Author Archives: Anna Bond

SEND Strategy 2026–2029 Consultation

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The Hertfordshire SEND Local Area Partnership has developed a new SEND Strategy for 2026–2029, which sets out their shared ambitions to improve outcomes for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). This strategy has been shaped by the voices of children, young people, families, and professionals across education, health, and social care.

Local people are being invited to have their say on the ambitious new draft strategy for SEND that has greater collaboration at its core by completing a short online survey.

The consultation seeks to find out:

  • Do the ambitions reflect what matters most to children and young people with SEND and their families?
  • Are there any parts which are missing, unclear or need strengthening?
  • What do you think is the single most important priority for us to focus on?

DOWNLOAD THE DRAFT STRATEGY HERE:

send-strategy-2026-2029-pdf-3.64mbDownload

RESPOND TO THE SURVEY HERE: https://surveys.hertfordshire.gov.uk/s/SENDSC/

Consultation start date: Friday 14 November 2025
Consultation closing date: Friday 6 November 2026

Be sure to have your say!

A Christmas Message from The Three Villages Team

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As the festive season draws near, we’re filled with warmth and gratitude for the sense of togetherness that Christmas brings. It’s a time to celebrate – with sparkling lights, delicious food and the joy of connecting with those we hold dear. But we also understand that for some, the holidays can be a time of struggle. Whether due to personal challenges, loss, or the pressures of the season, we know that Christmas isn’t always filled with cheer for everyone.

To those who may find this time difficult, please remember you’re not alone. Our community is strong, and we’re here for each other. We encourage you to take this season at your own pace, to embrace the small joys and to reach out if you need support. Every step forward, no matter how small, is worth celebrating.

Christmas is about connection: not only through festivities, but through kindness, understanding and lifting each other up. Together, we can create moments of light and hope for all, making sure no one feels left out or forgotten.

From all of us at The Three Villages Team, we wish you peace and the strength to make this season your own. May it be filled with warmth, comfort and the quiet joy of knowing you are part of a caring and supportive community.

With best wishes,
The Three Villages Team

Quick reminder for anyone in crisis over Christmas:
If you or someone you know is struggling emotionally or in crisis, Herts Mental Health Helpline (0800 6444 101) is open 24/7 for advice and support.

The Neighbourhood Plan: FINAL STAGE

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East Herts Council have approved our plan and we now move to the final stage (Referendum).

The Polling Station will be set up in January 2026 ready for your vote, so keep an eye out for your voting card.

In the meantime, and before you vote, please visit the website and read the final plan HERE to find out the advantages of saying yes. The final plan is supported by all three Parish Councils and East Herts District Council.

View the website here: https://www.stansteadabbottsneighbourhoodplan.uk/ and read about the importance of a Neighbourhood Plan HERE.

Julia Davies

The Three Villages: Advertise with us in 2026!

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As you know, here at The Three Villages one of our primary goals is to champion and support local businesses, especially for those that choose to advertise with us!

In 2025, we implemented some significant changes, which have proved a success:
* Our print magazine became FREE!
* We increased our print run by 100% to boost our distribution
* We offered a text/call service for delivering magazines to those that might not be able to get out and collect a copy
* We launched our Instagram and got to over 125 followers in the first two months, with numbers on the increase, and average monthly views of over 700.

With each issue we are seeing increased engagement through our social media platforms (Facebook, News & Events Blog, Instagram), and we are confident that things will continue to rise.

So why not join us?
* BE RECOGNISED AS A TRUSTED LOCAL TRADER *
* SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY MAGAZINE *
* REACH CUSTOMERS ACROSS THE LOCAL AREA *

The fee of just £120 includes a slot within every 2026 issue of the print magazine AND inclusion in our advertisements directory and scrolling adverts panel on the website.

PLUS
* We offer the chance to win a FREE full-colour, full-page prime advertising spot within every print issue!  
* We also feature an Advertiser of the Month on our News & Events blog, shared to our Facebook and Instagram.

For more information, email threevillagesmagazine@gmail.com.

The deadline is 1st January, so grab your spots now!

The Three Villages Magazine: Dates for 2026

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Now that the December issue is out, we wanted to share the 2026 copy deadline dates with you all.

March Issue = 5th January
June Issue = 3rd April
September Issue = 3rd July
December Issue = 3rd October

The Three Villages is all about building community and we are keen to ensure that your local community magazine reflects the things that matter to you.

If you have an event to promote, a success to celebrate or have an idea for a competition or special feature, we would love to hear from you!

The Three Villages Team

Stanstead Abbotts Advent Window Trail

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The Friends of St Andrews School presents Stanstead Abbotts Advent Window Trail. A brand new fundraiser for 2025!

Join us this Christmas as our community lights up with festive window displays – one magical reveal each evening.

Each window has been lovingly decorated by families, organisations and businesses.

Collect a letter from each window to reveal a special festive message!

Maps are now on sale – every £2 purchase goes directly to St Andrews School.

Printed maps are available at the school Christmas Fayre, or for a digital version contact Gemma (07791264279 via WhatsApp or email fostawindowtrail@yahoo.com).

