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- New WWII Trail in Broxbourne Uncovers Secrets Locals Never Knew Existed!
New WWII Trail in Broxbourne Uncovers Secrets Locals Never Knew Existed!
Discover the Fascinating Wartime Secrets Hidden Across Broxbourne; New ‘Mindful Monsters’ Trail in Waltham Cross
Emeka Ogbonnaya
May 30, 2025
Happy Friday, Broxbourne! ☀️
Goodbye, May! Hello, June—and Summer Ahead!
Happy birthday to everyone who celebrated in May! If you’re a June baby and want a special shoutout, just hit reply and let us know—your moment in the spotlight is waiting.
What a week it’s been! We kicked things off with a bank holiday and half-term, with many heading off for a break—only for the weather to turn and give us a runaround. Broxbourne Council’s team had their hands full rescheduling the outdoor cinema after Tuesday’s rain, but it’s now set for Saturday and the forecast is finally looking up.
As half-term winds down, you’ve got just a few days left to squeeze in some library activities before the summer term starts. And with this being our final edition for May, get ready for some exciting changes next month—we’ll be sharing all the details soon and would love your support as we roll out our new features.
We’re also excited to announce our new Premium Membership—a paid upgrade for those who want exclusive extras and a way to directly support quality local journalism. Check it out and see what’s in store!
In today’s edition:
Broxbourne’s Hidden WWII Landmarks Unveiled
‘Mindful Monsters’ Trail Invades Shops in Broxbourne
Lowewood Museum Marks Oak Apple Day
FOOD GEM: Cross Bakery, Waltham Cross
And there’s even more inside — so make sure to read through to the end!
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News at a Glance
Unlock Broxbourne’s Hidden WWII Landmarks—How Many Have You Already Seen Without Realising?
Broxbourne Borough Council, in collaboration with Lowewood Museum, has launched a new educational WWII trail to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day and VJ Day. The trail map highlights significant wartime locations across the borough, including Lieutenant Ellis Way—site of a 1944 American bomber crash—Broxbourne Aerodrome, bomb strike locations like Chadwick and Shapcott’s Acorn Works, the Burnt Farm anti-aircraft gun site, local war memorials, and pillboxes built to defend London. Roads named in honor of wartime history are also featured.
While not every historic site is included, residents can explore more at Lowewood Museum, which will host a ‘Broxbourne at War’ exhibition from July 2025. Trail maps are available at local libraries and Lowewood Museum, with a digital version online via the Council’s website.
Broxtown has reviewed the trail in depth and produced a two-part editorial, breaking down the different historical landmarks—many of which you pass by or see every day. Click the link to read the full editorial and discover the history around you.
New ‘Mindful Monsters’ Trail: The Family-Friendly Event Everyone in Broxbourne Is Talking About!
Broxbourne Borough Council has launched a new, free family event—‘Mindful Monsters on a Mission’—an animated trail running in Waltham Cross Town Centre from Friday 24 May to Friday 7 June 2025.
This initiative is part of the Council’s ongoing work to encourage families to engage in outdoor activities and experience the borough’s rich local history. The event is aimed at both new and long-standing residents, as well as prospective families considering making Broxbourne their home, highlighting how welcoming and family-oriented the community is.
The ‘Mindful Monsters on a Mission’ trail invites children and their families to explore, get creative, and embrace mindfulness. Participants who complete the trail will receive a free storybook to bring the adventure to life.
This trail, organised in partnership with City Dressing, was secured as a prize at the Association of Town and City Management conference. It marks the start of a summer programme featuring more free family activities, including a second trail during the school holidays and events as part of the ‘Summer of Fun’. The summer schedule kicks off with a launch event on Saturday 5 July, from 12 noon to 4pm, and runs until Saturday 30 August.
Lowewood Museum Marks Oak Apple Day with Family Celebration
Lowewood Museum celebrated Oak Apple Day on May 29th with a lively family event in partnership with the English Civil War Society. Marking the historic restoration of King Charles II in 1660, visitors enjoyed hands-on activities, including historical reenactments, pike training, arts and crafts, and an interactive activity trail exploring the day’s royal history.
The museum extended special thanks to Sir Marmaduke Rawdon's Regiment of Foote and the dedicated volunteers who made the event a memorable success for all ages.
🚨 Correction Notice 🚨
In yesterday’s editorial, "Echoes of War: Broxbourne’s WWII Heritage Trail – Part 1," we incorrectly stated that the WWII Guide was published and produced by Lowewood Museum in collaboration with the council. The guide was in fact produced by Broxbourne Borough Council, with contributions from Lowewood Museum. We apologise for any inconvenience caused. The online version has been promptly updated for accuracy. Thank you to the vigilant community members who brought this to our attention.
Food Gem of the Week: Cross Bakery, Waltham Cross
Tucked away just past the library in Waltham Cross town centre, Cross Bakery is a hidden gem you need to discover. Step inside and you’ll be surprised by how spacious and relaxing it feels—the perfect spot to unwind or catch up with friends. The real stars here? The freshly baked bread and cakes, made daily and absolutely irresistible. And don’t forget the coffee—it’s rich, aromatic, and the perfect companion to your treat.
