Get ready for a summer of adventure at your local Hertfordshire Library!
From 5 July to 6 September 2025, children of all ages can sign up at any Hertfordshire Library, read six books and collect special stickers and rewards.
Complete the challenge to enter a prize draw for tickets to an interactive workshop with celebrated author, Sean Taylor.
The Summer Reading Challenge is free; you just need to be a member of Hertfordshire Libraries to participate (which is also free and easy to do if you’re not a member yet).
It’s a great way to fill some time over the Summer Holidays and reading is such an important part of child development because it…
Builds language & vocabulary – Children who are read to regularly develop stronger language and communication skills.
Boosts brain development – Reading supports memory, focus and problem-solving from an early age.
Improves academic success – Children who read for pleasure perform better in vocabulary, spelling and even maths.
We’ve just received an update from the HertsLynx team that will be of interest to many of our readers, especially those who use the service regularly.
Due to increased demand for transport across the area, HertsLynx is adding two new vehicles to its fleet in the coming weeks. This is great news for passengers, as it should mean more journeys are available to book.
However, there’s an important detail to be aware of: these new vehicles are smaller minibuses and do not include step-free access. They may also look slightly different to the buses you’re used to seeing.
What this means for you
If you require a vehicle with step-free access – for instance, if you use a wheelchair, walker, or have difficulty with steps – it’s essential that you inform the HertsLynx team before making a booking. This ensures that your journey is assigned to a suitable vehicle.
You only need to do this once. Once your account has been updated, the system will remember your requirements for all future bookings.
How to update your access needs
You can update your preferences in one of the following ways:
By phone
Call the HertsLynx Support Team on 01992 555 513. Give them the name on your account and let them know you require step-free access. They’ll update your account for you.
Online or via the App
Log in to the HertsLynx app or booking website.
Scroll to the ‘Passenger(s)’ section.
Click or tap the icon to the right of your name.
Select ‘Type of seat’, choose the correct option, and confirm.
Repeat for any other passengers you may have on your account.
Once this is done, your details will be saved and you won’t need to update them again.
Why this matters
If step-free access is not noted on your account, it’s possible a smaller bus without this feature will be assigned to your booking. In that case, you may not be able to board the vehicle, and unfortunately, the journey may have to be cancelled.
Need help?
If you have any questions or run into difficulty, the HertsLynx Support Team is happy to help. Call 01992 555 513 or email hertslynxsupport@hertfordshire.gov.uk.
We’ll continue to bring you updates on local transport and community services as they come in, so stay tuned.
PART-TIME CHILDREN’S AND YOUTH WORKER Broxbourne URC Mill Lane EN10 7BQ
As a church family we are offering a flexible opportunity for someone with a love of God, children and church. We seek a motivated and enthusiastic Children’s and Youth Worker, with the passion and ability to share the gospel with children and young people.
You would draw on your experience in working with children and young people in a church or community setting to help us to nurture and grow our existing work alongside our children’s team volunteers.
We’d love to chat with you about creating a bespoke role that draws on your gifts.
The details 16 hours a week – flexible, including some Sunday mornings and occasional mid-week and evening events. Three-year fixed-term, £16 per hour, 20 days paid leave, 8 days paid statutory holidays. Workplace pension scheme offered.
This post may suit someone seeking flexible, part-time hours, wishing to develop their skills or considering a change of career.
Interested? Apply for an application pack to our Pastorate Administrator, Mrs Stepanka Moysey at urcnlvg@gmail.com. For informal inquiries, please contact the Rev’d Mark Robinson revdmarkr@gmail.com.
The closing date for applications is noon on Monday 18th August.
Interviews will be held in the week beginning 25th August.
Looking for something fun, meaningful and free to do with the whole family this summer? Mark your calendars for Saturday July 26 because Coffee & Coping Hertfordshire is hosting a FREE COMMUNITY EVENT at The Maltings, Stanstead Abbotts, Herts SG12 8HG – and you’re invited!
Running from 10am to 4pm, this vibrant family funday promises a little something for everyone. Whether you’re a parent looking for engaging activities for your kids, a wellness enthusiast interested in yoga, or simply someone who loves a good cuppa with friendly conversation, this event has you covered.
What to expect:
Games & Drawing for Kids – Creative fun for little ones of all ages
Stalls – Browse and buy delicious cakes, sweets, handmade jewellery, coffee and ice cream
Food – Tuck into tasty local treats from independent vendors
Talks & Demonstrations – Take part in wellbeing-focused sessions, including yoga and tai chi
Tombola & Community Activities – Classic fun for all ages
Organised by Coffee & Coping, a Hertfordshire-based group focused on promoting mental health awareness and community wellbeing, the event is all about bringing people together in a positive, relaxed and supportive space.
📍Location: The Maltings, Stanstead Abbotts, Hertfordshire SG12 8HG 🗓️ Date: Saturday, July 26 🕙 Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
And best of all? It’s completely FREE to attend! So bring your friends, bring your family and come connect with your community in the beautiful setting of Stanstead Abbotts.
Are you a Hertfordshire resident looking to enhance your skills to start your career or advance your career? Step2Skills are offering two fully funded Skills Bootcamps designed to provide you with the knowledge and expertise needed to succeed in today’s competitive job market.
