October in Hertfordshire: A Season of Change and Celebration 🍂

October always brings a sense of transition — the crunch of fallen leaves, the glow of Halloween pumpkins, and the quiet anticipation of the festive season ahead. As 2025 begins to wind down (yes, already!), we’re checking in with local businesses to get a sense of the mood and momentum heading into the new year.

It’s been a vibrant weekend across Hertfordshire, with Black History Month celebrations, Diwali festivities, and a host of community events lighting up towns from St Albans to Dacorum and today, Broxbourne takes centre stage with its very own community fair.

We’re also excited to announce the arrival of the 2026 Hertfordshire Wall Calendar, featuring hand-drawn watercolour illustrations of iconic local landmarks. Keep an eye out for our giveaway details — you could be one of the lucky winners!

Here’s what’s making headlines across Hertfordshire today:

…and much more of the local news that matters to you.

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Two community groups have scored funding following recommendations from the recent Hitchin Community Forum at North Herts Council. Hitchin Belles Football Club, the country's largest grassroots girls' football club, was awarded £1,803 towards training and workshops for volunteers and coaches in menstrual health, nutrition, mental wellbeing, and injury prevention. Green Care at Norton received £945 to purchase growing materials and equipment to expand their fruit and vegetable production at Standalone Farm for Hitchin Pantry, making fresh produce more affordable for local families.

Read more: https://www.north-herts.gov.uk/news/kick-offs-carrots-cash-boost-hitchin-groups

Broxbourne's popular Community Fair returns today Monday 13 October for its fifth year, with the event moving to the Spotlight Theatre in Hoddesdon from 7–9pm to accommodate daytime volunteers. The free event will showcase 30–40 local organisations, charities, and support services, giving residents opportunities to explore volunteering positions and discover community support options.

Read more: https://www.broxbourne.gov.uk/news/article/398/broxbourne-community-fair-returns-to-the-spotlight-to-shine-a-light-on-local-community-organisations

Broxbourne residents eligible for energy efficiency improvements can access up to £30,000 in fully-funded grants through the Warm Homes Local Grant scheme. Eligible households may receive insulation, heating controls, solar panels, heat pumps and other upgrades to reduce energy bills and tackle damp issues. Both privately owned and privately rented households are eligible if they meet specific criteria including an EPC rating of D-G or receipt of means-tested benefits.

Read more: https://www.broxbourne.gov.uk/news/article/399/up-to-30k-of-home-energy-improvements-available-to-qualifying-households-

East Herts Council has launched a consultation on proposed parking changes across the district, including new pricing structures and parking duration limits at car parks in Hertford, Buntingford, Sawbridgeworth, Bishop's Stortford, and Ware. The consultation, running until 6 November, seeks resident feedback on amendments designed to provide additional capacity and promote better use of space. Proposals include introducing charges at currently free weekend parking facilities and adjusting maximum stay periods to encourage turnover.

Read more: https://www.eastherts.gov.uk/latest-news/2025/consultation-opens-proposed-parking-changes-east-herts

North Herts Council has awarded nearly £5,000 in grant funding to support three community projects following recommendations from the Royston and Villages and Letchworth Community Forums. Barkway Parish Council received £1,350 towards new display units at The Reading Room museum, Barley Community Garden was awarded £1,043 for accessible gardening equipment, and Resolve charity received £2,500 to help fund a Key Worker post at their Letchworth centre supporting people recovering from alcohol and substance misuse.

Read more: https://www.north-herts.gov.uk/news/council-grants-awarded-fund-community-projects-royston-and-letchworth

Two local clubs are set to benefit from grant funding from North Herts Council following recommendations from the recent Baldock Community Forum. Avenue Park Sports Club has been awarded £1,020 to resolve a plumbing issue in the gents' toilets, which posed a health and safety concern for over 110 members and visiting teams. The Weston Luncheon Club will receive £500 towards the hire cost of the Village Hall, ensuring the weekly Luncheon Club can continue providing cooked meals and social connection for local residents combating isolation.

Read more: https://www.north-herts.gov.uk/news/council-grants-helping-local-clubs-stay-safe-and-social

North Herts Council has launched the North Herts Skills Hub to help residents and businesses access free training, develop skills, and unlock employment opportunities. Funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the Skills Hub offers free access to hundreds of online courses via the SEEDL platform, including IT skills, customer service, sector-specific training, and professional development. The hub features dedicated platforms for job seekers and for employees and businesses looking to upskill their workforce, with local businesses receiving support through the Hertfordshire Opportunities Portal.

Read more: https://www.north-herts.gov.uk/news/north-herts-skills-hub-launches-boost-training-and-employment-opportunities

Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council has been recognised as having the best accessible website of all 349 UK councils, ranking first in the latest SiteMorse Index. The council's top-ranking highlights its strong commitment to digital inclusion, ensuring that online services are accessible, user-friendly, and designed for everyone—including residents with visual, auditory, cognitive, or motor impairments. Whether paying council tax, reporting an issue, or accessing support, the council ensures every resident can navigate the website with ease.

Read more: https://one.welhat.gov.uk/news/article/399/whbc-ranked-number-one-nationally-for-website-accessibility

The Elstree and Borehamwood Museum is celebrating four decades of EastEnders with a special exhibition running until 9 May 2026. Visitors can explore original props, costumes, and interactive displays including a full-scale replica of the Queen Vic pub and Martin Fowler's market stall. The exhibition was formally opened by actor Adam Woodyatt, who plays Ian Beale, and the Mayor of Hertsmere. Exhibition highlights include original murder weapons, iconic costumes worn by well-known cast members, panels on memorable cliff-hangers, and items from the landmark live episode broadcast in February 2025. Admission is free and the museum is open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday midday to 6pm, and Saturday 10am to 3pm.

