🗞️ Monday, 7 April 2025 – End of Term Highlights & Local News

With End of term in full swing, it’s the perfect time for parents to get the kids outdoors and burning off that extra energy—because let’s be honest, trying to contain it indoors is a losing battle! We've pulled together a great list of local events kicking off today—definitely worth checking out with the little ones.

Now, on a separate note—some of you might have noticed that local authority news has been quiet lately. I asked the same question myself—“why aren’t we hearing anything from the county council?” A very kind (and wonderfully informed) councillor took the time to call me out (gently!) and explain.

With election purdah now in effect, local councils are following strict guidelines. During this period, they will:

• Focus only on essential service communications

• Avoid launching new policies or public consultations

• Share only neutral and factual election-related information

So while official channels might be quieter, we’ve got you covered with what’s still happening around town.

Here’s what’s making news today:
✅ Hertfordshire’s Fifty Thrifty – Free & low-cost End of term activities
✅ Kids Eat Free – The best Easter dining deals for families
✅ Cheshunt Older Persons Fair – Strong community turnout and vendor insights
✅ Walk to Work Day in East Herts – Local push for greener, healthier habits

A warm welcome to all our new subscribers—thank you for joining the Hertstown family! Got thoughts or suggestions? We’d love to hear from you. Let’s make Hertstown your go-to for everything local!

Enjoy the week—and stay tuned for more updates!

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News at a Glance

📵 Swap Screen Time for Real Adventures This Easter – Try Hertfordshire’s Fifty Thrifty

This Easter holiday, instead of letting the kids spend their days glued to devices, why not turn the holiday into a chance to reconnect, explore, and make memories together?

Hertfordshire’s Fifty Thrifty Adventures is your go-to guide for keeping kids busy without breaking the bank. Packed with 50 brilliant free or low-cost activities, it’s the perfect way to keep boredom at bay—and bond as a family.

Whether it's a nature walk, a bike ride, or a fun bus trip to a local gem, there’s something for everyone, right across the county. With options from north to south Hertfordshire, it’s never been easier to explore your surroundings and enjoy quality time.

So ditch the screens, grab your trainers or scooters, and make this Easter holiday one to remember—with adventure, fresh air, and real connection.

📍 Explore the full list of ideas and get going: Fifty Thrifty Adventures

Kids Eat Free This Easter Holiday – Where to Go in Hertfordshire

As families across Hertfordshire juggle holiday plans and rising costs, many local eateries are stepping up to lend a hand this Easter Holiday. A range of restaurants and cafés are offering free or heavily discounted meals for children, making it the perfect time for families to dine out without breaking the bank.

From supermarket cafés to high street favourites, kids can eat for free or for as little as £1—and sometimes even enjoy extras like fruit or dessert. Parents are encouraged to make the most of these offers, which not only ease financial pressure but help turn mealtime into quality time away from screens.

Here's a roundup of where kids can eat for free (or less) this Easter holiday:

🛒 Asda Cafes

• Kids eat for £1 all day, every day – no adult spend required

• Free fruit with kids’ meal + free Ella’s baby food pouches

• Valid until end of 2025

🍳 Beefeater

• Two kids eat free breakfast with one paying adult

• Newsletter sign-up often includes extra free meal vouchers

• More info

🇮🇹 Bella Italia

• Kids eat free all day Thursday

• £1 meals Sunday–Wednesday before 6pm with adult main

• More info

🍽️ Brewers Fayre

• Up to two kids (under 16) eat free breakfast with one adult breakfast

• More info

🌱 Dobbies Garden Centres

• Kids eat free every day with adult breakfast or lunch

• More info

🍔 Frankie & Benny’s

• Kids eat free with every adult main meal

• Valid: 31 March – 27 April 2025

• More info

🛋️ IKEA

• Kids pasta and drink for 95p / other meals £1.50

• Friday special: Pasta, fruit + drink for just 45p

• More info

🛒 Morrisons Cafés

• Kids eat free with any adult main over £5

• Valid daily including holidays

• More info

☕ Pausa Cafés at Dunelm

• One free kids’ meal with every £4 adult spend

• Includes mini main, 2 snacks + drink

• Find your local

🏨 Premier Inn

• All-you-can-eat breakfast: £9.99, kids eat free (under 16)

• More info

🍻 Sizzling Pubs

• Kids eat for £1 (Mon–Fri, 3–7pm) with every adult main

• More info

🏨 Travelodge

• Breakfast: £9.75, up to two kids under 15 eat free

• More info

🍣 YO! Sushi

• Kids eat free Mon–Fri during school holidays with £10 adult spend

• More info

👀 Keep an eye out—other venues across Hertfordshire are also offering temporary kids’ discounts this Easter, and Hertstown will continue to update you as new deals emerge.

