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Good morning from Hertstown! ☀️

We hope you enjoyed a bit of sunshine this weekend — maybe even fired up the BBQ for the first time this year? With long stretches of warm, cloudless days and temperatures hovering in the mid-twenties, it’s starting to feel like summer has arrived early. We’re definitely not complaining… though it does leave us wondering if this unusual weather is just a fluke or a hint of deeper climate concerns. Either way, let’s enjoy it while we can.

Thanks for joining us this morning at Hertstown — the newsletter built by residents, for residents. Whether it’s local news, events, sports, or a few fun surprises, we’re here to keep you connected with everything happening across Welwyn and Hatfield, St. Albans, Dacorum, Hertsmere, Three Rivers, Watford, North and East Hertfordshire.

Here’s what’s making headlines today:
🛑 Herts County to Prosecute Unsafe Restaurants After Child’s Near-Death Allergy Incident
✈️ IT Glitch Causes Major Delays at Stansted Airport
🇬🇧 Hertfordshire Unites to Mark 80 Years Since VE Day
🧵 Children Use Art to Share Foster Care Stories in Quilt Campaign
☕ Food Gem of the Week – Brew Garden, Hertford

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News at a Glance

Council vows crackdown after child suffers severe reaction from mislabeled meal — “One mistake could cost a life”

He Asked Me If He Was Going to Die" — Herts County to Prosecute Unsafe Restaurants After Child’s Near-Death Allergy Incident

When 9-year-old Ralph took one bite of sausage at a family birthday meal in Hitchin, he began swelling, struggling to breathe, and broke out in hives. Despite his mother asking twice if the food was wheat-free, she was wrongly reassured it was safe. Ralph, who has a severe wheat allergy, ended up in hospital fighting for his life.

Now, the County Council is vowing to crack down on any restaurant that plays fast and loose with allergy safety.

The Rusty Gun pub, where the incident happened, is owned by Innventure Ltd — which was fined more than £26,000 this week after pleading guilty to food safety offences. A Trading Standards investigation found that staff had no consistent allergen training and no documented allergen management process. Even worse, the family said the restaurant later admitted a “mistake” and casually offered them a free meal.

While this case is shocking, it’s not isolated. Comments from the community reveal a wider truth:

Many restaurants now rely heavily on pre-packaged and ready-made food, meaning frontline staff often don’t know what’s in the meals they’re serving. One diner recounted asking whether a sauce contained milk, only to be told:

Others point out that even allergen-friendly menus carry risk, with cross-contamination a constant concern in commercial kitchens.

But Hertfordshire County Council is making it clear — while the risks may exist, negligence is not acceptable.

The Council encourages anyone with allergies to speak up — and those with serious concerns to report incidents through Citizens Advice on 0808 223 1133.

At the same time, restaurants are urged to reach out for training and support via [email protected].

Let this be a turning point — for safer meals, better training, and accountability that saves lives.

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✈️ IT Glitch Causes Major Delays at Stansted Airport — Were You Affected?

On Sunday, 11 May, passengers at London Stansted Airport faced major disruption due to an IT system failure that impacted check-in, baggage handling, and security operations.

Some travellers reported queues of up to four hours, with several missing their flights entirely. While the airport confirmed that all systems were restored by mid-morning and no flights were cancelled, delays persisted throughout the day — leaving many frustrated and travel plans in limbo.

The glitch is currently under investigation, with early reports suggesting possible internet connectivity issues.

🚨 Were you travelling from Hertfordshire and affected by the Stansted delays?

We’re collecting stories from local residents for an upcoming piece on how travel disruptions are affecting our community. Whether you missed a flight, got stuck in queues, or made it through just in time — we’d love to hear from you.

📩 Share your experience by emailing [email protected] or messaging us directly.

📚 SATs Begin Today for Year 6 Pupils

Today marks the start of KS2 SATs for Year 6 children across Hertfordshire — an important milestone in their learning journey. While these tests help schools measure progress, it’s important to remember they’re just one part of a much bigger picture.

As parents and carers, your support makes all the difference. Here are a few simple ways to help at home this week:

✅ Encourage, don’t pressure – A kind “Just do your best” is powerful
✅ Stick to routines – A good night’s sleep and breakfast go a long way
✅ Keep evenings calm – Light activities, hobbies, and rest help reduce stress
✅ Celebrate effort – However they do, praise their hard work

Remember: SATs don’t define your child. This week is about showing resilience, not perfection. If you have any concerns or questions, reach out to your school — they’re here to help.

Let’s cheer on our Year 6 pupils — you’ve got this! 👏

🇬🇧 Hertfordshire Unites to Mark 80 Years Since VE Day — Ware Shines with Evening of Tribute and Celebration

Last Friday, towns and villages across Hertfordshire came together to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day, marking eight decades since the end of World War II in Europe with events that honoured both remembrance and community spirit.

