Cllr Steven Watson’s career has ranged from civil engineering to architecture. He moved to Hertford with his family in 2018. Cllr Watson was elected to the Town Council in 2023 and he is also a District and County Councillor. His consort will be his wife, Lynda Watson.

Cllr Maura Connolly was appointed as the Deputy Mayor of Hertford for 2025 – 2026.

Cllr Steven Watson’s chosen charities for the municipal year are Herts Young Homeless and Hertford District Scouts.

The mission of Herts Young Homeless is to break the cycle of youth homelessness. Many of the young people they support are facing hidden homelessness, which is the lack of a safe, stable, permanent home. This includes sofa surfing with friends or extended family, or staying in temporary accommodation such as hostels. They offer tailored support for 16–24 year-olds and their families, through a variety of specialist services. Prevention is central to their work, and they believe that to truly achieve their vision of every young person having a home from which they can grow and thrive, they have to tackle the root causes of youth homelessness with innovative and sustainable solutions.

Hertford District Scouts prepare young people in Hertford with skills for life – helping them speak up and play their part.

Developing skills around teamwork, leadership and resilience, Scouts grow to become everything from teachers and social workers to astronauts and Olympians. Always welcoming new youth members and adult volunteers, the Scouts bring people together. As part of the worldwide movement, Hertford District Scouts are creating a stronger community and inspiring positive futures.

Cllr Steven Watson commented: “Being elected Mayor of Hertford is such a tremendous honour. I am delighted to be offered this opportunity and I will endeavour to do my utmost to serve the people of this unique town. Hertford is so full of rich heritage and natural beauty but we are also blessed with a vibrant local community – I am really looking forward to meeting the individuals, groups, charities and organisations who truly are the beating heart of Hertford.”

At the Annual Meeting, Cllr Alex Daar was appointed Leader of Hertford Town Council for 2025 – 2026 and she shared the Council’s programme of work for the municipal year ahead. Cllr Ann Woodward was appointed as Deputy Leader of Hertford Town Council for 2025 – 2026. As well the list of appointments of Council representatives to external bodies, Hertford Town Council appointed Cllr Vicky Smith as its new Youth Engagement Champion to build on the Council’s outreach to schools, colleges and youth organisations.

Notes to Editors:
You can find out more about the Office of Mayor at: www.hertford.gov.uk/the-mayor-of hertford. If you have any queries, please contact the Mayor’s Secretary on 01992 552885 or mayoral@hertford.gov.uk.

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A Day of Immersive Activities

Hertford Museum has curated a special program filled with activities that capture the spirit of the era. Here’s what you can look forward to:

• Jive Swing Live! Get your feet tapping with the infectious rhythms of the 1940s. Enjoy live music and watch a Lindy Hop demonstration. You’ll even have the chance to join in and learn some moves yourself!
• Gallery Talk on the Hertfordshire Regiment: Discover the stories of local heroes who served in the Hertfordshire Regiment. Learn about their experiences and contributions to the war effort.
• 1940s Food Tasting: Experience the flavors of the era with a 1940s food tasting session. Sample dishes that were common during wartime Britain.
• Home Front Handling Collection: Get hands-on with real artifacts from our Home Front handling collection. Explore everyday objects from the 1940s and gain a deeper understanding of what life was like for those on the home front.

More Than Just a Celebration

This event is more than just a commemoration; it’s an opportunity to connect with history, honor the past, and appreciate the peace we enjoy today. It’s a chance to learn, reflect, and celebrate the resilience and spirit of the people who lived through this transformative period.

Event Details

• Date: Saturday, May 10th
• Time: 11 am – 3 pm
• Location: Hertford Museum, 18 Bull Plain, Hertford, SG14 1DT
• Admission: Free (Donations welcome)

Find out more about Hertford Museum Events.

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The tours will be led by the Friends of Hertford Castle, an invaluable group of volunteers who
help conduct Castle Tours, steward at Castle Open Days and have a wealth of historical
knowledge of the site.

The hour-long guided tour of the spectacular Hertford Castle grounds will provide insight into
the amazing history that lies ‘Within these Walls’ and are a must for residents and visitors to
Hertford, interested in the rich history of the grounds over the years.

Tours will take place from 6.30pm – 7.30pm on the following dates:

• Wednesday 14th May
• Wednesday 18th June
• Wednesday 9th July
• Wednesday 13th August
  

Tickets are £5.00 per person with proceeds going to the Mayor of Hertford’s Charity Appeal
Fund.

