Good morning and HapPy Tuesday!

It’s Tuesday, 29th April — and with the sun shining and temperatures set to stay in the mid-20s all week, it certainly feels like summer has arrived early!

You might have noticed this newsletter usually lands on a Monday — today, we thought we’d shake things up and send it on a Tuesday instead. (Did you spot the change?)

This week, it’s all about the County Council Elections across Hertfordshire. By now, you’ve probably had a wave of leaflets through your door. As you make your decision, we encourage you to focus on clear, factual information — not grievances or negativity — but a vision for who can best lead your borough forward. The choice, as always, is yours.

Looking ahead, once the elections are behind us, the spotlight will turn to V-Day celebrations and the many street parties happening across our towns. If your street is hosting a party, let us know — we’d love to feature it!

Here’s what’s making news today:

• Hertfordshire County Council Election Preview

• Local Boroughs Celebrate St George’s Day in Style

• Hertford Yarn Bomb Celebrates VE Day Anniversary

• Hertfordshire Firefighters Support Be Water Aware Week

• Pope Francis Laid to Rest at Santa Maria Maggiore

• ...and much more!

A very warm welcome to all our new subscribers — we’re thrilled to have you join the Hertstown family! Got feedback, ideas, or news to share? We’d love to hear from you. Let's keep building Hertstown as your go-to for everything local.

Enjoy the sunshine!

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News at a Glance

Hertfordshire County Council Election Preview – 1 May 2025

The upcoming Hertfordshire County Council election will see all 78 seats contested by 424 candidates from five major parties: Conservatives, Greens, Labour, Liberal Democrats, and Reform UK.

Current Council Composition:

• Conservatives: 42 seats (majority of 6)

• Liberal Democrats: 22 seats

• Labour: 6 seats

• Independents: 5 seats

• Green Party and Reform UK: 1 seat each

• 1 vacant seat

Party Campaign Highlights:

• Conservatives highlight investments in schools, SEND services, road improvements, and environmental initiatives, promising £1 billion in future investments.

• Green Party pledges to fix roads sustainably, support families, tackle pollution, and end wasteful council spending.

• Labour promises to tackle the cost-of-living crisis, relocate Bishop’s Stortford library, create a SEND taskforce, adopt a zero-tolerance approach to anti-social behaviour, and improve transport.

• Liberal Democrats focus on better SEND support, improved road repairs, expanded EV charging, planting 1.4 million trees, and better use of unused council properties.

• Reform UK criticises council spending and leadership salaries, pledging to audit council finances, tackle pothole issues, reduce wasteful contracts, and oppose unnecessary tax rises.

Voters across Hertfordshire will have the opportunity to shape the future of the county council on Thursday, 1 May 2025.

I will be bringing you the latest on election day straight from County Hall.

Local Boroughs Celebrate St George’s Day in Style

The weekend was filled with festivities as boroughs across the area celebrated the start of St George’s Day in style. In Broxbourne, families enjoyed a lively day out, featuring a special performance of Aladdin, morris dancing, and other exciting acts. Local businesses and charities set up stalls to share information with residents, while rides and activities kept the younger ones entertained throughout the day. It was a fantastic community gathering full of energy and fun.

Meanwhile in Hertford, the scene was one of tradition and pageantry. The annual Hertford Scouts St George’s Day Parade took over the town, with hundreds of young people taking part. Rainbows, Beavers, Brownies, Scouts, Guides, Cadets, and their leaders proudly marched through the streets, accompanied by marching bands — and of course, appearances by St George and the Dragon!

It was a wonderful weekend of celebration, and attention now turns to the next big community event — the upcoming V-Day celebrations.

Hertford Yarn Bomb Celebrates Love Story and Heroes for VE Day Anniversary

A touching yarn bomb display by the Secret Society of Hertford Crafters (SSOHC) has been unveiled at The Mill Garden to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day. Among the knitted tributes is the story of Agnes and Gordon Taylor, who met during World War Two in a Hertingfordbury potato field. Agnes, a Land Girl, spotted Gordon, a Home Guard member, while harvesting crops. The couple married in 1950 and lived in Bengeo until Gordon’s death in 2017. Agnes later joined the SSOHC before passing away in 2023 at age 99.

