Happy Friday, Broxbourne! ☀️

What a week! Broxbourne’s leadership has had a major shake-up—new Mayor, new Council Leader, and a fresh Cabinet. I’ve got the full breakdown for you.

Yesterday’s weather caught many of us off guard (myself included—classic British weather!), but the weekend's looking better. Scroll down for the forecast before making plans.

Our Poll on Spurs and Man U says that Spurs has got it in the bag. Bet as you please. The community has spoken.

Also in the news: the Assisted Dying Bill returns to Parliament today, and we’d love to hear your thoughts—vote in our poll below. Results will be shared in Tuesday’s edition.

A big change for Cheshunt: Ray Lowe Photography has closed after 50 years. We’re sharing an exclusive interview with the man behind the lens and his incredible legacy.

Plus, we’re working on an exclusive editorial on the Liberal Democrats taking the lead at County Council—stay tuned.

In today’s edition:

• New Council Leader and Mayor in Broxbourne

• Hoddesdon Rotary Party at The Spotlight

• Assisted Dying Bill back in Parliament today

• Calvin White: The Unsung Hero in Cheshunt

And there’s even more inside — so make sure to read through to the end!

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News at a Glance

Corina Gander Elected New Council Leader as Broxbourne Cabinet Reshuffles

At the annual Council meeting on Tuesday 13 May 2025, Councillor Corina Gander was elected as the new Leader of Broxbourne Borough Council, with Councillor Steve Wortley re-elected as Deputy Leader.

Broxtown had previously reported the election of Councillor Gander to this pivotal role and will be arranging a one-on-one interview with the new Leader in the coming weeks to discuss her vision for Broxbourne, her approach to Local Government Reform, and her priorities for residents and businesses across the borough.

In one of her first formal duties, Cllr Gander announced a new Cabinet lineup, ushering in fresh leadership across key council departments:

• Cllr Andreas Payne – Cabinet Member for Finance

• Cllr Dee Hart – Cabinet Member for Housing and Community

• Cllr Paul Mason – Cabinet Member for Planning

• Cllr Jim Clune – Cabinet Member for Environment and Community Safety

• Cllr Pierce Connolly – Cabinet Member for Leisure and Culture

• Cllr Steve Wortley – Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Growth

Council committee chairs were also confirmed:

• Cllr John Perkins – Chairman of the Scrutiny Committee

• Cllr Peter Chorley – Chairman of the Planning and Regulatory Committee

• Cllr Mark Mills-Bishop – Chairman of the Audit and Standards Committee

In her statement, Cllr Gander said:

Broxtown looks forward to meeting each newly appointed Cabinet Member individually to explore how they plan to shape their respective portfolios and respond to community needs.

Cllr Patsy Spears Becomes Mayor of Broxbourne – Championing Mental Health and Community Resilience

Broxtown has reported the election of Councillor Patsy Spears as the new Mayor of Broxbourne for 2025/26. The announcement was made during the Council’s annual meeting held on 13 May 2025, where Councillor Sacha Kanatli was also appointed as Deputy Mayor.

In one of her first public commitments, Mayor Spears named the Active in Hope Community Foundation—a Waltham Cross-based charity focused on resilience, mental health, and education—as one of her chosen causes for the year.

The charity’s work aligns closely with some of the borough’s most pressing social concerns, and the Mayor has signaled her intent to use her platform to champion youth development and community wellbeing.

Broxtown will be meeting Mayor Spears in a special feature interview, where she’ll share her hopes, priorities, and personal motivations for taking on the role. We’ll also be exploring the story behind her choice of charity and how residents can get involved.

This new chapter in Broxbourne's civic leadership promises to be both impactful and community-driven—and we’ll be following closely every step of the way.

Rotary Spring Event Brings Music, Community and Joy to The Spotlight

The Spotlight Theatre was once again filled with energy, music, and celebration during this year’s Rotary Spring Event Evening, a much-loved tradition that brought together guests from across the borough for a night of entertainment and community spirit.

Deserving invitees from groups including George Fuller Club, Memory Lane, and Belmont View were among the many welcomed attendees, making the event a heartfelt celebration of togetherness and support.

