Message from the Leader of the Council, Mark Mills-Bishop
A warm welcome to the winter edition of Our Broxbourne Magazine. As the year draws to a close, I would like to take the opportunity to look back at some notable highlights from the past 12 months.
The Grundy Park rejuvenation project is now complete and the results are outstanding. It is definitely worth a visit if you haven’t already been.
I am delighted to say that the works to transform the town centre in Waltham Cross began in September. The project will deliver a new layout, modern paving and street furniture, new vehicle access through the town centre and pedestrian crossings which will provide easier access into the town centre and help increase business opportunities. The transformation of the High Street is part of the Council’s Renaissance programme which aims to regenerate the wider area.
On Saturday 7 September, the County’s first solar and
wind powered defibrillator was unveiled at Barclay Park. The revolutionary piece of equipment was complemented by the park’s retention of its Green Flag Award, one of five to have been retained across the Borough’s green spaces this year.
Other exciting highlights include the start of works for the Google Data Centre in Cheshunt, the unveiling of four very well-deserved Blue Heritage Plaques in Hoddesdon, as well as the fourth annual Borough of Broxbourne Awards in February. You can find information on how to nominate for next year’s awards on the next page.
None of these achievements would have been possible without the support of our local residents and businesses, so thank you to you all.
Wishing everyone a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year!
Reception opening hours
Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm
Pre-bookable appointments and self-service support is available online at www.broxbourne.gov.uk
If you are a victim of a hate crime, the Council offices are a safe space for you to report the crime.
Following the success of the 2024 Borough of Broxbourne Awards, the Council is delighted to announce that nominations are now open for the 2025 Awards, which will take place on Thursday 6 March 2025.
These awards will once again recognise the achievements of the Broxbourne community, both individuals and groups, who have worked above and beyond to help others.
To nominate, please visit www. broxbourne.gov.uk/BoBawards
The closing date for nominations is midnight on 31 January 2025.
Borough of Broxbourne Awards back for 2025!
Join the Broxbourne Citizens’ Panel
Are you a resident or business owner in Broxbourne? Are you aged 16 or over? Do you want your views heard and to make a difference?
If the answer is yes, then sign up to the Broxbourne Citizens’ panel. The Citizens’ Panel is for people who are willing to give their views about Council services and neighbourhood improvements. Joining the panel means that your feedback will help to improve and develop services.
You will be asked to complete a form to capture your personal information. This will be used to select individuals or businesses to consult with, and to analyse differences in responses. Your details will be kept confidential and not used for any other purpose.
Signing up is easy, visit www.broxbourne.gov.uk/ citizenspanel or scan the QR code. If you do not have access to the internet, then contact the Council’s helpline on 01992 785577.
Tips to reduce waste during the Christmas holiday season
Christmas preparations are in full swing and here are some useful, practical tips for your ‘to do’ list:
• Plan your menus and keep your shopping list to hand to avoid those impulse buys
Use up any leftover chocolates from the tree, adding cranberry sauce and nuts to make a fudgy festive chocolate brownie
• Get ready for your food leftovers by going through your frozen food before Christmas to make space in your freezer
• Look for tasty food recipes online to make best use of your leftovers
• Glitter and gloss-free wrapping paper and Christmas cards can be recycled in the kerbside box or at one of the Borough’s Recycling Points
• Cardboard can be flattened and recycled in the kerbside box or at one of the Borough’s Recycling Points
• Polystyrene and bubble wrap cannot be recycled and must be placed in with domestic waste
• Surplus or bulky household waste can be taken to one of the Household Waste and Recycling Centres at Brookfield, Turnford, or Pindar Road, Hoddesdon
Use fruits from the festive fruit bowl to make a Christmas fruit crumble. Left-over Christmas pudding can also be folded through the crumble mix for an extra festive fruity twist.