Please donate to the Royal British Legion here: https://buff.ly/kRVqGvF

The woolly exhibition also features a knitted Princess Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth II) in her wartime ambulance driver uniform, along with representations of Winston Churchill, Alan Turing, evacuees, and Bletchley Park workers. Modern heroes like doctors, firefighters, paramedics, and tech workers are also depicted, highlighting the ongoing spirit of service from 1945 to today.

SSOHC member Melanie Delaney described the project as a deeply personal and inspiring tribute connecting past and present heroes.

Please visit it at the Mill Garden, next to the Beam Theatre Hertford.

Take the Kids Quiz here: https://buff.ly/vCpUv0G

Hertfordshire Firefighters Support Be Water Aware Week

Hertfordshire County Council is backing the national Be Water Aware Week campaign to raise awareness of drowning risks ahead of the warmer months. Between 2019 and 2024, Hertfordshire’s firefighters attended 167 water-related incidents, with 15 lives tragically lost. Residents are encouraged to follow safety advice when near water.

Pope Francis Laid to Rest at Santa Maria Maggiore

Pope Francis has been laid to rest at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, following a private ceremony after his public funeral at the Vatican. A single white rose rests upon the stone tomb bearing his name, illuminated by a solitary spotlight. The basilica, a place of deep personal devotion for the late pope, was chosen by him for its significance to the Virgin Mary.

Thousands of mourners have visited the tomb since its opening, paying tribute to a pontiff remembered for his simplicity, compassion, and commitment to building bridges in a divided world. His funeral, attended by world leaders and hundreds of thousands of Catholics, marked the end of a papacy dedicated to peace and unity. Preparations for the selection of the next pope are now underway, expected to begin in early May.

In remembrance and gratitude for his unwavering faith, compassion, and leadership, Dean Jo of St Albans Cathedral offered the following prayer:

WELLBEING

🌍♻️ Thinking About Reusable Nappies? Here’s How to Start!

This #ReusableNappyWeek, we’re answering your top questions! Did you know you can switch to reusables at any stage before potty training?

Next steps:
1️⃣ Get expert advice from your local nappy library (@clothbumscic) 👉 www.facebook.com/NappyLibraryHertsNorth
2️⃣ Save 15% when you buy through #HertsReusableNappies 👉 www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/stevenagereusablenappies

💡 Small change, big impact—for your wallet & the planet! 🌱

CLASSIFIED - JOBS

We're Hiring: Kitchen Manager at BEAM

🗓️ Application Deadline: Midnight, 18 May 2025

Are you a passionate food professional with a flair for creating high-quality dishes in a vibrant and welcoming environment? BEAM is seeking a dedicated Kitchen Manager to lead our kitchen team and help deliver exceptional culinary experiences to our customers.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and update menus, ensuring all dishes are costed to meet agreed gross profit margins.

• Prepare and serve food consistently to standard recipes, maintaining quality and cost control.

• Manage food ordering, stock deliveries, and inventory checks.

• Uphold the highest standards of kitchen hygiene and equipment maintenance.

What We’re Looking For:

• Proven experience in menu planning and development.

• Strong numeracy and literacy skills.

• Background in a busy kitchen or food service environment.

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

• Passion, energy, and commitment to BEAM’s mission of delivering excellence.

🔗 Apply now: Click here to apply

SKILLS WORKSHOP

🚨 Protect Your Child Online – Join Our Essential #Step2Skills Workshop! 🚨

The hit Netflix show Adolescence has ignited urgent conversations about children’s safety in the digital world. Are you confident your child is protected from online risks?

🛡️ Take action now! Join our free live workshop to learn how to safeguard young people from harmful content, unhealthy screen habits, and online threats.

📅 Date: Thursday, 12th June
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (BST)
📍 Location: Online – Live Streamed

🔍 You’ll Learn How To:
✔️ Shield children from inappropriate content & contact
✔️ Foster a healthy relationship with technology
✔️ Use practical tools to monitor & balance screen time

👥 Perfect For: Parents, guardians, and anyone in #Hertfordshire concerned about kids’ online safety.

