Let’s face it, 2023 hasn’t been easy. For many people life has been a struggle, and the news across the country, and the world isn’t pretty.

But we shouldn’t lose sight of the good things that have happened, especially those things in Hatfield that we, as a community, should celebrate.

I remember feeling particularly proud in November following the colourful Diwali Event in the town centre on November 4, the fantastic town council community firework display later that same evening and just over a week later, a moving and uplifting Remembrance Sunday parade and ceremony at Hatfield Memorial Gardens.

As someone who was born and bred in Hatfield it’s been a real privilege to see these community traditions, both old and new, come together through the hard work and dedication of the staff and volunteers involved.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Cllr Larry CroftonCllr Larry Crofton (Image: Cllr Larry Crofton)

Something that has become clear in 2023 is that we can achieve great things when we work together.

The amazing work of the Ellenbrook Area Residents’ Association yet again played a crucial role in getting the latest quarry application on Ellenbrook fields rejected.

And while the battle isn’t over, I am thankful we have these community leaders fighting to preserve this important green oasis to the west of the town.

But Hatfield is changing. We marked John 'the Wool Man's' many years of service to Hatfield with a commemorative tankard on his last day of trading after 45 successful years.

And while he will be missed, exciting new regeneration projects have arrived at the Hilltop and One Town Centre which will bring a new vibrancy to the area.

So too will the £1 million inward investment we secured for the Birchwood Community Sports Project, which is being designed and delivered in conjunction with Hertfordshire FA for the whole community.

At the town council I am really proud of the team we have in place, who are delivering local community projects and services for local people.

One great example is Coronation Gardens on Wellfield Road. Following its renovations this year it is now home to a Covid memorial, a tribute to the reign of Queen Elizabeth II and for December, Hatfield Town Council’s Christmas tree (welcomed in by angelic choirs from Countess Anne and Oakview primary schools).

However, none of this would be possible without the support of Hatfield residents, businesses, and community partners, so on behalf of all the councillors at Hatfield Town Council, I wanted to say a big thank you to you all and wish you a very Merry Christmas.

Explore Hatfield

If you haven’t already, do take a walk around Ellenbrook Fields. It's fast becoming an important nature reserve and joggers’ paradise, following its previous life as an airfield for De Havilland and British Aerospace, and then a film location for Saving Private Ryan and Band of Brothers.