Good morning and welcome to Broxtown!

It’s Tuesday, 7th January, and the new year is already in full swing! This marks the first edition since our decision to reduce the newsletter’s frequency—we’ll now be bringing you updates on Tuesdays and Fridays, along with thought-provoking editorials diving deep into the businesses, individuals, and issues that matter most to you.

Here’s what we have lined up for you today:

• Is the Council’s Environmental Sustainability Panel Missing in Action?

• Hertfordshire Councillors Rally for Good Causes

• Locals Demand Answers from Google on Environmental Impact

• Scrumptious Food Gems You’ll Love in the Community

A warm welcome to all our new subscribers—welcome to the Broxtown family! Got feedback or ideas? If you like reading this, why not share with a friend with your unique link below. We have rewards for that too💌.

From the County Council

Hertfordshire Councillors Award £16,953 to Support Local Causes

Hertfordshire County Council recently celebrated the distribution of grants totaling £16,953 to various local organisations through its Councillor Locality Budgets, a program designed to address a wide range of community needs. These contributions aim to support initiatives that align with the council’s vision of creating a cleaner, greener, and healthier Hertfordshire.

“Each grant provides vital support for initiatives and activities that enrich our communities,” the council noted, highlighting the program's ongoing commitment to making a positive impact across the county.

Among the contributors was Broxbourne’s own Councillor Dee Hart, who generously allocated a £100 grant to Pioneer Approaches, an organisation dedicated to fostering inclusive opportunities for individuals. However, a slight mix-up occurred when a quote for the grant was incorrectly attributed to another councillor:

“I was absolutely delighted to grant these funds to enable such a joyful event to take place - Councillor Jan Maddern”.

Broxtown plans to reach out to the council for clarification on the matter.

Since its launch in 2009, the Locality Budgets initiative has funded thousands of projects, making a tangible difference in Hertfordshire communities. The latest grants are another testament to the incredible work being done by councillors across the county.

Stay tuned as we continue to highlight the remarkable ways local leaders are stepping up to support the causes that matter most.

Stay Safe and Help Your Neighbours This Winter

Hertfordshire County Council is encouraging residents to lend a helping hand during the colder months. Winter can be particularly challenging for some, and a little support can go a long way.

If you know someone who might need advice on staying healthy in cold weather, why not stop by and pick up one of our Cold Weather Health Information Cards? These handy cards offer essential tips on how to stay warm, safe, and healthy during the winter.

Additionally, we have a variety of leaflets packed with valuable advice on topics such as:

• Keeping homes warm efficiently

• Staying active in colder weather

• Supporting vulnerable neighbours and loved ones

• Accessing local health and support services

Feel free to take these resources and share them with your friends, family, or neighbours who might benefit. Let’s work together to ensure everyone in our community stays safe and supported this winter.

For more information, visit Hertfordshire Libraries near you. Stay warm, stay healthy, and let’s make a difference together! ❄️🌟

From Broxbourne Borough Council

Where Has the Environmental Sustainability Panel Gone?

As we step into the new year, council meetings remain quiet until the end of January, with the Planning and Regulatory Committee scheduled to hold the first meeting on 28th January. This committee, known for deciding planning applications and overseeing licensing and enforcement matters, meets regularly every six weeks. Its meetings, open to the public, give residents a voice in shaping their community—a hallmark of local governance.

While most council committees have their next six months of meetings published and ready, one critical panel is conspicuously missing from the calendar: the Environmental Sustainability Panel.

The Silent Panel: No Meetings Since July 2024

This vital panel, last convened on 10th July 2024, was created to lead the council’s efforts in tackling environmental sustainability. Its mission spans public engagement, commercial collaboration, and stakeholder initiatives, with funding already allocated to support its objectives. The panel’s agenda includes expanding EV charging infrastructure, street tree planting, and air quality reporting—key actions promised under the council’s green agenda.

But now, with no meetings scheduled for January—or beyond—questions are being raised. Has this important panel been sidelined?

