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Monday 14 April 2025 — and we are officially in full Spring mode! 🌸 Last week felt like summer, with sunshine and temperatures soaring past 21°C. This week? A bit more unpredictable, but we’re still soaking in the season’s energy.

I had the pleasure of attending HArts Fest on Saturday — what a day! The atmosphere was electric, the live musicincredible (special shoutout to the couple duo!), and Lewis Sycamore absolutely brought a jamboree to the stage. 🎶

It’s the Easter holidays, and with schools out, now’s the time to make sure the kids are kept busy with fun and engaging activities. Meanwhile, Christians across Hertfordshire and around the world are observing Holy Week, reflecting on the journey to the crucifixion, resurrection, and the hope of salvation.

Of course, with elections just weeks away, voter readiness is front and centre. Councils are working hard to make sure residents are informed, registered, and ready to make their voices heard.

On our end, we’re reaching incredible milestones — both in content and community. If you're a local business, charity, or event organiser looking to connect with residents across Hertfordshire, we’d love to hear from you. You can also sponsor a section or editorial in this newsletter.

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Here’s what we’re covering today:

• 📢 Increased campaign to get voters registered for May Elections

• 👨‍👩‍👧 Encouraging residents to explore fostering

• 📚 Hertfordshire Libraries celebrate 100 years with family theatre

• 🚶‍♂️ Explore the scenic Hertford to Ware Towpath Trail

• 🥐 Food Gem: Thirteen Artisan Bakery in Hertford

• … and much more!

A big welcome to our new subscribers — thank you for being part of the Hertstown family. Got ideas or feedback? Hit reply. Let’s keep building Hertfordshire’s go-to source for all things local!

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News at a Glance

🗳️ District Councils Step Up Voter Info Campaign Ahead of May Elections

With county council elections approaching on Thursday 1 May 2025, districts across Hertfordshire are ramping up efforts to ensure residents are well-informed about how and when to vote.

As part of this campaign, local councils are encouraging residents to consider postal voting, especially for those who may be away on polling day or prefer the convenience of voting from home.

🗓️ Deadline to apply for a postal vote:
5PM, Monday 14 April 2025

Voters are reminded that postal voting is a safe, secure, and easy option. Once registered, a postal vote pack will be sent ahead of election day, allowing residents to cast their vote from wherever they are.

💻 Apply now: www.gov.uk/apply-postal-vote

Whether you're on holiday, working, or just prefer voting by post, make sure your voice is heard in this year’s local elections.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Hertfordshire Council Encourages Residents to Explore Fostering Opportunities

Hertfordshire County Council is inviting residents to learn how they can change careers, make a real difference, and become foster carers — all from the comfort of home.

An online information event will be held on Wednesday, 23 April, from 7 PM to 8:30 PM, offering insights into the rewarding world of fostering.

Participants will hear first-hand stories from current foster carers, members of the fostering team, and even a care leaver, offering a powerful look into the positive impact fostering can have.

💻 Book your place: https://orlo.uk/ghi9W
📞 Or call: 0800 917 0925

This session is perfect for anyone curious about fostering, looking to start a new chapter, or eager to support vulnerable children in Hertfordshire.

📚 Hertfordshire Libraries Celebrate 100 Years with Family Theatre Show

Hertfordshire Libraries are celebrating their Centenary Year with the Big Herts Hero Hunt — a fun, interactive theatre show for families, exploring the county’s rich heritage.

The event takes place on Monday 14 and Tuesday 15 April at Harpenden, Welwyn Garden City, Ware, and Watford Libraries.

🎟️ Tickets are just £4.
📍 Book now: https://orlo.uk/oQuQU

🇬🇧 Hertfordshire Set to Mark 80 Years Since VE & VJ Day

2025 marks 80 years since VE Day (8 May) and VJ Day (15 August), and boroughs across Hertfordshire — from Cheshunt in Broxbourne to Stevenage — are preparing to commemorate the milestone.

Councils are encouraging communities to come together with street parties and local events, honouring those who served and celebrating peace. Residents can find planning support, guidance, and event resources online.

📍 Start planning your celebration:

NEWS AROUND YOU

EAST HERTS

🚲🚶‍♀️ Explore the Hertford to Ware Towpath Trail

The Hertford to Ware Towpath offers a scenic and peaceful route connecting two historic market towns. Whether you’re walking or cycling, this waterside trail is perfect for spotting narrowboats, enjoying local wildlife, and pausing at charming eateries along the way.

With handy maps and guides available online, it’s never been easier to plan your visit — so why not make a day of it?

🗺️ Start your journey here: Hertford–Ware Towpath Guide

📢 East Herts Launches Community Governance Review Consultation

East Herts Council is inviting residents to have their say in an ongoing Community Governance Review (CGR), which looks at how local town and parish councils are structured.

The review could lead to changes such as the creation or dissolution of councils, boundary adjustments, name changes, or changes to the number of councillors.

🗓️ The consultation is open until Monday, 12 May 2025.
Have your voice heard and help shape the future of local governance.

NORTH HERTS

🎨 North Herts Museum Celebrates the Life and Legacy of Abdo Nagi

A new exhibition at North Hertfordshire Museum is honouring the extraordinary work and life of the late Abdo Nagi, a renowned ceramic artist and long-time Letchworth resident.

Titled “The Ceramic Art of Abdo Nagi,” the exhibition runs from 12 April to 25 May 2025, offering visitors a chance to explore Nagi’s unique approach to pottery and his significant contributions to the art world.

This special showcase highlights Nagi’s creativity, innovation, and international influence through a carefully curated collection of his work.

📍 Find out more: north-herts.gov.uk – Abdo Nagi Exhibition

🎉 Double Win for North Herts Community Lottery Players

The North Herts Community Lottery has announced not one, but two lucky £25 winners from last week’s draw — a celebratory moment for local residents and the community causes they support.