Christmas dinner leftovers can be used to make a festive leftover pie. Top with any surplus roast potatoes for a crunchy topping twist
Left over cheese from your Christmas cheeseboard can be used to make a delicious macaroni cheese. Adding any leftover peas will also add to your 5-a-day target!
Recycle your Christmas tree
If you subscribe to the Council’s green waste service, you can recycle your real Christmas tree in your green waste bin.
Remember to remove all decorations and cut the tree up small enough to fit in the green bin with the lid closed - branches should be no thicker than 2cm. Trees, whether real or artificial, can be disposed of free of charge at the Household Waste and Recycling Centres at Brookfield, Turnford, and Pindar Road, Hoddesdon.
There are of course other ways to responsibly dispose of your real tree. The Isabel Hospice will be collecting trees for a small donation between 5-10 January 2025, and you can register for your Christmas tree collection (closing date 3 January 2025) at www.isabelhospice.org.uk/ events/christmastreecollection. Last year the charity collected over 1,500 trees and raised a whopping £23,000!
There are no waste and recycling collections on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, or New Year’s Day. Revised collection information can be found on the Council’s website at www.broxbourne.gov.uk/bin-collection-date
Christmas Waste and Recycling Collections
Thursday 2 January 2025
Collections will take place across 2 and 3 January 2025. Please set out your usual bins/boxes by 6am on the morning of 2 January and leave them out until 4pm on 3 January 2025.
Collections will take place across 3 and 4 January 2025. Please set out your usual bins/boxes by 6am on the morning of 3 January and leave
on
Please remember
February Half Term 2025
This February half-term, the Council is offering free activities for children and young people from Monday 17 - Friday 21 February 2025.
• Indoor Cricket: Rosedale Cricket Club will host free indoor cricket sessions for children aged 7-13 at the Laura Trott Leisure Centre (EN8 9AJ) from Monday 17 to Wednesday 19, 12.30-2pm. All equipment is provided.
• Fit&Fed: The Hertfordshire Women’s Centre (formerly Isabella House), Longcroft Drive, Waltham Cross EN8 7PA will host a Fit&Fed camp every day of the half term from 9am-11.30am. This camp is aimed at children aged 8-16 who are entitled to free school meals and will offer a healthy breakfast and fun activities.
To book a place on either of these programmes, email community@broxbourne.gov.uk
Santa’s Big Adventure!
Join Santa on his big adventure to find Ginger the gingerbread man’s special present.
Along the way meet Billy the Elf, Rudolph, Snowy the Snowman and other friends.
Packed with Christmas songs, audience participation and snow!
Meet Santa and his friends at the end of the performance.
The show lasts for approximately 40 minutes including meeting Santa, and is suitable for children aged one to five years old.
To book visit thespotlightvenue.com/whats-on or scan the QR code.
Special discounts available for Nurseries and Pre-school groups - please contact the Box Office.
is an Ofsted registered holiday playscheme, providing a safe environment for children aged 4* to 12.
A variety of activities are available each day including sports, dance, team games, treasure hunts, roller skating, swimming, face painting, arts and crafts and more.
Kidz Klub takes place at the John Warner Sports Centre in Hoddesdon during the February Half Term (Monday 17 – Friday 21 February)
Cost: £26.30 per day (booked in advance). Sibling discount of £2.50 per day per additional child. Some childcare vouchers are accepted. For more information visit www.broxbourne.gov.uk/kidzklub
To book your child’s place, call the John Warner Sports Centre on 01992 445375.
* Only children born before 1/9/2020 can attend Kidz Klub.
Broxbourne Youth Council
Are you aged between 11-18?
Do you live, study or work in the Borough?
Do you want to be the voice for young people in Broxbourne?
Then join the Broxbourne Youth Council!
Meetings are held every Wednesday (excluding school holidays) from 7-9pm at Cheshunt Young People’s Centre, 178 Crossbrook Street, Cheshunt, EN8 8JY. The Broxbourne Youth Council is run jointly by Broxbourne Council and Hertfordshire County Council’s Services for Young People.
