Tuesday, 17th June

Good Morning Reader,

Hope you’ve got your sunscreen ready—there’s plenty of sunshine in store this week! Remember not to overdo it and keep hydrated, just as our local GPs recommend. Monday’s weather is a preview of what’s to come all week long, so get ready and make the most of it!

Sunday was Father’s Day, and I was thoroughly spoiled by my kids—definitely a day I won’t forget any time soon. For anyone who finds Father’s day difficult or has bittersweet memories, I hope you’re able to find some peace and focus on the positives.

Over in Goffs Oak, the Summer Fayre took everyone by surprise and turned out to be a fantastic event—more on that below. As for the rumours swirling around Brookfield, don’t rush to put your house on the market just yet; we’re still waiting for something official before sharing more.

With a warm, sunny week ahead, we’re on the lookout for someone with great fashion sense to contribute an editorial on the best outfits for Summer 2025. If you sell summer styles—especially preloved or sustainable fashion—let us know! We’d love to feature and support local businesses.

Here’s what you’ll find in today’s edition:

🏛️ Single Unitary Authority dropped by Hertfordshire Councils
🏅 Celebrating Broxbourne’s elite athletes
🎉 Summer fun brochure is out!
☀️ Goffs Oak Summer Fayre highlights
…and lots more!

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News at a Glance

Hertfordshire Councils Begin Eliminating Devolution Options, Single Unitary Authority Ruled Out

As Hertfordshire's local government reform discussions progress, the county's 11 council leaders have begun to narrow down the potential devolution options. The first significant decision sees the unanimous rejection of a single unitary authority for the entire county.

This means no further work will be undertaken to develop a business case for one unitary council covering all 1.2 million Hertfordshire residents, as leaders collectively agreed this model would be too remote from the county's diverse communities.

The councils remain committed to ensuring any changes benefit residents and businesses, maintain excellent public services, ensure safety, and uphold strong democratic accountability. They will now continue to explore and refine options for two to four unitary councils, with final proposals due to the Government by November 28th. Key factors include value for money, impact on crucial services like social care and SEND, supporting future devolution, and ensuring robust community input. The Government has provided £378,077 to support this project, managed by Watford Borough Council.

Cllr. Corina Gander, Leader of Broxbourne Council, reiterates the stance previously articulated by the former council leader, expressing satisfaction that the single unitary authority proposal for Hertfordshire has now been formally discounted, promising to work for the best outcome for Broxbourne.

For details on the various options previously considered, see our in-depth analysis here:

Read the full article on this development click the button.

Broxbourne Council Honours Elite Athletes with 'Opportunity for Excellence' Awards

Broxbourne Borough Council has recently celebrated nineteen of the borough’s top athletes by granting them the prestigious ‘Opportunity for Excellence’ Award. This initiative provides crucial training support, offering elite sports performers aged 11 and above – who compete at county level or higher – a full year of complimentary access to the Council’s leisure centres.

This year’s recipients showcase the remarkable sporting talent and diversity within Broxbourne. Councillor Pierce Connolly, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Culture, lauded the awards as an investment in future champions, underscoring the community's commitment to its local sporting stars.

The deadline for the next round of 'Opportunity for Excellence' Award applications is March 31, 2026.

'Opportunity for Excellence' Award Recipients 2024:

• Bethan Forrow (24, International Canoeist - Team GB, Canoe Slalom)

• Phoebe Spicer (25, International Canoeist - Team GB, Canoe Slalom)

• Anna Hursey (18, Table Tennis - Team GB, 2024 Olympic Games)

• John Nugent (83, Triathlete - World Championships, 80-84 age group)

• Zaneya Cunningham (17, Netball - England Under-19 Netball Academy)

• Lewis Gosling (22, Gymnastics - 2022 European Gymnastics Championships Silver Medalist)

• Arav Patel (14, Cricket - Hertfordshire County Cricket Under-15 Side)

• Maya Kihogo (14, Athletics - Current Hertfordshire 100m Under-15 Champion)

• Archie Crouch (12, Football - Goalkeeper for Cambridge United’s Academy)

Follow the link to get the rest of the names.

Broxbourne Council Launches "Summer Fun Brochure" Packed with Local Activities

Broxbourne Council has released its "Summer Fun Brochure," a comprehensive guide detailing a wide array of events and activities for children, families, and young people across the borough from June through September. The brochure covers everything from sports activities and town centre events to shows, health walks, creative projects, and museum exhibitions.

Highlights include the lively "Summer of Fun" series, a vintage car show, the return of ParkPlay, a sports festival, and a National Play Day. Culture enthusiasts can enjoy the "Broxbourne At War" exhibition and various tribute acts at The Spotlight, while families can look forward to holiday playschemes and open-air cinema events. The brochure also features three historical trails for exploring the borough's heritage.

Physical copies of the brochure will be available for collection at Council events, local libraries, and Lowewood Museum from the week commencing June 16th.

COMMUNITY UPDATE

Goffs Oak Summer Fayre Bursts with Fun, Community Spirit, and Sunshine!

What a day to remember! The Goffs Oak Summer Fayre dazzled the community with non-stop excitement and a true celebration of local spirit. Months of meticulous planning by the Goffs Oak Community Association paid off in spades, as crowds poured in to enjoy the event everyone had been eagerly anticipating since the first winter posters appeared in Broxtown!

From the moment gates opened, the fayre buzzed with energy. Children dashed between colourful games and side shows, laughter filling the air. The dog show stole hearts, as pups of every shape and size paraded for the crowd. Meanwhile, a lively line-up of performers and artists kept the entertainment rolling from start to finish—making sure there was never a dull moment.

The whole community came out in style, with local dignitaries—including the elegantly dressed Madam Mayor—mingling with families and friends, many sporting their best summer looks in straw hats and breezy linen. The rows of vibrant local business stalls tempted visitors with treats, crafts, and surprises around every corner.

The atmosphere was pure joy—a perfect mix of nostalgia, friendship, and festivity. Old friends reunited, new connections were made, and smiles were everywhere you turned.

This year’s Summer Fayre didn’t just meet expectations—it raised the bar for community events. The resounding success promises that next year will be even bigger and brighter!

Huge applause goes to the Goffs Oak Community Association for their incredible organisation, to the tireless volunteers from Love Hoddesdon, and to all who brought the day to life. Special shout-outs to Kelly from James Foundation, the amazing Chexs Ladies, The Goffs Kitchen, Taxi Turner from East Herts Woodturners Club, Andy from the Scouts, the ever-popular Beekeepers, and the founder of Stargardt Connected charity. Thank you for your energy, dedication, and community spirit!

Can’t wait to see what’s in store for next year—Goffs Oak, you’ve outdone yourselves!

MEME of The Day

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

SHHHH, Meditation time..

The Weather ☀️ 

Tuesday

26°C 🌡️ 13°C | ☀️ Sunny and a gentle breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 04:41 Sunset 21:21

Wednesday

26°C 🌡️ 13°C | ☀️ Sunny interval and a gentle breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 04:41 Sunset 21:21

Thursday

25°C 🌡️ 12°C | ☀️ Sunny and a gentle breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 04:41 Sunset 21:22

Friday

26°C 🌡️ 13°C | ☀️ Sunny and a gentle breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 04:41 Sunset 21:22

Thanks for Reading—See You Friday!

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Wishing you a fantastic rest of your day!

Cheers,
Editor-in-chief | Emeka Ogbonnaya

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