Author Archives: Anna Bond

Community Supermarkets: Extra Support with Food Costs

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With the cost of living continuing to put pressure on household budgets, a new initiative across Hertfordshire is helping residents stretch their weekly food shop further.

Community supermarkets offer good-quality food and everyday household essentials at very low prices – often under £1 per item. They are designed to support people who may not need a food bank but are finding it harder to manage rising costs.

Although there isn’t currently a community supermarket based in Great Amwell, St Margarets or Stanstead Abbotts, there are eight locations across Hertfordshire, with plans to open more in the future. Some residents may find it possible to travel to an existing site, and the scheme is expected to expand as demand grows.

To use a community supermarket, residents need to sign up and complete a simple eligibility assessment. Once registered, the first eight visits are free, thanks to funding from the Household Support Fund. After that, a small membership fee applies alongside the cost of the shopping.

The scheme is run by Community Help Hertfordshire, working with Hertfordshire County Council, and is now open to self-referrals, meaning you don’t need a professional referral to apply. As well as affordable shopping, visitors can also receive information about other types of support that may be available to them or their family.

Community supermarkets are currently located in:

  • Hemel Hempstead
  • Borehamwood
  • Letchworth Garden City
  • Rickmansworth
  • St Albans
  • Stevenage
  • Watford
  • Hatfield

If you think this support could help you or someone you know, you can check eligibility and apply online at: www.communityhelpherts.net/communitysupermarket

For wider advice and resources on managing the cost of living, visit: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/costofliving

You can also get in touch for more information via phone (01727 649980) or email (info@communityhelpherts.net).

Source: Hertfordshire County Council

The Three Villages Magazine: Our March cover revealed!

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We are delighted to reveal the cover of the first issue of 2026!

It features this amazing photograph by local resident, Annette Hannah, showing the Meridian Stones sculpture, which was commissioned to celebrate the centenary of the Meridian Line that dissects Stansted Abbotts. The blossom really adds to the spring feel!

Annette Hannah is a local author of romantic comedies, the first of which was inspired by St Margarets signal box and is called Wedding Bells at the Signal Box Cafe. The picture of the beautiful cherry blossom trees depicts where the opening and closing scenes of the book are set. 

You can follow Annette on:
Facebook: @annettehannahauthor
X :@annettehannah
Instagram: @annettehannahauthor 
Website: annettehannah.com
Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Annette-Hannah/author/B089YRBQXJ?ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

You will be able to pick up your copy of The Three Villages Magazine: Issue 17 at the start of March across the three villages. Don’t forget that our magazine is now FREE!

If you can’t get out to get a copy, please text (07488 914972) or call us (01920 870009) and we will get one to you.

Thank you for your continued support,
The Three Villages Team

Cheshunt Register Office FREE Wedding Fair

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EVENT DETAILS
Date: Sunday, 15 February 2026
Time: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Location: Cheshunt Register Office, Bishops College Churchgate, Waltham Cross, EN8 9XH
Parking: Available on-site (please note parking charges apply)
Public Transport: Convenient local public transport links are nearby.

Are you planning your big day and looking for the perfect venue, suppliers and inspiration? Look no further! The Cheshunt Register Office is hosting an open day on Sunday 15th February, from 10:00am to 2:00pm. This is your chance to explore one of Hertfordshire’s hidden gems while connecting with local wedding suppliers to help bring your dream wedding to life.

Located in the heart of Bishop’s College, a former 18th-century theological college, Cheshunt Register Office boasts a stunningly beautiful setting that exudes history and charm. The venue’s showpiece, the Octagonal Suite, is a bright and welcoming ceremony room with a gorgeous wooden vaulted ceiling and plenty of natural light – ideal for exchanging vows.

Photo by Jeremy Wong Weddings on Unsplash

But that’s not all! The grounds surrounding the Register Office offer picturesque gardens complete with a small lake and a bridge over the New River, providing couples with beautiful backdrops for their wedding photos. Whether you’re just beginning your wedding planning or looking for those last few finishing touches, this open day is the perfect opportunity to explore all that Cheshunt Register Office has to offer.

You’ll also have the chance to meet a selection of top-tier local wedding suppliers, each ready to help you create your dream day. Among the suppliers in attendance are:

  • Darling Buds – Local florists who can provide everything from delicate bouquets to full-scale floral arrangements.
  • Dress it Yourself – Event hire and styling experts, helping you add those personal touches to your celebration.
  • Jodie Allen – A talented wedding photographer who will capture your day in timeless style.