From beacon lightings to street performances, the county paid tribute to the sacrifices made by the wartime generation. One shining example was the celebration held in Ware’s Priory Gardens, where hundreds gathered for an evening of reflection, music, and unity.

Organised by Ware Town Council, the event featured live swing music, dance sessions, and family-friendly crafts with Ware Museum, including Spitfire papercraft and bunting-making. Visitors tucked into fish & chips, enjoyed Pimms in support of the Mayor’s charity, and took photos with Molly, a 1930s-era classic car.

The evening opened with a flag ceremony led by Mayor Cllr Martin Butcher, joined by councillors, Royal British Legion members, faith leaders, Ware Guiding groups, and other community representatives. The night culminated with a solemn beacon-lighting, mirroring similar ceremonies held across the county.

📖 Look out for Ware Town Council’s June newsletter, featuring stories from invited Ware war veterans and special guests who were part of the evening.

📸 Photo gallery credits: Sandra Butcher and the Russell family.

🧵 Stitched With Love: Children Use Art to Share Foster Care Stories in Quilt Campaign

Children in foster care across Hertfordshire are using textile art to tell their stories, launching a heartwarming community quilt project as part of a new campaign to recruit more foster carers.

The campaign — called HELP — aims to amplify the voices of children in care and highlight the power of fostering to change lives. Working with local artist Connie Deans-Harding of Maker & Mind, children have created moving quilt panels during therapeutic art sessions, expressing feelings of hope, resilience, and belonging.

The artwork will form the centrepiece of a growing community quilt, which the public can contribute to at events across Hertfordshire — starting with Foster Care Fortnight (12–25 May). The campaign launches in St Albans marketplace on Friday, 16 May, where residents can meet foster carers, learn more, and help add to the quilt.

With around 1,000 children in care and just 400 fostering households, Hertfordshire urgently needs more people to open their hearts and homes.

To get involved or find out about fostering:

📞 Call 0800 917 0925

🌐 Visit hertfordshire.gov.uk/fosterHELP

📩 Email [email protected]

Let’s wrap children in care in the warmth of community — one stitch, one story, one home at a time.

NEWS FROM AROUND YOU

EAST HERTS

🐄 Cattle Are Moooving Back to East Herts Parks!

Traditional grazing is returning to our green spaces, with cattle now grazing in three East Herts parks:

• Hartham Common (Hertford)

• Pishiobury Park (Sawbridgeworth)

• Red, White and Blue Park (Bishop’s Stortford, north of Grange Paddocks)

Familiar faces for many residents, English Longhorns and British Whites are back to help restore these beautiful historic landscapes. Managed by expert breeders and graziers, these gentle breeds have been used in the UK since the 1750s to graze native grasses and wildflowers naturally — no fertilisers or pesticides needed.

Their extensive grazing helps control invasive grasses, scrub, and young trees, creating space for biodiverse habitats filled with wildflowers, bees, and other wildlife. Their hooves help turn over the soil and their manure supports a healthier ecosystem.

This isn’t just great for the environment — it’s also a unique chance for families to see livestock up close and teach children about where their food comes from in an otherwise arable landscape.

With nature, heritage, and learning all in one, the cattle’s return is good news for people and the planet.

🗣️ Hertsmere Town Centre Business Survey – Final Call!

Do you own or run a business in one of Hertsmere’s town centres?

We want to hear from you before the survey closes on Thursday, 15 May 2025.

Your feedback is vital to help us understand the challenges facing local businesses — from the rise in online shopping to falling footfall — and will directly shape how we prioritise future investment and support through our Economic Development Plan.

💼 Help us improve our town centres for businesses, residents, and visitors alike.

📅 Deadline: Thursday 15 May 2025

Let’s shape the future of Hertsmere’s town centres — together.

CLASSIFIED - JOBS

💼 Job Opportunity: Dementia Information and Advice Coordinator

📍 Location: Hertfordshire | 🕒 Full-time (35 hours/week), Fixed-term (52 weeks)

🗓️ Apply by: 9am, Tuesday 27 May 2025

🔗 Apply now: www.carersinherts.org.uk/jobs

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of unpaid carers?

We’re looking for a compassionate and proactive Dementia Information and Advice Coordinator to join our team at Carers in Hertfordshire.

In this vital role, you’ll support people caring for loved ones with dementia or memory loss, offering:

• Practical information and advice

• Emotional support tailored to their needs

• Collaborative work with colleagues and partner organisations

Join us in helping carers feel heard, informed, and supported.