To book a ticket online, please click here or visit the Hertford Town and Tourist Information Centre on The Wash to purchase your ticket. Please note that spaces are limited.

A Council spokesperson said: “Hertford Town Council is delighted to offer these wonderful
evening tours to our residents and visitors who would like to find out more about the rich
history of Hertford Castle’s grounds. We are most grateful to the Friends of Hertford Castle for
their incredible dedication and expertise. Alongside these outdoor tours and our season of
free community events, we do hope there is something for everyone to come together and
enjoy.”

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Eco Fest is part of a broader programme of town-wide sustainability events that shine a spotlight on practical and positive steps we can all take to reduce our carbon footprint and help protect the natural world. With the climate crisis increasingly front of mind, Eco Fest aims to bring people together to explore accessible, everyday changes that collectively make a big difference — from reducing waste and conserving energy, to supporting local businesses and connecting with nature.

A Fun-Filled, Family-Friendly Day Out

Designed for all ages, Eco Fest offers a great mix of interactive activities, educational opportunities, and a healthy dose of fun. Younger visitors can enjoy garden games, get creative with junk modelling, and even hop on the Smoothie Bike, where pedalling powers your very own fruit smoothie.

There’s also a chance to try out an electric bike thanks to a display and test ride station provided by Highway Cycles, and a handy Repair Stall, where experts will be on hand to offer repair advice and quick fixes for broken items (excluding white goods and computing devices, and subject to availability).

The festival grounds will also be buzzing with eco-conscious stalls, showcasing a variety of food, drink, and crafts — perfect for picking up local, sustainable treats. And for those looking to save money while going green, several exhibitors will be sharing cost-saving tips and practical carbon reduction suggestions.

Learn, Share, and Be Inspired

Inside the Castle, visitors can explore thought-provoking exhibitions and community-led initiatives. The ‘Hertford Eco Quilt’, created with local textile artist Ghislaine Peart, brings together stories and artwork from residents in a striking display of community expression and environmental awareness.

Also inside, the Climate Café offers a gentle space for reflection and discussion around our emotional responses to climate change — part of a growing national network supporting mental wellbeing through climate conversations. Meanwhile, the ‘With Integrity’ exhibit highlights practical ways we can each contribute positively to the environment in our daily lives.

Throughout the day, live talks and workshops will cover topics such as the benefits of repairing rather than replacing, sustainable baking, composting at home, and the crucial role bees play in biodiversity and food production. Visitors can also enjoy live music from local performers and delight in pop-up theatre with ‘William Wormsworth and Wormarie’, whose imaginative storytelling sessions are sure to entertain kids and adults alike.

Eco Fest in the Wider Community

The celebration doesn’t stop at Hertford Castle. A wider programme of Eco Fest events is taking place across Hertford in the lead-up to and around the festival. Full listings are available on the Hertford Town Council website, featuring everything from local clean-up initiatives to workshops and film screenings.

One highlight is the special screening of Ocean with David Attenborough at BEAM, a stunning documentary exploring the vitality and beauty of our oceans. The screening on the 11th May will be followed by a talk from Prof. Viv Jones, Emeritus Professor of Environmental Change at UCL, who will speak about successful local conservation efforts on the River Beane — a rare chalk stream with global ecological significance.

Looking Ahead with Hope

Speaking ahead of the event, a spokesperson for Hertford Town Council said:

“We are delighted to host this innovative event to bring the community together — working towards improving our environment, on a local and global scale! Last year, the event was cancelled due to challenging weather, but we’re hoping for a brighter spring this time so we can welcome everyone to enjoy the wonderful range of activities on offer. We’re proud to share a platform with so many local people and organisations committed to protecting our planet and celebrating sustainability.”

The Council also expressed their gratitude to NCS, headline sponsors of Eco Fest. Based in Hertford, NCS are leading specialists in plumbing and heating solutions and have recently expanded into renewable energy and energy efficiency products, helping households across the South East embrace greener living.

Whether you’re a seasoned environmentalist or just starting to explore sustainable living, Eco Fest offers something for everyone. It’s an opportunity to learn, connect, and be part of a positive movement shaping the future — right here in Hertford.

For more information or to view the full schedule of events, visit the Hertford Eco Fest Listings or contact Annalisa Yeowell at annalisa.yeowell@hertford.gov.uk or call 01992 552885.

