Good morning and welcome to Broxtown!

It’s Tuesday, 21st January, and with pay day still a week away, we’re here to brighten your day with some exciting updates! From a glowing SEND report by the county council to a big announcement from Broxtown, there’s plenty to kick-start your morning.

Here’s what’s making the headlines today:

• MP Active in the Community and Westminster

• Hertfordshire SEND Services Receive High Praise

• Broxtown Launches a Podcast 🎙️

A warm welcome to all our new subscribers—thank you for joining the Broxtown family! Got thoughts or suggestions? We’d love to hear from you. Let’s make Broxtown your go-to for everything local!

💌 Love this newsletter? Share it with a friend! Use your unique link below and earn rewards for spreading the word. Let’s grow this community together. 💌

From the County Council

Broxbourne MP Stresses Need for Infrastructure with New Developments

Lately, Broxbourne MP Lewis Cocking has been highly visible across local communities, distributing updates in Waltham Cross, Broxbourne, and Great Amwell. His efforts demonstrate a strong commitment to keeping residents informed about key issues and developments affecting the borough.

When not engaging with constituents on the ground, he’s been hard at work in Westminster, raising the challenges that residents have highlighted to him or seeking solutions to issues he believes require urgent attention. Earlier this week, he shared a video on social media of his passionate argument in Parliament about housing and infrastructure in our community.

While expressing support for housing developers and the need for new homes in Broxbourne, he emphasised the critical importance of ensuring that these developments are accompanied by the right infrastructure. He argued that residents shouldn’t just have access to new housing, but also the essential facilities and services—like schools, transport, and healthcare—that make a community thrive. According to him, without these measures, new developments risk leaving residents with degraded or inadequate infrastructure, which would be unacceptable.

MP Cocking’s focus on balancing growth with long-term infrastructure improvements reflects a vision for sustainable and satisfying living conditions for all Broxbourne residents.

lewiscockingmp

View more on Instagram

Hertfordshire SEND Services Show Significant Progress

Hertfordshire’s Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) services have made significant strides, according to a recent stocktake review conducted by the Department for Education and NHS England. The review, held in September 2024, assessed progress against the Priority Action Plan and SEND Improvement Plan, which were introduced following an Improvement Notice issued after the Ofsted and CQC Area SEND Inspection.

Key improvements highlighted include stronger governance and joint working arrangements across agencies, as well as the successful development of a data dashboard to inform and guide SEND work. The review also provided recommendations for further focus, aligned with the Improvement Plan.

Councillor Caroline Clapper, Executive Member for Education, Libraries and Lifelong Learning, and Dr Jane Halpin, CEO of Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care Board, praised the progress in a joint statement, acknowledging the dedication of all involved in the improvement journey. They noted that while progress has been substantial, consistent impact for all families is still a goal, and feedback from the review will guide ongoing efforts.

Dame Christine Lenehan, Independent Chair of the SEND Priority Executive, commended the local partnership for its collaborative efforts and recognised the role of frontline staff and parent carers in driving change. She highlighted key initiatives such as the SEND Academy, improvements to the EHCP process, and increased support for children awaiting neurodiversity assessments.

While challenges remain, the review reflects a positive trajectory for SEND services in Hertfordshire, with leaders committed to ensuring every child and young person receives the support they need to thrive.

Have Your Say on Hertfordshire’s £1 Billion Budget

Hertfordshire County Council spends over £1 billion annually on services that impact every resident, business, and community across the county. These vital services are funded through your Council Tax, government grants, and the council’s commercial income.

We want to hear your views on how this money should be spent for the upcoming financial year (April 2025 to March 2026). Your feedback will play a crucial role in helping us set a balanced budget, ensuring we continue to deliver essential services while finding ways to reduce costs and generate more income.

🗣️ Make sure your voice is heard !

Exciting News from Broxtown! 🎉

We’re thrilled to announce that, after months of growth and feedback from our amazing readers, Broxtown will be launching a podcast service tomorrow, 22nd January 2025—exactly four months since we began our newsletter journey!

