Author Archives: Anna Bond

Hertfordshire Local Resilience Forum

When emergencies happen, a fast and well-coordinated response can save lives and reduce disruption. That’s where Hertfordshire Local Resilience Forum come in.

The Hertfordshire Local Resilience Forum (LRF) is a partnership of over 60 organisations who work together to keep our county safe, prepared and resilient.

Who’s involved?
The LRF brings together a wide range of services and organisations, including:

  • Emergency services (police, fire, ambulance)
  • Local councils
  • NHS and health services
  • Utility companies
  • Charities and volunteer groups

What do they do?
Hertfordshire Local Resilience Forum plan, train and prepare for the most likely risks to Hertfordshire, such as flooding, power cuts, severe weather, pandemics and more.

They use the Hertfordshire Risk Register and the National Risk Register to guide their planning, so they’re always focused on what matters most to local communities.

They don’t just plan on paper – they regularly train together, simulating real-life emergencies so they’re ready to act quickly and effectively when needed.

Find out more

To learn more about the risks in Hertfordshire, how to prepare for them and what the LRF is doing to keep our communities safe, visit their website HERE.

You’ll find practical advice, downloadable resources and simple steps you can take today to be ready for whatever tomorrow may bring.

Boost your digital confidence with FREE support in Stanstead Abbotts!

Are you looking to improve your digital skills in a friendly and welcoming environment? The Community Alliance – Broxbourne & East Herts is offering a fantastic opportunity to do just that with their Digital Skills Group in Stanstead Abbotts.

This free, volunteer-led group is perfect for anyone who wants to get to grips with using a computer, tablet or smartphone. Whether you’re new to technology or just want to build your confidence, their Digital Champions will help you learn how to:

  • Navigate your devices with ease
  • Shop online safely
  • Access virtual appointments
  • Stay connected with friends and family

Sessions take place monthly on Wednesdays from 2:30 to 4:00pm at the Nigel Copping Community Building (SG12 8GA).

There are two dates remaining for 2025: 13th November and 10th December.

Booking is essential!
📞 Call 0300 123 1034 to reserve your place.

Just bring your charged device and start your journey toward becoming more digitally confident!

Baby Loss Awareness Week: 9th to 15th October

Baby Loss Awareness Week, which runs from 9 to 15th October every year, is a time for everyone in the baby loss community and beyond to come together, to remember much-loved and missed babies, and raise awareness of pregnancy and baby loss.

Sands – the UK’s leading pregnancy and baby loss charity – leads this special week. It is represented by a blue and pink ribbon logo, which has been the inspiration to create Ribbon Displays up and down the UK, in every community, inviting those who have experienced loss to come together and remember their babies. 

The 3 Churches Ribbon Display
The 3 Churches Benefice is hosting a Ribbon Display outside St Andrew’s Church, Stanstead Abbotts. You are encouraged to add your own ribbon of remembrance during the week. The church will also be open from 3–5pm on Sunday 12th October for quiet reflection.

The 3 Churches Ribbon Run
From 3pm on Sunday 12th October, a team will run/walk the 5km circuit from St Andrew’s to raise funds for Sands. Walkers and Runners welcome!

To donate, visit https://fundraising.sands.org.uk/fundraisers/sarahforrest

The loss of a baby or pregnancy is heart-breaking, and this is happening to families across the UK everyday.

If you are in need of any support locally, please do reach out to The 3 Churches Benefice: vicar@3churches.net / 07488 914972 / 01920 870009.

For anyone who needs the support of Sands, you can find more information on their website www.sands.org.uk. 

Saying Goodbye Service at St Albans Cathedral
On 14th October at 7pm, in St Albans Cathedral, Saying Goodbye (part of the Mariposa Trust) will be hosting one of their special services. This is for anyone who has either personally lost a baby at any stage of pregnancy, at birth, or in early years, or who has been affected by family members’ or friends’ loss.

To read more on the charity, please see the Saying Goodbye website, which you can find at: www.sayinggoodbye.org.

Advertiser of the Month – DJ Garage Services

This month, we’re delighted to shine the spotlight on a true local gem – DJ Garage Services, our Advertiser of the Month for September.

A trusted family business with over 50 years of experience
Located in Stanstead Abbotts, DJ Garage Services is a family run establishment that has proudly served the community for over five decades. Known for their honest approach, high standards and unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction, DJ Garage has built a reputation that truly speaks for itself.

Whether you’re coming in for a routine service or in need of more urgent repairs, you’ll find the team knowledgeable, approachable and fully dedicated to getting you back on the road safely and at a fair price.

Services you can rely on
DJ Garage Services offers a full range of vehicle maintenance and repair services, including:

  • MOT Testing
  • Wheel Alignment & Balancing
  • Brake and Clutch Replacement
  • Engine Diagnostics
  • Tyre Replacement
  • Vehicle Servicing
  • Replacement Parts
  • Petrol and Diesel Engine Work
  • Cars & Light Commercial Vehicles
  • Exhausts and Batteries

Whatever your motoring needs, they’ve got you covered.

Award-winning service
Their reputation for excellence isn’t just local – they’ve earned a 4.9-star rating on Which? Trusted Trader, with customers praising their top-notch service, value and expertise. In fact, 100% of reviewers recommend them, with perfect scores in customer service, quality and value.

Friendly advice or a full service – just get in touch
If you’re looking for expert advice, a quick check-up or a full service, DJ Garage Services is ready to help.

