Happy Bank Holiday Monday!

It’s yet another long weekend—yes, we’re almost on a Bank Holiday roll! But this one’s extra special. VE Day celebrations are happening across the county, with street parties, community events, and lots of bunting in full swing. Be sure to soak up the atmosphere and mark this 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day with your community.

It’s also a big week for local leadership. Forty new councillors have joined Hertfordshire County Council, reshaping the political landscape. With 78 members in total and no single party in control, the stage is set for fresh dialogue and direction in the years ahead.

To all our readers—thank you! We recently passed 1,000 weekly readers, and I’m truly honoured by your continued support of independent local journalism. Hertstown exists because of your readership and belief in community storytelling.

Here’s what’s making headlines today:

• 🗳️ Hertfordshire Elects 78 Councillors in Dramatic Power Shift

• 🏅 New Scheme Launched to Celebrate North Herts Community Champions

• 🚖 Stevenage to Hold Public Ballot for Hackney Carriage Plates in June

• 🎤 Electric Umbrella Lights Up atria Watford

• 🍽️ Food Gem: Quattro Lounge, Hertford

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News at a Glance

🗳️ Hertfordshire Elects 78 Councillors in Dramatic Power Shift

No party holds majority as cross-party talks begin

Hertfordshire County Council has welcomed its new cohort of 78 councillors following the local elections held on 1 May 2025. The outcome marks a notable shift in the county’s political landscape, with no single party securing overall control, prompting immediate cross-party negotiations to determine future leadership and executive roles.

The final seat distribution is as follows:

• 🟨 Liberal Democrats: 31

• 🔵 Conservatives: 22

• 🟧 Reform UK: 14

• 🔴 Labour: 5

• 🟢 Green Party: 5

• ⚪ Independent: 1

This year’s results usher in 40 newly elected councillors, while 38 sitting members retained their seats. The Liberal Democrats now hold the largest share but fall short of the 40-seat threshold required for a majority.

The most significant story from the results is the rise of Reform UK, now the third-largest group on the council — a development reflecting national trends that show voters increasingly leaning toward alternative parties. Meanwhile, the Conservatives, traditionally dominant in Hertfordshire, have seen a marked reduction in support.

With a fragmented council composition, the coming weeks will likely see coalition talks and power-sharing discussions that could reshape how the council operates. All eyes are now on how parties will collaborate to form a functional leadership capable of responding to local needs.

🔗 Find out who was elected in your division: orlo.uk/nsO5s

NEWS FROM AROUND YOU

NORTH HERTS

📰 New Scheme Launched to Celebrate North Herts Community Champions

North Herts Council, in partnership with Everyone Active, has launched a new Community Champions scheme to recognise and support local individuals making a difference.

Those contributing to mentoring, health and wellbeing, inclusion, environmental or cultural projects can now apply for free access to leisure facilities to further support their work in the community.

Applications are open until 12 June 2025 at 👉 www.ea-champions.com

This initiative highlights the council’s commitment to empowering grassroots heroes and building stronger, healthier communities.

🗳️ One Week Left to Have Your Say!

The Community Governance Review could reshape local parish boundaries and council structures across North Herts — and your opinion matters.

✔️ Align elections with district council cycles

✔️ Propose new town councils for Baldock, Hitchin & Letchworth

✔️ Adjust parish boundaries and councillor numbers

🕘 Deadline: 9 May 2025

STEVENAGE

📰 Stevenage Council to Hold Public Ballot for Hackney Carriage Plates in June

Stevenage Borough Council has announced a public ballot to reallocate three Hackney Carriage vehicle plates—HCV0012, HCV0014, and HCV0023—scheduled to take place on Monday 2 June 2025.

The ballot will run from 10am to 3pm at the Daneshill House Reception, where applicants must attend in person with photo ID (DVLA driving licence) to enter. The draw will be conducted at 3:30pm the same day in the Council Chamber.

The opportunity is open to operators of both wheelchair-accessible and standard vehicles. Successful applicants will have until 4pm on 23 June to submit a fully compliant vehicle application for approval.

For full details and eligibility requirements, visit: stevenage.gov.uk.

🏃‍♂️ Fairlands Valley Spartans Medal at Hitchin 10K

Fairlands Valley Spartans, Stevenage’s own running club named after the local park, made a strong showing at the Hitchin 10K, with several runners taking home county silver and bronze medals.

As more Bank Holiday running events unfold, the Spartans continue to demonstrate their community spirit and competitive edge.

📸 Medal moments and club pride on full display!

WATFORD

🎤 Electric Umbrella Lights Up atria Watford

Electric Umbrella wowed crowds at atria Watford yesterday with a joyful live performance ahead of their Britain’s Got Talent semi-final. The event also launched their #BeMoreElectricUmbrella campaign, promoting inclusion, creativity, and positivity.

Watford proudly supports many local organisations working with disabled people, including Watford Mencap, Watford Workshop, Herts Inclusive Theatre, DRUM, Cathartic, and Playskill.

🎉 Check out upcoming events like Mencap’s Fun Run and DRUM’s VE Day Exhibition, or support online:

👉 electricumbrella.org.uk
👉 watfordmencap.org.uk
👉 watfordworkshop.co.uk
👉 hit-theatre.org.uk
👉 drum.chessck.co.uk
👉 playskill.org

🏃‍♀️ Watford Mencap Urges Residents to Run for a Cause This Bank Holiday

Watford Mencap is calling on residents to lace up their trainers and take part in today’s Bank Holiday Fun Run at Cassiobury Park. With options for a 1k, 5k, or 10k run, the event invites all ages and abilities to get active for a meaningful cause.