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Born in Edgbaston, Birmingham, Barbara Cartland spent a significant portion of her life in Essendon, just a stone’s throw from Hertford. This local connection makes the exhibition at Hertford Museum particularly poignant, celebrating a literary icon who walked the same Hertfordshire soil.

Stepping into the exhibition is like entering a world spun from the pages of one of her countless novels. Visitors are greeted by a vibrant display of memorabilia, offering a fascinating insight into Cartland’s multifaceted persona. From her signature gowns and dazzling jewellery to personal photographs and correspondence, the exhibition paints a vivid picture of the woman behind the legend.

Beyond the glitz and glamour, the exhibition delves into Cartland’s remarkable career. It showcases a selection of her staggering output of over 700 books, translated into numerous languages and selling hundreds of millions of copies worldwide. For those unfamiliar with her work, the sheer volume is astounding. For devoted readers, it’s a chance to get up close and personal with previously unseen memorabilia.

The exhibition also explores the evolution of Cartland’s writing style and the enduring appeal of her romantic narratives. While often critically dismissed, her novels provided escapism and a comforting formula for generations of readers. The exhibition thoughtfully examines this cultural impact, acknowledging both the criticisms and the undeniable popularity of her work.  

Furthermore, the exhibition sheds light on Cartland’s life beyond writing. A tireless advocate for various causes, particularly health and welfare, her campaigning work is also highlighted. This offers a more rounded perspective on a woman who was not only a novelist but also a businesswoman, socialite, and public figure.  

One of the most engaging aspects of the exhibition is the inclusion of personal items. Seeing Cartland’s typewriter, her handwritten notes, and the trinkets she cherished offers an intimate connection to her daily life. These details bring the larger-than-life persona down to earth, revealing the human being behind the glamorous facade.

The Hertford Museum has meticulously curated this exhibition, drawing on a range of sources to present a comprehensive and engaging portrayal of Barbara Cartland. Whether you are a long-time admirer, curious about her phenomenal success, or simply interested in a significant figure with local ties, this exhibition offers something for everyone.

It’s an opportunity to reflect on the changing landscape of popular fiction, the power of storytelling, and the enduring allure of romance. It’s also a chance to connect with a piece of Hertfordshire’s cultural history.

Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in the world of pink and passion. The Barbara Cartland Exhibition at Hertford Museum is a delightful and insightful experience, running until June 1st, 2025. 1 For more information about the exhibition and the Hertford Museum, please visit: https://www.hertfordmuseum.org/exhibitions-events  

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The aptly named Maple ‘Crimson King’, planted in the Moat Garden at Hertford Castle was supplied by Hertfordshire based nursery Majestic Trees. It has multiple benefits for wildlife, providing nectar for birds and bees via its fruit and seeds eaten by birds and small mammals in the autumn.

His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, Mr Robert Voss CBE CStJ said:

“Following the great success of The Queen’s Green Canopy project with nearly 4 million trees planted, Buckingham Palace has given each Lord-Lieutenant funding to purchase a tree to be planted in a significant public place in their county to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III – the first coronation in this country for over 70 years. I am delighted that we have been able to mark this occasion in the County town and at Hertford Castle with its magnificent royal history.

HM The King is well known for his interest in the environment so what could be better than to plant this special tree in this wonderful area that will benefit both people and wildlife for many years to come.”

Cllr Vicky Smith, Mayor of Hertford said: “It is a great honour to be planting a tree donated by His Majesty The King at Hertford Castle. It continues a long tradition for the connection of the site with Royalty and is a lovely way to mark The King’s interest in nature conservation and the role that plays in tackling climate change.

It was wonderful that gardeners from the Mudlarks charity, who help care for the grounds and students from nearby Richard Hale School were also able to assist with the planting and to include the broader Hertford community.”

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First on the list is the renowned Battle Proms at Hatfield Park, a highlight of the local calendar. This lively event brings together residents and visitors alike for a day filled with cannons, calvary, music and fireworks. History buffs and adrenaline seekers won’t want to miss this! Indulge in delicious food and drinks while experiencing the roar of a WWII Spitfire, the precision of The Red Devils parachute team (TBC), and the booming of 200 live cannons. Top it all off with a magnificent musical fireworks display that will leave you speechless.

Venture further into the countryside, and you’ll discover the charm of Hertfordshire’s village fêtes. These quintessentially British gatherings offer a delightful blend of traditional entertainment, including maypole dancing, tombolas, and homemade treats. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, stepping into a village fête feels like stepping back in time to a simpler era, where neighbours come together to celebrate and support their community.