If you are interested in being a part of the Youth Council, please email youth.council@broxbourne.gov.uk. To check out the things they do, follow on Instagram - broxyouthcouncil
Opportunity for Excellence 2025
The Council’s Opportunity for Excellence Scheme supports talented local athletes as they strive to reach their full potential with a year’s free membership to the Council’s leisure centres.
To be eligible, young athletes must meet county standard or above in a recognised sport, reside within the Borough, and be at least 11 years old. The deadline for the next round of applications is Monday 31 March 2025.
For more information on eligibility and to complete your online application, visit www.broxbourne.gov.uk/ OFE or email community@ broxbourne.gov.uk.
Broxbourne Council’s Active Herts programme has two new sessions taking place at the Lee Valley White Water Centre.
Active Movers (Wednesdays, 6.30-7.30pm)
This low-impact exercise class has been designed for people who are new to exercise and want to build up their fitness slowly.
Stretch & Relax (Thursdays, 11.15am-12.15pm)
This gentle stretch class has been designed for people who are new to exercise and may have seen a decline in their physical ability such as balance and flexibility.
These classes are FREE for the first six weeks, £4.50 each thereafter.
To be eligible for the Active Herts programme, you need to answer ‘yes’ to the following questions:
• Do you currently do less than 30 minutes of physical activity (that raises your breathing) each week?
• Are you over 16 years of age?
• Do you live in the Borough of Broxbourne?
If you meet the above criteria, contact Andrew Rix, Broxbourne’s Get Active Specialist, on 07506 503316 or email Andrew.Rix@broxbourne.gov.uk.
Both classes take place at the Lee Valley White Water Centre, Station Road, Waltham Cross EN9 1AB. Parking is free, although you will need to register your vehicle registration at reception.
Are you looking for a secure new job that is… rewarding, well paid, flexible, active and sociable?
If you have basic water skills, a willingness to learn and good communication skills, why not train to become a swimming instructor? You could qualify as a Level 2 instructor in as little as six months and you are guaranteed a flexible, permanent job earning £20.46 per hour. For more information email the Group Swimming Coordinator on hello@bebroxbourne.co.uk or visit www.bebroxbourne.co.uk.
GROUP GYM MEMBERSHIP
for just £24.75 per person* per month. That’s less than £1 a day!
Join the gym with three friends or family, and you will SAVE UP TO £15.25 PER MONTH EACH on membership fees. Group gym membership gives you access to all timetabled activities (classes, courts and spin sessions) as well as unlimited access to gyms and swimming pools.
Membership provides access to:
• Two floors and five zones of the latest weight and cardio training equipment
• eGym automated personalised weight training
• 25 metre pool and teaching pool
• Two fitness studios
• Spin studio
• Multi-purpose sports hall with 6 courts
• Squash court (Laura Trott Leisure Centre)
• Astro pitches (John Warner Sports Centre)
• Steam and Sauna (Laura Trott Leisure Centre)
• State of the art body metric measuring *excludes joining and induction fee.
Four person membership costs £99 per month on monthly Direct Debit with a minimum commitment of four months, plus a one off £30 group joining and induction fee.
Come and see for yourself – book a tour of the centre today. Email hello@bebroxbourne.co.uk
What’s on at
Studio Escape is an exclusive, purpose built holistic studio inside Laura Trott Leisure Centre.
New year courses - starting 6 January 2025
Pilates (beginners, intermediates and for fitness)
Mondays, 10am, 11.05am and 7pm
Pilates (beginners)
Tuesdays, 10.30am
Hatha Yoga
Tuesdays, 7pm
Yoga (for all)
Thursdays, 7.30pm
Each session costs £13.99 (discount for Be.Fit members).
All equipment supplied.
Guided Rides
The British Cycling Guided Rides programme has arrived in the Borough of Broxbourne!
Adults can enjoy free, organised group rides led by trained ride leaders, certified through British Cycling’s Ride Leaders Programme.
