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Happy Friday, 11th April!

The sun’s been showing off all week — and honestly, it’s starting to feel suspicious (but we’re not complaining!). Even better, the weekend looks amazing, and we’ve got some great events lined up to make the most of it.

🧩 If you haven’t secured your spot on the Broxbourne Monopoly board, now’s the time. It’s a one-time chance to be part of a local legacy that will live on in homes for years. Prefer the jigsaw puzzle instead? Scroll down for details.

🎙️ We loved having MP Lewis Cocking on our first podcast — and so did he! We’re now looking for our next guest. If that’s you or someone you know, get in touch.

Here’s what’s making headlines in Broxbourne today:

• 📰 2025 Broxbourne Borough Magazine Now Out

• 🧩 White Swan Pub Picked for Broxtown’s First Puzzle

• 🔥 Herts Council Urges Action to Prevent Wildfires

• 💼 Entrepreneurs Challenge Returns for 2025 (Herts Dragon’s Den)

• 🐰 Easter Events and Business Events

A warm welcome to all our new subscribers — thanks for joining the Broxtown family! Got feedback or ideas? We’d love to hear from you. Support my work with a gift of a virtual coffee. Scroll down to end and click the coffee icon.

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News at a Glance

The First 2025 Edition of Broxbourne Borough Magazine Is Out Now!

The brand-new edition of Broxbourne Borough magazine has just been released — and it’s full of important updates every resident should know.

Inside, you’ll find:

• A welcome message from the Leader of the Council

• Key details about council tax changes

• An overview of local government reforms from Broxbourne’s perspective

• Updates on local services, community initiatives, and what’s ahead in 2025

Whether you're a long-time resident or new to the borough, this issue is packed with insights to help you stay informed and engaged.

🖥️ Prefer digital? You can read the full magazine online —
👉 Click here to view the digital edition now.

Don’t miss out on what’s shaping your community.

🧩 White Swan Pub to Feature in Broxtown’s First Local Jigsaw Puzzle

As part of our mission to support children’s wellbeing and encourage quality family time, Broxtown is bringing back board game favourites — starting with a locally-themed jigsaw puzzle.

Following a public vote, the White Swan Pub in Hoddesdon (A) was selected as the featured landmark. The AI-generated image will be turned into a limited-edition puzzle aimed at helping families unplug and reconnect.

Local businesses can sponsor the board and have their name featured on the puzzle and packaging. Only five slots available — get in touch by 30th April to secure your place before it goes to print.

📧 Email [email protected] to apply.

Stay tuned for a first look at the final design!

FROM THE COUNTY COUNCIL

Hertfordshire County Council Urges Residents to Prevent Wildfires

With wildfires posing a risk during hot, dry weather, Hertfordshire County Council is advising residents to take simple steps to reduce fire hazards.

Key Safety Tips:

• Dispose of cigarettes and litter responsibly—never throw them on the ground or from car windows.

• Avoid campfires and BBQs in open countryside—only use them in safe, designated areas.

• Clear away glass bottles, as sunlight can magnify through them and spark fires.

• Supervise bonfires and follow safety guidelines if lighting one.

• Educate children about fire risks and keep matches/lighters out of reach.

BBQ Safety:

• Keep BBQs away from sheds, fences, and dry grass.

• Never leave them unattended and have water or sand nearby.

• Let coals cool fully before disposal—hot ashes can melt bins.

By staying cautious, residents can help protect Hertfordshire’s green spaces and communities. For more safety advice, visit the council’s website.

Lord Lieutenant’s Entrepreneurs Challenge Returns for Its Fifth Year

The Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire’s Entrepreneurs Challenge is back for its fifth year, offering a standout opportunity for emerging business owners across the county.

This prestigious competition invites Hertfordshire-based entrepreneurs to pitch their bold and innovative business ideas to a panel of industry leaders — with the chance to win a tailored support package worth thousands, including expert help in finance, legal, marketing, and branding.

The Challenge is open to entrepreneurs who:

• Are based in Hertfordshire

• Have been trading for under five years

• Offer an innovative product or service (across any sector)

• Can demonstrate strong growth potential

• Application deadline: 30 April 2025

• Finalists showcase & pitch: 24–25 May 2025 at the Hertfordshire County Show

Shortlisted entrepreneurs will:

• Run a dedicated stand to exhibit their business

• Deliver a 3-minute live pitch to expert judges

• Be interviewed by BBC legend Stuart Storey

This is a rare chance to gain invaluable exposure, mentorship, and practical business support. If you're an ambitious entrepreneur ready to scale, don’t miss out.

