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Good morning {{first_name}},
Happy Monday and Happy New Month!
Spring is here, and honestly, it feels like we've all been waiting forever for it.
Half-term flew by faster than any of us expected, and somehow we're already thinking about Mother's Day and International Women's Day. Time doesn't slow down around here. The councils have also finally released their budgets, and we're working through them to give you our honest take. Watch this space.
It's been a busy week locally, so there's plenty to catch up on. I've pulled together the news you need to know, events worth putting in your diary, and details on the upcoming virtual call about the Local Government Reorganisation Consultation. That one is worth showing up for.
Right, let's get into it.
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Real conversations, shared over a local table
Bringing people together over good food
Hertstown Dinners are small, curated gatherings of six people, hosted in local restaurants and built around a clear theme. Each dinner brings thoughtful locals together for focused conversation, not networking or pitches. Apply to join the next themed Hertstown Dinner.
Open Application Theme: Local Government Reorganisation
This is not a networking event and there are no talks or sales pitches. Just good food, considered discussion, and people who care about where they live. Spaces are limited and allocated by application to keep the experience intentional.
Future dinners will be announced via this newsletter.
🏛️ HERTFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL
Your Child's Secondary School Place Is Confirmed — Here's What to Do Next
Hertfordshire County Council has allocated secondary school places for 2026, with 94% of children placed at a preferred school and 78% securing their first choice — results that sit above the national average. Parents who applied online will receive their allocation by email today, with paper applicants receiving a letter by first class post. You have until 9 March 2026 to accept the place, and accepting does not affect your right to appeal or join the continuing interest list for a higher-preference school.
Watford Is Getting £4 Million Worth of Space to Grow — Before Its Businesses Walk Out the Door
Watford has lost around 15,000 sqm of workspace in recent years, pushing businesses toward London and Bedfordshire. Hertfordshire Futures is responding with a £4 million investment split across two new projects: the Watford Innovation and Incubation Hub in the Town Hall Quarter, and The DomeWorks, a light industrial campus delivered by enterprise agency Wenta. Both come with mentoring, funding advice, and business support built in from day one.
Hertstown LGR Virtual Town Hall, Tuesday 3 March, 7–8pm
1.2 million Hertfordshire residents are about to be affected by a major shake-up in how the county is governed, and the consultation closes on 26 March. This free one-hour online session will walk you through the three options being proposed in plain English, help you understand what the consultation is actually asking, and give you the chance to get your specific questions answered. If you live in Hertfordshire, this one is worth an hour of your evening.
NEWS IN YOUR AREA
🏛️ DACORUM BOROUGH COUNCIL
Your Voice Could Shape How Hemel Grows for the Next Decade
Dacorum and St Albans councils have launched a public consultation on two Draft Supplementary Planning Documents guiding the future of the Hemel Garden Communities area. The consultation runs until midnight on Thursday 19 March, covering everything from placemaking to stewardship. Hard copies are available at The Forum, Hemel Hempstead and local libraries including Adeyfield, Leverstock Green and Redbourn.
🏛️ WATFORD BOROUGH COUNCIL
Watford's Housing Crisis Is Real — and the Council Wants You to Help Fix It
Watford Borough Council has published a draft Housing Strategy tackling the borough's most pressing challenges, from affordable home supply and supported housing to energy efficiency and regeneration. The consultation closes Friday 6 March and your feedback will directly shape how the council plans the town's housing future. Don't wait until the deadline.
What Should Vicarage Road Precinct Feel Like? Watford Is Asking
Watford Borough Council is gathering views on how to make Vicarage Road Precinct a more welcoming and people-friendly space. The survey was open until Monday 2 March — if you haven't yet responded, check whether it's been extended.
🏛️ THREE RIVERS DISTRICT COUNCIL
Rickmansworth Aquadrome Is Getting a Redesign — Here's Your Say
Following National Lottery Heritage Fund investment, Three Rivers is moving forward with early-stage designs to regenerate Rickmansworth Aquadrome. The council is hosting a public engagement session on Saturday 7 March, 9:30am–2pm at the Aquadrome café, with an online option for those unable to attend in person. This is a genuine opportunity to shape a well-loved green space.
🏛️ HERTSMERE BOROUGH COUNCIL
A Former Bank in Borehamwood Is Becoming Something the Town Has Never Had Before
Hertsmere Borough Council has broken ground on the new Jewish Life Centre on Shenley Road, Borehamwood — converting a former bank building into a vibrant community hub. The ceremony on 22 February brought together councillors, community representatives and the centre's founders, Rabbi Chaim Hoch and Leah Hoch. It marks a significant investment in the town's social fabric.
🏛️ NORTH HERTS COUNCIL
North Herts Passes Its Budget: Here's Where the Money Is Going
North Herts Council has approved its 2026/27 budget, committing £4.75 million to a new learner pool at Royston Leisure Centre, £295,000 to green spaces across the district and doubling the Community Safety budget to £20,000. Council tax for a Band D household will rise by £8.01 per year — about 15p a week — with a reduction scheme ensuring the lowest-income households pay nothing. The funding picture came in better than feared, so no services have been cut.
