What a weekend. Classic cars lined up at Hertford Castle for a proper community display - generations of motors, generations of people, all out on a cloudy day. Over in Hitchin, a lot of people laced up for the Hitchin Half Marathon and Tough 10 Miler on Sunday. And on World Environment Day, St Albans Cathedral made a quiet but meaningful statement - already running on 100% renewable energy, committed to carbon net zero by 2030, and working towards a Gold Eco Church Award. Caring for creation, they say, is woven into everything they do. Hard to argue with that.

If you thought we had seen the last of the gloomy, windy weather - there will be no respite this week unfortunately, so brace yourself.

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Care-experienced young people from Hertfordshire travelled to Westminster on 1 June to meet Josh MacAlister, the Minister for Children and Families, and share how the county's Lifelong Links programme had changed their lives. The scheme helps children in care and care leavers reconnect with family members, teachers, mentors and others who matter to them — 185 care leavers have been referred since 2024, with 105 family reunions and 12 celebration events arranged in that time. Twenty-year-old Mackenzie, one of those who met the minister, said the programme helped him rebuild family relationships and make lasting friendships: "It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

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Hertfordshire County Council's latest Locality Budget round has distributed £7,806 across 16 grants to organisations in Broxbourne, Dacorum, East Herts, Hertsmere, North Herts, St Albans, Stevenage and Welwyn Hatfield. Recipients include Sporting Aid CIC running weekly multi-sport sessions for young people in Cheshunt, Herts Inclusive Theatre staging a Disability Pride show at the Gordon Craig Theatre in Stevenage, Borehamwood Community Radio covering two months of broadcasting licence fees, and a brand new London Colney Pride festival on 20 June. The scheme has funded thousands of projects since 2009 — this round continues that track record across a wide range of community needs.

Read more →

Hertfordshire County Council's 2026 Residents' Survey is open and asking residents across the county what's working, what isn't, and what they want to see change. The survey covers local services, your area, and how you'd like to be kept informed — and takes just a few minutes to complete. Your answers directly shape how the council plans and prioritises spending across Hertfordshire.

Complete the survey → — deadline Sunday 12 July 2026

Late last year, a Klimt sold for the highest price ever paid for modern art at auction.

An outlier sure, but it wasn't a fluke. U.S. auction sales grew 23.1% in 2025. The $1-5mm segment even grew 40.8% YoY.

Meanwhile, Apollo’s chief economist Torsten Slok said to expect ‘zero in return in the S&P 500 over the coming decade.’

So, that's where it gets interesting.

Each environment is unique, but after dot-com, post war and contemporary art grew about 24% annually for a decade. After 2008, about 11% for 12 years.

It’s also had near-zero correlation with the S&P 500 since ‘95.*

Now, Masterworks lets you invest in shares of artworks featuring legends like Banksy, Basquiat, and Picasso.

Shares can sell quickly, but my subscribers can skip the waitlist:

Skip the waitlist

^{*Investing involves risk. Past performance is not indicative of future returns. See important Reg A disclosures at masterworks.com/cd.}

Royston Leisure Centre has completed a major refurbishment that includes a £1.8 million gym extension, more than doubling the size of the facility. To mark the milestone, Team GB sprint relay medallist and TV personality Harry Aikines-Aryeetey will headline a free community open day on Saturday 20 June, running 10am to 5pm. Activities include swimming, fitness classes, wheelchair basketball, pickleball and free meet-and-greet sessions with Harry at 11am, 12pm and 1pm — all bookable now by calling 01763 255190.

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Hazel Diane Jacobs, a regular at Hitchin Lido who passed away in April 2024, left a bequest specifically to refurbish the changing rooms she felt the facility needed most. New cubicles, lockers, sinks, mirrors and tiled flooring were installed and unveiled at a ceremony on 30 May, attended by Hazel's friends and fellow swimmers. A dedication plaque outside the rooms now reads: "Hazel loved this special place. May her spirit continue to inspire joy for all who visit."

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More than 1,000 children from 31 primary schools across North Hertfordshire took part in a "Crucial Crew" safety event, covering road safety, online risks, hazard recognition and personal safety through interactive scenarios and real-life exercises. A follow-up North Herts Junior Life Skills booklet, sponsored by Settle and distributed to around 40 schools, gives children a reference they can take home and revisit. The programme is coordinated by Child Safety Media in partnership with North Herts Council.