Apply now before 30 April 2025 and take your venture to the next level.

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MEME of The Day

UPCOMING EVENTS

🎉 Family Fun Day in Hoddesdon – Tomorrow!🎉

Love Hoddesdon is bringing a full day of fun to Hoddesdon Town Centre this Saturday, 12th April!

Enjoy rides, live entertainment, local shopping, and more — perfect for all ages.

📍 Hoddesdon Town Centre
📅 Saturday, 12th April

Don’t miss it — bring the family and join the fun!

🎨 Creative Hertford – Arts & Literature Festival

Celebrate art, books, and creativity at this free family-friendly festival in the heart of Hertford.

📅 Date: Saturday 12 April
🕛 Time: 12:00 – 4:00 PM
📍 Location: Hertford Castle & Grounds
🎟️ Free entry | Donations welcome

Enjoy:

• Art, craft & literature stalls

• Creative workshops & hands-on activities

• Live music & dance

• Free Book Exchange (bring one, take one!)

• Explore Hertford Castle, open to the public for the day

A vibrant afternoon for all ages — come get inspired!

🐣 Easter Fayre – Waltham Cross

Join the Easter Fayre on Thursday 17 April, 10am–5pm at Waltham Cross Town Centre for a fun-filled day of free family activities!

Enjoy:

• 🌼 Easter Trail

• 🥚 Easter Egg Hunt

• 🎭 Aladdin Pantomime (3 showings)

• 🎶 Live music & local stalls

📧 More info: [email protected]
Organised by Love Waltham Cross & Borough of Broxbourne

Broxbourne Creative Network: The Creative Blueprint

Is your brand struggling to stand out? This free masterclass is designed to help creatives and entrepreneurs build a brand that truly connects.

Join us for an inspiring, hands-on session where you'll learn:

• ✅ A step-by-step blueprint to shape your brand

• 🎯 How to position yourself for visibility and growth

• 💡 Proven marketing strategies to unlock income potential

Perfect for anyone ready to level up their creative business.

📅 Date: Wednesday 14 May
🕙 Time: 10am – 12 noon
📍 Venue: Theobalds Enterprise Centre, Platinum Way, EN8 8YD

Social Media & Digital Marketing Surgery

Need help with your digital presence? Book a free 1-to-1 online session with expert Michael Niles, trusted by Google Digital Garage, Lloyds Bank Academy, and Ambition Broxbourne.

Get tailored advice on:

• Social media

• SEO & websites

• Content & video marketing

• Marketing planning

📅 Date: Wednesday 21 May
🕐 Time: 1:00 – 1:45 PM (GMT)
📍 Online (via Zoom)

Spaces are limited — book early to secure your slot.

🏢 Herts Healthy Workplaces – Free Webinars

Want to build a healthier, happier workplace? Join one of Hertfordshire County Council’s free lunchtime webinars to learn how their accredited Healthy Workplaces programme can support your business and staff wellbeing.

✅ Already supporting 30+ SMEs and 2,000 employees
✅ Proven impact on wellbeing, workplace culture, and lifestyle habits

📅 Webinar Dates:

• Mon 14 April | 1:00 – 1:30pm

• Wed 30 April | 12:00 – 12:30pm

• Tue 6 May | 12:00 – 12:30pm

👉 Register your interest here

🤝 Love Hoddesdon BID Networking Breakfast

Connect with local businesses over coffee and conversation at this informal networking event hosted by Love Hoddesdon BID. A great way to start your day, build local links, and discover opportunities within the Hoddesdon business community.

📅 Date: Thursday 17 April 2025
🕗 Time: 8:00 – 9:30 AM
📍 Location: Stansborough's Conservatory Club, Conduit Lane, Hoddesdon EN11 8EP
🔗 Book to attend

🏢 Hoddesdon Enterprise Centre Open Day

Thinking about office space in Hoddesdon? Come along to the Enterprise Centre Open Day for a tour of the workspace, meet the team, and discover flexible office solutions for your business.