The evening’s entertainment lineup was nothing short of spectacular, featuring performances from:

• Robert Barclay Academy, showcasing the talents of local young performers

• The uplifting Hertford Rock Choir, known for their vibrant harmonies

• A crowd-pleasing ABBA Tribute Group that had guests singing along and swaying to the classics

It was a night of great sound, joyful atmosphere, and genuine community connection.

A huge thank you goes to all the organisers, volunteers, and performers who helped make the evening a success. The Rotary Spring Event continues to highlight the best of Broxbourne – music, unity, and a spirit of giving back.

COMMUNITY WELLBEING

Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill Returns to Parliament Today

The controversial Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill returns to Parliament today, Friday, reigniting national debate over whether terminally ill adults should be granted the legal right to choose an assisted death.

While the bill seeks to provide greater autonomy at the end of life, it faces strong opposition from a coalition of the UK’s leading social care and end-of-life organisations. The Coalition of Frontline Care has described the bill as “unworkable, unaffordable, and naive”, warning that it risks pressuring vulnerable individuals and lacks adequate input from the care workforce.

Although the coalition remains neutral on the concept of assisted dying, it urges MPs to ensure any legal changes are informed by frontline care experience and supported by robust palliative care services.

COMMUNITY UPDATE

🏠 Turn Your Property into a Home with Broxbourne’s Simple Lets Scheme

Do you have a property to let? The Simple Lets scheme is helping local landlords make a difference—by turning empty properties into welcoming homes.

This innovative rental scheme offers expert support and a range of benefits throughout the letting process, making it easier and more rewarding to rent your property while supporting local housing needs.

👉 To learn more, visit the link in our bio or head to the Council’s website.

💻 Need Help Fast? Use the Council’s Self-Service Options Online

Broxbourne Council is encouraging residents to use its self-service portal for quick access to essential services.

Whether you need housing advice, want to report a change in circumstances, or are applying for a dropped kerb, a wide range of services are available 24/7 at your fingertips.

🖥️📱 Skip the wait and get what you need online.

👉 Visit www.broxbourne.gov.uk to find out more.

🌼 Visit Your Local Market – Flower Market in Hoddesdon on Friday 30 May!

Looking for fresh flowers, local produce, or a friendly buzz? Head to Hoddesdon Town Centre on Friday 30 May for a special Flower Market – the perfect way to brighten your weekend!

🛍️ Don’t forget the regular market days:

• Hoddesdon & Waltham Cross: Every Wednesday and Friday, 8am–4pm

• Waltham Cross: Every Sunday, 10am–4pm (ongoing)

Support local traders and enjoy the charm of your town centre!

JOB OPENING AT MALC’S MOTORBIKES

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

🌟 Calvin White – The Man Who Keeps Cheshunt Smiling

This week, we’re honoured to shine the spotlight on someone many in Cheshunt know by face, if not by name: Calvin White – the cheerful, hard-working street cleaner who’s been quietly making our town a better place for years.

From the pavements outside the shops to the roads you drive through on your morning commute, Calvin is always there—sweeping, smiling, and saying hello. He’s become part of the fabric of the town, and his positive spirit hasn’t gone unnoticed.

So here’s a simple request to everyone reading this: if you see Calvin today, stop and give him a hug—or at least a heartfelt thank you. Let’s show him just how much this town appreciates his years of dedication and his ever-present smile.

🧹💛

This feature is part of our new “Local Spotlight” series, where every Friday, Broxtown will celebrate a local unsung hero who quietly makes life better for the rest of us.

👉 Know someone who deserves a shoutout like Calvin?
Message or email Broxtown with your nomination—we’d love to help tell their story.

Let’s make appreciation a weekly tradition.

MEME of The Day

UPCOMING EVENTS

🏰 Step Back in Time at Lowewood Museum’s Half Term Civil War Event

Looking for a fun and educational activity this half term? Head to Lowewood Museum in Hoddesdon on Wednesday 28 May, from 10:30am to 4pm, for a special family event hosted by The English Civil War Society!