The community lottery offers participants the chance to win cash prizes of up to £2,000, all while helping to fund good causes across North Hertfordshire. Tickets cost just £1, making it an easy and impactful way for residents to support their local area.

By signing up, players not only enter weekly prize draws but also contribute directly to community organisations in need.

🎟️ Join the fun and support a local cause😀 

THREE RIVERS

🚧 River Chess Works Continue from 14 April

Work is continuing along the River Chess at Scotsbridge from Monday 14 April to protect the riverbank and create new wildlife habitats. The project also helps reduce flood risk and prevent erosion.

🚶‍♀️ The path will stay open, but there may be short periods of limited access for safety. Please look out for signs and follow any instructions from contractors on site.

👉 Learn more: https://ow.ly/77EJ50VySnI

WELWYN HATFIELD

🐣 HAPpy Camp Returns to The Hive This Easter

Good news for families in Welwyn Hatfield — the HAPpy Camp is back at The Hive this Easter!

Running during the school holidays, the camp offers a packed programme of multi-sport activities, games, and arts & crafts designed for children aged 6 to 12. It’s the perfect way to keep the kids active, creative, and entertained while making new friends.

Whether your child loves sports, painting, or just having fun, there’s something for everyone.

👉 Find out more about HAPpy Camp and other Easter activities in Welwyn Hatfield: https://orlo.uk/5c6pS

CLASSIFIED - JOBS

NORTH HERTS IS HIRING!

Are you a motivated leader ready to inspire and shape the future of local government? Join our Senior Leadership Team and help steer Governance services through exciting challenges ahead.

 📅 Closing date: 29 April

North Herts Council is recruiting a Safeguarding Support Officer to help protect vulnerable children and adults across its services.

The role supports the Safeguarding Team Leader and works closely with teams across the council.

UPCOMING EVENTS

🎉 Watersmeet Mayday Community Fun Day – 50th Anniversary Special!

📅 Monday, 5 May 2025
🕥 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM
📍 Watersmeet, Rickmansworth

Come celebrate 50 years of Watersmeet with a fantastic Mayday Community Fun Day for all ages! Expect a lively day packed with:

🎠 Traditional fairground games
🏰 Giant inflatables
💃 Colourful dance displays
🍦 Vintage-style food & treats
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-friendly fun for everyone!

Grab your friends and family for an exciting, memory-making day out.

👉 Find out more & plan your visit: watersmeet.co.uk/community-fun-day

Watford: ☀️ 💦 Cassiobury Park Paddling Pools Are Open! 💦☀️ 

The sun is out, and the splash fun is BACK! 🥳

🗓️ Opening Dates:
✅ 5 April – 21 April: OPEN
❌ 22 April – 23 May: CLOSED
✅ 24 May – 7 September: OPEN for summer!
❌ From 8 September: CLOSED for the season

🕒 Session Times (2025):
• 10:00 – 11:30
• 12:00 – 13:30
• 14:00 – 15:30
• 16:00 – 17:15
• 17:45 – 19:00
💡 Longer sessions = more splash time!

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 135 app-bookable + 135 walk-in spots per session
📱 Book via the Everyone Active app or online:
🔗 https://www.everyoneactive.com/.../cassiobury-park...

🎉 Free for All! But donations are welcome:
💛 www.watford.gov.uk/donate-splash-pools

⚠️ Reminder: Pools close if it’s under 15°C — so check before you travel!

Let the splash season begin! 🌈👣💦

💃 This Girl Can – Welwyn Hatfield

📆 9–15 June 2025
A week of sport & dance sessions across the borough to get women and girls moving, having fun, and feeling great! 🎉

👉 Find out more: https://orlo.uk/rY7hd

FOOD GEM

Thirteen Artisan Bakery – Hertford’s Handcrafted Hidden Gem

Tucked away by the riverside at 12 Millbridge, almost opposite Beam, Thirteen Artisan Bakery has quickly risen to become Hertford’s favourite spot for artisan baked goods — and it’s easy to see why.

This charming little café is small but seriously cute, with just enough space for you and a friend to sit, sip, and snack while watching the world (and traffic) go by. The vibe is warm, welcoming, and completely Instagram-worthy — a fact not lost on our friends at I Love Hertford, who can’t seem to stop posting their latest visits!

Their handcrafted, sustainable bakes are the star of the show. Think: buttery croissants, sausage rolls that flake just right, and perfectly spiced hot cross buns. 🥐✨

We especially love that it’s dog-friendly 🐾, so your furry companion can join you for your mid-morning pastry break. And while the café is still relatively new to the scene (less than a year on Millbridge), it already feels like a local institution.

📍 Opening Hours:
Mon–Fri: 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Sat–Sun: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM

📌 Heads up: At the time of writing, their website was down — so ordering online wasn’t an option. But trust us, it’s worth popping in.

✅ Our Verdict: A must-visit for artisan bakery lovers. Great for a cosy catch-up, a weekend treat, or a quick pastry fix with your pup in tow.

MONDAY WEATHER 🌤️ 

WELWYN GARDEN CITY

15°C 🌡️ 9°C | 🌤️ Sunny interval and a moderate breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 06:08 Sunset 19:56

STEVENAGE

15°C 🌡️ 9°C | 🌤️ Sunny interval and a moderate breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 06:08 Sunset 19:56

HERTFORD

15°C 🌡️ 9°C | 🌤️ Sunny interval and a moderate breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 06:08 Sunset 19:56

LETCHWORTH GARDEN CITY

15°C 🌡️ 9°C | 🌤️ Sunny interval and a moderate breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 06:08 Sunset 19:56

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Cheers,
Editor-in-chief | Emeka Ogbonnaya

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