Get connected with what is happening in your local area, keep up to date and have your say in what goes on where you live or work in Hertfordshire.
Herts Connected is a free interactive messaging service from Hertfordshire Constabulary.
You will also be able to choose who you would like to receive messages from – including the Police and Crime Commissioner, Neighbourhood Watch and Action Fraud. Your preferences will make your messages bespoke and not just related to your postcode.
Hertfordshire County Council have put together lots of information on available resources to get practical help during the cold winter months…
Cold weather health advice
We’ve put together a few top tips to help you protect yourself and others from the effects of cold weather.
From drawing curtains at dusk to keep out draughts, to having at least one hot meal a day, plenty of hot drinks and using a hot water bottle or electric blanket to keep warm (but never both at the same time), there are a few things you can do to minimise your risk.
Please check in on anyone who may struggle in cold weather
Please protect yourself as much as possible from the cold conditions and check on others who may be struggling, such as older people and those with underlying health conditions.
If you are finding it difficult to heat your home, or someone you know is struggling to stay warm at home or needs help to get shopping or medicines, please contact HertsHelp on 0300 123 4044 or follow the link HERE.
If you are concerned about the health of yourself or someone else, please call NHS 111, contact your GP or get advice from your local pharmacy.
Come in from the cold Our online directory of ‘warm spaces’ allows you to find libraries, family centres and community spaces near you where you can stay safe and warm this winter. Lots of the venues will be hosting additional activities, including Age UK Hertfordshire’s ‘Winter Fuel Support Roadshows’ where people impacted by the changes to the Winter Fuel Payment can access expert support and advice. You see this directory HERE.
In our local area, you can find:
The 3 Churches Benefice Coffee Morning The Wilshere Hall, St Andrew’s Church, Cappell Lane, Stanstead Abbotts, 9.00–11.00am, Every Monday
Come and share a cuppa and a fun activity in our free, warm and welcoming space.
The 3 Churches Benefice Community Hub Drop-In St Mary’s Church, Hoddesdon Road, St Margarets 10.30–11.30am, Every Wednesday
Open to anyone who needs a cuppa and a chat, practical help or just a safe space.
Get financial support If you are worried about money, or you are in debt, help is available.
Citizens Advice can give you help and support. You may also be able to get help from the government with energy bills, transport, childcare and household costs. Never ignore bills.
If you are in immediate financial crisis, you may be able to apply for help from the Hertfordshire Welfare Assistance Service. You will need to meet certain criteria to qualify for help and you can only apply once every three months.
The payment is designed to help you if:
• you don’t have enough money to meet your, or your family’s, immediate needs after an emergency or disaster
• you think there will be serious damage or risk to your, or your family’s, health or safety without the payment
Winter Welfare visits Another free scheme we’re working with Age UK Hertfordshire to deliver is the Winter Welfare Visits scheme.
A ‘handyperson’ service can help with the following: • Provide and install radiator reflector strips to maximise heat dispersion • Provide and install draught excluders for doors and windows to reduce heat loss • Provide and install energy efficient bulbs and night lights • Provide an electric blanket or a winter duvet (single size only) • Provide a Warm in Winter bag • Help to take meter readings and set heating timings and thermostats • Hang winter curtains (already owned or purchased by client)
Ware Christmas Together returns again this year: Christmas Day, 12:30pm, The Age Concern Riverside Hall, Ware.
For over 20 years, this friendly, free Christmas lunch has been providing food, company and festive cheer to those who would otherwise spend the day on their own. If you, or someone you know, is looking for a welcoming place to be this Christmas, you’re invited to join us! The meal is free, though donations are welcome and will help keep future events going.
Transport can be arranged and if people cannot make it to the hall a lunch can be delivered to their home.
To sign up, simply call 01992 531833. Thanks to Best Reception in Ware for providing this service.
We look forward to celebrating another lovely Christmas with old friends and new!
