Good morning and HapPy Monday!

Welcome to Week 12 of 2025!
The weather’s finally turning, and so is the pace of local news. Last week, much of the buzz was around local government reforms and the coordinated response from all Hertfordshire councils—plus a bit of election-season speculation. Hertfordshire pupils went from Classrooms to the Royal Albert Hall and a had a Gala to remember.

Meanwhile, Stansted briefly stole the spotlight as the Heathrow tech “meltdown” caused travel chaos—some passengers are still feeling the effects.

Here’s what we’ve got for you today:

• 📜 Local councils submit reform plans

• 🎶 Hertfordshire’s Young Stars Dazzle at Royal Albert Hall Gala

• 🏡 Government extends Household Support Fund to 2026

• 🚗 East Herts revamps Northgate End Car Park

• 🦆 Solar-powered duck feeder installed in Bishop’s Stortford

• 💪 Hitchin Fitness Centre hosts charity weekend

• …and more local highlights!

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MEME OF THE DAY

News at a Glance

Hertfordshire Councils Submit Joint Response on Local Government Reform

Hertfordshire’s 11 district and borough councils, the County Council, and the Police and Crime Commissioner have submitted a joint interim response to the Government outlining initial options for reorganising local government in the county.

The move follows a Government request in February for all two-tier areas to explore shifting to a unitary authority model, where a single council would deliver all services currently split between county and district levels.

The submission presents several options—ranging from one to four unitary councils—while focusing on protecting vital services, improving efficiency, and maintaining strong links to communities. No decisions have been made, and further analysis and public engagement will follow ahead of a final submission in November.

📄 Read the full submission: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/LGRinterim

Hertfordshire’s Young Stars Dazzle at Royal Albert Hall Gala

Last night, the prestigious Royal Albert Hall echoed with the voices, music, and energy of young performers from across Hertfordshire as they took part in the Hertfordshire Schools’ Gala 2025. It was a breathtaking experience for the children and young people involved—and a moment of immense pride for their families in the audience.

The event, held on Sunday 23 March, marked the 30th anniversary of the Gala at the Royal Albert Hall, presented by Hertfordshire Music Service. This year’s theme, “For the Record”, celebrated the power of music across generations, exploring how people—especially young people—connect with sound, rhythm, and expression.

Parents began the day by dropping off their children just before 3PM, before eagerly taking their seats at 7PM for a night of unforgettable performances. The Gala was a grand showcase of talent, collaboration, and creativity.

The programme featured a massive choir of primary and secondary school pupils, alongside the Hertfordshire County Youth Choir, Hertfordshire Schools’ Symphony Orchestra, and the HMS Steel Orchestra. The event also included vibrant instrumental and dance performances by local secondary schools, and featured winners of the Gala Songwriter and Rapper competitions.

Musical highlights included:

• “When I Grow Up” from Matilda the Musical

• “Make Your Own Kind of Music” by Cass Elliot

• “Believer” by Imagine Dragons

• A powerful finale performance of “You’re the Voice” by John Farnham, featuring full choir, orchestra, steel pans, drummers, and dancers

Importantly, this year’s event was shaped with input from the 2025 Gala Youth Focus Group, ensuring that the voices of young people were at the heart of the planning and musical choices.

The Hertfordshire Schools’ Gala 2025 was not just a concert—it was a celebration of youth, creativity, and community spirit, leaving both performers and their families with memories to last a lifetime.

Household Support Fund Extended to March 2026

Hertfordshire County Council has welcomed the government’s extension of the Household Support Fund (HSF) until March 2026. The fund, launched in October 2021, helps residents facing rising living costs.

Councillor Richard Roberts, Council Leader, praised the decision, emphasising the need for long-term solutions to support residents. The council will soon outline plans to allocate the fund, working with local authorities and community organisations to ensure targeted assistance.

Residents can find support details, including the Welfare Assistance Scheme, at www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/costofliving. For further help, contact HertsHelp at www.hertshelp.net or call 0300 123 4044.

The extension highlights the council’s ongoing efforts to address financial challenges in the community.

NEWS FROM AROUND YOU

EAST HERTS

Northgate End Car Park Gets a Fresh Look!

East Herts District Council has begun a series of upgrades to Northgate End Car Park in Bishop’s Stortford to improve its appearance and accessibility.

The car park now features a fresh coat of paint and new local artwork, brightening the space and making it more welcoming. Plans are also in place to install automatic doors to enhance accessibility for all users.

Funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the project reflects the council’s commitment to investing in public spaces.

Solar-Powered Duck Food Dispenser at Southern Country Park!

East Herts Council has introduced a solar-powered, cashless duck food dispenser at Southern Country Park in Bishop’s Stortford. Visitors can now feed ducks sustainably with healthy food.

🌱 Eco-Friendly & Convenient:

• Powered by solar energy.

• Encourages reusable containers and contactless payments.

💚 Supports Local Conservation:

• 10% of proceeds go to Friends of Southern Country Park.

• Remaining funds support The Feed Ducks Initiative.

Councillor Sarah Hopewell highlighted the initiative’s alignment with the council’s green goals.

📍 Located near the balancing pond, it’s a fun, eco-conscious way to enjoy nature!

BEAM Hertford Unveils New Stage 2 Performance Space!

Hertford’s popular arts venue BEAM has officially opened Stage 2, a brand-new performance space set to bring even more cultural buzz to the town.

Backed by a £325,000 investment from Hertford Town Council, the new studio boasts 140 retractable seats, making it perfect for everything from film screenings and live shows to workshops and community events.

Councillors and partners celebrated the launch, calling it a big win for local talent and creativity. With its flexible design and inclusive vibe, Stage 2 is already shaping up to be a must-visit hub for Hertford’s arts scene.

🎟️ Want to see what’s on or hire the space?

Visit www.beamhertford.co.uk for events and bookings.

NORTH HERTS

Hitchin Fitness Centre Hosts Charity Weekend for Garden House Hospice Care

Hitchin Swimming and Fitness Centre will host a charity fitness weekend on 29–30 March, offering free Les Mills group classes to raise funds for Garden House Hospice Care.

Run by Everyone Active in partnership with North Herts Council, the event invites the community to enjoy high-energy workouts while supporting a vital local charity. Donations are encouraged, with hospice volunteers on-site throughout the weekend.

The event will also include a Mother’s Day special on Sunday, offering free Reformer Pilates trials for mothers and daughters.

Centre staff, many of whom have personal ties to the hospice, hope the weekend will boost participation and support for the hospice’s 24/7 care services.

MP Josh Dean Backs Local Fundraiser for Child with Rare Illness

Josh Dean, MP for Hertford and Stortford, has shown his support for a local resident undertaking an extraordinary challenge to raise awareness and funds for a child battling a rare disease.

Dean met with David, a constituent who will be walking 300km over seven days starting 29 March to support two-year-old Lily, who was diagnosed with Metachromatic Leukodystrophy (MLD) in late 2024. MLD is a rare, progressive condition that tragically affects movement, speech, and basic functions such as eating and swallowing.

The MP praised David’s efforts on social media, highlighting the importance of raising awareness and standing with families facing such devastating diagnoses. Dean described the meeting as a “privilege” and encouraged others to support the cause.

David’s walk aims to provide much-needed support for Lily and her family during their incredibly challenging journey.

For updates and ways to contribute, follow Josh Dean MP’s official social media channels.

STEVENAGE

Stevenage Launches Start-Up Business Grant

Stevenage Borough Council has launched the Stevenage Start-Up Business Grant, offering £500 to £2,000 in non-repayable funding to help new businesses cover start-up costs. The scheme aims to boost entrepreneurship, innovation, and job creation in the area.

Eligible businesses must have received advice from Wenta’s Get Enterprising Programme or the Herts Growth Hub. Applications are open, with final decisions made by a dedicated grant panel.

The council highlights the grant as a key tool to support local entrepreneurs and drive economic growth.

🔗 For more details and to apply, visit: Stevenage Start-Up Business Grant

Artwork Revitalises Glebe Centre in Stevenage

Stevenage Borough Council has transformed the Glebe Neighbourhood Centre with a new countryside-inspired mural, aiming to boost vibrancy, attract investment, and increase footfall. The project reflects Stevenage’s green spaces and supports local businesses while fostering community pride.

Part of a wider effort to revitalise neighbourhood centres, the initiative aligns with the council’s vision for economic growth and community wellbeing.

🔗 For more details, visit: Stevenage Borough Council

ST ALBANS

St Albans Secures £3.95 Million for Energy Efficiency Upgrades

St Albans City and District Council has secured £2.45m from the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund to improve 350 council homes with insulation, solar panels, and low-carbon heating, cutting emissions and energy bills.

An additional £1.5m from the Warm Homes: Local Grant Fund will support low-income households in privately owned or rented homes with upgrades like insulation and heat pumps, at no cost to residents.

