on Friday, so don’t miss this chance to honor the individuals and groups who make Broxtown such a special place.

Why Your Vote Matters

This award is about celebrating the selfless contributions of our local heroes—those who go above and beyond to improve our community. Your vote not only acknowledges their efforts but also inspires others to make a difference.

Key Dates to Remember

• Voting Deadline: Midnight, Friday, 8th December.

• Results Announcement: Monday, 9th December.

Make Your Vote Count!

Have your say and help us recognise the true champions of Broxtown. Click the link below to cast your vote today.

Broxbourne’s Favourite Dog: Join the Campaign!

Broxtown has launched an exciting campaign to find Broxbourne’s favorite dog breed! Residents are invited to share photos of their furry friends on social media using the hashtag #BroxtownWoof. Don’t forget to follow Broxtown on social media for a chance to get a shout-out for your pup.

This fun initiative celebrates the community’s love for dogs while encouraging local pride. Get involved and help us crown Broxbourne’s top dog!

Don’t Miss Jack and the Beanstalk at Hertfordshire Studios!

Looking for family fun? Jack and the Beanstalk is bringing laughter and magic to the Hertfordshire Studios in Hoddesdon! This immersive pantomime promises joy for all ages with classic panto humor, audience participation, and dazzling performances.

One happy attendee shared:

"Had the most amazing time this afternoon. A truly immersive pantomime experience, great fun for kiddies and adults too!"

Hurry—final shows this week!

Join the fun, shout “It’s behind you!” and cheer for the heroes in this must-see local production

🎭 Book Your Tickets Now!

📅 Final Performances: This week

📍 Location: Hertfordshire Studios, Hoddesdon

Bring your family for an unforgettable day of laughter and magic. Don’t miss it!

Advertisement

Calling All Writers: Join the Broxtown Team and Share Your Stories!

Love our community? Got a talent for storytelling? We’re looking for passionate local voices to join our Broxtown writing team and bring our borough’s stories to life!

Whether you're an experienced writer or just have a story to share, we want to hear from you! From local news and events to lifestyle and quirky tales that make Broxbourne unique, Broxtown is all about capturing the spirit of our community.

Know a hidden gem, local hero, or business that deserves the spotlight? Join us and help share what makes Broxtown special!

Interested? Drop us a message—let’s make Broxtown a place where every voice is heard! 📬

Advertise with Broxtown and reach a highly engaged local audience eager to discover what’s new and exciting. With tailored packages to suit any budget, we’ll help your business stand out and connect with the customers that matter most.

📩 Get started today!

BUSINESS TIP OF THE DAY

FOOTBALL

West Ham United 2 | 5 Arsenal

Arsenal climbed to second in the Premier League after a chaotic first half saw seven goals scored in a 5-2 victory over West Ham at the London Stadium.

• Early Arsenal Dominance: Gabriel opened the scoring after 10 minutes with a flicked header from Bukayo Saka's corner, followed by Leandro Trossard's close-range finish after a flowing team move.

• Rapid-Fire Goals: Martin Odegaard converted a penalty, Kai Havertz scored after a defensive error, and West Ham responded with goals from Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Emerson's stunning free-kick.

• Saka Secures Victory: Arsenal’s fifth came from Saka's penalty after a foul on Gabriel, marking a record fourth time in Premier League history that seven goals were scored in the first half.

The second half saw no additional goals as Arsenal comfortably managed the game. The win places them six points behind league leaders Liverpool, while West Ham sit 14th, six points above relegation.

Tottenham Hotspur 1 | 1 Fulham

Inconsistency plagued Tottenham Hotspur as they were held to a 1-1 draw against Fulham in the Premier League. Despite missing key players due to injury and suspension, Spurs took the lead in the 54th minute through Brennan Johnson, who volleyed in his sixth league goal of the season from Timo Werner’s cross.

Fulham equalized 13 minutes later with a brilliant strike by captain Tom Cairney, who was later sent off for a late challenge on Dejan Kulusevski. Spurs struggled to create chances, with James Maddison hitting the post and Fraser Forster making key saves to deny Fulham’s dangerous attacks.

Manager Ange Postecoglou rotated his squad, resting key forward Kulusevski and missing striker Dominic Solanke due to injury. Spurs, the league's top scorers, have now failed to win consecutive games in their last eight matches, continuing their streak of inconsistency.

The result leaves Spurs searching for stability as they prepare for their next challenge.

EVENTS

Broxbourne Council Landlords' Forum

📅 Date: Today Monday, 2 December
🕕 Time: 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
📍 Location: Beaufort Suite, Bishops' College, Churchgate, Waltham Cross, EN8 9XG

Broxbourne Council invites all private landlords and letting agents to our upcoming Landlords' Forum. This event offers an excellent opportunity to stay informed, discuss key issues, and connect with other local landlords and agents.

Don’t miss this chance to engage with council representatives and learn about the latest developments and support available for landlords.

We look forward to seeing you there!

LOCAL JOBS

Broxbourne Council Jobs

Planning and Place Service Director

Waste Management Officer

Highways Engineer

Infrastructure and Regeneration Projects Manager

Swimming Instructors

Operations Officers/Lifeguards

Monday Weather

9°C 🌡️ 1°C | 🌧️ Light rain and a moderate breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 07:47 Sunset 15:53

Word of the Day

AUGURY

Today’s Word of the Day is AUGURY - refers to the practice of interpreting omens or signs to predict future events. The term originates from ancient Roman traditions, where augurs (priests or officials) observed the behavior of birds, celestial events, or other phenomena to determine the will of the gods. Over time, the word has evolved to mean a sign, omen, or indication of what may come.

HOW IT USED:

In Historical Contexts:

• "The augur interpreted the flight of birds as an augury of victory in battle."

2. In Literature:

Writers often use "augury" to describe foreboding or hopeful signs, especially in a poetic or symbolic way.

• "The dark clouds were an augury of the storm to come."

• "Her success was seen as an augury of great things in her future."

3. In Modern Usage:

• Often used metaphorically to describe events or occurrences that hint at future outcomes.

• "The sudden rise in support for the movement was an augury of change in the political landscape."

Submit the Word of the Day by clicking here. 👈️ 

Broxtown referral program

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 Tomorrow!

Have questions or suggestions to improve our newsletter? Got a story to share? Email us at [email protected].

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Wishing you a fantastic rest of your day!

Cheers,
The Broxtown Team