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As we transition from the final days of April into the much-anticipated May Bank Holiday, the weather finally feels like it's looking up. It has been an exhilarating start to the week, headlined by a moment of rare brilliance at the London Marathon: we celebrate Sabastian Sawe, who made history yesterday by becoming the first athlete to complete the course in under two hours. To everyone from across Hertfordshire who laced up their trainers and took part in the marathon, whether you were chasing a personal best or supporting a cause, we are incredibly proud of your achievement.
You may notice the news cycle feels a bit quieter this week, and that is intentional. We are currently observing the "pre-election period," commonly known as Purdah. This period is a necessary part of our democratic process, ensuring that public resources are not used to share information that could be viewed as politically controversial as we approach the local elections. Read more about why this period matters for neutrality → We have some local updates but today is really for all the events.
On a more personal note, I have a big celebration on the horizon. It's my birthday this week! I'll be marking the occasion at a secret venue, and if you'd like to help ensure I have a fantastic time, please consider being generous via my Buy Me a Coffee link. Thank you in advance for your kindness, your gifts, and your continued support of this community.
💌 Love this newsletter? Share it with a friend or family member and buy me a coffee if you haven't already 😉
🏛️ HERTFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL
Spring declutter? Here's how to avoid landfill and clear your home for free
Hertfordshire's Household Waste and Recycling Centres accept good-condition furniture at their Reuse Shop drop-off points, meaning your unwanted items can find a new home instead of a skip. For broken white goods, damaged furniture, or old mattresses, you can book a bulky waste collection to make sure they're handled responsibly. Check whether your local HWRC has a Reuse Shop drop-off before you book.
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LOCAL COMMUNITY UPDATES
🏛️ HERTSMERE BOROUGH COUNCIL
Hertsmere wants your say on what the borough looks like in 20 years. Events start this Monday
The council's Local Plan consultation is now live, asking residents to share views on early ideas for housing, development, and the borough's future. In-person events begin at South Mimms Village Hall this Monday 27 April, with sessions running across the borough through to 19 May. You have until Friday 29 May to submit feedback via the online consultation platform.
Full schedule of in-person events:
Monday 27 April: South Mimms Village Hall, EN6 3PD, 2:30pm–8:00pm
Wednesday 29 April: Borehamwood Civic Centre, WD6 1WA
Thursday 30 April: Radlett Centre, Radlett, WD7 8HL
Wednesday 6 May: The Manor Elstree, Elstree, WD6 3RE
Monday 11 May: Shenley Chapel, Shenley, WD7 9EZ
Monday 18 May: Wyllyotts Theatre, Potters Bar, EN6 2HZ
Tuesday 19 May: St James's Church House, Bushey, WD23 1BD
🏛️ WELWYN HATFIELD BOROUGH COUNCIL
St George's flag raised outside council offices to mark St George's Day
Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council marked St George's Day by raising the flag outside its offices. The annual tradition recognises England's patron saint, celebrated on 23 April.
🏛️ NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE DISTRICT COUNCIL
Community grants are backing volunteering and wellbeing in Baldock and surrounding villages
North Herts has awarded community grants to support local volunteering and wellbeing initiatives in Baldock and the surrounding area. The funding is aimed at grassroots organisations making a difference for residents. Check the council's website for details on recipients and how future rounds work.
Free climate film screenings coming to North Herts. Letchworth already done, Baldock next in July
A new film, the People's Emergency Briefing, has been commissioned by leading scientists and doctors to brief the public on the scale of the climate and nature crisis. Free screenings are planned in Baldock on 15 July. The film also covers practical steps residents can take in response.
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.
🏛️ WATFORD BOROUGH COUNCIL
Proxy vote deadline is Tuesday 28 April. If you can't make polling day, act now
Elections take place on Thursday 7 May, covering District Councillors for Three Rivers, a referendum on the Abbots Langley Neighbourhood Plan, and a Parish Councillor for Watford Rural Parish Council. If you can't get to a polling station, you can appoint a proxy to vote on your behalf, but the application deadline is 5pm on Tuesday 28 April 2026. Apply online before that deadline or your vote won't count.
Up to £50,000 available for community projects. You can still speak to the grants team this week
Watford's Neighbourhood Grant Programme opens on 1 June 2026, with funding up to £50,000 for projects that benefit the local community. Drop-in sessions at the Town Hall Annexe are running with no booking required this week and through May. Next session: Tuesday 29 April, 10am–1pm (Riverside, 2nd floor).
Further drop-in dates:
Wednesday 6 May, 1pm–4pm (Studio, 3rd floor)
Wednesday 13 May, 1pm–4pm (Riverside, 2nd floor)
Tuesday 26 May, 10am–1pm (Studio, 3rd floor)
🏛️ DACORUM BOROUGH COUNCIL
Community grants open now. Up to £4,000 available, deadline Sunday 31 May
Dacorum's Community Grant Scheme is accepting applications from local groups, sports clubs, and voluntary organisations. Small grants of up to £550 and community grants up to £4,000 are on offer. Last year the scheme distributed over £80,000 across community, voluntary, arts, and sports initiatives. Apply before Sunday 31 May.
Nearly 270 volunteers collected over 200 bags of litter in Dacorum's Great British Spring Clean
The borough's Spring Clean wrapped up with almost 270 volunteers collecting more than 200 bags of litter, with nearly half separated for recycling. If you want to keep going, the council's Street Champions scheme lets you volunteer regularly through the year. Visit the Community Litter Picking page to sign up or organise your own pick.
