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Don’t Get Caught Out by Bad Deals, County Council Warns
Hertfordshire County Council advises residents on avoiding online scams; Tips on making eco-friendly choices this festive season.
Emeka Ogbonnaya
December 04, 2024
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Good morning and welcome to Broxtown!
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Here’s what’s on the agenda this morning:
Avoiding Bad Deals: Hertfordshire County Council is urging residents to stay alert when shopping for bargains, especially after Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Shopping Sustainably This Festive Season: Discover practical tips to reduce waste and make eco-friendly choices, from shopping locally to wrapping gifts the green way.
Festive Fun in Cheshunt: The 1st Cheshunt Scout Group continues their Christmas tour across town with Santa in tow—find out where they’ll be tonight!
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From the County Council
Black Friday and Cyber Monday: Don’t Get Caught Out by Bad Deals
As Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals wrap up, Hertfordshire County Council’s Trading Standards is urging shoppers to stay vigilant about purchases that might not have been the bargains they seemed. With billions spent over the shopping weekend, some deals may have left residents out of pocket. While some of the last bargains remain out there, here are some key tips from Trading Standards to protect your purchases:
Stick to a Wish List:
Avoid impulse buys by focusing on what you genuinely want or need. Deals may tempt you, but not every purchase is necessary.
Research Prices:
Compare pre-sale prices for items to confirm the discounts are real. Some deals are inflated to appear more appealing than they are.
Shop Reputable Retailers:
Stick to trusted sellers both online and in-store. Be cautious with websites you don’t recognize, and remember that influencers are paid to promote products.
Avoid Counterfeit Goods:
Fake products might be cheaper but often lack quality and could pose safety risks, especially with items like makeup or electronics.
Check Refund Policies:
Online Purchases: You have 14 days to cancel an order from delivery and 14 more days to return it for a refund.
In-Store Purchases: Returns for non-faulty goods depend on retailer policies. Always confirm before buying.
Pay Safely:
For purchases over £100, use a credit card to benefit from extra protection under the Consumer Credit Act.
Cyber Monday Safety Tips
As shoppers take advantage of Cyber Monday deals, Trading Standards also highlights the importance of staying safe online:
Look for Secure Websites: Ensure the website uses HTTPS and displays a padlock symbol in the browser.
Beware of Scams: If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is.
Avoid Public Wi-Fi: Use a secure internet connection to protect your personal and payment information.
Know Your Rights and Get Help
If you’ve been misled or received faulty goods:
Contact Citizens Advice Consumer Service at 0808 223 1133.
Visit the Hertfordshire Trading Standards website for further advice.
By shopping smart and staying informed, you can make the most of holiday deals while avoiding unnecessary stress. Protect your purchases and enjoy a festive season filled with real value and peace of mind! 🎄🛍️
How to Stay Sustainable This Festive Season: Advice from Hertfordshire County Council
As the festive season approaches, Hertfordshire County Council is encouraging residents to make eco-friendly choices that benefit both the planet and the local community. With a little thought, we can all enjoy a more sustainable Christmas while reducing waste and emissions. Here’s how:
1. Shop Local
Support Broxbourne businesses and reduce the environmental impact of long supply chains by buying locally made gifts. Here are some of the things you can do.
Visit local markets for handmade crafts, festive foods, or unique holiday gifts.
Purchase gift vouchers for local experiences like spa days, pottery workshops, or dining out.
Buy festive hampers or baked goods from Broxbourne vendors.
It is sustainable because buying local reduces transportation emissions and supports small businesses in Hertfordshire, boosting the local economy.
2. Choose Second-Hand Gifts
The Council highlights the benefits of gifting pre-loved items, which are both budget-friendly and sustainable. here are some examples
Explore charity shops for books, vintage home decor, or unique toys.
Use online platforms like eBay, Vinted, or Facebook Marketplace for quality second-hand items.
Visit Hertfordshire’s reuse shops for refurbished furniture or electronics.
Choosing second-hand keeps usable items out of the waste stream and reduces the demand for new production, conserving resources.
3. Reduce Food Waste
Christmas often leads to overbuying and food waste, but the #WorthSaving campaign from the Council offers tips to make the most of your meals. Here are some tips;
Plan menus in advance and buy only what you need.
Store leftovers properly and get creative by turning them into soups, sandwiches, or casseroles.
Use apps like Too Good To Go or Olio to save surplus food.
Reducing food waste cuts down on landfill emissions and saves money, especially during tight economic times.
4. Go Green with Wrapping and Decorations
Hertfordshire County Council recommends reducing holiday waste by choosing eco-friendly alternatives. Tips;
Use reusable materials like fabric or kraft paper for wrapping gifts.
Decorate with natural items such as pinecones, holly, or dried orange slices.
Swap disposable crackers for homemade ones filled with meaningful, reusable gifts.
It minimizes the millions of tons of waste generated by traditional wrapping paper, plastic decorations, and crackers.
5. Choose a Sustainable Christmas Tree
The Council advises residents to think sustainably when it comes to their Christmas trees. Here are some options;
Potted Trees: Replant a tree with roots after Christmas.
Locally Grown Trees: Look for FSC®-certified trees to ensure responsible sourcing.
Artificial Trees: Reuse artificial trees for at least 10 years to offset their environmental impact.
These choices reduce waste, transportation emissions, and the demand for unsustainable tree farming practices.
Hertfordshire County Council’s Commitment
The Council is committed to helping residents make greener choices this Christmas. From promoting local shopping to reducing food and gift waste, these actions help create a more sustainable community.