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East Herts Council has launched the River Lea Art Trail, featuring nine upcycled benches decorated by local artists with designs drawn from the wildlife, flora and character of the river corridor. Funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and restored by Ware Men's Shed, the benches are now in place along the towpath with two more to follow, bringing the total to 11. A trail guide — including children's activities — is available on the East Herts Council website.

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The 2026 Veolia UK Sustainability Fund is accepting applications from community groups looking to make a positive environmental difference in their local area. Projects need to demonstrate long-term social and environmental benefit — previous recipients include The Sparkle Squad in Watton-at-Stone, who used their grant to expand community litter-picking. Apply at the link below.

Apply now →

Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council has appointed architects Tibbalds to develop a comprehensive Hatfield Town Centre Masterplan, setting out a long-term vision for improved community facilities, better cycling and pedestrian connections, new homes, and space for independent retail. The plan builds on recent projects including the regeneration of White Lion Square and Market Place. Public consultation is expected to open in early Autumn.

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Watford's Cabinet has approved a new Council Plan and Delivery Plan for 2026 to 2028, mapping out priorities ahead of the borough's merger into a new local government structure on 1 April 2028. Commitments include improving cricket and basketball facilities, planting 10,000 trees, expanding CCTV to 300 cameras, opening a Museum of Watford and bringing back a town centre ice rink. The plan goes to Full Council for final approval next month.

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Watford Town Centre is bringing back its summer programme of live music, outdoor cinema, cultural celebrations and family activities, with something happening almost every week through the warmer months. Events are spread across locations throughout the town and are designed to be accessible to all ages. Full listings are available via the link below.

See the full programme →

New analysis of ONS data by Profile Tree shows Watford generated 587.8 new businesses per 100,000 people in 2025, placing it among the country's strongest performers for business creation outside the capital. The figures point to a borough with genuine entrepreneurial momentum, not just inherited economic geography. It's a useful data point for anyone considering starting or growing a business in the area.

The Woodland Walk at Rickmansworth Aquadrome, originally shut due to flood erosion damage, will remain closed after the discovery of high-risk asbestos near the path. Three Rivers District Council is working to further secure the area and is continuing longer-term plans with the National Lottery Heritage Fund for a new raised walkway resilient to seasonal flooding. Alternative walking routes within the Aquadrome remain open.

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National Walking Month may be over, but Three Rivers' Natural Infrastructure Projects Officer Francesca Cohen has highlighted three open spaces worth visiting year-round: Chorleywood House Estate, Leavesden Country Park and Oxhey Woods. All three offer varied terrain, wildlife and the kind of outdoor time that costs nothing and does plenty. No booking required — just go.

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The council's inaugural Environmental Champions Awards ceremony at Watersmeet Theatre on 4 June recognised individuals, community groups and businesses working on sustainability, nature protection and waste reduction across the district. The Young Champion award went to Royal Masonic School's Student Eco Committee; Friends of Stockers Lake won the Community award; and William Penn Leisure Centre took the Business award. Dozens of other groups and individuals received Highly Commended recognition.

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Faith leaders from across Hertsmere gathered at the SRMD London Spiritual Centre in Bushey to sign a unified public statement condemning hateful social media discourse that followed the council's announcement of a permanent mosque and Muslim-led community centre at Maxwell Road, Borehamwood. Seventeen signatories, drawn from Jewish, Christian, Hindu, Muslim, Sikh and other faith traditions, committed to calling out Islamophobia, antisemitism and all forms of religious hatred. Their message to those spreading hate: "You do not speak for Hertsmere."

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A by-election for the Bushey Park ward of Hertsmere Borough Council takes place on Thursday 25 June 2026. Residents must be registered at their current address by midnight on Tuesday 9 June 2026 to be eligible to vote. Photo ID is required at the polling station; those without acceptable ID can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate by 5pm on 17 June. Postal vote applications close at 5pm on 10 June.

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Cllr Morris Bright MBE, who served as Leader of Hertsmere Borough Council for 16 years, has been elected Deputy Mayor with unanimous cross-party support. His grandfather Morris Blitz became Hackney's first Jewish Labour Mayor in 1959, and his father served as a Liberal councillor through the 1970s. Cllr Bright's 16-year-old son Jonah will serve alongside him during the year as Deputy Mayoral Escort.

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St Albans City Centre BID has been filming with local business owners and supporters as part of a new project, produced with Big Buzz Productions. No details yet - but the reveal is scheduled for 25 June. Worth keeping an eye on if you have an interest in the city centre's future.

