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Tuesday, 12th August
Hello and happy Tuesday!
Last Friday wrapped up with a mix of moods, one event marked by peace and calm, another by raised voices and heated exchanges. Still, it was a vibrant week in the community, capped off with a sunny weekend. Elvis made his return to Deja Vu, the White Swan in Hoddesdon was buzzing, and the summer spirit was definitely in the air.
This week promises more sunshine and plenty of holiday activities, including Lowewood Museum’s Broxbourne at War Family Activity Day on Wednesday, a perfect midweek outing for all ages.
Here’s what’s inside today’s issue:
Council Guidance on Weight Loss Injectables
£600k Investment for Nature Recovery
Division Over Former Marriott Asylum Centre
Community Celebrates Broxbourne at War Exhibition
Green Trade Platform Launches to Boost Retrofit Services
➕ And much more…
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News from Hertfordshire County Council
Hertfordshire Council Publishes Guidance on Weight Loss Injectables
Hertfordshire County Council has issued new advice on the use of weight loss injectable medications, such as Mounjaro® (tirzepatide), now being rolled out by the NHS. The council stresses that these treatments should be part of a holistic weight management plan, alongside healthy eating, regular exercise, and addressing emotional eating habits.
Access to injectables will depend on strict NHS eligibility criteria, assessed through GP practices. To support residents, the council is offering 12 weeks of free Weight Watchers membership via GP referral. Officials emphasise that sustainable results come from combining medical support with lifestyle changes.
More information is available via GP practices.
Hertfordshire Council Invests £600,000 to Restore Nature Across County Lands
In a major boost for local wildlife, Hertfordshire County Council is investing £600,000 in nature recovery programmes across its managed land portfolio. The initiative will unfold over the next three years, covering up to 114 hectares an area roughly equivalent to 160 football pitches and includes sites in East Hertfordshire, Hertsmere, and St Albans. Locations set for enhancements include Much Wood and Leafy Oak near Hertford Green, Berrygrove Woods, High Canons Wood, Saffron Green, and Bullens Green Wood.
Councillor Adrian England, the council’s sustainability lead, highlighted that the funding will help the council manage land “in a way that works with nature, not against it,” supporting biodiversity, climate resilience, and thriving ecosystems across Hertfordshire.
COMMUNITY UPDATES
Community Divided Over Former Marriott Hotel Asylum Centre
On Friday, tensions flared outside the former Marriott Hotel Cheshunt as two groups gathered in protest and counter-protest over its use as temporary accommodation for refugees and asylum seekers.
One group expressed strong opposition to the centre, waving flags and voicing fears — some citing unverified claims about safety concerns involving male asylum seekers. They argued that the presence of asylum seekers could impact the community’s fabric and safety, particularly for children.
Opposing them were counter-protesters who rejected those claims, describing the demonstration as driven by far-right sentiment. They pointed out that almost 80% of the hotel’s residents are women and children, calling the protest unfounded and divisive.
The scene grew tense at times, with shouting between the two sides, but no physical clashes occurred thanks to the presence of law enforcement officers who monitored the situation closely.
This remains a highly sensitive local issue, with calls for the government to provide clear answers and for local politicians to handle the matter with care. While the right to peaceful protest is essential, residents and authorities alike stress the importance of maintaining calm and protecting community harmony.
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Community Unites to Celebrate ‘Broxbourne at War’ Exhibition
The Lowewood Museum closed its doors early on Friday for a special celebration honouring the dedicated community curators and volunteers behind the much-loved Broxbourne at War exhibition.
The event brought together a vibrant mix of people, from those who researched and developed the exhibition, to volunteers who gave their time and skills, alongside the museum’s small but committed team of staff. The Lowewood Trust’s chair joined the gathering, paying tribute to the collective effort that made the exhibition possible.
Community Engagement Officer Tony described the project as “a true community achievement,” noting that no single person could take the credit, it was the result of many hands and hearts working together. The Trust also shared plans for an exciting programme of activities running alongside the exhibition.
Broxbourne at War offers a moving exploration of the Second World War’s impact on the borough, featuring personal stories, artefacts, and photographs that bring local history to life.
You can hear more about this inspiring community project in our full interview on the Voices of Our Towns podcast.
Hertstown Media Launches Hertfordshire Green Trade Platform to Boost Local Retrofit Services
Hertstown Media has officially launched the Hertfordshire Green Trade platform, a new online hub designed to connect local tradesmen with residents embarking on home retrofit projects.
The initiative aims to make it easier for homeowners to find skilled, trusted tradespeople in their area, particularly those with a proven track record in improving home energy efficiency. The platform showcases a local listing directory, allowing residents to search for verified suppliers, read reviews from neighbours who have undertaken similar projects, and choose contractors based on a reputation built within the community.
For tradesmen, the platform offers a valuable opportunity to leverage their local reputation, reach more customers in their immediate area, and stand out as part of the growing retrofit and energy efficiency market.
In addition to listings, Hertfordshire Green Trade includes an educational content hub. This section offers practical resources for both residents and trades professionals, helping to dispel myths about energy efficiency and home retrofit projects. From simple energy-saving tips to in-depth guides on insulation, heat pumps, and renewable energy, the aim is to help the community make informed choices.
The platform aligns with the Hertfordshire-wide Retrofit Strategy, which seeks to make every home in the county energy efficient. Residents are encouraged to explore the educational materials to better understand the benefits of retrofitting and to make use of the local directory when hiring.
"We wanted to create something that’s not only a service marketplace but also a trusted knowledge centre,” said a spokesperson from Hertstown Media. “By focusing on local connections, we’re helping residents hire with confidence while supporting the skilled tradespeople who have been serving our communities for years.”
Residents and tradespeople can now register or browse listings at Hertfordshire Green Trade and be part of the movement towards a greener, more energy-efficient Hertfordshire.
Summer Fun Brochure Now Available
Broxbourne Council has released its Summer Fun Brochure, packed with events for children, families and young people across the borough.
The comprehensive guide features outdoor cinemas, play schemes, exhibitions and various activities designed to keep residents entertained throughout the summer holidays. The programme offers something for all ages, from toddler-friendly sessions to youth activities.
Events are scheduled to run throughout the summer season, providing local families with accessible entertainment options close to home.
The full brochure with dates, times and booking information can be downloaded at https://ow.ly/NIz550W9SUL
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MEME of The Day
🐾 PET OF THE WEEK
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🎨KID’S CORNER
🍽️ Calling All Food Lovers in Broxbourne Borough!
We’re on the hunt for the best restaurants, cafés, and pubs in our community.
If you’ve discovered a hidden gem that deserves a spotlight, let us know, and we’ll share it so residents can go and check it out!
Weather ☀ Tuesday - Friday
Tuesday
31°C 🌡 16°C | ☀ Sunny and a gentle breeze | ☀ Sunrise 05:40 Sunset 20:30
Wednesday
28°C 🌡 16°C | ☀ Sunny and a gentle breeze | ☀ Sunrise 05:41 Sunset 20:28
Thursday
27°C 🌡 15°C | ☀ Sunny intervals and a gentle breeze | ☀ Sunrise 05:43 Sunset 20:26
Friday
26°C 🌡 14°C | ☀ Sunny and light winds | ☀ Sunrise 05:44 Sunset 20:24
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Wishing you a fantastic rest of your day!
Cheers,
Editor-in-chief | Emeka Ogbonnaya
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