Happy Easter! I hope you had a wonderful Easter Sunday yesterday and that you have plans to make the most of the bank holiday today.

It has been a big week in the world. Pepsi has pulled its Wireless Festival sponsorship following the Kanye West headline announcement. NASA's Artemis astronauts are approaching the far side of the moon. And the conflict in the Middle East continues, with rising regional tensions driving up the cost of food and fuel here at home. The Pope and the Archbishop of Canterbury have both called for peace, urging world leaders to seek dialogue over confrontation. We share that hope.

Closer to home, NHS resident doctors are staging strike action from tomorrow, Tuesday 7 April, which may affect appointments across Hertfordshire. If you have something booked in, check whether it is going ahead.

I have done the rounds across all the Hertfordshire districts this week so you do not have to. Scroll through and see what is making news in your local community.

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NHS resident doctors begin a six-day strike at 7am on Tuesday 7 April, running through to 7am on Monday 13 April, in a dispute between the British Medical Association and the government over pay and job shortages — the 15th walkout since March 2023. The NHS says it will only cancel appointments where absolutely necessary and will contact patients directly if their appointment is affected. If you have an upcoming appointment and haven't heard anything, the advice is to continue attending as planned and come forward for any care you need.

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Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service has taken home two of the seven prizes at this year's National Fire Chiefs Council Apprenticeship Awards, held on 12 March. Sue Mottershead was named NFCC Apprenticeship Champion of the Year, and the service was awarded Apprenticeship Provider of the Year, having been runner-up in 2024 — a recognition of the teams who design, deliver and support apprenticeship pathways across the organisation. Assistant Chief Fire Officer Andy Hall said the double win reflects the high standards set in Hertfordshire and the commitment to developing talent that protects local communities.

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More than 800 Year 6 pupils from 22 primary schools across St Albans, Harpenden, Redbourn and Colney Heath have spent a fortnight at St Albans Fire Station taking part in the annual Crucial Crew scheme, covering vaping, knife crime, fire, road safety and first aid. The programme is run by the St Albans District Community Safety Partnership, with Hertfordshire Police, Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, Oaklands College and the Hertfordshire Mind Network all involved. One teacher reported that pupils were still talking through the scenarios long after the sessions finished.

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If you've noticed longer grass in some of your local parks and verges this spring, it's intentional. It's part of a plan. North Herts Council has been gradually reducing mowing in selected areas across the district to support bees, butterflies and wildflowers, while maintaining regular cuts in high-footfall spots for safety and access. The council's greenspace team review schedules with contractor John O'Connor throughout the season, adjusting for weather and growth. Use the North Herts Council app to find your nearest greenspace.

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Royston Leisure Centre has completed a major gym extension as part of a £1.8 million investment by North Herts Council, with the fitness floor now more than double its previous size and fitted with the latest Life Fitness machines, strength equipment and Theraguns for recovery. A new dedicated group exercise studio has also been created within the extension. The works are part of a wider £16.4 million decarbonisation programme. Air source heat pumps, solar panels and upgraded insulation have also been installed, and the changes are expected to cut carbon emissions across Royston, Hitchin and Letchworth leisure sites by over 60%.

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Longhorn and British White cattle will return to Pishiobury Park in the coming weeks, with East Herts Council hosting a free meet-the-graziers event on Thursday 9 April, 10am–12pm, at the park's picnic area, where Maydencroft Farm, Hertfordshire Police and the Countryside Management Service will all be on hand. The grazing programme has run since 2008, with the cattle clearing invasive grasses and scrub to support a richer spread of wildflowers and wildlife in the park. Dog owners should be aware of new livestock worrying laws that carry unlimited fines, and should keep dogs on leads around the cattle.

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A by-election will take place in the Little Hadham and The Pelhams ward on Thursday 7 May 2026 to elect a new district councillor, following the resignation of Cllr Geoffry Williamson. Residents must register to vote by Monday 20 April and postal vote applications must be in by Tuesday 21 April at 5pm. Photo ID is required at the polling station. Anyone without it can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate at gov.uk, with the deadline also Tuesday 28 April at 5pm.

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Hertsmere Borough Council and Hertfordshire County Council are inviting residents to shape a new Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan, covering four focus areas: Borehamwood and Elstree, Potters Bar and South Mimms, Radlett, Shenley and Aldenham, and Bushey. The six-week public consultation runs from 30 March 2026, with an interactive online map, a short survey and a series of in-person community drop-ins and market stalls to follow. Your feedback will directly inform which routes get improved and how future funding bids are shaped.

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St Albans Museum has won the Hertfordshire Association of Museums Engagement Award 2026 for a co-produced project with the Black History Research Group, bringing together artists, researchers and community voices to trace Black histories in Hertfordshire. The project produced a full exhibition and an 85-page zine that is now being distributed to schools, libraries and community organisations across the county. It's the kind of work that outlasts its award. The zine is still out there finding new audiences.

After 13 years as a fixture in West Watford, Watford Cycle Hub is joining the Watford and Three Rivers Trust from 27 April 2026, securing its long-term future under a larger charitable organisation while keeping its founders Kate Jenkins and Fiona Timme on board part-time. Plans are already in place to recruit more mechanics and cycle trainers, expand the café, and grow e-bike support services. Children's learn-to-ride courses and the Cycling Without Age trishaw programme will continue as before. If you're interested in working there, job vacancies are live now.