The Voices of Our Towns podcast will bring the voices of residents, businesses, and local leaders from towns across Hertfordshire directly to you. Expect to hear stories that matter, perspectives from fellow residents, and discussions on the issues that impact our community.

Here’s what makes it special:

• 📣 Your voice matters – You’ll get to shape the conversation by suggesting guests and topics for discussion.

• 🎙️ Informed insights – We’ll invite experts and decision-makers to address the issues you care about.

• 👂 Engaging content – From inspiring stories to challenging frustrations, this podcast will shine a light on the topics that affect all of us.

We’re excited to kick things off with our first guest, Councillor Mark Mills-Bishop, who shared his views on devolution in an exclusive interview. This insightful conversation will be featured in our launch episode tomorrow.

📅 Don’t miss it! Look out for tomorrow’s editorial, where we’ll unveil the podcast and share the full interview with Broxbourne Borough’s leader.

Thank you for supporting Broxtown as we continue to grow and bring our community together. Stay tuned—this is just the beginning! 🎧✨

Clean Air Night 2025: The Fight for Cleaner Air Starts Tomorrow!

The #CleanAirNight campaign kicks off tomorrow, 22 January 2025, and it’s your chance to learn, act, and spark change. The focus this year is on the harmful impacts of wood burning on health, the environment, and even your wallet. The campaign urges everyone to learn the facts about wood burning and share this knowledge with friends, family, and your community to raise awareness.

Here’s what you need to know:

• 🌬️ Wood burning harms your health: It’s the largest source of harmful fine particle (PM2.5) air pollution in the UK. These toxic particles can enter your bloodstream and cause heart and lung diseases, diabetes, and even dementia.

• 🌍 Wood burning hurts the planet: It produces more harmful carbon emissions than oil or gas heating.

• 💸 Wood burning costs you more: Despite its appeal, wood burning is almost always more expensive than other forms of heating.

• 🔥 Even the newest 'eco-design' stoves pollute: Homes using 'eco-design' wood burners are three times more polluted than those without.

While stove manufacturer Charnwood has challenged the campaign’s statistics, calling them misleading, the Global Action Plan team stands firm, confirming that even modern stoves remain a significant source of pollution. They’ve highlighted that reducing wood burning is a critical step toward cleaner air and healthier lives.

📢 What can you do?

• Learn more about the dangers of wood burning.

• Share the facts with your family, friends, and community.

• Join the conversation on social media using #CleanAirNight.

💡 Get Involved: Watch the campaign video and read more about how wood burning impacts our health and planet. Together, we can protect our air and our future.

👉 Click here to watch the campaign video

Calling All Teachers, PTA Members, and Group Leaders!

Are you looking for an exciting, hassle-free way to bring learning to life for your students or group? We’ve got just the solution – The Cedars Nature Centre takes the zoo to YOU! 🐢🦎

Their dedicated Education Officer will visit your classroom, after-school club, or home education group with live animals and fascinating facts, creating an unforgettable, hands-on educational experience.

Here’s what they offer:

• 🌍 Customised Lessons – They can tailor their visit to suit any curriculum-based topic you’re exploring, from rainforests and minibeasts to animal classification or diets.

• 🐾 Stress-Free Learning – Forget the cost and hassle of organising a school trip. They bring all the fun and education directly to you!

• 🦔 Engaging and Fun – Students get up close and personal with live animals while learning in a way that’s exciting, interactive, and memorable.

Advance booking is essential, and spots for 2025 are filling up fast! Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to bring the wonders of the animal kingdom straight to your students or group.

👉 Find out more and book your visit on our education page today! 🐁

Attention Talented Athletes Aged 11-30! 🏆

The Opportunity for Excellence Grant Scheme is here to help you reach your sporting potential!

🏋️ What’s on offer?
Successful applicants receive free memberships to local sports centres, giving you access to:

• State-of-the-art training facilities.

