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Happy new month! We are officially in Summer ☀ Football is behind us except for the big one - the World Cup in 2 weeks. Before that…
Yes, I was there. Yes, I was shouting my lungs off. And yes, Arsenal are Premier League champions.
The Gunners may have fallen short in the UEFA Champions League final against PSG in Budapest on Saturday, but that did not dampen the mood one bit. Over a million people lined the streets of North London yesterday for the title parade, and it was something else. We wish them well - and here's hoping next season brings both trophies home.
Right. Enough football.
Coming off half term and a proper heatwave, the weather is about to turn this week - rain is on the way, and the garden will thank us for it. The warmer spell has also seen more people heading to open water to cool down, and sadly that has not ended well in all cases. Authorities across Hertfordshire are now urging residents to stay out of lakes and rivers. Please take that seriously - there is a full warning in the news below.
Elsewhere this week, the newsletter is packed. Local election results are feeding through into fresh council leadership across the county, there are consultations open that affect your home and your neighbourhood, and there are some genuinely uplifting stories in here too. Let's get into it.
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🏛️ Hertfordshire County Council
Hertfordshire has signed a formal partnership agreement with Ukraine's Sumy region
The signing, which took place at the International Summit of Cities and Regions in Kyiv this week, formalises four years of relationship-building between Hertfordshire County Council and north-east Ukraine's Sumy region, including humanitarian aid trucks sent to Sumy by volunteers from Herts Fullstop, most recently during this trip and in March. The Memorandum of Understanding covers education, the economy, science and technology, agriculture, energy and environmental sustainability, aiming to drive knowledge transfer, trade exchanges and inward investment on both sides. Since the conflict began, over 2,700 Ukrainians have been given refuge across the county by more than 1,100 Hertfordshire households under the Homes for Ukraine scheme, and the council is still looking for residents willing to take on rematch hosting.
Over 300 Hertfordshire young people celebrated their Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award at Buckingham Palace
On 22 May, more than 300 Hertfordshire teenagers and young adults attended a celebration in the gardens of Buckingham Palace hosted by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, marking both their Gold Award achievements and the 70th anniversary of the DofE programme. Hertfordshire County Council's Services for Young People has supported DofE delivery in the county for over 50 years and currently has 15,728 young people working towards their awards across 97 schools and centres. If your school wants to get involved or you'd like to volunteer as a DofE leader, links are below.
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NEWS IN YOUR AREA
🏛️ NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE
A Letchworth tree contractor has been convicted and ordered to pay £2,114 for dumping waste in a local woodland
A man hired to carry out tree work at a residential property in Letchworth Garden City illegally dumped branches, twigs and wood shavings in Jackmans Plantation instead of disposing of them properly. Luke Jenkins, trading as Clean and Green Solutions, was sentenced at Stevenage Magistrates' Court on 15 May to a 12-month Community Order including 40 hours of unpaid work. You can report fly-tipping online or by calling North Herts Council on 01462 474000.
North Herts re-elects its chair and names a new vice-chair for 2026/27
Councillor Keith Hoskins MBE was re-elected as Chair of North Herts Council at the annual Full Council meeting on 21 May, with Councillor Sean Prendergast stepping up as the new Vice-Chair. Cllr Hoskins, who represents Hitchin Priory ward, will continue to engage with local organisations and charities across the district. The Council also confirmed no changes to the Deputy Leader or Cabinet for the coming year.
🏛️ EAST HERTFORDSHIRE
East Herts wants your views on how affordable housing is allocated - you have until 6 July
The council has launched a six-week public consultation on proposed changes to its Housing Register and Allocations Policy, covering who can join the register and how the roughly 600 homes let each year are prioritised. Key proposals include a new residency requirement for applicants, changes to the maximum household income threshold, and a clearer banding system to replace the current points setup. The consultation closes on Monday 6 July 2026.
🏛️ STEVENAGE
A Stevenage man is running 13 miles carrying a wheelie bin loaded with 30kg - and you can back him
Daniel Fairbrother is running the St Albans Half Marathon on 14 June carrying a Stevenage Borough Council wheelie bin loaded with 30kg, the combined weight of the two five-year-old twins with cerebral palsy he is raising money for. The council supplied the bin in support after Daniel's wife came up with the idea. If you want to cheer him on or donate, his fundraiser page is on JustGiving.
