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Good morning and Happy Monday!
The elections are done, the counts are in, and Hertfordshire can finally exhale. Results are declared across the county and while there is a lot to unpack politically (I'll be dedicating a full editorial to what I'm calling a political earthquake), this edition moves on to everything else happening in your community.
And there is plenty. Events are stacked across the coming weeks, and this edition covers all of it, from what's on this week to dates worth saving through to July. Scroll through, pick your spots, and get it in the diary.
If you value what lands in your inbox every week, buying me a coffee keeps it coming. The link is below. And if you have a story to share or want to feature on the upcoming Hertstown Podcast, just reply to this email.
Right. Let's get into it. Have a strong week.
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🏛️ Hertfordshire County Council
A new rapid transit line could connect Watford to Harlow, here's what the county is planning
Hertfordshire County Council has been showcasing plans for the Hertfordshire Essex Rapid Transit (HERT), a new east-west public transport corridor linking Watford and Hemel Hempstead to Harlow in Essex. The network is designed to carry more passengers than a car while being more reliable than a standard bus, with technologies including trackless trams on the table. A public showcase event took place in Watford on 9 May — if you missed it, follow Hertfordshire County Council's channels for the next chance to have your say.
An inclusive job fair with BSL interpreters is coming to Stevenage this Thursday
Hertfordshire County Council's Step 2 Skills team is running an Inclusive Job Fair on Thursday 14 May at the 76 Lounge, Lamex Stadium, Stevenage — with British Sign Language interpreters available throughout the day. The event is open to anyone job hunting, exploring new skills or simply wanting to see what opportunities exist locally. Two bookable time slots remain: 11am–12pm (20 tickets) and 1pm–2pm (60 tickets), with walk-ins welcome at other sessions. The quiet hour session is now fully booked.
Your business, in front of 10,000 Hertfordshire residents. This summer.
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NEWS IN YOUR AREA
🏛️ NORTH HERTS COUNCIL
North Herts Leisure Centre is getting a brand new cycling studio - opening 6 June
One of the squash courts at North Herts Leisure Centre in Hitchin is being converted into a dedicated group cycling studio, fitted with 22 Keiser bikes, immersive lighting and enhanced sound. Work begins on Monday 11 May, with the studio opening to members on Saturday 6 June. The project followed a public consultation in which 58% of respondents backed the change, and existing group cycling classes had regularly been hitting full capacity.
Watch a solar film, meet the director, and explore community energy, all in one evening in Letchworth
Community groups and residents across North Herts are invited to a special screening of Power Station at Broadway Cinema in Letchworth on Wednesday 10 June, as part of Great Big Green Week. The film follows a couple's mission to bring solar panels to every home on their street in East London, and will be followed by a live Q&A with co-director Dan Edelstyn, hosted by Cllr Amy Allen. Tickets are £4, and a networking session with local climate and community energy groups kicks off at 4.30pm beforehand.
🏛️ EAST HERTFORDSHIRE DISTRICT COUNCIL
Hertford Junior Parkrun set a new record Sunday morning - 241 runners aged 4 to 14
Sunday morning's Hertford Junior Parkrun on the Common drew 241 young participants, breaking the previous record of 220 set last summer, with 30 first-timers among them including a group from St Joseph's Catholic Primary School in Hertford. Twenty-eight volunteers turned out to make it happen, and 81 personal bests were set. Next Sunday's run is back, with Run Director Amanda taking over the jacket and eyeing 250.
A £4 film screening in Letchworth could be the spark that brings community solar to North Herts
There is up to £1 billion of new funding available for community energy projects across England - and a special screening at Broadway Cinema in Letchworth on Wednesday 10 June wants to help North Herts residents and groups access it. The event, part of Great Big Green Week, screens Power Station, a documentary about a neighbourhood-led mission to bring solar panels to every home on a street in Walthamstow, followed by a live Q&A with co-director Dan Edelstyn hosted by Cllr Amy Allen. A free networking session with groups including Green Heat Coop kicks off at 4:30pm, the screening is at 5:20pm, and the Q&A begins at 7pm - tickets are £4.
🏛️ HERTSMERE BOROUGH COUNCIL
Potters Bar could get its own parish council - and residents have until 8 June to shape the decision
Hertsmere Borough Council has launched a formal Community Governance Review (CGR) for Potters Bar, following a petition from local residents calling for a parish council to be created. The first public consultation runs until 8 June 2026, and all residents, businesses and community organisations in the area are invited to take part. If a parish council is established, it would be funded through an addition to council tax bills and could take responsibility for local parks, events, allotments and representing community views.
Hertsmere is drawing up its Local Plan - and wants your views before 29 May
Hertsmere Borough Council has launched a series of public consultation events to gather resident input on early ideas for the borough's new Local Plan, the document that shapes where homes, businesses and green spaces go for years to come. You can attend in person at three upcoming sessions (all 2:30–8:00pm): Shenley Chapel TODAY Monday 11 May, Wyllyotts Theatre in Potters Bar on Monday 18 May, or St James's Church House in Bushey on Tuesday 19 May. Online feedback is open until Friday 29 May 2026, and hard copies of the plan are available at libraries and parish councils across the borough.