VE Day commemorative service at Boxmoor War Memorial on Friday 8 May
Dacorum is hosting a commemorative event with the Hemel branch of the Royal British Legion to mark VE Day and honour the Second World War generation. The service takes place at Boxmoor War Memorial (HP1 1JR), beginning at 10:45am on Friday 8 May. Residents, veterans, and members of the armed forces community are welcome to attend.
Community Safety Survey closes Thursday 30 April. Your views will shape local priorities for three years
Dacorum Community Safety Partnership is asking residents how safe they feel and what crime issues matter most in their area. Feedback will directly shape safety improvement plans and the partnership's priorities for the next three years. The survey closes at 11:59pm on Thursday 30 April.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
💼 Landlord & Letting Agent Forum – Simple Lets Scheme
📍 Bishops' College
🗓️ Tuesday 28 April 2026
⏰ 5:30pm
🎟️ Free — booking required
👉 Book now: https://ow.ly/xy1x50YGTFy
🏛️ Hertsmere Local Plan – Borehamwood (Public Info Event)
📍 Borehamwood Civic Centre
🗓️ Wednesday 29 April 2026
⏰ 2:30pm – 8:00pm
🎟️ Free entry
👉 Learn more: https://www.hertsmere.gov.uk/newlocalplan
🏛️ Hertsmere Local Plan – Radlett (Public Info Event)
📍 Radlett Centre
🗓️ Thursday 30 April 2026
⏰ 2:30pm – 8:00pm
🎟️ Free entry
👉 Learn more: https://www.hertsmere.gov.uk/newlocalplan
🎉 Spring Market Lates – Live Music, Street Food & Family Fun
📍 Watford Market
🗓️ Friday 1 May 2026
⏰ 6:00pm – 10:00pm
🎟️ Free entry
👉 Learn more: https://www.watfordmarket.co.uk/events
🎪 Circus Vegas – St Albans
📍 Verulamium Park
🗓️ 6 – 10 May 2026
⏰ Multiple showtimes from 12:00pm
💷 Paid ticket
👉 Book tickets: https://circusvegasuk.com/book-tickets/
🌿 Eco Fest & Family Fun Day 2026
📍 Hertford Castle
🗓️ Sunday 10 May 2026
⏰ 12:00pm – 4:00pm
🎟️ Free entry
👉 Learn more: https://ow.ly/v06G50YzbeT
🎭 Dick Whittington – Junior Dancer Auditions
📍 Campus West
🗓️ Sunday 10 May 2026
⏰ From 10:00am
🎟️ Free — register by 3 May
👉 Register: https://www.campuswest.co.uk/cw/live-on-stage/open-dance-auditions/
☕ Grow Walkies – Dog Business Meet & Greet
📍 Hertford
🗓️ Sunday 11 May 2026
🎟️ Free
👉 Learn more: https://www.instagram.com/grow.walkies
🎉 St Albans Spring Festival
📍 St Albans City Centre
🗓️ Sunday 17 May 2026
⏰ 12:00pm – 6:00pm
🎟️ Free entry
👉 Learn more: https://www.enjoystalbans.com/event/st-albans-spring-festival-2/
🏊 Hitchin Lido Opening Day
📍 Hitchin Swimming and Fitness Centre
🗓️ Saturday 23 May 2026
💷 Paid
👉 Learn more: https://www.everyoneactive.com/centre/hitchin-swimming-and-fitness-centre/
🏊 Letchworth Lido Opening Day
📍 Letchworth Lido
🗓️ Saturday 23 May 2026
💷 Paid
👉 Learn more: https://www.everyoneactive.com/centre/letchworth-lido/
🎭 Utterly Revolting Science Show (Half-Term)
📍 Campus West
🗓️ Wednesday 28 May 2026
💷 Paid
👉 Learn more: https://www.campuswest.co.uk/cw/live-on-stage/utterly-revolting-science-show/
🌿 Environmental Champions Awards Ceremony
📍 Watersmeet Theatre
🗓️ Thursday 4 June 2026
🎟️ Free entry
👉 Learn more: https://www.threerivers.gov.uk/services/environment-climate-emergency/environmental-champions-award-2026
🏃 This Girl Can Week
📍 Welwyn Hatfield
🗓️ 15 – 21 June 2026
🎟️ Free entry
👉 Learn more: https://one.welhat.gov.uk/whats/girl-can
🌿 Great Big Green Week – Community Events
📍 Welwyn Hatfield
🗓️ June 2026 (dates TBC)
🎟️ Free — register your event
👉 Register: https://orlo.uk/ARhS1
🎨 Alban150 Logo Competition
📍 Online
🗓️ Deadline: 17 July 2026
💷 Prize available
👉 Enter: https://www.stalbanscathedral.org/alban150-competition
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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 🌦 BISHOP'S STORTFORD
BISHOP'S STORTFORD
Monday 27 April 20°C 🌡️ 7°C | ⛅ Sunny intervals, showers from 6pm | ☀️ Sunrise 5:38am | Sunset 8:17pm
Tuesday 28 April 15°C 🌡️ 6°C | ⛅ Sunny intervals (overcast morning, clearing afternoon) | ☀️ Sunrise 5:36am | Sunset 8:18pm
Wednesday 29 April 17°C 🌡️ 7°C | ☀️ Sunny | ☀️ Sunrise 5:34am | Sunset 8:20pm
Thursday 30 April 18°C 🌡️ 7°C | ☀️ Sunny | ☀️ Sunrise 5:32am | Sunset 8:22pm
Friday 1 May 20°C 🌡️ 6°C | ☀️ Sunny | ☀️ Sunrise 5:31am | Sunset 8:23pm
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Cheers,
Editor-in-chief | Emeka Ogbonnaya
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