Whether you’re popping in for a quick bite or settling in for a break, Cross Bakery is a place you’ll want to share with others. Looking for your next favourite spot? Don’t miss Cross Bakery—and tag someone you’d love to visit with!
MEME of The Day
UPCOMING EVENTS
Herts Rivers Week
The very first Herts Rivers Week is a celebration of Hertfordshire’s rare and beautiful chalk rivers! Enjoy inspiring events, walks, talks, and family activities, learn about local wildlife, and discover how you can help protect these precious waterways.
🗓️ Friday 30 May – Sunday 8 June
⏰ See website for event times
📍 Various locations across Hertfordshire
🔗 Learn more and see the events here
Hoddesdon Flower Market
Visit Hoddesdon Town Centre for a special Flower Market and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of local blooms and market stalls.
🗓️ Friday 30 May (Special Flower Market)
⏰ 8am – 4pm
📍 Hoddesdon Town Centre
Normal market days and times:
🗓️ Hoddesdon & Waltham Cross: Every Wednesday & Friday, 8am–4pm
🗓️ Waltham Cross: Every Sunday, 10am–4pm (for the foreseeable future)
Curated by Goffs Oak – Lowewood Museum Exhibition
🗓️ From: Saturday 17 May 2025
⏰ Time: Fridays & Saturdays, 10am – 4:30pm
📍 Location: Lowewood Museum, Hoddesdon
Discover Goffs Oak’s history through photos from the Lowewood Museum collection, curated by the community. Free entry on museum open days.
Party in the Car Park – Cheshunt Royal British Legion
🗓️ Date: Saturday 31st May
⏰ From: 2pm
Live music with DJ Laren, tasty food by Spud Twins. Don’t miss this fun afternoon!
Big Birthday Weekend at Waltham Cross Library
🗓️ Date: Saturday 7 June
⏰ Time: 10:30am – 12:30pm
📍 Location: Waltham Cross Library
Celebrate 100 years of Herts Libraries with storytime, crafts, scavenger hunt, LEGO competition, and more! Free event, party bags and refreshments while stocks last. Donations welcome.
Broxbourne Big Green Fest 2025
🗓️ Date: Sunday, 8 June 2025
⏰ Time: 10am – 5pm
📍 Venue: Cedars Park
Celebrate sustainability and creativity at the Broxbourne Big Green Fest! Enjoy inspiring talks, live music, performances, and upcycling workshops (register: [email protected]). Free entry for all! If you are interested in having a stall, email [email protected]
Goffs Oak Summer Fayre 2025
🗓️ Friday 14 June 2025
⏰ 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
📍 Goffs Oak Community
FREE entry for all ages!
Bring your family and friends for a day of community fun and entertainment!
The Creative Brew
A relaxed morning for anyone in the creative industries to connect, share ideas, and enjoy great coffee. Whether you’re established or just starting out, join us for inspiring conversation!
🗓️ Wednesday 18 June
⏰ 10am – 12pm
📍 The Spotlight, High Street, Hoddesdon EN11 8BE
🔗 Learn more and get your tickets here
Sunday Afternoon Rock’n’Roll at The Imperial Club
🗓️ Date: Sunday, 29th June 2025
⏰ Time: 3:00–7:00pm
📍 Venue: The Imperial Club, 33-35 Eleanor Cross Road, Waltham Cross, EN8 7LA
Tickets: £10 (includes all dance classes!) | Contact: [email protected]
Pan in the Park – Cedars Park
🗓️ Date: Saturday 12th July
⏰ Time: 11:30am – 5pm
📍 Location: Cedars Park, Waltham Cross, EN8 8RU
Enjoy free live music, games, rides, and Caribbean food at this family-friendly steel pan celebration. Free entry!
The Ideas Lab
🗓️ Date: Wednesday 16th July & Wednesday 13th August
📍 Venue: Online
⏰ Time: Multiple slots throughout the day
Have a creative idea but not sure what to do next? Book a 45-minute one-to-one session for expert advice and practical support from an experienced creative industry professional. Move your idea forward with confidence!
👉️ Click here book the July Session
👉️ Click here to book the August Session
Mayhem Summer Festival
🗓️ Date: 31 August 2025
⏰ Time: 12pm – 5pm
📍 Location: Mayhem Studios, EN11 8HF
Join the fun with food, bar, games, live music, DJ, stalls, classes, bouncy castle, and a raffle. £2 entry on the gate.
Weekend Weather ☀️
Friday
23°C 🌡️ 13°C | ☀️ Sunny and a moderate breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 04:50 Sunset 21:06
Saturday
24°C 🌡️ 13°C | ☀️ Sunny intervals and a gentle breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 04:49 Sunset 21:07
Sunday
20°C 🌡️ 9°C | ☀️ Sunny intervals and a moderate breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 04:48 Sunset 21:08
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.”
— Marcus Aurelius
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Wishing you a fantastic weekend!
Cheers,
Editor-in-chief | Emeka Ogbonnaya
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