Hertfordshire’s pledge to remain green and prioritize sustainability is a cornerstone of the council’s vision for the borough. If the Environmental Sustainability Panel is no longer functioning, what does this mean for the council’s environmental goals? With no updates or explanations from the council, residents are left wondering whether this panel has been abandoned or if its absence is a sign of deeper issues.

What Does This Mean for Broxbourne?

Without an active Environmental Sustainability Panel, initiatives like EV charging expansion, tree planting, and air quality monitoring risk stagnation. These programs are not just important for the environment but are also key to creating a healthier, greener borough for everyone.

Broxtown will be investigating this matter further, keeping residents informed about the future of this vital panel. For now, the silence from the council is deafening, and the urgency to address these concerns is growing.

Stay tuned as we dig deeper into what’s happening behind the scenes and the impact it could have on Broxbourne and beyond. Is this a temporary pause or the end of the road for the Environmental Sustainability Panel? Let’s demand answers.

Community News

The Cedars Nature Centre Brings the Zoo to Your Classroom!

As schools gear up after the holiday break, Cedars Nature Centre is excited to announce an innovative program designed especially for teachers and students: Offsite Animal Visits! 🦎🐢🕷️

In 2025, we’re expanding our educational outreach to bring unforgettable, hands-on learning experiences directly to schools. Each week in January, we’ll share more about our educational programs on social media, starting with our incredible offsite visits!

✨ What to Expect:

• Teachers, did you know? We bring live animals straight to your classroom! 🐾

• Our passionate Education Officer, Lucy, leads engaging workshops featuring real animals and tailored lessons.

• Wednesday: Find out about the exciting topics we cover and the animals we bring along.

• Friday: Learn how our workshops are structured and how they inspire young minds.

💡 Can’t wait to learn more? Email at: [email protected] OR click on the button for more information.

Let’s make 2025 a year of discovery and excitement for your students. Bring the wonder of nature into your school with Cedars Nature Centre! 🌿✨

Google's Progress Raises Questions About Community Engagement

The construction of Google’s site near Theobalds Enterprise Centre is advancing rapidly, but the tech giant’s silence is stirring frustration among locals. It has been over six months since the community last heard from a Google representative, particularly on critical environmental concerns related to their data centres, including potential impacts on the Lea River and nearby waterways.

Despite Broxtown’s efforts to raise these issues earlier this year, Google has yet to respond, and community members are left wondering when they will have the opportunity to engage directly through town halls or briefings. While hosting Google is a point of pride, the lack of transparency has created a growing sense of unease.

A Broxtown reporter recently attempted to visit the site but was turned away, citing the need for council clearance. The council has also not responded to requests for clarification, adding to the communication gap.

Broxtown is committed to pursuing answers from both Google and the council. If you have information or concerns about the project, please email us at [email protected]. The community deserves to be heard, and we will continue to advocate for transparency and accountability in this significant development.

Food Finds

Mysa – A Mediterranean Culinary Experience

Located at 76 High Street, Hoddesdon, Mysa offers a unique dining experience that blends traditional Mediterranean flavors with a modern twist. Known for its fresh seafood, expertly grilled meats, and vibrant vegetable dishes, Mysa’s menu is crafted with passion and precision.

Whether for brunch or fine dining, Mysa promises an unforgettable culinary journey. Their Instagram showcases tantalizing dishes that capture the essence of their kitchen’s artistry.

📍 76 High Street, Hoddesdon, EN11 8ET
Make your reservation today and discover the magic of Mysa! 🌿✨

UPCOMING EVENTS

Waltham Cross Town Centre Business Forum 2025

🗓️ Date: Tuesday 11th February 2025
🕒 Time: 12:00 - 13:30
📍 Location: Waltham Cross Community Skills Hub, Waltham Cross.

Kick off 2025 by joining the first Waltham Cross Town Centre Business Forum of the year! 🎉 Connect with fellow business owners, share ideas, and stay updated on all the latest developments and opportunities in Waltham Cross.

Don’t miss this chance to network and collaborate with the local business community.

🎟️ Register your place now by clicking here!