• Professional equipment to boost performance.

• A supportive community for aspiring athletes.

🌟 Who can apply?
Athletes aged 11-30 with exceptional skill and dedication to their sport.

📝 Apply Now!
Don’t miss your chance to take your training to the next level.

👉 Click here to learn more and apply today!

MEME of The Day

Food Finds

Fishy Delishy: A Seafood & Grill Experience

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.

📍 Location
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.

Come hungry and leave happy at Fishy Delishy! 🐟✨

UPCOMING EVENTS

Waltham Cross Library Celebrates Lunar New Year 🎉

🎨 Join Waltham Cross Library for a Fun-Filled Craft Session!
Get ready to celebrate the Lunar New Year with an hour of creative crafts and exciting activities for children aged 5 and above.

📅 Date: Wednesday, 29th January
⏰ Time: 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
📍 Venue: Waltham Cross Library

✨ What to Expect:

• Hands-on crafting activities

• Fun for the whole family

• A welcoming community atmosphere

🎟️ FREE Entry! Donations are welcome to support future events.

No booking required—just come along and join the celebration! Let’s make this Lunar New Year memorable together.

Upcoming Business Events

Wed 22^nd  Jan Social Media and Digital Marketing Surgery Book Here
Wed 22^nd  Jan Unlock Funding Opportunities with Barclays Demo Directory Book Here
Wed 22^nd  Jan Get Finance Ready with Hertfordshire Growth Hub Book Here 
Wed 22^nd  Jan Deadline for Innovate UK Small Grants Book Here
Thu 23^rd  Jan Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards Launch Book Here
Mon 27^th  Jan Deadline for The Hustle Start-Up Awards Book Here 
Wed 29^th  Jan From the Ground Up with Broxbourne Creative Network Book Here
Wed 29^th  Jan Get Hertfordshire Working Webinar  Book Here
Thu 30th Jan Business Strategy Clinics (Theobalds) Book Here
Mon 3^rd  Feb HertsGoGreen and Grow Book Here
Tue 11^th  Feb Waltham Cross Town Centre Forum Book Here 
Tue 18^th  Feb Social Media and Digital Marketing Surgery Book Here
Fri 28th Feb Deadline for Small Awards Entries Book Here

Tuesday Weather

5°C 🌡️ 2°C | ☁️ Misty and light winds | ☀️ Sunrise 07:55 Sunset 16:29

Word of the Day

INIMITABLE

Today’s Word of the Day is INIMITABLE - means impossible to imitate or copy because it is so unique, exceptional, or distinctive. It describes something or someone that stands out in a way that cannot be replicated.

How to use it:

• To describe someone's unique qualities or style:

  • "Her inimitable sense of humour always lights up the room."

• To highlight something exceptional and one of a kind:

  • "The artist's inimitable work has redefined modern sculpture."

• To praise individuality or creativity:

  • "He delivered the speech with his inimitable charisma and wit."

Essentially, it conveys admiration for something rare and outstanding.

Submit the Word of the Day by clicking here. 👈️ 

FOOTBALL ⚽️ 

Everton Stun Spurs with Resounding Victory at Goodison Park

Everton 3 | 2 Tottenham Hotspur

Everton began their resurgence under returning manager David Moyes with a commanding 3-2 victory over a struggling Tottenham side at Goodison Park. A dominant first half saw Everton take a 3-0 lead through goals from Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Iliman Ndiaye, and an own goal by Archie Gray.

Despite a late Spurs fightback with goals from Dejan Kulusevski and Richarlison, Everton held on for a well-deserved win, condemning Tottenham to their seventh defeat in 10 league games. This marked a crucial turnaround for Everton, who had struggled to score all season, and a memorable day for Moyes' return.

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 rest of your day!

Cheers,
Editor-in-chief | Emeka Ogbonnaya

P.S. Want to sponsor our newsletter? Email us at [email protected]