🏛️ WATFORD BOROUGH COUNCIL
Fancy trying bowls for free? Oxhey Bowls Club has two open days this spring
Oxhey Bowls Club is running free open days on 10 May and 14 June 2026, from 11am to 4pm, giving anyone curious about the sport a chance to give it a go with free tuition and refreshments on hand. Today's session is already underway, but if you miss it, the second open day on Sunday 14 June gives you another chance. No experience needed.
🏛️ WELWYN HATFIELD BOROUGH COUNCIL
Welwyn Garden City's World Food Festival drew huge crowds this weekend
Photo Credit: JT Dr OneShot
The Welwyn Garden City World Food Festival wrapped up its first day on Sunday with what organisers described as an outstanding turnout, with families filling the venue for food, drinks, live music and dancing in the sunshine. The event, funded by local businesses, returns for Day 2 today, Monday 11 May, running from 11am to 6pm. If you're free this morning, it's worth the trip.
WGC residents are campaigning for a town council before local government reorganisation reshapes the county
A volunteer campaign group is urging Welwyn Garden City residents to back the creation of a dedicated town council ahead of the abolition of both Hertfordshire County Council and Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council in 2028, when new Unitary Authorities will take over. Under the proposed arrangements, WGC residents would make up between 9% and 18% of the population of whichever new "super council" covers the area - significantly reducing the town's political weight. Campaigners argue that without a local town council in place, decisions over assets like Campus West, local parks and council housing stock could be taken by councillors based many miles away with no particular connection to the town. A consultation is expected to open shortly. For more information, visit www.wgctowncouncilcampaign.org
If you live in Panshanger, your neighbourhood officer is coming to you this Wednesday
Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council is hosting a Community Catch-Up at Hedgebrooms, Panshanger, WGC on Wednesday 13 May from 2pm to 4:30pm. You can meet your neighbourhood officer, get crime prevention advice from Welwyn Hatfield Police, book a free home fire safety check, and speak to Morgan Sindall Property Services about bulky waste disposal, free online courses and minor repairs. No need to book — just turn up.
Contact: [email protected]
🏛️ DACORUM BOROUGH COUNCIL
Free family day in Hemel Hempstead this June - tanks, alpacas and birds of prey included
Dacorum's annual Armed Forces Day celebration returns to Gadebridge Park on Saturday 27 June, from midday to 4pm, and it's completely free to attend. The main arena will feature birds of prey displays, Home Guard foot drill, swing dancers and interactive activities, while outside you'll find 40+ stalls, a Sherman tank, fairground rides, face painting, alpacas and a crime scene challenge. The event is a chance to recognise serving personnel, veterans, cadets and their families for their service.
Dacorum's climate network is hosting a community day in July - save the date
The Dacorum Climate Action Network (CAN) annual event takes place on Wednesday 29 July at The Old Town Hall, from 11am to 3pm. Themed "Turn Over a New Leaf", the day includes interactive talks, hands-on workshops, stalls from local organisations, local food, and children's creative sessions. Whether you're already active on climate issues or just starting to think about it, the event is designed to be accessible to everyone.
🏛️ BOROUGH OF BROXBOURNE COUNCIL
Broxbourne's council website just got a major AI upgrade - here's what it means for residents
Broxbourne Borough Council has become only the third council in the country to launch Jadu's Agent-Ex: Search tool, replacing its existing search bar and chatbot with an AI-powered system. Rather than keyword matching, the new tool answers questions directly or signposts to the right page, including referring queries outside Broxbourne's remit to Hertfordshire County Council. It responds in 70 languages, uses only publicly available council website content, and has no access to personal data.
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📅 UPCOMING EVENTS
🏛️ Hertsmere Local Plan Consultation, Shenley
Location: Shenley Chapel, Shenley, WD7 9EZ
Date: Monday 11 May 2026
Time: 2:30pm to 8:00pm
Admission: Free
Details: Residents are invited to review and comment on the Hertsmere Local Plan proposals.
Have your say:
Hertsmere Local Plan Consultation
🌿 Welwyn and District Garden Club Monthly Talk, “Chile Top to Toe”
Location: Venue to be confirmed
Date: Wednesday 14 May 2026
Time: Evening meeting
Admission: Guests welcome, £3 entry
Details: Monthly talk hosted by the Welwyn and District Garden Club focusing on Chile.
More information: Contact the club directly.