There are a number of Guided Rides to choose from and are held twice a month.
More information is available at www.broxbourne.gov. uk/community/cycling/5. or via email community@ broxbourne.gov.uk.
Waltham Cross Regeneration: One step closer
The Waltham Cross Regeneration Project is well underway. An official groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of the works took place on Thursday 12 September, where the Leader of Broxbourne Council, along with local councillors, the MP, Council staff and members of the public congregated to mark this major milestone in the project.
The project is expected to be complete by autumn 2025. For the duration of the works the popular weekly markets that take place on Wednesdays and Fridays, have been relocated to the southern end of the High Street.
Christmas celebrations will go ahead as usual this year, with lights and decorations adorning the town, the festival of carols with choirs from local schools and a Christmas Festival on Saturday 7 December at Queen Eleanor Square. For progress updates, more information or to sign up for email alerts about this project visit www.broxbourne.gov.uk/ WXRegeneration or scan the QR code
Our Christmas tree sponsors
Hoddesdon
Waltham Cross
Goffs Oak
Broxbourne & Jobs Fair
Broxbourne Council and Google jointly hosted a Jobs Fair to share information with local residents about the vacancies that will be available at the new Google Data Centre.
More than 300 residents visited the fair and had the opportunity to speak to some of the businesses that will be hiring once the centre has been completed.
For more information on some of the available vacancies at Google, please visit www.hopinto.co.uk
Broxbourne Network Launches with Success
The Broxbourne Creative Network officially launched on 5 November at Theobalds Enterprise Centre, bringing together a diverse group of local creatives including artists, musicians, writers, filmmakers, designers, and more. The aim of the network is to provide a platform for creative practitioners to connect, learn and grow. The event provided an exciting introduction to the network, outlining opportunities for professional growth and a preview of the upcoming masterclasses scheduled for the New Year.
The masterclasses will include topics such as:
• Turning Passion into Profit
• Building Your Brand
• Financial Management for Creatives
• Scaling your Creative Practice
• Breaking into the Industry.
If you are a creative looking to get involved, join the network to access resources and connect with fellow creatives. For more information email broxbournecreatives@broxbourne.gov.uk
Grundy Park officially open!
Following the completion of major refurbishment works, Grundy Park was officially opened by the Mayor of Broxbourne, Councillor Sherrie McDaid, on Friday 13 September.
The park now has a stronger connection with the historic Old Pond, and features a grand new entrance into the park from Turners Hill, an elegant landscaped garden, Edwardianstyle sitting areas and a picturesque cast iron gazebo at its centre.
Sports facilities at the park were also upgraded with an improved Astroturf pitch, a new basketball court and an improved play area for the younger members of the community.
Services for Older People
By 2043, almost a quarter of Hertfordshire’s population will be over 65. Age UK Hertfordshire has been funded by Public Health to work with local organisations to help people live healthier, happier and safer lives for longer.
The Hertfordshire Age Friendly programme will look at eight key areas including housing, transport, respect and social inclusion, community support and health services, social participation, outdoor spaces, civic participation and communication/information.
Age Friendly Hertfordshire has developed a survey to better understand the views and needs of those aged 55 and over. Take part at https://forms.office.com/e/ kUb6WP5xEc or scan the QR code.
Broxbourne Council has produced a guide for older residents providing useful local contacts and details of services. This can be found on the Council’s website or a printed copy can be requested from communications@ broxbourne.gov.uk.
For those worried about energy bills this winter, a network of warm spaces will be available throughout the Borough. Residents can turn down the heating at home and come to a warm and friendly place offering free hot drinks, refreshments and social activities. Locations include St Joseph’s Church in Waltham Cross (Mondays 2-3pm, Wednesdays, 1.30-3pm), St Augustine’s Roman Catholic Church in Hoddesdon (Tuesdays, 2.30-5pm), St Clements, Cheshunt Wash (Tuesdays, 10.30am-1pm), Goffs Oak Methodist Church (Wednesdays, 9.30am12noon), Rosedale Community Church (Wednesdays,
10am-1.30pm), St Cuthbert’s Rye Park (Thursdays, 11am-2pm).