Part of a wider decarbonisation plan, the council has now secured £13m for energy efficiency projects. Councillor Jacqui Taylor emphasised the council’s commitment to net-zero goals and quality housing.

St Albans Nears Completion of £4.3m Social Housing Development

St Albans City and District Council is finalising a £4.3 million development of 12 social rent homes at The Hedges, Batchwood. The project includes six three-bedroom houses and six two-bedroom flats, with eco-friendly features like solar panels and air source heat pumps.

Replacing outdated prefab units, the homes will house those on the council’s housing register. Councillor Jacqui Taylor praised the development, part of the council’s commitment to sustainable, quality housing. Tenants will move in this spring.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Print & Create Workshop at Hatfield Library

Join artist Hazel Russell for a fun, hands-on Print & Create event where families can design and print fabric samples using inks, papers, and a heat press. Get creative with textures, colours, and patterns—then take home your very own custom tote bag!

📅 Saturday 26 April

💷 £7.50 per family ticket (1 adult + up to 2 children, ages 5+)

🎉 Part of Hatfield Library’s Centenary Celebrations

🎟️ Book now

Hertford Castle BioBlitz

🌼 Date: Sunday, 23rd March | 🕛 Time: 12 PM - 4 PM

📍 Location: Hertford Castle Grounds

🐝🪲🌼 Join us for a FREE day of nature discovery! Help identify plants, animals, and fungi in the castle grounds. Activities include river sampling with the River Beane Restoration Association and geophysical surveying with TerraDat. Plus, explore the castle for free!

Part of the Hertford Castle Greenspace Renewal project, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

🔗 Learn more: Hertford Castle Greenspace Renewal

Don’t miss this chance to connect with nature and heritage! 🌿🐞🌸

🥚 Easter HAPpy Holiday Programme – Bookings Now Open!

🎉 Exciting news for families! Bookings are now open for the Easter HAPpy Holiday Programme—packed with fun, food, and activities for children and teens during the Easter break.

If your child is eligible for benefits-related free school meals, you can book a place using your unique HAPpy codeprovided by their school.

📍 Various locations across Hertfordshire
📅 Easter Holidays 2025
🎟️ Book now

Spots fill quickly, so don’t miss out!

Under 4s Club at Hertford Museum – Crafts, Stories & Singing!

Looking for fun activities for your little one? Join Hertford Museum for a delightful session of crafts, singing, stories, and snacks—designed especially for children under 4.

📍 Hertford Museum, 18 Bull Plain, SG14 1DT
🕒 Duration: 1 hr 15 min
💷 £4.50 per child – includes a drink and a snack
🔗 Book Now: 

🌟 Free places available for children from low-income families (proof of benefits or tax credits required). Places allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Come along for a fun-filled morning your little one will love!

FOODIE GEM OF THE WEEK 🍖 

Craft & Cleaver, St Albans - Bold BBQ, Big Flavour, Laid-Back Vibes

Looking to treat Mum this weekend or planning a fun meal out with friends? Craft & Cleaver in St Albans is our top foodie pick—perfect for Mother’s Day, birthdays, or a bold and flavour-packed night out.

Set in a Brooklyn-inspired space, this independent barbecue joint and bar serves up authentic wood-smoked meats, craft beers, and killer cocktails. From their Texas Trays to Burnt Ends & Baby Back Ribs, every bite is rich, smoky, and satisfying.

🌟 Try This: The Pitmaster Tray—ideal for sharing, loaded with wings, sausage, ribs, fries, slaw, and more.
🍹 Pair it with a margarita or go bottomless with their brunch special.

📍 62 Catherine Street, St Albans

👉 BOOK NOW - Don’t wait—this spot is booking fast for the weekend!

MONDAY WEATHER 🌥️ 

WELWYN GARDEN CITY

13°C 🌡️ 4°C | ☁️ Light cloud and a gentle breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 05:55 Sunset 18:20

STEVENAGE

12°C 🌡️ 3°C | ☁️ Light cloud and a gentle breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 05:55 Sunset 18:20

HERTFORD

13°C 🌡️ 4°C | ☁️ Light cloud and a gentle breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 05:55 Sunset 18:20

LETCHWORTH GARDEN CITY

12°C 🌡️ 3°C | ☁️ Light cloud and a gentle breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 05:55 Sunset 18:20

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Wishing you a fantastic rest of your day!

Cheers,
Editor-in-chief | Emeka Ogbonnaya

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