These are just a few of the incredible suppliers who will be there to answer your questions and discuss your wedding plans.

The event is completely FREE to attend, but you need to register your interest in advance via a short registration form. REGISTER HERE

Vibrant new art exhibition in Hertford

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WHAT: SAINT VALENTINE’S DAY MASSACRE
WHEN: February 14th – March 1st 2026
WHERE: Brothership Studio, 14 Bull Plain, Hertford, SG14 1DT

At Brothership Studio, the art doesn’t sit still. We’re a living, breathing studio space, where creation unfolds in real time and visitors step inside an experience rather than simply viewing one. This spirit of experimentation sits at the heart of our mission to break down traditional art‑world barriers and champion a more open, immersive way to connect with creativity. It aligns perfectly with the pioneering energy of this upcoming show.

We’re thrilled to be collaborating with Pure Evil for a vibrant new exhibition that brings together iconic favourites and never‑before‑seen works, revealed exclusively on opening night. The show will sit alongside fresh pieces from our resident artists — Cherry Pie, Liz Loxton, Matt Collinson, Natasha Jowett, Nick Shipton, Oliver Combellack, Sue Black and Tim Voss — celebrating the full spectrum of talent that fuels our space.

Ever wondered what links the rave scene, graffiti culture, pop art and unfiltered emotion? Pure Evil provides the answer.

Using imagery and graphics recognised from popular culture, Pure Evil reveals the hidden depths and possibilities that lie beneath the surface of these icons. Often featuring his trademark teardrop, his work can turn beauty into a nightmare and the everyday into a social statement. His art mines a much deeper vein than what is visible on the surface, it prompts difficult emotional questions and elevates our sense of place within the world.

Just as Pure Evil’s icons begin to reveal their untold stories, we invite you to dig deep and ask: What is yours?

Come along to our Exclusive Opening Night.
13th February | 6pm–11pm.

We’d love to see you all there. Bring a friend and let’s celebrate the great art in our wonderful town of Hertford.

Brothership Studio

Snowdrop Garden Open Days

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Snowdrop Garden Open Days – Possibly for the Last Time – in Support of the Beds & Herts Historic Churches Trust

We are pleased to share that the Bishop of St Albans’ Garden will open to visitors this February, offering a much-loved chance to enjoy God’s creation in its early spring beauty. This year’s openings may be the last time the garden is made accessible to the public, making the occasion especially meaningful.

Thousands of snowdrops and other early bulbs will be in bloom, creating a peaceful, uplifting place to wander and reflect. All proceeds will go directly to the Beds and Herts Historic Churches Trust, which helps fund essential repairs to historic churches across Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire.

Bishop Richard, Acting Bishop of St Albans, writes:
“This is a lovely way to enjoy the first signs of spring while supporting an important cause. We’re proud to contribute to preserving the unique heritage of our local churches.”

Open Garden Dates
Abbey Gate House, Abbey Mill Lane, St Albans AL3 4HD

• Saturday 14 February
• Sunday 15 February
• Saturday 21 February
• Sunday 22 February

Time: 2pm–4pm
Entry: £5 per adult (all proceeds to the Trust)

All are warmly invited to visit the garden, perhaps for the final time as we are not sure if the new Bishop will continue to allow the garden to be opened to the public, enjoy its seasonal beauty and support the preservation of our cherished church buildings.

For more information, please contact:
Jane Smith, PA to the Bishop of St Albans
Email: janesmith@stalbandiocese.org

Health Walks Winter Timetables online

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Get active for free! We have a range of great walks with a variety of lengths to suit all abilities and backgrounds. And there’s no need to worry about not being fit enough. There is a volunteer at the front and one at the back, no-one gets left behind.

For those of you just getting started, there are more than 30 short walks to choose from. Our shortest walk lasts around  20 minutes. It is ideal for people with long-term health conditions looking to improve their activity levels and those recovering from an injury or illness. Our friendly volunteers in their bright yellow jackets will welcome and support you all the way. 

To view our Winter Timeables CLICK HERE.

If you are a new walker, you can register HERE in advance and save time on the day.