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Tewin Greens Market Garden Guided Tour — Great Big Green Week
Tewin Greens Market Garden, Welwyn Hatfield
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Free (booking required)
More Info: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/tewin-greens-market-garden-tour-great-big-green-week-tickets-1987983196255

Chats for Change Coffee Morning — Great Big Green Week
Hatfield Swim Centre, Welwyn Hatfield
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM | Free
More Info: https://one.welhat.gov.uk/whats/great-big-green-week

Community Gardening Drop-in with CultureWood — Great Big Green Week
King George V Playing Fields, Welwyn Hatfield
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Free
More Info: https://one.welhat.gov.uk/whats/great-big-green-week

Hertsmere Works Networking Breakfast
Village Hotel, Centennial Park, Borehamwood
8:00 AM – 10:00 AM | £12.50 + VAT
More Info: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hertsmere-works-networking-breakfast-1250vat-tickets-1988471320247

Paint a Bug Hotel — Great Big Green Week
Howard Centre, Welwyn Garden City
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Free (booking required, ages 8+)
More Info: https://orlo.uk/rTTj1

World Cup Packathon — Goods for Good Charity Event
Oaklands College, St Albans
Corporate teams of 5 | Minimum £1,000 fundraising commitment
More Info: https://goodsforgood.org.uk/events/world-cup-packathon

Cycle Forum and Green Heart of Watford — Great Big Green Week
St Mary's Church, Watford
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Free
More Info: https://www.watford.gov.uk/news/article/1005/take-part-in-the-cycle-forum-and-green-heart-of-watford-event-on-11-june-great-big-green-week-

Hidden Jazz Club
BEAM, Hertford
Paid ticket
More Info: https://beamhertford.co.uk/whats-on/ab-hidden-jazz-club/

Evening Bat Walk with CultureWood — Great Big Green Week
Stanborough Park North, Welwyn Hatfield
8:30 PM – 10:30 PM | Free (booking required)
More Info: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/bat-walk-with-culturewood-cic-great-big-green-week-tickets-1987609293903

Clothes Swap — Great Big Green Week
Howard Centre (next to main escalators), Welwyn Garden City
12:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Free
More Info: https://one.welhat.gov.uk/whats/great-big-green-week

Women & Girls Free Ski Taster — This Girl Can Week
Gosling Sports Park, Welwyn Garden City
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM | Free (booking required)
More Info: https://orlo.uk/0RhVQ

Royston Leisure Centre Free Open Day
Royston Leisure Centre, Royston
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Free (activities require booking)
More Info: https://www.north-herts.gov.uk/news/tv-personality-and-sprinter-visit-royston-leisure-centre-marks-major-transformation

London Colney Pride
London Colney
Free entry
More Info: Watch local listings for full details.

Hoddesdon Outdoor Cinema
Hoddesdon High Street, Hoddesdon
11:15 AM — Mufasa: The Lion King
1:30 PM — The Goonies
4:00 PM — Grease
Free entry
More Info: Broxbourne Council social media channels.

Father's Day Fun Day — Supporting Prostate Cancer UK
Stevenage Indoor Market, Stevenage
11:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Free
More Info: Activities include raffle prizes, children's colouring, balloon modelling and face painting.

Bushey Park Ward By-Election
Polling stations across Bushey Park Ward, Hertsmere
Free to vote (photo ID required)
More Info: https://www.hertsmere.gov.uk/news/bushey-park-by-election-statement-of-nominated-candidates

James Foundation Community Family Fun Day
Cedars Park, Cheshunt, Broxbourne
Free entry
More Info: Community fundraising event supported by HCC Locality Budget funding.

Dacorum Climate Action Network Community Event
The Old Town Hall, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 3AE
11:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Free, family-friendly
More Info: https://orlo.uk/VLuAG

Free workshops for Hertfordshire businesses — running throughout June

The Hertfordshire Growth Hub has a full calendar of fully funded workshops and growth programmes running this month, covering marketing, business planning, equity raising and accelerator tracks for businesses of 1 to 12 employees. Sessions run from 5 June through to 30 June — whether you're an early-stage founder or preparing for investment, there's a session aimed at your stage.

View all sessions and register →

RICKMANSWORTH

17°C 🌡️ 7°C | ⛈ Thundery showers and a gentle breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 04:45 Sunset 21:17

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Editor-in-chief | Emeka Ogbonnaya

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