A full list, including contact details and addresses, can be found at www. broxbourne.gov.uk/ costofliving
Older People who want to improve their physical health could consider joining the Borough’s Active Herts programme (see page 8). Free Strength and Balance classes also run at the Rosedale Community Church in Cheshunt on Thursdays at 9.30am and 10.40am and at Imperial Hall in Waltham Cross on Thursdays at 11am. For further information or to book a place, call Stevenage FC Community Foundation on 01438 222222
The Health and Independent Living Support service (HILS) is a not-for-profit social enterprise offering support for older people in Hertfordshire including mealson-wheels, home visits, home from hospital packs, Active Ageing exercise sessions and day centres
(the nearest is in Cuffley). Further information can be found at hils-uk. org or by calling 0330 2000 103.
Funding was secured from the National Lottery for the Staying Connected programme to help residents navigate the digital world. This includes access to hardware (laptops, tablets, smart phones), support with becoming connected to the internet and training on how to use these devices and common applications. Digital Inclusion training courses will take place this winter at the Community Hub in Waltham Cross High Street. Please call 0300 123 1034 for further details.
Cost of Living
For households struggling to pay for daily essentials, there are a number of sources of support.
The Government’s Household Support Fund grant is to help families with the cost of food and fuel. This has been shared with the Borough’s food banks, local school partnerships, B3Living and the Council’s housing and homelessness team to support local residents.
Residents are not able to apply directly for the Household Support Fund, however, if you need help or support you can call HertsHelp on 0300 123 4044 or visit www. hertshelp.net/hertshelp.
aspx. The Hertfordshire Welfare Assistance Scheme provides one-off payments for those experiencing financial crisis to help with paying bills or buying food.
Foodbanks in the Borough include the Broxbourne Foodbank who distribute from Wormley Free Church and St Joseph’s Church Hall in Waltham Cross, the OK Foundation who operate from Goffs Oak Methodist Church, the Porch Pantry at Christ Church Waltham Cross and the Food Pantry at Wormley Community Centre. Other
sources of food aid include the Big Local Breakfast Club which provides a free breakfast from 7.45am to 8.30am every Monday to Friday at Wormley Community Centre. Further details of all these sources of support can be found at www.broxbourne.gov.uk/ costofliving.
Families entitled to free school meals will receive a supermarket voucher for the school holidays at Christmas and February half-term. All children in reception class, Year 1 and Year 2 can get a free lunch whilst those in older years may be eligible if the family receives benefits including Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance or Child Tax Credit. To apply for free school meals visit www.hertfordshire.gov. uk/freeschoolmeals
Better Housing Better Health is an initiative from the National Energy Foundation providing residents with a single point of contact to get
Can you share the joy of walking?
The Council is looking for volunteers to support group walks in Cheshunt, Waltham Cross, Broxbourne, and Hoddesdon. Health Walks are FREE and encourage people of all ages and abilities to get outdoors, get active and meet new people.
For more information about volunteer training email healthwalks.cms@hertfordshire.gov.uk
impartial expert advice to help improve the energy efficiency of their home, save money and improve comfort. They can be contacted on 0800 1070044 or www.bhbh.org.uk/
Protect your home this winter
With the darker evenings, it is more important than ever to ensure your home is safe and secure. You can make your home more secure by following these basic crime prevention tips:
• Lock all doors and windows
• Consider installing a doorbell camera, internal camera and/or monitored burglar alarm
• Install ‘dusk to dawn’ external lighting and use timer switches to control internal lights
• Keep keys and valuables secure and out of sight
• Ensure boundary fences are secure with side gates locked; keep tools and ladders in a locked shed
• Look out for your neighbours especially if they are vulnerable, by reporting any suspicious activity you notice in your area.