Broxbourne Theatre Company Presents: MOTHER GOOSE

🗓️ Dates: January 2025
🎟️ Tickets:

• Wednesday: £17.50 (All tickets) | Family: £60

• Thursday–Sunday: £19.50 | Concessions & Groups 10+: £17.50 | Family: £64

Get ready for a fun-filled, laugh-out-loud pantomime with comedy, music, and a colorful cast. Don’t miss this egg-cellent show—book your tickets early!

Doors and bar open 1.5 hours before the performance.

📍 Book now and join the fun!

BArts Presents: LET'S DO LUNCH

🗓️ Date: 17th January 2025
📍 Venue: Dinant Room, The Spotlight, High Street, Hoddesdon, EN11 8BE
🎟️ Tickets: £17 (includes a 2-course lunch and a glass of wine)

Join us for 'Mars vs Venus - Battle of the Sexes!', an insightful and entertaining look at how male and female brains are wired differently and how this shapes relationships. Expect laughs, learning, and lively discussion!

🍴 Special dietary requirements? Let the box office know when booking.

Seats are unreserved—secure your spot now!

The Big Yellow Tambourine Man Band

🎤 Celebrate the Iconic Music of Bob Dylan & Joni Mitchell 🎶

🗓️ Date: 24th January 2025
📍 Venue: Main Auditorium, The Spotlight, High Street, Hoddesdon, EN11 8BE
🎟️ Tickets: £23.50 (Reserved seating)

Experience a stunning tribute to two of the greatest singer-songwriters of all time. This talented five-piece band faithfully recreates iconic tracks like "Like a Rolling Stone," "Big Yellow Taxi," "All Along the Watchtower," and more.

Created by Isabelle Nutton and Bob Thomson, this show pays homage to the artistry, poetry, and genius of Dylan and Mitchell, transporting you through their histories, fantasies, and timeless music.

🍹 Doors and bar open 1.5 hours before the show.

Book now for an unforgettable night of music! 🎶

Tuesday Weather

5°C 🌡️ -3°C | 🌤️ Sunny intervals and a gentle breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 08:05 Sunset 16:08

Word of the Day

SARDANAPILIAN

Today’s Word of the Day is SARDANAPALIAN - Refers to something that is luxuriously indulgent, decadent, or excessively opulent, often to the point of extravagance or hedonism. It is derived from Sardanapalus, a legendary Assyrian king (likely inspired by Ashurbanipal), who was famously associated with extreme luxury and indulgence. Sardanapalus is also a figure in classical and literary traditions, often portrayed as a ruler who lived a life of excess and ultimate downfall.

How to use it:

The term is typically used in a descriptive, often critical, context to highlight an excessive or lavish lifestyle or event. It carries a tone of grandeur but can also suggest overindulgence or wastefulness.

• "The banquet was a Sardanapalian affair, with tables laden with the rarest delicacies from around the world."

• "He lived a Sardanapalian lifestyle, indulging in every luxury imaginable."

• "The company’s Sardanapalian spending on executives' perks led to widespread criticism from shareholders."

• "Her Sardanapalian taste in fashion was both admired and envied by her peers."

It is a literary and somewhat rare word, so it’s often encountered in formal writing, historical analysis, or creative works rather than everyday speech.

Submit the Word of the Day by clicking here. 👈️ 

MEME of THE DAY

Do Us A Little Favour

We need your help to grow the Broxtown community, and we’d love it if you could share our newsletter with your friends and family. To show our appreciation, we’ve prepared some exciting rewards for those who go the extra mile:

🎉 Get 3 people to sign up: Receive a birthday shout-out in our newsletter.
🎉 Get 5 people to sign up: A birthday shout-out for you and your best mate.
🎉 Get 15 people to sign up: Dinner for two at a secret restaurant in the Borough—on us.
🎉 Get 100 people to sign up: A free Broxtown branded hoodie (worth £65).
🎉 Get 1,000 people to sign up: A luxurious Spa Weekend for you and your best friend anywhere in Hertfordshire!

Your support means the world to us, and every new subscriber brings us closer to building a stronger, more connected community. Share Broxtown link below with your network today and help us grow!

Thanks for Reading—See You Friday!

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Wishing you a fantastic rest of your day!

Cheers,
The Broxtown Team