North Herts Is One of the Safest Places in the County — But Do You Feel Safe?
Despite being among the lowest-crime areas in Hertfordshire, North Herts Council wants to know whether residents actually feel safe — covering concerns from anti-social behaviour and fly-tipping to violence against women and girls. The Community Safety Partnership survey informs their annual action plan, so the results carry real weight. The window closes 27 March.
🏛️ EAST HERTS DISTRICT COUNCIL
Up to £1,000 Available for Local Groups Going Green — Applications Rolling
Hertfordshire Community Foundation is offering grants of up to £1,000 through the Herts Green Impact Fund, supporting local voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations to reduce their environmental footprint. Funding covers capital improvements, sustainability training and strategy development for senior leaders. Applications are open on a rolling basis, so there's no hard deadline — but don't put it off.
Art, Countryside and Cake: The Datchworth Day Trip You Didn't Know You Needed
Mardleybury Art Gallery in Datchworth is open Thursday to Sunday, 11am–4:30pm, showcasing original work from Hertfordshire's professional and emerging artists in a converted barn surrounded by bluebell woodland and a lake. Pair it with a visit to the adjoining We R Cakes tearoom — think 1950s vintage china and homemade bakes, with vegan and gluten-free options. Booking is advised and parking is free.
Every headline satisfies an opinion. Except ours.
Remember when the news was about what happened, not how to feel about it? 1440's Daily Digest is bringing that back. Every morning, they sift through 100+ sources to deliver a concise, unbiased briefing — no pundits, no paywalls, no politics. Just the facts, all in five minutes. For free.
🏛️ ST ALBANS CITY AND DISTRICT COUNCIL
St Albans Has a Plan for Tackling Homelessness - and It Was Built With Those Who Lived It
St Albans City and District Council has published its three-year Homelessness Strategy, developed alongside public agencies, voluntary organisations and people with direct lived experience of homelessness. Five priority areas guide the strategy, starting with early identification of households at risk. It is now live and publicly available.
A Beloved Riverside Walk in St Albans Has Been Fully Restored
The 450-metre stretch of the River Ver trail between Holywell Hill and Cottonmill Lane has been fully restored by St Albans City and District Council, including a brand-new pedestrian bridge. The path and bridge are now fully accessible to buggies and pushchairs. The £164,000 project was funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
St Albans Councillors Sign Off a Budget for "Challenging Financial Times"
St Albans City and District Council has approved what councillors called a "sound and fair" budget for 2026/27, alongside a long-term plan for the district's priorities. No further details were published in the announcement, but the full story is available on the council website.
🏛️ BROXBOURNE BOROUGH COUNCIL
Broxbourne Locks In Its Budget - Services Protected, Investment Continuing
Broxbourne Borough Council has approved its 2026/27 budget, maintaining services across leisure, parks, housing and environmental programmes while pressing ahead with regeneration projects. The council described the approach as maintaining strong financial discipline. Full details are available online.
🏛️ WELWYN HATFIELD BOROUGH COUNCIL
Welwyn Hatfield Just Recognised the People Who Make the Borough Worth Living In
The One Welwyn Hatfield Community Awards 2026 have been announced, celebrating the individuals, businesses and organisations that make the borough exceptional. This year's winners include Platypus Swimming Club, Hatfield Food Bank, the Knife Angel Project Team and public service hero Anthony Appadoo, among fourteen recognised across the full awards programme.
📅 EVENTS THIS MONTH
River of Light Lantern Parade - Hemel Hempstead An illuminated parade through the town centre with Morris dancing, West African drumming, circus performances and hoop displays. Free entry — book a ticket for yourself and every member of your group. 📍 Hemel Hempstead Town Centre 📅 Saturday 14 March 2026 Book your free ticket →
International Women's Day Panels - Hertsmere Two panels of inspiring local women share their stories and experiences at the Civic Offices, also streamed live on YouTube. To attend in person, email [email protected]. 📍 Hertsmere Civic Offices, Borehamwood 📅 Wednesday 4 March 2026 🕙 10:00am & 12:30pm Watch online →
International Women's Day Drop-In — Stevenage A relaxed, family-friendly session themed around #GiveToGain with pamper packs, a children's play area, refreshments and the chance to meet council members. No booking required. 📍 Community Centre, The Oval, Vardon Road, Stevenage SG1 5RD 📅 Wednesday 4 March 2026 🕙 11:00am – 3:00pm
Watford Phoenix Choir Spring Concert The choir performs a medley of popular songs with guest soloists at St Mary's Church, a perfect warm-up for Easter. Tickets £12 for adults, children under 16 free. 📍 St Mary's Church, Watford 📅 Saturday 21 March 2026 🕙 6:30pm Book tickets →
Rickmansworth Aquadrome Design Consultation View and comment on early-stage redesign plans for the Aquadrome, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Online submissions also accepted. 📍 Outside the Café, Rickmansworth Aquadrome 📅 Saturday 7 March 2026 🕙 9:30am – 2:00pm View designs and comment →
St Albans District Business Summit A free summit for local business representatives previewing Hertfordshire's new Economic Strategy, with speakers from Hertfordshire Futures, Co-Space and the Hertfordshire Growth Hub. 📍 District Council Offices, Civic Centre, St Peter's Street, St Albans 📅 Monday 9 March 2026 🕙 5:30pm arrival, 6:00pm start Register on Eventbrite →
Not a networking event. Not a panel. Not a pitch.
