Good morning and Happy Monday!
It’s been one of those weekends, busy shops, heavier traffic, and the unmistakable feeling that Christmas has properly arrived. Festive music is everywhere and the final rush is well underway.
That said, the mood has also been more subdued. During Hanukkah, tragic events in Australia sent shockwaves through Jewish communities worldwide. Here in Hertfordshire, many have shared messages of solidarity and support. As a community, we stand with our Jewish neighbours and hope such acts of violence are never repeated.
This edition marks Hertstown’s final newsletter of the year as we pause for the Christmas break. Our social channels will remain lightly active, but this is our last full round-up until the new year.
Thank you for reading, sharing, and supporting Hertstown throughout the year. We turn one in February and we have something special planned. For now, we’ve brought together key community updates and events in one place to keep you informed as the year closes.
Wishing you a peaceful Christmas and a good end to the year.
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MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM HERTSTOWN
News at a Glance
Top line
Hanukkah messages and festive events are rolling across the county, with councils and communities sharing support and seasonal goodwill.
County-wide
Community note
Hanukkah celebrations took place across Hertfordshire, alongside public messages of solidarity following tragic events in Australia. Welwyn Garden City and Three Rivers shared support for Jewish communities.
What’s on
Welwyn Hatfield
Together at Christmas Lunch (55+)
Mon 22 Dec, 12–3pm, Mill Green Golf Club (WGC, AL7 4TY). Book: orlo.uk/5RZyR
Santa Singing Workshop at St. Mary’s Church
Rocking Around the Christmas Tree (Free)
Thu 19 Dec, 5:30–6:30pm, Welwyn Garden City Library.
Better Health Bus (Free checks)
Tue 16 Dec, 10am–4pm, The Howard Centre (WGC). Register: orlo.uk/zWI7B
St Albans
HAPpy Camps (Free, eligible FSM)
Selected days 22–31 Dec, booking via school code. SEND options available. Book: orlo.uk/clPKk
Christmas Folk Music (Free)
Sat 20 Dec, St Albans Library. Donations welcome.
Festive Crafts for Kids
Mon 22 Dec, 10am–2pm, Jubilee Centre, Catherine Street. Book: bookwhen.com/artypants
Parkrun Christmas special (St. Albans)
St. Albans. Carols + fancy dress encouraged (local parkrun).
STEVENAGE
Positive Movement (Free programme)
20-week gentle movement programme (60+ or mobility/long-term conditions). Email: [email protected], Call: 01462 678804
North Herts
Hitchin Library: Upcycled Wreath Craft
Mon 15 Dec, 4–5pm. £4. Age 7+ (under 8 with adult). Book in-library or via Facebook message.
Hitchin Business Buzz Hitchin Last Networking
Santa John and his helpers look forward to welcoming you. https://www.business-buzz.org/hertfordshire/hitchin/
East Herts
Magic of Christmas Barn (Walkern)
Open daily. Christmas décor, trees, wreaths, Nordic tearoom (Mulberry’s Bistro).
Markets this week
Mon 15 Dec: Buntingford Chartered Market
Tue 16 Dec: Ware Retail Market
Thu 18 Dec: Bishop’s Stortford Chartered Market
Sat 20 Dec: Hertford Retail Market
Sat 20 Dec: Bishop’s Stortford Chartered Market
Trader trial stalls (Hertford/Ware): [email protected]
Explore East Herts Activities
Hatfield
Hatfield Kids FunZone Christmas Party
Thu 18 Dec, 4–6pm. £15 child, £2 adult. Book: booking.bookinghound.cloud (via Hatfield Kids FunZone link)
Broxbourne
Hoddesdon New Year Street Fair
Sat 27 Dec (12–7:30pm), Sun 28 Dec–Thu 1 Jan (11am–6:30pm), Hoddesdon town centre.
Splatter & Natter Paint Night
Thu 18 Dec, 7–9pm, Mayhem Function Hall, Hoddesdon (EN11 8HF). £25. Book: splatterandnatter.art
Learn 2 Ride Cycle Camp (Free)
Tue 17 & Wed 18 Feb, 9:30–11am, Cheshunt Park (EN8 6QD). Book: [email protected], 01992 875 555
Watford
Peter Pan (Interactive show)
Watford Central Library. £7 per person. Ages 1–7. Tickets required for all attendees.
Community notices
North Herts
Bin collections over Christmas and New Year
Changes from Thu 25 Dec
Back to normal from Mon 19 Jan
Garden waste pause: 29 Dec–9 Jan (trees collected when service resumes from 10 Jan)
North Herts Heroes Awards 2026
Nominate by Sun 4 Jan 2026. Winners celebrated March 2026.
Community grants (£500–£1,500)
Deadlines: Hitchin/Letchworth 11 Jan, Royston 18 Jan, Baldock 25 Jan.
East Herts
Christmas recycling reminder
Plastic wrappers, crisp packets, nut packets and bubble wrap go in black-lidded mixed recycling bins. App available for guidance.
Broxbourne
BOB Awards 2026
Nominations now open: ow.ly/sxRs50XzWuJ
St Albans
Fireworks fundraising update
St Albans Cathedral Firework Spectacular raised over £30,000, including £15,000 each to The Hospice of St Francis and The Daylight Club.
MONDAY MOTIVATION
As the Christmas rush builds, many are juggling busy shops and tighter budgets. A reminder that the season isn’t about how much you spend. Time, kindness, and being present still matter most.
Keep it simple. Stay within your limits. A quieter Christmas can still be a meaningful one.
Take care of yourself and each other as the year draws to a close.
Happy Christmas!
PICTURE OF THE WEEK
MONDAY WEATHER 🌦 WGC
Welwyn Garden City
12°C 🌡️ 9°C | 🌦 Drizzle cloud and a moderate breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 08:01 Sunset 15:50
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Wishing you a fantastic rest of your day!
Cheers,
Editor-in-chief | Emeka Ogbonnaya
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