Bring the kids along for a historic day out, where they can:

• Meet King Charles II and learn about his army

• Dress up and train as a Pikeman for the afternoon

• Discover the history behind Oak Apple Day, commemorating the restoration of King Charles II in 1660

• Explore the world of 17th-century soldiers with live demonstrations

🎟️ Admission is free, no booking required – just pop in!
💚 Donations to support the museum are welcome.

📍 Venue:
Lowewood Museum
High Street, Hoddesdon EN11 8BH
📞 01992 445596
🌐 lowewoodmuseum.org.uk

Follow:
📸 @lowewood_museum (Instagram)
📘 /lowewoodmuseum (Facebook)

🦁 Summer Evenings at Hertfordshire Zoo – Extra Date Added!

📅 Saturday 31st May 2025
🕡 6:30pm – 9:30pm
🎟️ Tickets from £16 | Under 2s go FREE
📍 Hertfordshire Zoo

An unforgettable summer evening awaits! Join us for a magical night of entertainment, delicious food, and family fun at Hertfordshire Zoo.

What to expect:

• 🌮 Indian Street Food

• 🍹 Summer Drinks

• 🎭 Stilt Walkers & Bubbleologist

• 🎨 Face Painting & Henna Artist

• 🥁 Indian Drummers & Dancers

🎟️ Book your tickets now and prepare to make roaring memories that will last a lifetime!
👉 Visit: hertfordshirezoo.com

Join author M. G. Vaciago for a fun-filled DinoClouds storytelling and craft session at the Herts Book Festival!

📅 Sunday 18 May
📍 Southern Maltings, Ware

Perfect for families and little dino fans — expect stories, crafts, and lots of smiles!

🦖 It’s going to be roar-some!

🎉 Family Fun Day in Support of Baby Loss Charity – Sat 28 June

Mark your calendars for a day packed with fun for the whole family—all in support of a vital local cause.

Join us on Saturday 28 June 2025, from 12pm to 5pm, for an unforgettable afternoon featuring:

🎯 Mini Golf
🎈 Inflatable Slide
🍔 Pulled Pork Burgers
🌶️ Trinidad Chicken Doubles
… and so much more!

This free event is raising funds for a local baby loss charity through The James Foundation, offering community, connection, and meaningful support for families.

📍 Date & Time: Saturday 28 June, 12–5pm
🎟️ Admission: Free
📧 Contact: [email protected]
🔗 More Info: www.thejamesfoundation.co.uk

Bring the kids, invite your neighbours, and enjoy a day of smiles for a cause that truly matters.

🎪 Goffs Oak Village Fête – Sat 14 June

Get ready for a fantastic day out in the heart of Goffs Oak!

Join us on Saturday 14 June 2025, from 12pm to 5pm, for a family-friendly village fête packed with entertainment and community spirit.

🌟 What’s On:

• 🛍️ Market Stalls

• 🎶 Live Music

• 🐶 Dog Show

• 🎭 Punch & Judy

• 🏰 Bouncy Castles

• 🌮 Street Food

• 💃 Dance & Martial Arts Displays

• 🎟️ Raffle with Amazing Prizes!

📍 Location: Goffs Oak Village
🎟️ Entry: Free
📧 Contact: [email protected]
🔗 Details: www.goffs-oak-community.com

A perfect summer Saturday for all ages—don’t miss it!

Weekend Weather ☀️ 

Friday

19°C 🌡️ 9°C | ☀️ Sunny and a moderate breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 05:07 Sunset 20:47

Saturday

20°C 🌡️ 7°C | ☀️ Sunny interval and a gentle breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 05:05 Sunset 20:49

Sunday

19°C 🌡️ 11°C | ☀️ Sunny interval and a gentle breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 05:04 Sunset 20:50

QUOTE OF THE DAY

The self is not something ready-made but something in continuous formation through choice of action. - John Dewey

Thanks for Reading—See You Friday!

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Wishing you a fantastic weekend!

Cheers,
Editor-in-chief | Emeka Ogbonnaya

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