Let’s make this holiday season in Broxtown joyful and kind to the planet. Every small change adds up to a big difference! 🎄♻️
For more tips, visit the Hertfordshire County Council website or join local sustainability initiatives.
Santa’s Tour with the 1st Cheshunt Scout Group Continues
Santa Claus is making his way through Cheshunt, and tomorrow night marks the third stop on his festive tour, joined by the Cubs and Scouts of the 1st Cheshunt Scout Group.
🎅 Tomorrow’s Route: Starting at Perrysfield Road at 6:15 PM, Santa and the Scouts will travel through Davison Drive and Brookfield Garden. Make sure to come out, wave hello, and enjoy the holiday cheer!
Earlier this week, the group brought festive spirit to:
Monday: Moxom Avenue and Russel Drive.
Tuesday: Round Moor and Ashdown Crescent.
This magical tradition is a wonderful way to celebrate the season and connect with the local community. Don’t miss your chance to see Santa and the Scouts spreading joy in your neighborhood! 🎄✨
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Food Finds
Fishy Delishy: A Seafood & Grill Experience You Don’t Want to Miss
Looking for your next dining spot in Cheshunt? Look no further than Fishy Delishy, the go-to destination for seafood lovers and grill enthusiasts alike.
🎣 What’s on the Menu?
From fresh seafood to perfectly crisp fish & chips, gourmet burgers, and hearty pasta dishes, there’s something for everyone at Fishy Delishy. Whether you're craving classic comfort food or a taste of the sea, this restaurant delivers flavors you’ll keep coming back for.
📍 Where to Find Us
Located on Newnham Parade, College Rd, Cheshunt, EN8 9NU, Fishy Delishy combines a welcoming atmosphere with mouthwatering dishes to create a dining experience you won’t forget.
🪑 Book Your Table Today!
Don’t miss your chance to indulge in this local gem. Reserve your spot now—link in bio!
Come hungry and leave happy at Fishy Delishy! 🐟✨
UPCOMING EVENTS
Join Chexs for the Final Real Talk Session of the Year
Today, Wednesday, 4th December, marks the last Real Talk session of 2024, and it’s one you won’t want to miss. We’re excited to welcome guest speakers from SPACE Hertfordshire, who will be providing valuable advice and support for parents and carers of children and young people with SEND (Special Educational Needs & Disabilities) or suspected SEND.
This is a great opportunity to get expert guidance, ask questions, and connect with others facing similar challenges—all in a relaxed, supportive environment.
Event Details:
📍 Location: Tesco Community Room, Brookfield
📅 Date: Wednesday, 4th December
⏰ Time: 1 PM – 2:15 PM
☕ No booking needed—just show up! We’ll have tea and coffee ready.
We look forward to seeing you for this informative and supportive session. Let’s end the year with meaningful connections and practical advice. See you there! 🎄☕
💌 Commuter Romance 💌
In this section, we share stories from readers who’ve experienced fleeting romantic eye contact that never led to more. Need help turning that moment into a date? Share your story with us, and let’s see if we can help you find your romantic connection during your commute! 💕
A Morning Connection on the Broxbourne Train
There’s something about the morning commute—a sea of familiar faces, yet no one really stands out. As a guy, you blend into the crowd. It’s the ladies who often catch our attention, effortlessly turning a routine train ride into something a bit more interesting. Most mornings, I sit back and appreciate the beauty of the everyday hustle—until one morning changed all of that.
It was just another ride, the train sitting unusually long at Broxbourne, heading toward Liverpool Street. I was lost in thought, watching the quiet shuffle of passengers, when suddenly, a burst of laughter filled the carriage. The kind of laughter that makes you want to know the story behind it. I looked up, and there she was—head thrown back in delight, her smile lighting up the entire platform. And that’s when it happened—our eyes met.
I don’t know what came over me, but in that split second, something clicked. A connection, maybe? As she composed herself, I did what any decent guy would—smiled back. You know, acknowledging the moment. The train had just started moving, and I couldn’t let it end there. “The joke must be that good. Care to share?” I quipped, trying to sound casual.
She hesitated, her laughter still lingering, but I pressed on, “Go on… I could use a good laugh.” She laughed even more, the kind that makes you forget you’re sitting in a crowded train. After a moment, she said, “You probably won’t like it. It’s nothing, really.” But I knew there was something more behind that smile.
Just as I thought we were getting somewhere, the train pulled into Waltham Cross, and before I knew it, she stood up to leave. My heart sank a little—I thought I had more time. She stepped off, but not before giving me one last look. A look that told me I’d made an impression, just like she had on me.
Now, here I am, wondering if she’s out there somewhere, remembering our brief but unforgettable exchange. If you’re reading this, and you think it was you, let’s grab a coffee sometime—whether it’s in Broxbourne or Waltham Cross, I’ll leave it up to you. And hey, if you’re single and looking for something real, I think we’ve already got a head start.
Wednesday Weather
8°C 🌡️ 7°C | ☁️ Light cloud and a gentle breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 07:49 Sunset 15:52
Word of the Day
EGREGIOUS
Today’s Word of the Day is EGREGIOUS - means shockingly bad or flagrant; outstandingly negative in a way that is impossible to ignore. It is often used to describe actions, behaviors, or errors that are unusually or remarkably wrong, offensive, or inappropriate..
How to use it:
"The company's egregious disregard for environmental regulations led to hefty fines."
"Her egregious mistake during the presentation cost the team an important client."
"The referee’s egregious decision to ignore the foul left the fans outraged."
In essence, egregious emphasizes how glaringly bad or unacceptable something is.
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!
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Wishing you a fantastic rest of your day!
Cheers,
The Broxtown Team
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