📲 Follow us on social media for the latest family-friendly food offers, local events, and Easter holiday ideas!

NEWS FROM AROUND YOU

🥕 Give Ugly Veg a Chance – Dacorum Council Urges Residents to Tackle Food Waste

Dacorum Borough Council is encouraging residents to rethink their shopping habits and help cut down on food waste by giving misshapen vegetables and dented cans a second chance. These often-overlooked items are just as nutritious but frequently left behind on supermarket shelves, contributing to unnecessary waste.

Local initiatives like the Hemel Hempstead Community Fridge and Open Door Community Fridge in Berkhamsted offer great opportunities to rescue surplus food and share it with the community.

The Council also recommends keeping an eye out for supermarket "Last Chance" shelves and using apps like Too Good To Go, which help residents find discounted food from local stores and eateries that would otherwise go to waste.

Many supermarkets now sell “wonky veg boxes” at lower prices — a perfect way to save money and reduce environmental impact. Residents are encouraged to look out for them during their next shop and embrace imperfect produce as part of a more sustainable lifestyle.

👏 Strong Turnout at Cheshunt Older Persons Fair Highlights Community Need for Connection

Last Friday’s Older Persons Fair in Cheshunt proved to be a resounding success, drawing a vibrant turnout from both local organisations and residents across the Broxbourne borough.

Held to connect older members of the community with essential services, the fair featured organisations such as Carers in Hertfordshire, Health & Independent Living Support, and Hertfordshire Health Walks. Visitors had the opportunity to ask questions, gather resources, and better understand the support available to them.

Vendors praised the event for offering meaningful face-to-face interaction with the very people they aim to support. A common theme among providers was the need for better ways to reach older residents, beyond social media. Many welcomed the chance to meet the Hertstown team, who will now be helping to share updates directly with the local community.

Residents also expressed their appreciation, describing the event as informative, welcoming, and empowering.

Stay tuned—Hertstown will be publishing updates from participating organisations in the weeks to come.

🚶‍♀️ East Herts Embraces Walk to Work Day

Last Friday marked Walk to Work Day, and East Herts Council were fully on board—sharing their own scenic strolls into work and encouraging others to do the same.

The initiative, aimed at reducing emissions and promoting healthier, greener lifestyles, was met with enthusiasm across the district. Walking not only helps cut down on pollution but also boosts wellbeing, with many reporting improved mood and reduced stress after their walk.

The council is now encouraging residents to make walking part of their regular routine—not just once a year. It’s a simple, positive step toward building a more sustainable East Herts.

Want to explore more local walking routes?
👉 Discover walks in East Herts

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In this role, you’ll lead our Accounts Payable team, ensure smooth and timely payment processes, and manage key financial relationships across the organisation.

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Bring your expertise and make a real impact.

SKILLS WORKSHOP

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UPCOMING EVENTS

Welwyn Hatfield

🌊 Splashlands Reopens for Easter Holiday Fun!

📅 Dates: Open Daily (Weather & Temperature Permitting)
🕙 Time: 10am – 5pm
📍 Location: Splashlands, Stanborough Park, Welwyn Garden City
💸 Price: Free Entry

The award-winning Splashlands water play area is now open daily just in time for the Easter holidays! Located at Stanborough Park, Splashlands features fun and interactive water-themed play equipment suitable for children of all ages.

Whether you're local or visiting Welwyn Hatfield, it's the perfect outdoor spot for kids to cool off, splash around, and enjoy quality family time—all for free.

☀️ Please note: Opening is subject to suitable weather and temperatures.