Wishing you a joyful season, Marina and the Christmas Together Ware Team
We know times are tough right now with the cost of living rising and it’s leaving a lot of people in Hertfordshire feeling overwhelmed. But the good news is there’s help available. If you’re struggling, there are plenty of local services, groups and charities ready to lend a hand.
This winter, Hertfordshire County Council want to make sure that residents know how to access advice and support to help them manage the cost of living.
We have some advertising slots for 2025 available! Why not join us? It is only £120 for the year.
The annual fee includes…
A slot within every 2024 issue of the PRINT MAGAZINE
AND
Inclusion in our advertisements directory and scrolling adverts panel (that appears on every page) on the WEBSITE
* BE RECOGNISED AS A TRUSTED LOCAL TRADER * * SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY MAGAZINE * * REACH CUSTOMERS ACROSS THE LOCAL AREA *
PLUS! We are offering the chance to win a FREE full-colour, full-page prime advertising spot within the next print issue!
Sign up now to advertise with us for the year and be entered automatically into our prize draw. Payment must be received by 1st January to secure your spot.
Want to master your computer, tablet or phone? Join a FREE, friendly and volunteer-led group to build your digital skills!
Community Alliance Broxbourne and East Herts offer FREE digital skills sessions at the Nigel Copping Community Building in Sanville Gardens, Stanstead Abbotts.
The last session of the year is on 11th December, from 2.30 to 4pm.
BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL If you’re interested, book your place by calling 0300 123 1034.
The December 2024 issue of The Three Villages Magazine is here and available to purchase for £1 across the three villages. Be sure to pick up your copy!
You can find it at a number of locations: The Village Pharmacy, Stanstead Abbotts St John the Baptist Church, Great Amwell St Mary’s Church, St Margarets St Andrew’s Church, Stanstead Abbotts The Bridge Shop, Stanstead Abbotts
In this issue, along with all our regular features, you will find the latest in our Local Historic Faces & Places series, a charity focus on SPACE Hertfordshire, an updated on the Neighbourhood Plan and announce the winners of our Schools Christmas Art Competition.
If you are struggling to get a hold of a copy, please do get in touch and we will get one to you.
Thank you for your continued support, The Three Villages Team
We have lots on over Advent & Christmas! Why not join us?
Advent Carols Sunday 1st December 4pm at St James, Stanstead Abbots
Christmas Tree Festival Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th December 2–6pm at St Mary the Virgin, St Margarets
Carols by Candlelight Sunday 15th December 6.30pm at St John the Baptist, Great Amwell and Sunday 22nd December 6.30pm at St Andrew, Stanstead Abbots
The Christmas Journey: The Nativity Story Reimagined Tuesday 24th December ~ Christmas Eve Starting 3pm at St Margarets Train Station and ending at St Andrew, Stanstead Abbots
Christmas Eve Midnight Holy Communion Tuesday 24th December ~ Christmas Eve 11.30pm at St John the Baptist, Great Amwell
Christmas Day Service Wednesday 25th December ~ Christmas Day 10.30am at St Andrew, Stanstead Abbots
It’s that time of year again when we welcome people to come together at our annual Lights of Love services to remember precious babies gone too soon.
Our Lights of Love services, and other seasonal events, take place across the country every year with readings, music, and candle lighting. They are FREE of charge and for ANYONE to join.
We know that many people find this a challenging time of year. Lights of Love is designed to provide peace and comfort to parents, siblings and anyone else affected by pregnancy or baby loss, helping them to prepare emotionally for other seasonal celebrations in which they are taking part.
Lights of Love Services locally…
You might also be interested in…
Sands Helpline: 0808 164 3332 / helpline@sands.org.uk The Sands National Helpline provides a safe, confidential place for anyone who has been affected by the death of a baby. Whether your baby died long ago or recently, we are here for you.
Christmas Walk on 22nd December Meeting 10.15am at The Maltings
Come walk with us! It’ll be about an hour and a half (a gentle 3.5km walk) or there is a shorter route for those that prefer it.
We are raising awareness of our little community building charity, celebrating Christmas, and getting out into the countryside and (importantly) talking.
The Three Villages 