SKILLS BOOTCAMPS
Early Years Passionate about working with young children and looking to start or advance your career in Early Years education? We’ve got fully funded Early Years Bootcamps designed to equip you with the skills you need to thrive in this rewarding field.
What’s covered? • Understanding child development stages • How to create educational activities • Safeguarding practices • Managing early years settings • How to support children with special educational needs • Paediatric First Aid
You will need to be able to commit to weekly online classes for 16 weeks.
After July, the next Skills Bootcamp will begin on Monday 1st September, from 9am to 2.30pm.
This will include modules on safeguarding, child development, and food and nutrition, as well as some 1:1 sessions with your tutor and a careers’ advice meeting.
There will be one full day where you will need to attend in person to complete your paediatric first aid qualification.
In between your live classes, you will be expected to undertake 6 hours of independent study per week.
The Level 2 Certificate is awarded by the NCFE.
Supported Employment Advisor (Starting in October 2025) Are you passionate about helping individuals with disabilities, neurodivergence, or other disadvantages find meaningful employment? Learn the necessary skills and knowledge to help you thrive as a Supported Employment Advisor.
What’s covered? • Understanding person-centred planning • Implementing effective job coaching techniques • How to engage employers to create inclusive workplaces • Supporting people with diverse needs • Navigating legal and ethical frameworks.
WHO CAN APPLY? You are eligible for free bootcamps if you: • Are a Hertfordshire resident. • Are 19 years old or above. • Have lived in England for at least the last three consecutive years. • Have the right to work in the United Kingdom. • Are employed, self-employed, unemployed, or returning to work after a break. • Are not currently in any formal education, including any other skills bootcamps.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM OUR SKILLS BOOTCAMPS • Quality training covering essential topics and skills. • Flexible learning with online and in-person sessions. • Expert teachers who bring real-world insights to the training. • Dedicated career support, including CV writing workshops, interview preparation, and job placement assistance.
APPLY NOW! You can apply to either Skills Bootcamp using the following form HERE.
This month our Advertiser of the month is T. W. Fencing and Landscapes!
T. W. Fencing and Landscapes is a family run business boasting over 20 years’ experience providing high quality workmanship along with a reliable and professional service. Whether to install a fence gate or to completely redesign your garden, no job is too big or too small for us.
Want to feature YOUR business with us? Reach hundreds locally and build your reputation through trusted spotlights like this. Message us at threevillagesmagazine@gmail.com to find out more!
Hertfordshire is set to become a whole lot greener as the ‘Your Tree Our Future’ scheme returns for 2025. This year, over 60,000 trees were available free of charge to residents and they have all been claimed already! That is a real commitment to a greener future by our residents.
Background – planting for tomorrow
Your Tree Our Future is a collaborative project delivered by us (the county council), Hertfordshire’s district and borough councils and voluntary sector partners. It is designed to enable Hertfordshire’s residents, businesses and community groups to help plant more trees across the county.
We set out with a goal to help residents plant 100,000 trees over four years. During its first three years, thousands of residents have taken part and helped plant more than 190,000 trees. In 2025 we planned to increase this number to 250,000 trees.
Residents were able to choose from eight different species and they all went, including a limited number of hedgerow packs are also available, which included 36 trees – enough to plant approximately 6 metres of hedgerow!
All of these trees are:
Great Britain natives and suitable for Hertfordshire’s soil and environmental conditions (this gives them the best chance to grow to maturity)
two years old and approximately 60-80cm tall (except for hawthorn, which is one year old and a little smaller, as they grow very quickly)
grown at a UK tree nursery from seed collected in the UK
beneficial to local wildlife.
We have not included trees that could outgrow a domestic garden, like oaks, or fruit trees that need more complex care.
What next?
As all trees have now been claimed, with trees will be available for collection in December, you are encouraged to sign up for next year.
Sign up to the wait list if you’re interested in taking part in the scheme in 2026. We’ll email you when the tree request window reopens.
We’re excited to share some big news: The Three Villages is now on Instagram!
That’s right – your FREE local community magazine for Great Amwell, St Margarets and Stanstead Abbotts is taking the next step in connecting our wonderful villages by joining the world of Instagram. Whether you’re a long-time resident or new to the area, our Instagram page is designed to bring us all a little closer.
Why follow us? Our new Instagram page is more than just pretty pictures (although there will be plenty of those!). Here’s what you can look forward to:
Local stories – Quick snapshots of village life, community updates and feel-good stories you love from the magazine.
What’s on – Get reminders for local events, markets, talks and activities happening in our villages.
Spotlight on locals – Discover hidden gems and meet local makers, businesses and inspiring people who make our community so special.
Photos old & new – Nostalgic throwbacks and new photos celebrating the beauty and charm of our area.
Help us grow We’re on a mission to reach more residents and local businesses, and your support makes all the difference. More followers help us share community news more widely and support local causes and businesses.
Please give us a follow, like a post or two and share our page with your friends, family and neighbours. It’s a small action that makes a big difference to our growing community.
Thank you for being part of The Three Villages. We’re excited to share even more with you – one post at a time!