📞 Call: 01920 465431
📧 Email: info@djgarages.co.uk

Support local – drive safe!

An Evening of Wonderful Music with the Beds and Herts Historic Churches Trust

Enjoy the Galliard Trio playing Beethoven, Elgar, Dvorak, Vaughan Williams and more in the beautiful, historic church of St Mary’s, Ware.

The concert starts at 7.00 pm on Saturday, 4th October. It is followed by light refreshments and the chance to meet and talk with the musicians. 

The event is in aid of the Beds and Herts Historic Churches Trust and St Mary’s Church. 

To book your place and find out more see https://bedshertshct.org.uk/events/.

Tickets are £12 plus Eventbrite booking fee. Cash only on the door – donations are also welcome!

Mark Newbery (Membership Secretary, Beds&Herts Historic Churches Trust)

Just a Reminder – AppleFest is Almost Here!

We’re getting ready for another fantastic AppleFest at St Elizabeth’s Centre – and you’re invited! It’s just around the corner, so be sure to pop the date in your diaries!

🗓 Saturday 27 September 2025
📍 St Elizabeth’s Centre, Perry Green, Much Hadham
🕚 11:00 am–3:30 pm
🎟 Free Entry (donations welcome!)

Enjoy apple picking, live music, a BBQ, local stalls and plenty of family fun – all in support of our mission to empower people with complex needs.

See you at the orchard!
The Fundraising Team at St Elizabeth’s
http://www.stelizabeths.org.uk

Got an event coming up?
The Three Villages love celebrating community! Let us know about your local events so we can help spread the word in print and online.

Health Walks new timetables now online

The Health Walks Autumn 2025 Timetables  are now available to view online HERE. You can access the East Herts timetable below (PDF).

Some dates and times may have changed so please check details of your favourite walks.

Health Walk is a great way to enjoy the great outdoors, meet new people and get some gentle exercise too. There are different walk grades so that you can find one suitable for you. All walks are free with no booking required. Just turn up at least 10 mins before the start time shown, as they set off promptly and there will be a pre-walk briefing.

If you’re new to Health Walks, save time on the day and register online in advance…

REGISTER AS A NEW WALKER HERE

Each walk will have a walk leader to welcome you and help make sure you are comfortable on the walk.

Everyone is welcome, so why not give it a try!

Big changes ahead: Have your say on the future of local councils

An important message from Cllr Steve Jarvis, Leader of Hertfordshire County Council

Late last year the Government set out their plans to simplify existing local government structures in England to make it easier for residents to access local services and to save money. In Hertfordshire, there are currently two types of council: district and borough councils and the county council.

District and borough councils, provide services such as housing, planning, bin collections, car parks and leisure services, while we are responsible for schools, libraries, roads, caring for children, the fire and rescue service and supporting adults who need help with daily living.

Under the Government’s plan, these councils will be replaced by new unitary councils that will deliver all services currently provided by the two separate types of council. All councils in Hertfordshire are working together to explore what this would look like, with the aim of creating a system that is easy to understand, delivers good value for money and responds to the needs of local areas.

Over the next month, councils will hold a mix of in-person and online events across the county. A website will also give further information on the changes, how you can get involved and share your views at www.hertfordshire-lgr.co.uk. This will remain open until 30 September 2025. After this date councils will review all the feedback before submitting the final proposal to Government at the end of November. I’d encourage you all to take advantage of this once in a generation opportunity to help shape the future of Hertfordshire.

Yours faithfully,
Steve Jarvis
Leader of Hertfordshire County Council

If you haven’t already, do sign up to receive regular updates from Hertfordshire County Council directly at: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/updateme

New this September – Make Church!

We’re excited to share something new starting on 21st September – and we’d love for you to be part of it!

Make Church is a brand new monthly gathering especially for children and families, designed to be inclusive, sensory and joyful – a place where children of all abilities can explore faith in their own way.

There’ll be:

🎶 Songs and actions
🖐 Hands-on sensory experiences
🤸 Movement and play
❤ A warm, safe space where all children are welcome

And it’s not just for the kids – parents and carers are part of the journey too. Whether your child is full of energy, prefers to observe, or has additional needs, there’s a place for them at Make Church.

🕓 When?
Every 3rd Sunday of the month at 4:00 PM
First session: 21st September
Also on: 19th October, 16th November, 21st December

📍 Where?
St Andrew’s Church, Stanstead Abbots

❤ Come as you are. Let’s Make Church together. ❤

If you have any questions, please do get in touch.

With blessings,
The Three Churches Benefice

Bike ‘n’ Hike – this Saturday 13th September!

Get ready for a fun-filled, active day out for a great cause – Bike ‘n’ Hike is happening this Saturday 13th September, and there’s still time to get involved!

Whether you’re a keen cyclist, a casual walker, or looking for a family day out, Bike ‘n’ Hike is a fantastic way to explore beautiful historic churches across the region while raising vital funds. The money you raise is split between a local church of your choice and the Beds and Herts Historic Churches Trust, helping to preserve these wonderful buildings for generations to come.

Find out more and get your forms here: bedshertshct.org.uk/bike-n-hike

The 3 Churches Benefice are also joining in the fun with a special Family Map, designed to guide you around our three lovely churches in a safe and enjoyable route suitable for all ages.

To get your Family Map, just email: admin@3churches.net

So dust off your bike, lace up your walking shoes and get ready for a rewarding adventure this weekend!

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