Advice for walkers joining a walk for the first time

If you are thinking about joining a free Health Walk, the  first thing to do is find a walk that is suitable for your fitness level and starts near where you live. We make it easy for you by grading our walks  by how long they last and the terrain covered. Walks graded 3 and above are aspirational/progression walks. First Steps are our shortest. Other things to consider are:

  • Start gradually – join a short walk first
  • Communicate – arrive 10 to 15 minutes before the start to listen to the pre-walk briefing

Be prepared – wear sturdy footwear and warm clothing. For longer walks, bring essentials like water, snacks and rain gear even if the weather looks fine.

We look forward to welcoming you!

Health Walks
Hertfordshire County Council

Rucksack Early Years Autism Programme for Families

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Are you a parent or carer of an autistic child or a child on the autism pathway? This FREE course delivered for the Early Years SEND Team is designed just for you!

  • Gain essential knowledge
  • Learn practical strategies
  • Access valuable resources to support you and your child in everyday life

Course Topics:

Week 1: Understanding Autism
Week 2: Sensory
Week 3: Communication
Week 4: Play and Social Interaction
Week 5: Emotional Wellbeing and Behaviour
Week 6: Using My Rucksack

Spring 2026 course starts end of January!

To register your interest please complete our registration form.

Early Years Service, Hertfordshire County Council

An Evening of Outstanding Folk Music in Stanstead Abbotts

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On Sunday 18 January 2026, Stanstead Abbotts Concert Society is delighted to welcome Terence Blacker and Kath Tait, joined by Sally Vinson.

Taking place at Stanstead Abbotts Parish Hall, this promises to be a real treat for lovers of folk, acoustic music and live performance.

Event Details
The concert will be held at Stanstead Abbotts Parish Hall, Roydon Road, SG12 8BU. Doors open at 7.00pm, with the performance starting at 7.30pm.

Performers
Terence Blacker and Kath Tait will perform, with support from Sally Vinson. The event is presented by the Stanstead Abbotts Concert Society and supported by the English Folk Dance and Song Society.

Tickets and Booking
Tickets are £10 and can be booked online at http://www.ticketsource.co.uk or by calling 01920 870558.

Additional Information
Soft drinks and snacks will be available on the night, and guests are welcome to bring their own alcohol.

Whether you’re a long-time folk enthusiast or simply looking for a memorable night out close to home, this concert is an excellent choice.

Cover Photo Call – March 2026 Issue

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Once again, The Three Villages Magazine is inviting local photographers to help shape the look of our next issue. We are currently seeking a cover image for Issue 17 (March 2026).

Are you a local photographer – amateur or professional? Do you have a photograph that captures the beauty and character of our three villages? This is your chance to have your work featured on the cover of our free community magazine.

For our March issue, we’re especially looking for a Spring-inspired image that highlights a recognisable local landmark or scene. We also welcome seasonal photographs that could be considered for future covers in June, September, or December.

Submission Guidelines

  • Orientation: landscape images work best for our cover or portrait images that can be cropped to fit the aperture.
  • Image size: High-resolution images required (21.6cm wide at 118ppcm or the largest image files you can send)
  • Format: JPEG/TIFF files are ideal
  • Editing: Light editing is fine, but please avoid heavy filters
  • Credit: Photographers will be credited, so please provide your preferred wording
  • Caption: Please include a short caption with the location and your name

If you’d like to submit a photograph and showcase your work, please email your image to
threevillagesmagazine@gmail.com

Submission deadline for March Issue: 26th January

We can’t wait to see the three villages through your lens!

Explore the Story of Olives Farm

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The Stanstead Abbotts Local History Society is hosting a fascinating talk by Miles Dymock this Friday 9th January and everyone is invited to attend.

WHEN: Friday 9th January at 7.30pm
WHERE: Stanstead Abbotts Parish Hall, Roydon Rd, Stanstead Abbotts, Ware SG12 8EZ
WHAT: ‘Olive Farm: from Bronze Age to where we are today’
DETAILS: Free to members, £3 for non-members, includes refreshments

The talk promises a journey through centuries of local history, showing how one place has evolved through different eras.

About the Society
The Stanstead Abbotts Local History Society collects and shares information about the history of Stanstead Abbotts and neighbouring St Margarets. Their website features articles and archives on a wide range of local topics from ancient times through more recent village life, and they encourage contributions of photos, memories or research from the community.

The society’s events and talks are open to both members and non‑members (unless stated otherwise), with meetings held at Stanstead Abbotts Parish Hall most months. Find out more on their website: salhs.co.uk

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