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💼 Stevenage Inclusive Job Fair
Location: 76 Lounge, Lamex Stadium, Stevenage Football Club, Stevenage
Date: Thursday 14 May 2026
Sessions:
11:00am to 12:00pm, limited tickets remaining
1:00pm to 2:00pm, additional tickets available
Walk-ins welcome at other sessions
Admission: Free, advance booking recommended
Accessibility: BSL interpreters available
Book your place:
Stevenage Inclusive Job Fair Booking Page
🏛️ Hertsmere Local Plan Consultation, Potters Bar
Location: Wyllyotts Theatre, Potters Bar, EN6 2HZ
Date: Monday 18 May 2026
Time: 2:30pm to 8:00pm
Admission: Free
Have your say:
Hertsmere Local Plan Consultation
🏛️ Hertsmere Local Plan Consultation, Bushey
Location: St James’s Church House, Bushey, WD23 1BD
Date: Tuesday 19 May 2026
Time: 2:30pm to 8:00pm
Admission: Free
Have your say:
Hertsmere Local Plan Consultation
🌿 Wellies in the Woods, Free Under-5s Taster Session
Location: Rickmansworth Aquadrome, Frogmoor Lane, Rickmansworth, WD3 1NB
Date: Thursday 28 May 2026
Time: 10:00am to 11:30am
Admission: Free, booking required
Details: Outdoor play and nature-based activities for children under five.
Reserve a place:
Wellies in the Woods Booking Link
🎉 Broxbourne Big Green Fest, Stallholder Applications Open
Location: Cedars Park, Broxbourne
Date: Sunday 7 June 2026
Details: Community sustainability festival seeking stallholders and exhibitors.
Enquiries: [email protected]
🎵 Power Station, Film Screening and Q&A with Co-Director Dan Edelstyn
Location: Broadway Cinema & Theatre, Letchworth
Date: Wednesday 10 June 2026
Schedule:
Networking from 4:30pm
Screening at 5:20pm
Q&A at 7:00pm
Tickets: £4 adults
More information and tickets:
Broadway Cinema & Theatre Event Page
🏃 Oxhey Bowls Club Open Day
Location: Oxhey Bowls Club, Watford
Date: Sunday 14 June 2026
Time: 11:00am to 4:00pm
Admission: Free
Details: Free taster sessions, tuition, and refreshments available throughout the day.
🎉 Dacorum Armed Forces Day
Location: Gadebridge Park, Hemel Hempstead
Date: Saturday 27 June 2026
Time: 12:00pm to 4:00pm
Admission: Free
More information:
Dacorum Armed Forces Day 2026
🎉 Midsummer Festival Gala Day, Stallholder Applications Open
Location: Hoddesdon Town Centre
Date: Sunday 28 June 2026
Details: Traders and community groups invited to apply for stalls.
Enquiries: [email protected]
🌿 Dacorum Climate Action Network Annual Event, “Turn Over a New Leaf”
Location: The Old Town Hall, Hemel Hempstead
Date: Wednesday 29 July 2026
Time: 11:00am to 3:00pm
Admission: Free
Details: Annual sustainability and climate awareness event hosted by Dacorum Climate Action Network.
More information:
Dacorum Borough Council Events Page
📚 FREE LEARNING THIS WEEK
Three free online courses from the SEEDL Skills Hub are coming up this week — open to all:
How to Read a Balance Sheet 🗓️ TOMORROW — Monday 11 May | ⏰ 10:00am 👉 Sign up: https://www.seedl.com/course/how-to-read-a-balance-sheet
Overcoming Social Anxiety 🗓️ Tuesday 12 May | ⏰ 11:00am 👉 Sign up: https://www.seedl.com/course/overcoming-social-anxiety
Transitioning to a Leader 🗓️ Tuesday 19 May | ⏰ 12:30pm 👉 Sign up: https://www.seedl.com/course/transitioning-to-a-leader
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Borough of Broxbourne Council | Broxbourne
Shared Planning Lawyer | Mobile Locality Officer | Box Office Customer Service
Assistant | Housing Policy and Performance Manager | Swimming Instructors |
Shared Litigation Lawyer | Operations Manager | Housing Solutions Officer (Homelessness)
MONDAY MOTIVATION
Opportunities come infrequently. When it rains gold, put out the bucket, not the thimble.
— Warren Buffett
Happy Monday!
PICTURE OF THE WEEK
MONDAY WEATHER 🌦 HITCHIN
HITCHIN
Monday 11 May 10°C 🌡️ 6°C | ☁️ Overcast | ☀️ Sunrise 05:16 | Sunset 20:40
Tuesday 12 May 10°C 🌡️ 7°C | ☁️ Overcast | ☀️ Sunrise 05:14 | Sunset 20:41
Wednesday 13 May 12°C 🌡️ 8°C | 🌧️ Light showers | ☀️ Sunrise 05:13 | Sunset 20:43
Thursday 14 May 10°C 🌡️ 7°C | 🌧️ Light showers | ☀️ Sunrise 05:11 | Sunset 20:45
Friday 15 May 8°C 🌡️ 4°C | ☁️ Overcast | ☀️ Sunrise 05:09 | Sunset 20:46
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Cheers,
Editor-in-chief | Emeka Ogbonnaya
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