Countryside lovers won’t want to miss the Hertfordshire County Show, a celebration of the county’s rich agricultural heritage. From livestock displays to vintage tractor parades, this event offers a fascinating glimpse into rural life in Hertfordshire. Visitors can explore traditional crafts, sample local produce, and learn about the importance of agriculture in shaping the county’s identity. With activities for all ages, the County Show is a fun and educational day out for the whole family.

Music lovers are in for a treat at Folk by the Oak, an annual music festival held at Hatfield House. This unique event showcases the best in folk, roots, and acoustic music, with performances by both established artists and up-and-coming talents. Set amidst the picturesque grounds of Hatfield House, Folk by the Oak offers a relaxed and intimate atmosphere where fans can enjoy live music surrounded by natural beauty. With food stalls, craft vendors, and activities for children, it’s the perfect day out for music enthusiasts of all ages.

Speaking of music, this time with a retro vibe – a visit to Tring’s annual music festival – Chilfest should be high on your list of must-do’s! The Friday line-up are all cover bands including Badness, Rule the World and I’m Every Whitney. On Saturday you can dance away to the music of Marc Almond of Soft Cell fame, Nik Kershaw, Go West and East 17.

For those seeking something a bit different, how about The Talking Pictures TV And Renown Pictures Festival Of Film at St Albans Arena. Each day’s entertainment is a celebration of film and TV history, with special guests on stage, films on the big screen, comedy, music, magic, stalls & a lot of fun! This popular event still has limited numbers of tickets available.

In addition to these flagship events, Hertfordshire boasts a year-round calendar of festivals and celebrations that showcase the county’s diverse cultural heritage and community spirit. From food and drink festivals to arts and crafts fairs, there’s always something exciting happening in Hertfordshire. So whether you’re a local resident or a visitor from afar, come and experience the warmth and hospitality of Hertfordshire’s vibrant community as you immerse yourself in its rich tapestry of festivals and events.

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1. Hertford Theatre: A Hub for Performing Arts
   • Experience the magic of live performances at Hertford Theatre. From plays to musicals, this venue showcases the talent of local and touring artists, providing entertainment for all.
2. Henry Moore Studios & Gardens: A Sculptural Wonderland
   • Explore the home and studios of renowned sculptor Henry Moore. Wander through the gardens adorned with his iconic sculptures, gaining insight into the artist’s creative process.
3. The Art of Stained Glass at St. Albans Cathedral
   • Marvel at the exquisite stained glass windows of St. Albans Cathedral. Each window tells a story, blending spirituality with artistic craftsmanship.

Conclusion: Hertfordshire’s cultural tapestry is woven with artistic expression. Dive into the county’s creative spirit, where every corner holds a piece of cultural significance.

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1. Verulamium Park: Tranquility in the Heart of St. Albans
   • Escape the hustle and bustle with a visit to Verulamium Park. Stroll along the lakeside, explore the Roman remains, and unwind in this serene oasis nestled in St. Albans.
2. A Walk Through the Bluebell Woods of Ashridge Estate
   • Immerse yourself in the magical beauty of Ashridge Estate’s bluebell woods. This National Trust site offers picturesque walking trails and a chance to reconnect with nature.
3. Lee Valley Regional Park: Cycling and Waterside Bliss
   • Discover the diverse offerings of Lee Valley Regional Park, where cycling paths wind through scenic landscapes and waterside activities provide a refreshing escape.

Conclusion: Hertfordshire’s natural wonders are waiting to be explored. Whether you seek tranquil parks, enchanting woods, or riverside adventures, this county has it all.

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1. Foodie Haven: St. Albans’ Culinary Scene
   • Explore St. Albans’ diverse food scene, featuring everything from cozy pubs serving hearty British classics to trendy eateries offering international flavors.
2. Hitchin’s Farmers’ Market: A Feast for the Senses
   • Delight in the abundance of fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and homemade treats at Hitchin’s renowned farmers’ market. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere and support local vendors.
3. Hatfield’s Hidden Gems: Dining with a View
   • Discover Hatfield’s best-kept culinary secrets, from charming cafes to restaurants with panoramic views. Indulge in exquisite dishes while enjoying the picturesque surroundings.

Conclusion: Hertfordshire’s culinary scene is a delightful blend of tradition and innovation. Get ready to embark on a journey of flavors that will leave you craving more.

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