🔗 Find out more about Splashlands
🔗 Discover more Easter holiday activities in Welwyn Hatfield

Bishop Stortford

🧁 Easter Fun Starts Today at Everyone Active!

Looking for fun and affordable ways to keep the kids busy this Easter? Everyone Active has you covered with two exciting activities — and it all kicks off today!

🎉 Starting Today – Cupcake Decorating
📅 Monday, 7th April
Let the little ones get creative with icing, toppings, and sprinkles in this sweet hands-on session! A perfect treat to start the holidays.

🐣 Easter Trail
📅 Tuesday, 15th April
Follow the clues, find the surprises, and enjoy some tasty rewards on this egg-citing adventure!

Both activities are designed for children of all ages and offer a great way to enjoy the Easter break without breaking the bank.

📲 Book your spot now:

• Via the Everyone Active app

• Call 01279 652332

• Or drop into the centre today!

Stevenage

🐰 Animal Crackers Returns to Stevenage Town Centre!

Get ready for a wild and wonderful Easter celebration as Animal Crackers 2025 returns to Stevenage Town Centre—packed with fun for the whole family!

Enjoy delicious treats from The Tipsy Bakery, a visit from the ice cream van, and a special appearance by the Easter Bunny 🐇 —all thanks to the Stevenage Community Trust!

But that’s not all...

🐐 Meet adorable animals
🦖 Explore the Travelling Natural History Museum
🐴 Enjoy donkey rides
🦅 See reptiles and birds of prey up close
🎨 Plus free face painting for the kids!

It’s the perfect Easter outing full of excitement, learning, and sweet surprises—don’t miss it!

📍 Full details here: stevenagetowncentre.com/events/animal-crackers-2025

🍔 Street Food Heroes Return to Welwyn Garden City!

📅 Date: Thursday, 10th April 2025
🕓 Time: 4pm – 9pm
📍 Location: Stonehills Square, Welwyn Garden City
💸 Entry: Free

Street Food Heroes are back for their first event of 2025, and it’s shaping up to be a feast to remember! Join them at Stonehills Square for an evening packed with flavour, music, and great vibes.

Expect mouth-watering dishes from top-notch vendors:

• 🍔 Burgervore – gourmet burgers

• 🦆 The Crispy Duck Rotisserie – duck wraps & duck fat chips

• 🧇 Dr Waffle – waffles & ice cream

• 🍛 Hyderabadi Dhaba – Indian street food

• 🍖 Jack’s Smoke Shack – brisket, pulled pork, mac n cheese

• 🌶️ The Jerk Chicken Man – jerk chicken, curry goat

• 🍜 Monami Eat – Vietnamese street food

• 🔥 Pacific Grills – Soul food

• 🍻 Banquet Inn Bars – serving drinks all evening

🎶 A live DJ will keep the energy high, spinning your favourite tunes while you eat, drink, and soak up the festive atmosphere.

Bring your family and friends, and enjoy a delicious night out in the heart of town.

🐣 Free Easter Navigation Game with GLL at Splashlands!

Looking for a fun, family-friendly outdoor activity this Easter? GLL invites you to take part in a free navigational game that’s perfect for all ages!

🗺️ Follow the map to discover themed Easter markers hidden around the area — a great way to explore, get active, and enjoy the spring sunshine.

📍 Pick up your map from the Kiosk next to Splashlands at Stanborough Park.

📅 Dates: 9th – 16th April
🕙 Time: 10am – 2pm
💸 Entry: Free

🔗 Find out more

Get the kids moving, sharpen your navigation skills, and make this Easter one to remember!

MONDAY WEATHER 🌥️ 

WELWYN GARDEN CITY

15°C 🌡️ 0°C | ☀️Sunny and a gentle breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 06:23 Sunset 19:44

STEVENAGE

15°C 🌡️ 0°C | ☀️Sunny and a gentle breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 06:23 Sunset 19:44

HERTFORD

15°C 🌡️ 0°C | ☀️Sunny and a gentle breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 06:23 Sunset 19:44

LETCHWORTH GARDEN CITY

15°C 🌡️ 0°C | ☀️Sunny and a gentle breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 06:23 Sunset 19:44

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Wishing you a fantastic rest of your day!

Cheers,
Editor-in-chief | Emeka Ogbonnaya

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