📩 Interested? Visit www.carersinherts.org.uk/jobs to view the full job description and apply.

SKILLS WORKSHOP

🏠 Property Services Apprenticeship Drop-In Session

📅 Wednesday 14 May | 🕓 4:30pm – 7:00pm

📍 Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council (Head to Reception on Arrival)

🎟️ Free Entry – No Booking Required

Thinking about a career in Property Services? This is your chance to explore the exciting Apprenticeship opportunityat WHBC!

Drop in at any time during the session to:

✅ Meet the team and ask questions

✅ Learn about the apprenticeship and qualifications available

✅ Discover the wide range of roles in Property Services

✅ Hear about the great benefits of working at WHBC

Whether you're finishing school, changing careers, or just curious — all are welcome!

📧 To let us know you're coming, drop us an email: [email protected]

🚀 Kickstart your career with WHBC – see you there!

UPCOMING EVENTS

🛍️ South Oxhey Market Is Back!

📅 Relaunch Date: Sunday 18 May 2025

🕤 Time: Every Sunday, 9:30am – 3:30pm

📍 Location: Market Place, Prestwick Road, WD19 7EU

Watford Rural Parish Council is proud to announce the long-awaited return of South Oxhey Market!

Come and enjoy a vibrant mix of local traders, fresh produce, unique gifts, street food, and more — right in the heart of your community.

Whether you're a regular or a first-time visitor, there's something for everyone each Sunday. Don't miss the relaunch on Sunday 18 May — bring your family, support local, and be part of the buzz!

🎉 See you at the market!

🛡️ Free Women’s Safety Presentation – Book Now

📍 Location: Council Chamber, Letchworth Garden City

📅 Date: Thursday 26 June 2025

🕕 Time: 6pm–8pm (Doors open at 5.30pm, with refreshments available)

Join the North Herts Community Safety Partnership and the Community Security Trust (CST) for a free safety presentation offering practical, common-sense advice for staying safe in everyday life.

Open to all North Herts residents aged 18+, the session covers:

✅ Personal safety tips

✅ Using technology to protect yourself

✅ How everyone can help create safer spaces for women

📢 Limited to 60 places – booking essential.

👉 Book your place here

Let’s work together to build a safer community for all.

♻️ Stevenage Depot Open Day – Discover What Happens to Your Recycling!

📍 Location: Cavendish Road Depot, Stevenage

📅 Date: Saturday 17 May 2025

🕙 Time: 10am–1pm

🎟️ Entry: Free – no booking needed

Ever wondered what happens to your recycling after it's collected? Come along to the Depot Open Day and get a behind-the-scenes look at Stevenage’s waste and recycling operations!

✅ Explore council waste and grounds vehicles

✅ Learn how your recycling is managed

✅ Meet council officers and ask questions

✅ Find out about biodiversity and green jobs in Stevenage

🎉 Plus: Kids can sit in a real refuse lorry and enjoy fun activities!

🗣️ “With activities for children and plenty of insight for adults, it’s a brilliant day out for the whole family,” says Cllr Simon Speller, Cabinet Member for Environment.

Just turn up on the day — we’ll see you there!

FOOD GEM

Café of the Week: Brew Garden, Hertford

Nestled on Maidenhead Street, Brew Garden offers a stylish retreat in the heart of Hertford. By day, it's a cozy café serving Italian-style coffee, and by night, it transforms into a chic wine and craft beer bar.

The interior boasts a retro charm, highlighted by a gleaming Elektra Belle Époque espresso machine. Each coffee comes with a complimentary 70% cocoa chocolate slab, adding a delightful touch to your visit.

While some reviewers note the coffee as mild with a hint of lingering bitterness , others praise the tasty offerings and friendly staff .

Whether you're seeking a morning pick-me-up or an evening unwind, Brew Garden's dual personality caters to both. It's a welcome addition to Hertford's growing café scene.

📍 3 Maidenhead Street, Hertford SG14 1DP

🔗 brewgarden.co.uk

MONDAY WEATHER 🌥️ 

WELWYN GARDEN CITY

23°C 🌡️ 10°C | ☀️ Sunny and a moderate breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 05:13 Sunset 20:42

STEVENAGE

23°C 🌡️ 10°C | ☀️ Sunny and a moderate breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 05:13 Sunset 20:42

HERTFORD

23°C 🌡️ 10°C | ☀️ Sunny and a moderate breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 05:13 Sunset 20:42

LETCHWORTH GARDEN CITY

23°C 🌡️ 10°C | ☀️ Sunny and a moderate breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 05:13 Sunset 20:42

Thanks for Reading!

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Wishing you a fantastic rest of your day!

Cheers,
Editor-in-chief | Emeka Ogbonnaya

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