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Every away shirt sold by Watford FC this season has added 50p to a tree-planting fund, and sales have now generated enough to purchase and plant around 1,000 trees across Hertfordshire through the council's 'Your Tree, Our Future' programme. The green away kit is made from recycled polyester, and the club currently sits fourth in the Sport Positive Leagues, which ranks clubs on environmental and social impact. Watford FC is targeting net zero by 2040, with a 50% carbon cut by 2030.

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Dacorum Borough Council has confirmed it is entering Hemel Hempstead into the Government's new UK Town of Culture competition in the large town category, with the prize worth £3 million for arts projects and cultural events if the bid succeeds. Every shortlisted town receives £60,000 to progress to the next stage, and three finalists (one small, one medium, one large) will be named. Council leader Cllr Sally Symington says the bid is a chance to bring to life the council's new Arts and Culture Strategy, with Radio Dacorum among the local partners already backing the push.

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🏛️ St Albans Clock Tower — Seasonal Reopening
📍 Market Place, St Albans AL3 5DG
🗓️ Easter weekend – End of September 2026
⏰ Saturdays, Sundays & Bank Holiday Mondays: 10:30am – 5:00pm (last admission 4:30pm)
💷 Adults £2 | Children free
👉 Learn more: Check before travelling — may close in adverse weather

🐻 Paddington Comes to Hertfordshire Zoo
📍 Hertfordshire Zoo, near Hertford
🗓️ Saturday 4 April – Sunday 5 April 2026
⏰ Various times
💷 Included with standard admission
👉 Learn more: https://www.hertfordshirezoo.com

🥚 Easter Egg-stravaganza!
📍 Royal Gunpowder Mills, Waltham Abbey
🗓️ Saturday 4 April 2026
⏰ All day
💷 Check site for pricing
👉 Learn more: https://www.royalgunpowdermills.com

🎉 Easter Fun
📍 Soft Play City, Campus West, Harpenden
🗓️ Saturday 4 April 2026
⏰ Various sessions
💷 Check site for pricing
👉 Learn more: https://www.softplaycity.co.uk

🌿 Children’s Easter Trail
📍 Hertford Town Centre
🗓️ Saturday 4 April – Sunday 26 April 2026
⏰ All day
🎟️ Free entry
👉 Learn more: https://www.visithertford.co.uk

🌿 Easter Signs of Spring Trail
📍 Knebworth House & Gardens
🗓️ Friday 3 April – Monday 6 April 2026
⏰ Daytime hours
💷 Included with garden admission
👉 Learn more: https://www.knebworthhouse.com

🎨 Easter Holiday Family Activities: It’s Spring!
📍 Hertford Museum, Hertford
🗓️ Tuesday 31 March – Thursday 9 April 2026
⏰ 10:00am – 1:00pm
💷 £4 per child
👉 Learn more: https://www.hertfordmuseum.org

🎨 Easter Holidays: Come and Create
📍 British Schools Museum, Hitchin
🗓️ Thursday 2 – Sunday 5 April & Thursday 9 – Sunday 12 April 2026
⏰ Daytime hours
💷 £3.50 per child
👉 Learn more: https://www.hitchinbritishschools.org.uk

🌿 Easter Explorers
📍 Hatfield Park, Hatfield
🗓️ Saturday 28 March – Sunday 12 April 2026
⏰ Daytime hours
💷 Check site for pricing
👉 Learn more: https://www.hatfield-house.co.uk

🌷 Tulip Festival at Hatters Farm
📍 Hatters Farm, Hertfordshire
🗓️ Saturday 11 April – Thursday 30 April 2026
⏰ Daytime hours
💷 Check site for pricing
👉 Learn more: https://www.hattersfarm.co.uk

🎨 Family Craft Workshop: Old Fashioned Toys
📍 St Albans Museum + Gallery, St Albans
🗓️ Wednesday 8 April 2026
⏰ 10:15am – 11:15am | 11:30am – 12:30pm
💷 £6.50 per participant (Ages 5–11)
👉 Learn more: https://www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk

🎨 Family Art Workshop: Inn Sign Art
📍 St Albans Museum + Gallery, St Albans
🗓️ Thursday 9 April 2026
⏰ Various sessions
💷 Paid (Ages 5–11)
👉 Learn more: https://www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk

💼 Women in Business Networking — Hertford & Ware
📍 Hertford area
🗓️ Monday 21 April 2026
⏰ TBC
💷 Check Eventbrite for pricing
👉 Learn more: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk

🧵 April Hertford Social Sewing
📍 Waterford Village Hall, Hertford
🗓️ Saturday 26 April 2026
⏰ TBC
💷 Check Eventbrite for pricing
👉 Learn more: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk

🏃 SPACE Introduction to Fishing
📍 Manor Farm Lakes, Hertfordshire
🗓️ Friday 18 April 2026
⏰ TBC
🎟️ Check Eventbrite for pricing
👉 Learn more: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk

LETCHWORTH GARDEN CITY

Sunday 5 April 11°C | ☁️ Mostly cloudy | 20% chance of rain

Monday 6 April 14°C | ⛅ Partly cloudy | 10% chance of rain

Tuesday 7 April 16°C | ☀️ Sunny intervals | Low rain risk

Wednesday 8 April 21°C | ☀️ Sunny | 10% chance of rain

Thursday 9 April 13°C | 🌧️ Some rain likely | 35% chance of rain

Source: Weather data via Hertstown. Updated 5 April 2026.

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Cheers,
Editor-in-chief | Emeka Ogbonnaya

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