Hertstown Dinners are small, curated gatherings for people who care about where they live and want better conversations than the internet allows.
In a time when online spaces are noisy and AI makes it harder to know what’s real, we’re bringing people back to the table. Literally.
Good food. Thoughtful discussion. Real people from your community.
Limited seats. Curated tables. No awkward small talk.
📅 UPCOMING EVENTS
🌍 County-Wide
Generation Watford & Three Rivers Careers Fair Meet local employers and explore jobs and training opportunities across Watford and Three Rivers. 📍 Watford Leisure Centre, Horseshoe Lane, Watford, WD25 7HH 📅 Thursday 5 March 2026 | 3.30pm – 5pm Read more →
Rickmansworth Aquadrome Design Consultation View and comment on early-stage redesign plans for the Aquadrome, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. 📍 Outside the Café, Rickmansworth Aquadrome 📅 Saturday 7 March 2026 | 9.30am – 2pm Read more →
CompassionART Café — South Oxhey A drop-in arts and crafts session for anyone feeling lonely due to illness or bereavement, run by Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care. 📍 Oxhey Library, Bridlington Road, South Oxhey, WD19 7AG 📅 Thursday 26 February 2026 | 1.30pm – 3pm Read more →
Better Health Bus — Shephall Centre, Stevenage Drop in for free blood pressure checks, NHS Health Checks, stop smoking support and lifestyle advice. 📍 Shephall Centre, Stevenage 📅 Wednesday 4 March & Wednesday 18 March 2026 Read more →
Watford Housing Strategy Consultation
Have your say on Watford's draft Housing Strategy covering affordable homes, energy efficiency and regeneration — closes 6 March.
📍 Online 📅 Open until Friday 6 March 2026 Read more →
The Mesmerist — Watford Palace Theatre
Rufus Hound stars in a spellbinding blend of theatre and real magic exploring inheritance, secrets and legacy.
📍 Watford Palace Theatre, Watford
📅 2 – 21 March 2026
Better Health Bus — Welwyn Garden City & Hatfield
Free blood pressure, BMI and wellbeing checks to help you stay healthy and reduce illness risk.
📍 Stonebank, Welwyn Garden City (Tue 24 Feb) | White Lion Square, Hatfield (Fri 27 Feb)
📅 Tuesday 24 February & Friday 27 February 2026 | 10am – 4pm Read more →
Hemel Garden Communities SPD Consultation — Online Event Join the online public consultation on the Hemel Garden Communities Supplementary Planning Document — moved online to allow more people to attend. 📍 Online 📅 Monday 2 March 2026 | 7pm – 8pm Read more →
River of Light Lantern Parade — Hemel Hempstead An illuminated parade through the town centre with Morris dancing, West African drumming, circus performances and hoop displays. 📍 Hemel Hempstead Town Centre 📅 Saturday 14 March 2026 Read more →
Working Well: Preventing Burnout in the Workplace — Free Event A free session from Calmer on managing stress, anxiety and mental health to prevent workplace burnout. 📍 The Spotlight Theatre, High Street, Hoddesdon, EN11 8BE 📅 Thursday 12 March 2026 Read more →
Job Opportunities (New)
Hertfordshire County Council | Countywide
£38,220 - £41,771 per annum
Posted: 2026 | Apply Now
Hertfordshire County Council | Countywide
From £31,537 per annum (progressing to £34,434)
Posted: 2026 | Apply Now
Hertfordshire County Council | Countywide
£42,839 - £47,181 per annum
Posted: 2026 | Apply Now
Hertfordshire County Council | Hertfordshire
Salary: Senior leadership grade (competitive)
Posted: 2026 | Apply Now
Hertfordshire County Council | Hertfordshire
Salary: Strategy & Programme Manager grade (competitive)
Posted: 2026 | Apply Now
Hertfordshire County Council | Hertfordshire
Salary: Graduate finance scale (structured programme)
Posted: 2026 | Apply Now
Email us to discuss how to post your job openings on our Job Board (coming soon)
MONDAY MOTIVATION
Your subconscious mind does not argue with you. It accepts what your conscious mind decrees.
— Joseph Murphy
Happy Monday!
MONDAY WEATHER 🌦 STEVENAGE
STEVENAGE
15°C 🌡️ 4°C | ☀ Sunny and moderate breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 06:45 Sunset 17:42
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Cheers,
Editor-in-chief | Emeka Ogbonnaya
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