So wrap up warm, grab a map and discover 24 magical windows!

Keeping Well in the Winter Months

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As the winter season sets in, it’s essential to prioritise the wellbeing of our elderly loved ones, who are more vulnerable to health challenges during this time. Cold weather brings an increased risk of flu, pneumonia and depression, along with other serious concerns like heart attacks and strokes. Older people often have weaker immune systems, making them more susceptible to illnesses in winter, and pre-existing health conditions can worsen due to colder conditions.

There are many easy ways to ensure that our elderly loved ones stay warm, well and healthy during winter:

  • Keeping Homes Warm: Ensure the heating system is in good working order, seal any drafts and heat only necessary spaces to save energy.
  • Layer Up: When heading outdoors, dress in cosy layers to trap warmth close to the body.
  • Stay Vaccinated: Keep up with vaccinations, including annual flu shots.
  • Minimise Exposure: Try to avoid contact with anyone presenting flu-like symptoms.
  • Maintain a Healthy Diet: Incorporate warm, nutritious foods like soups and stews into your diet, staying hydrated with warm drinks.
  • Stay Active and Social: If able, engage in moderate activity such as short walks to generate body heat, promote circulation and maintain a good mood.

If additional support is needed, reach out to your local GP for medical care, vaccinations and guidance. Support from your community is always essential – family, friends, and community groups can be relied on for assistance and companionship. Respite care at a local care home is also an option for those requiring extra support; they can provide 24/7 inclusive care in a warm environment.

Remember that with the right precautions and help, everyone can enjoy the season while minimising health risks. B&M Care provide support and respite care to our local communities (see: https:// bmcare.co.uk/our-care/respite-care/) so please contact us if you need using our dedicated customer support team on 0333 234 1975 (available 9am–5pm (Monday–­Friday) or via email to info@bmcare.co.uk for any questions and advice regarding the care that B&M Care can offer a loved one.

http://www.bmcare.co.uk

Christmas Tree Festival: THIS WEEKEND

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Christmas Tree Festival
2–6pm on Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th December
St Mary’s Church, Hoddesdon Road, St Margarets

The 3 Churches Benefice are holding a Christmas Tree Festival at St Mary’s Church, St Margarets. It is a wonderful opportunity for us all, as a community, to get into the spirit of Christmas!

Entry to the Festival will be FREE, but seasonal refreshments will be available to buy for those visiting. We will also have a tombola, children’s activities, a teddy tombola and craft stalls with some lovely homemade items. Any proceeds will go towards the work and upkeep of the church.

*NEW THIS YEAR* We also have a ‘Carols amidst the Christmas Trees’ at 5pm on Sunday 7thDecember. Don’t miss it!

We look forward to welcoming you!

Rev’d Sarah Forrest, Priest in Charge

The Three Villages Magazine: December 2025 Issue is here!

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The December Issue of The Three Villages Magazine is here and is now available to pick up FOR FREE across the villages.

We are thrilled to reveal our cover with the winning entries from our Schools Christmas Arts Competition! Read about the winners on page 3 of the magazine. I’m sure you’ll agree the baubles look amazing. Congratulations to our winners! Be sure to come along to the Christmas Tree Festival at St Mary’s Church, St Margarets (this weekend: 6th and 7th December, 2 to 6 pm) to see the winner baubles on our tree.

Also in this issue, we take a look at the important work of local charity, ALFS; we find out all about local business Heavenly Hair; we have the first in our new series, ‘Glimpses into our Past’; we get to meet local resident Julia Witting and lots more!

You can get The Three Villages Magazine from, but not limited to, the following locations:
The Village Pharmacy
St John the Baptist Church
St Mary’s Church
St Andrew’s Church
The Bridge Shop
The Maltings Café
St Margarets Train Station

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

Looking ahead…
We would love to hear from you if you have an interesting story or an upcoming event to promote. The approximate deadlines for 2026 are: 5th January (March Issue), 3rd April (June Issue), 3rd July (September Issue) and 3rd October (December Issue). Alternatively, we can also promote your upcoming event/share your news on our News & Events blog. Please do get in touch!

Thank you for your continued support,
The Three Villages Team

December issue nearly here!

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The December issue will be coming out very soon.

Within the December issue, we take a look at the important work of local charity, ALFS; we find out all about local business Heavenly Hair; we have the first in our new series, ‘Glimpses into our Past’; we get to meet local resident Julia Witting and lots more!

The cover remains a secret because it will showcase the winners in our Schools Christmas Art Competition. We invited our local schools to design a Christmas bauble and had some amazing entries. We think the cover looks great, so be sure to grab a copy to find out who won!

The winners will not only appear on the cover of this issue, but they will also feature on our tree in the Christmas Tree Festival running over the weekend of 6th and 7th December. Why not come along and see it (along with the other trees) at St Mary’s Church, St Margarets, from 2pm to 6pm both days. There is also a special Carol Service at 5pm on the Sunday.

Remember that if you can’t easily get out, but would like a copy of the magazine, please do get in touch with us and we will get a copy to you.
Email: threevillagesmagazine@gmail.com
Text: 07488 914972
Call: 01920 870009

We hope you enjoy our December issue!

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