For more advice visit www.herts.police.uk/protectyourhome
Reduce your risk of car theft
Keyless entry vehicles have increasingly been targeted this year across the country. Many of these vehicles have been stolen by organised crime gangs who steal higher value vehicles to ship them overseas.
There are some steps you can take to help keep your vehicle more secure, such as using a good quality steering wheel lock, ensuring your vehicle is locked and keeping your keys out of view. If you have a keyless entry vehicle, use a signal blocking fob pouch (Faraday bag) and store any spare fobs/ keys in a metal box when not in use, so that criminals cannot use signal relay devices to unlock and start your vehicle remotely.
For more tips on keeping your vehicle safe visit www.herts. police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/ keeping-vehicles-safe
Digging for history
Head to the Lowewood Museum to unearth the rich history of the glasshouses of Broxbourne and the communities who came here to work in them.
Many of us know that cucumbers thrived here, but there were also roses, tomatoes and even peaches. As well as many Sicilians, people from other parts of Italy as well as the Netherlands and Ukraine were also drawn to work locally in the horticultural industry.
This exhibition will feature oral histories from people who used to work in the Rochford Nursery in Turnford, as well as videos and fascinating photos about this important slice of local heritage.
The Horticulture exhibition opens on Friday 14 February. The museum is open on Fridays and Saturdays,10am-4.30pm and entry is free. After you have browsed the exhibition, why not enjoy a hot drink and a snack in the café?
An introduction to Broxbourne’s new MP – Lewis Cocking
Since my election, I’ve taken part in a wide range of engagements and met many local businesses and constituents.
I’ve had meetings with Broxbourne Council and have established good working relationships to help deal with constituent problems. I was proud to attend the official opening of the new Grundy Park, and I’m pleased to see work to regenerate Waltham Cross Town Centre has begun.
Crime and policing came up again and again during my election campaign, so I made it a priority to meet with local police officers to discuss how they’re tackling issues such as vehicle theft, anti-social behaviour and burglary.
I’ve also had the pleasure to visit lots of small businesses. I want to help the Council in its ambition to grow the local economy, with more job opportunities for local people and banking hubs in our town centres.
In Parliament, I’ve spoken in debates on Special Educational Needs, the Green Belt and the Winter Fuel Payment. I recently brought the issue of roadworks to Parliament by hosting a debate on the disruption they cause, and I will continue to speak up for you in the House of Commons.
I’ve started holding regular in-person surgeries to discuss issues and concerns with you. Please email me to book an appointment.
• Email me: lewis.cocking.mp@ parliament.uk
• Telephone me: 01992 845335
• Write to me: House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA
To keep up with my work, sign up to my newsletter: www.lewiscocking.uk/ keepintouch
New Online Portal
Register for the new self-service online council tax and benefits portal to make it easier than ever to interact with the Council.
You can set up a Direct Debit, switch to paperless billing, tell the Council about a change in circumstances, submit a new housing benefit claim and more.
Visit www.broxbourne.gov.uk/selfservice to find out more.
Are you worried about memory loss?
Memory Support Hertfordshire is a newly launched community service providing support, information, and advice for everyone worried about memory loss or affected by dementia and mild cognitive impairment. The new service has been coproduced by people who use the current support services, to ensure it meets real needs. It is funded by Hertfordshire County Council and the NHS and delivered in partnership by Age UK Hertfordshire, Carers in Hertfordshire and Alzheimer’s Society and Memory Support Hertfordshire.
Contact the helpline (0300 131 3946 open Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm) or email info@ memorysupportherts.org.uk to find and access local communitybased, health and social care support.
From January, drop into the Cheshunt Memory Hub held at the Laura Trott Leisure Centre on the last Friday of the month, 10.30am - 12noon, for information or an assessment for an onward referral and support. As well as NHS services, a wide range of community partners can help with practical advice and support on living with memory loss and dementia.