The popular community fundraiser helps provide vital support for local people with learning disabilities, offering access to services and activities that promote independence and choice.

👟 Are you out running today? Share your photos or tag Watford Mencap to show your support!

Every step taken helps make a difference.

COMMUNITY UPDATE

☀️ Melanoma Awareness Month

This #MelanomaAwarenessMonth, take a moment to #KnowYourSkin.

✔️ Check for new or changing moles

✔️ Use SPF30+ sunscreen daily

✔️ See your GP if something doesn’t look right

🔗 Learn more: buff.ly/3N8ELve

Early detection saves lives.

HERTFORDSHIRE JOBS

♻️ Waste Communications Officer

📍 Location: North & East Hertfordshire
⏳ Deadline: Just days left to apply!

Join the shared waste team at North and East Herts Council and help drive recycling and sustainability across both districts.

✔️ Experience with schools
✔️ Social media skills
✔️ Passion for impactful communication

🧑‍💻 Assistive Technologies Technician

We're seeking a hands-on, tech-savvy individual who wants to make a real impact.

In this role, you'll help develop and support tech that allows older and vulnerable residents to live safely and independently.

🔧 Passion for practical problem-solving
💡 Desire to support independent living

🔗 Apply now: ow.ly/SlwH50VJxhO

UPCOMING EVENTS

🇬🇧 North Herts VE Day 80

📅 8 May | 📍 Across North Herts
Mark 80 years since VE Day with events throughout the district.
🔗 north-herts.gov.uk/ve-day-2025-80th-anniversary

🎉 Mayor’s Garden Party – Hemel Hempstead

📅 11 May | 🕚 11am–3pm | 📍 Sunnyside Food Garden
Live music, family fun, crafts & food in a garden celebration.
🔗 More info

🇬🇧 South St Albans Churches VE & VJ Day Events

📅 4–8 May | 📍 St Stephen’s, St Bartholomew’s & St Julian’s
Cream teas, jive demos, flag-raising, supper & beacon lighting.
🔗 Event details

🔥 Harpenden VE Day Beacon Lighting

📅 8 May | 🕘 9:30pm | 📍 Harpenden Common
Join the community for a beacon lighting and tribute reading.

🔗 Event details

🎶 Ware VE Day Celebration

📅 8 May | 🕕 6–9:30pm | 📍 Ware Priory
Jazz, swing dancing, crafts, beacon & fish and chips.
Free and open to all.

🔗 Event details

🇬🇧 Stevenage VE Day Community Picnic

📅 5 May | 🕛 12–3pm | 📍 Event Island, Stevenage
Enjoy face painting, crafts, music & more for all ages.

🔗 Event details

🏛️ St Albans VE Day Proclamation & Wreath Laying

📅 8 May | 🕘 9am & 9:30am | 📍 Clock Tower & War Memorial
Town Crier’s proclamation followed by wreath-laying ceremony.
🔗 stalbans.gov.uk

🎪 Watersmeet Mayday Fun Day – Rickmansworth

📅 5 May | 🕥 10:30am–3pm
Celebrate Watersmeet’s 50th with games, inflatables, shows & treats.
🔗 watersmeet.co.uk/community-fun-day

To find VE-Day celebrations near you, enter your postcode in the link below;

VE-Day Celebrations

BBC Live Commentary

Hertford Castle 'Within These Walls' Evening Tours

📍 Location: Hertford Castle, Castle Street, SG14 1HR
📅 Dates: Wednesdays – 14 May, 18 June, 9 July, 13 August 2025
🕡 Time: 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
🎟️ Tickets: £5 per person (proceeds support the Mayor of Hertford’s Charity Appeal Fund)

PICTURE OF THE DAY

Over 1,000 runners took part in the Hitchin 10K on May 4th, with Alexander Nelson and Katie Harbon leading the men’s and women’s races. A Star Wars-themed mascot added fun to the day, which also saw 150 kids run the “golden mile.”

FOOD GEM

☕ Hertstown Café of the Week: Quattro Lounge, Hertford

Nestled in the scenic Lea Wharf development, Quattro Lounge is our top pick for Hertstown’s Café of the Week. With its relaxed riverside setting, eclectic interiors, and a menu that caters to all dietary needs—including vegan and gluten-free—it’s the perfect spot for everything from a leisurely brunch to evening drinks.

Family-friendly and dog-welcoming, it’s ideal for casual catch-ups or solo coffee stops. While some visitors note minor wait times, the warm atmosphere and inclusive menu more than make up for it.

📍 In Hertford and haven’t been yet? This is your cue to check it out. Quattro Lounge might just become your new go-to spot.

BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY WEATHER 🌥️ 

WELWYN GARDEN CITY

14°C 🌡️ 4°C | ☁️ Light cloud and a moderate breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 05:25 Sunset 20:31

STEVENAGE

13°C 🌡️ 3°C | ☁️ Light cloud and a moderate breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 05:25 Sunset 20:31

HERTFORD

14°C 🌡️ 4°C | ☁️ Light cloud and a moderate breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 05:25 Sunset 20:31

LETCHWORTH GARDEN CITY

13°C 🌡️ 3°C | ☁️ Light cloud and a moderate breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 05:25 Sunset 20:31

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Wishing you a fantastic rest of your day!

Cheers,
Editor-in-chief | Emeka Ogbonnaya

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