💡 Why Attend?
✅ Expert-backed strategies to reduce risks
✅ Actionable tips for safer digital habits
✅ Empower your child to navigate the online world wisely

🎟️ Limited spots available! Sign up now:

UPCOMING EVENTS

Upcoming Carers’ Group Meetings – This Week

Buntingford Carers’ Group
🗓️ Tuesday, 29th April
🕥 10:30am – 12:30pm
📍 Location: Buntingford (exact venue on booking)
👥 Speaker: Admiral Nurse – Specialist support for carers of people with dementia
📞 Booking: Contact us or book via the event listing.

Potters Bar Carers’ Group
🗓️ Wednesday, 30th April
🕥 10:30am – 12:30pm
📍 Location: Potters Bar (exact venue on booking)
👥 Speaker: John Molyneux (@MolyFit) – The importance of exercise for carers
📞 Booking: Contact us or book via the event listing.

Royston Carers’ Group
🗓️ Thursday, 1st May
🕥 10:30am – 12:30pm
📍 Location: Royston (exact venue on booking)
👥 Topic: Talk on falls prevention and how to support those at risk
📞 Booking: Contact us or book via the event listing.

Carers' Footgolf Morning

🗓️ Date: Tuesday, 29th April 2025
🕚 Time: 11:00am – 12:00 noon
📍 Venue: Rickmansworth Golf Club

Take a break and enjoy a fun-filled morning of Footgolf, specially organised for unpaid family and friend carers. Play nine holes, kicking a football into the holes in as few shots as possible, and relax with tea or coffee at the on-site café afterwards.

🎟️ Booking: Contact the organisers or book online at carersinherts.org.uk.

VE Day Community Picnic

🗓️ Date: Monday, 5th May 2025 (Bank Holiday)
🕛 Time: 12:00pm – 3:00pm
📍 Venue: Event Island, Stevenage Town Centre

Celebrate VE Day in style with a fun-filled community picnic! Bring your picnic and community spirit for an afternoon packed with activities for all ages, including:

🌈 Free face painting
🎨 Arts and crafts
🎵 Live music
🎖 Badge making
🎉 And more family-friendly entertainment!

💻 Find out more: Click here

Mama G in The Magic Bookmark – Live at Beam Hertford

🗓️ Date: Sunday, 22nd June 2025
📍 Venue: Beam, Hertford

Join Mama G, "everyone's favourite pantomime dame" (Metro) and Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist, for an award-winning panto adventure the whole family will love!

In this lively and heartwarming show, Mama G battles to save her library after Book Worm tries to steal all the books. With the help of the mysterious Magic Bookmark, Mama G shows how books can make the world a better place. Expect storytelling, original songs, panto fun, and some of the finest picture books brought to life!

Having toured the UK and made a recent Off-Broadway debut in New York, this is a magical show not to be missed.

🎟️ Booking: Reserve your tickets here

Local Election Day

🗓️ Date: Thursday, 1st May 2025
🕖 Time: Polling stations open from 7:00am – 10:00pm
📍 Location: Across Hertfordshire

Residents are reminded that local elections will be held on Thursday, 1st May. If you are voting in person, polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm.

👉 Find out more: Click here

Make sure your voice is heard!

TUESDAY WEATHER 🌥️ 

WELWYN GARDEN CITY

21°C 🌡️ 1°C | 🌤️ Sunny and a gentle breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 05:36 Sunset 20:21

STEVENAGE

21°C 🌡️ 1°C | 🌤️ Sunny and a gentle breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 05:36 Sunset 20:21

HERTFORD

21°C 🌡️ 1°C | 🌤️ Sunny and a gentle breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 05:36 Sunset 20:21

LETCHWORTH GARDEN CITY

21°C 🌡️ 1°C | 🌤️ Sunny and a gentle breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 05:36 Sunset 20:21

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Wishing you a fantastic rest of your day!

Cheers,
Editor-in-chief | Emeka Ogbonnaya

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