Stevenage turns 80 this year - and the town's biggest free day out is back on 14 June
Stevenage Day returns to King George V Playing Fields on Sunday 14 June as part of the Stevenage 80 anniversary celebrations, with more than 30,000 people expected. The event includes Rock in the Park, a dedicated STEM Village, the Pride area, funfair rides, food and over 200 stalls. Entry is free.
🏛️ WELWYN HATFIELD
Leaving bags beside a full recycling bin is fly-tipping - here's what to do instead
Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council has put new warning signs at all 17 of its Bring Bank recycling sites across the borough, reminding residents that leaving bags of recycling next to a full bin counts as fly-tipping and can result in a fixed penalty notice of up to £1,000. If a bank is full, take your items home and return later. Signs cover all glass, paper, card, cans, plastic bottles and textiles banks.
Welwyn Hatfield primary schoolchildren can win free cycling lessons for their class - deadline THIS FRIDAY
KS1 children (ages 5–7) at any Welwyn Hatfield primary school can enter a competition to design a cycling t-shirt, with the winner's school receiving three Learn to Ride sessions for up to eight children per session. The competition is part of Great Big Green Week and entries must be scanned and emailed to [email protected] with the child's name, age and school, or dropped into the council offices at Campus East in Welwyn Garden City. The competition closes on Friday 5 June 2026.
🏛️ ST ALBANS
A Pride music event in London Colney was cancelled after banners were torn down - the council has condemned it
A Pride event due to take place in London Colney was cancelled after promotional banners were targeted and removed, raising safety concerns. Cllr Sarwar Shamsher, St Albans' Lead Councillor for Inclusion, condemned the intimidation and said the council rejects any attempts to blame a particular faith or ethnic community. Further coverage is available from the BBC.
St Albans has a new mayor, Cllr Matt Fisher, whose theme for the year is 'Belonging Through Service'
Green Party councillor Matt Fisher was elected the 482nd Mayor of St Albans City and District at the Full Council meeting on 27 May, with fellow Green councillor Juliet Voisey becoming Deputy Mayor. Mayor Fisher will raise money for St Albans Sea Cadets and Youth Talk during his civic year. He is also a Hertfordshire County Councillor and has completed multiple Ironman events, including one involving a 7.2-mile swim, 336-mile cycle and 78.6-mile run.
Paul de Kort has been re-elected as Leader of St Albans City and District Council for a third year
Lib Dem Cllr Paul de Kort was voted back as Leader at the annual Full Council meeting on 27 May, with Cllr Helen Campbell continuing as his deputy. His priorities for the year ahead include the adoption of the Local Plan, which would allow for 15,000 new homes and £750m of infrastructure, and working on the government-required reorganisation of local government across Hertfordshire that will eventually replace the council with a new unitary authority.
🏛️ THREE RIVERS
Do not swim in Rickmansworth Aquadrome - the water is not safe and it is actively harmful to wildlife
Three Rivers District Council has issued a fresh reminder that swimming is prohibited in the lakes and river at Rickmansworth Aquadrome, citing dangers from deep and unpredictable open water as well as the damage swimming causes to riverbanks, tree roots and wildlife habitats including those of water voles. Clear no-swim signs are displayed across the nature reserve.
Summer holiday childcare bookings are now open for families in Three Rivers
Three Rivers District Council's Playscheme is returning from 27 July to 21 August at Yorke Mead School in Croxley Green, offering Ofsted-registered holiday childcare for children from reception to year six. The scheme runs weekdays from 8:30am to 5pm and costs £30 per day for Three Rivers residents. Tax-free childcare and childcare vouchers are accepted.
Three Rivers has a new Chair and Vice-Chair for 2026/27
Cllr Keith Martin has returned to the role of Chair of Three Rivers District Council, with Cllr Reena Ranger OBE appointed as Vice-Chair for the coming year. Cllr Martin, who represents Oxhey Hall and Hayling ward and first served as Chair during the Covid pandemic, has chosen the UK Sepsis Trust as his charity for the year. Cllr Ranger, elected to the council in 2014, will support him in representing the district at public engagements.