Read more: https://www.hertsmere.gov.uk/news/eastenders-at-40-four-decades-of-walford-drama

Dacorum Borough Council joined forces with Ideas Forums to host Ideas Fest business festival at Pendley Manor Hotel in Tring on 10 and 11 September 2025. Labelled the "Glastonbury for Business," the two-day festival attracted 4,000 visitors and featured keynote speakers from influential companies including the founders of CALM, YO! Sushi, LADbible, New Covent Garden Soup and Dr PAWPAW. Local entrepreneurs were invited to showcase their businesses on the dedicated Dacorum stand, with more than £4 million in business deals achieved last year. Ideas Fest founder Francesca James has confirmed plans to return to the borough next year.

Read more: https://www.dacorum.gov.uk/home/all-news/2025/10/07/ideas-fest-makes-successful-return-to-dacorum

Hertford Town Council has announced that this year’s Rock at the Castle event — which marked its 20th anniversary, successfully raised an impressive £2,886.59 for the Hearts for Herts Charity. The popular music festival, held in the scenic grounds of Hertford Castle, welcomed more than 10,000 visitors for a day of live performances, community spirit, and charitable giving.

The Mayor of Hertford, Councillor Steven Watson, proudly presented a cheque on behalf of the Council to the Hearts for Herts Trustees. The funds will be used to install a solar- and wind-powered defibrillator at Hartham Common, ensuring the town’s generosity continues to make a tangible, life-saving difference. The Council extended its gratitude to all attendees, volunteers, and performers who contributed to making the milestone event a success.

📖 Read the full story at: Hertford Rocked the Castle – Hertford Town Council

Dacorum residents now have a confidential space to report hate crimes at The Forum in Hemel Hempstead, which has become an official Third-Party Reporting Centre. Trained hate crime awareness champions are available to listen and support people who have experienced or witnessed hate crime in a safe environment. The TPRC provides an alternative for those who may not want to contact police directly, with the option to remain anonymous if preferred. To mark Hate Crime Awareness Week (11–18 October), a drop-in event is being hosted at The Forum on Monday 13 October between 2pm and 3pm. The Forum is open Monday to Thursday 8:45am to 5:15pm and Friday 8:45am to 4:45pm.

Read more: https://www.dacorum.gov.uk/home/all-news/2025/10/09/our-trained-staff-offer-a-confidential-space-to-report-hate-crime

Watford Borough Council has declared that Watford town centre businesses voted in favour of a third Business Improvement District (BID) term from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2031. Over 450 businesses and organisations in the retail, leisure, cultural, voluntary, office and public sectors voted between 12 September and 9 October 2025, with an overwhelming majority of 91.66% voting "yes" and 95.29% by rateable value voting in favour. Watford BID Ltd will continue operating for a minimum of a further five years, delivering over £3 million of investment in town centre projects whilst providing a coordinating voice to unite businesses and communities.

Read more: https://www.watford.gov.uk/news/article/843/watford-town-centre-businesses-vote-overwhelmingly-in-favour-of-business-improvement-district-bid-third-term

Christmas is coming to Watford Town Centre with the return of Winterfest on Saturday 15 November from 2:00pm to 6:00pm. The completely free event will include Christmas celebrations, funfair rides, food and drink stalls, a high street parade, live stage performances, and Santa Claus. Winterfest takes place on The Parade with free funfair rides including a rodeo reindeer, giant snow globe, Christmas carousel, and penguin skittles. The festive parade begins at 4pm outside McDonald's on the lower high street and will feature a marching band, costume characters, community groups, and Santa on his magical sleigh. Watford Town Centre BID has funded spectacular LED Christmas light installations for the seventh consecutive year, which will illuminate the town centre every evening through January 2026.

Read more: https://www.watford.gov.uk/news/article/841/watford-town-centre-winterfest-and-christmas-lights-switch-on-returns-on-saturday-15-november

New disabled-friendly footpaths have been completed along the north side of Horseshoe Lane and in All Saints Church, thanks to partnership work between Watford Borough Council and Hertfordshire County Council. The project has delivered safer and more accessible routes for local residents, particularly those with restricted mobility, wheelchair users, and families travelling to nearby schools. The improvements support the town's wider goals to promote active travel, reduce car use, and create a healthier, greener Watford. The scheme was first proposed by Father Eddie of All Saints Church, who highlighted the need for better accessibility in the area.

Read more: https://www.watford.gov.uk/news/article/839/new-disability-friendly-footpaths-completed-in-north-watford

4 Beds | 2 Baths | 4 Receptions | 2,389 sq. ft

An elegant Regency townhouse offering sophisticated living across four floors, combining timeless period charm with modern luxury. Highlights include two elegant reception rooms, a handcrafted family kitchen with an Everhot range and air conditioning, and sliding glazed doors opening onto a sunlit, south-facing walled garden — perfect for entertaining.

The lower ground floor features two additional reception rooms and a wine cellar, while the upper floors host four double bedrooms and beautifully refitted bathrooms. Complete with off-street parking and refined detailing throughout, this Hertford gem perfectly balances elegance and contemporary comfort.

HERTFORD

7°C 🌡️ 10°C | ☀ Light cloud and a gentle breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 07:21 Sunset 18:12

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Editor-in-chief | Emeka Ogbonnaya

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