📅 Date: Wednesday 23 April
🕙 Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Location: Hoddesdon Enterprise Centre, Pindar Road, Hoddesdon EN11 0FJ
📧 RSVP: [email protected]

🔐 Cyber & Fraud Awareness Session

Join this important awareness session to better understand online safety, cyber threats, and fraud prevention, hosted at Bishop's Stortford Library. Ideal for individuals, businesses, and community groups looking to stay informed and protected.

📅 Date: Wednesday 23 April
🕚 Time: 11:00 AM – 2:45 PM
📍 Location: Bishop’s Stortford Library

🏢 Theobalds Enterprise Centre Open Day

Explore modern office space at Theobalds Enterprise Centre in Cheshunt. Meet with advisors, learn about flexible packages, and see how this professional hub can support your business.

📅 Date: Thursday 24 April
🕙 Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Location: Theobalds Enterprise Centre, Innovation Place, Cheshunt EN8 8YD
📧 RSVP: [email protected]

🤝 Love Cheshunt Networking

Meet, mingle, and make new business connections at this friendly networking session for local businesses in and around Cheshunt, hosted at Theobalds Enterprise Centre.

📅 Date: Monday 28 April 2025
🕥 Time: 10:30 AM – 12:00 noon
📍 Location: Theobalds Enterprise Centre, Cheshunt EN8 8YD
🔗 Register to attend

🐻 Goldilocks & the Three Bears – Easter Theatre Fun

Join Goldilocks and the Three Bears for a magical mix of circus fun, songs, and laughter this Easter! A family-friendly show full of surprises, perfect for the school holidays.

📅 Dates: 14–19 April 2025
📍 Location: Spotlight Theatre, High Street, Hoddesdon EN11 8BE
🎟️ Grab your tickets here

🧭 Fifty Thrifty: 50 Free & Low-Cost Adventures in Herts

The Easter holidays are here! Discover Fifty Thrifty — a curated list of 50 no-cost or low-cost family adventures across Hertfordshire. From hidden gems to outdoor fun, there’s something magical for everyone.

📍 Explore the full list & map:
👉 Click here to plan your Easter break

🧞‍♂️ Aladdin Easter Pantomime at Hertfordshire Studios

Treat the family to a spectacular 60-minute pantomime this Easter! Aladdin comes to life in an award-winning production full of laughter, magic, and adventure — two shows daily!

📅 Dates: 12, 13, 18, 19 & 21 April 2025
🕐 Times: 1:00 PM & 4:00 PM
📍 Location: Hertfordshire Studios
🎟️ Book: 01992 899000 or
👉 Reserve your seats online

🏘️ Simple Lets Landlord Networking Drop-In

Join Broxbourne Council’s Simple Lets team for a relaxed drop-in session with networking opportunities, a team Q&A, and a short presentation from the Simple Lets Manager.

📅 Date: Wednesday 30 April
🕛 Time: 12:00 – 2:00 PM
📍 Location: Council Chambers, Bishop's College, Waltham Cross EN8 9XG
🔗 Learn more here

Weekend Weather ☀️ 

Friday 11th April

21°C 🌡️ 5°C | ☀️ Sunny and light winds | ☀️ Sunrise 06:14 Sunset 19:50

Saturday 12th April

20°C 🌡️ 9°C | ☀️ Sunny and a gentle breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 06:12 Sunset 19:52

Sunday 13th April

17°C 🌡️ 5°C | ☀️ Sunny intervals and a moderate breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 06:09 Sunset 19:53

FOOTBALL ⚽️ 

⚽ Spurs Frustrated in Europa League Quarter-Final First Leg

Tottenham Hotspur 1 | 1 Eintracht Frankfurt

Tottenham were held to a 1–1 draw at home by Eintracht Frankfurt in a dramatic Europa League clash. Despite dominating large spells of the game, Spurs were denied by Frankfurt’s standout keeper Kaua Santos, who made a series of heroic saves.

After going behind early to a Hugo Ekitike strike, Pedro Porro levelled with a clever backheel. Spurs hit the bar twice and saw multiple efforts saved in a late onslaught.

Manager Ange Postecoglou joked the “football gods” had deserted them, as Spurs look to keep their European hopes alive in the second leg on 17 April.

Thanks for Reading—Have a fab Weekend!

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Enjoy your Friday and the sunshine!

Cheers,
Editor-in-chief | Emeka Ogbonnaya

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