🏛️ WATFORD
Watford's free public tennis courts are getting a booking system from 1 June - here's how it works
Four of Watford's public tennis courts at Oxhey Grange, Lea Farm, Orchard and Cassiobury have had new keypad entry systems installed, ahead of the launch of a free advance booking system on 1 June. Players book via the LTA Play Tennis app or Clubspark and receive a unique access code. Courts remain completely free to use; the booking system is designed to ensure fairer access and reduce anti-social behaviour.
🏛️ HERTSMERE
Borehamwood is getting its first purpose-built mosque after the council secured the land and legal framework
Hertsmere Borough Council has completed the transfer of the former Guide Hut site next to Maxwell Park to the Elstree and Borehamwood Islamic Community (EBIC) on a 999-year lease, paving the way for the borough's first purpose-built mosque and community facility. The announcement was made by Council Leader Cllr Jeremy Newmark at the Eid in the Park celebration in Borehamwood on 27 May. The facility will also host community events, interfaith activity and local engagement.
Hertsmere has a new Mayor - Cllr Parveen Rani, with a focus on inclusion and community cohesion
Cllr Parveen Rani was inaugurated as Mayor of Hertsmere at the council's annual meeting on 20 May, succeeding Cllr Alpha Bird Collins. Cllr Morris Bright will serve as Deputy Mayor. Cllr Rani, who has previously served as Cabinet Member for Streetscene, Parks, Leisure and Culture, has chosen Hatzola and Akshaya Patra UK as her mayoral charities for the year.
Potters Bar residents have until 17 June to comment on plans to curb the spread of HMOs
Hertsmere Borough Council is consulting on whether to remove permitted development rights that currently allow family homes in four Potters Bar wards to convert to small Houses in Multiple Occupation without needing planning permission. The proposal covers the Parkfield, Oakmere, Furzefield, and Bentley Heath and The Royds wards. If confirmed, the Article 4 Direction would come into force in May 2027. The consultation closes on 17 June 2026.
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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.
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📅 UPCOMING EVENTS
🎉 Stevenage Day 2026 — Stevenage at 80
📍 Location: King George V Playing Fields, Stevenage
🗓️ Date: Sunday 14 June 2026
🎟️ Cost: Free Entry
ℹ️ Details: Community celebration marking Stevenage's 80th anniversary.
🔗 Learn More: https://www.stevenage.gov.uk/town-and-community/stevenage-day
🏃 Daniel Fairbrother's Wheelie Bin Half Marathon
📍 Location: St Albans Half Marathon Route, St Albans
🗓️ Date: Sunday 14 June 2026
🎟️ Cost: Free to Watch
ℹ️ Details: Spectators can attend free of charge. Donations are encouraged to support the fundraising campaign.
🔗 Learn More: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/IntensivephysioatNAPA
🌿 Great Big Green Week — Cycling T-Shirt Competition
📍 Location: Online Entry / Council Offices, Campus East, Welwyn Garden City
🗓️ Date: Friday 5 June 2026
🎟️ Cost: Free to Enter
ℹ️ Details: Competition closes on 5 June 2026. Entries must be submitted before the deadline to be considered.
🔗 Learn More: https://one.welhat.gov.uk/news/article/488/design-a-fun-cycling-t-shirt-to-win-your-school-learn-to-ride-sessions
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 🌦 WATFORD
Watford, Hertfordshire
Monday 1 June
22°C 🌡️ 15°C | ☁️ Cloudy, afternoon shower
Tuesday 2 June
20°C 🌡️ 12°C | 🌦️ Cloudy with showers
Wednesday 3 June
18°C 🌡️ 12°C | 🌦️ Cloudy, breezy, chance of rain
Thursday 4 June
18°C 🌡️ 11°C | 🌦️ Showers, breezy
Friday 5 June
18°C 🌡️ 10°C | ☁️ Mostly cloudy, isolated showers
Source: Forecast data updated 31 May 2026.
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Editor-in-chief | Emeka Ogbonnaya
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