Author Archives: Anna Bond

September Issue Cover Photograph Revealed!

We are thrilled to announce the winner of our cover image for the September issue of The Three Villages Magazine…

Paul Wood took this stunning photograph by the river with the lovely autumnal leaves and rather whimsical bike propped against the raining. We really loved the colours and the dreamy quality of the photograph. It reminded us of a calm autumn stroll by the river.

We asked Paul to tell us a little about himself…

Hi my name is Paul Wood, aged 55, and I live currently in Hoddesdon. I am married to Tracey who grew up in the village of Stansted Abbotts and through her I still have a good connection with village life. Over 10 years ago I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and at roughly the same time lost my Gran. She left me with a small inheritance with which I used to buy my first digital camera, and thought I would use photography as an outlet to get out and explore the world and fight this disease. Landscape photography chose me as the village is so near, its beauty on my doorstep, I can just walk and never get bored. Since taking up and self-learning photography, I have won several awards, many of which include the village. Autumn is my favourite time of year and that bridge and river too beautiful to ignore.

Thank you to Paul for letting us use this stunning image on the cover.

The September issue is coming soon, so if you haven’t already do be sure to pick up a June issue while you still can. If you need help getting hold of a copy, please do get in touch!

Make Lunch Club is back!

Make Lunch Club, run by The 3 Churches Benefice, is back for the summer holidays!

Join us for fun, friendship and some yummy food too! Make Lunch Club offers a chance for you and your school-aged children (and their younger siblings) to get together, share a meal and have some fun during the school holidays. Make Lunch Club is for you if your school-aged children are eligible for free school meals or if you’re struggling on a tight budget at the moment. Younger siblings are welcome too!

WHERE?
Mondays and Fridays, 12 to 2pm at The Wilshere Hall, St Andrew’s Church, Stanstead Abbotts.

WHEN?
JULY: Friday 26th and Monday 29th.
AUGUST: Friday 2nd, Monday 5th, Friday 9th, Monday 12th, Friday 16th, Monday 19th, Friday 23th and Friday 30th.

Email makelunch@3churches.net to book your place. We look forward to welcoming you!

A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Stanstead Bury Farm

A Midsummer Night’s Dream is coming to Stanstead Bury Farm!

WHEN: Tuesday 30 July 2024, 7:00 to 8:30 pm
WHERE: The Hay Barn, Stanstead Bury Farm, Near Ware, Hertfordshire, SG12 8JZ

“I have had a most rare vision. I have had a dream, past the wit of man to say what dream it was.”

The woods outside Athens are busy this night. Four young Athenian lovers are lost. Oberon and Titania, the king and queen of the fairy-folk, are quarrelling whilst a group of craftsmen (who also happen to be some not-so-very-talented actors) are meeting in secret to rehearse their play.

With its many parts, Shakespeare’s story of love, mistaken identity and magic has remained popular with audiences across the world. Our critically acclaimed production returns this Summer to delight audiences again!

Written by William Shakespeare
Adapted and Directed by Sarah Slator
Music by Simon Stallard

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

This is an open-air performance so please bring chairs/blankets and picnics to enjoy whilst watching. We will perform in all but the very worst weather!

Please note that, given the nature of the venues we visit and the charities we work with, tickets to this event are non-refundable and non-transferable. If you are unable to attend a performance we are happy for tickets to be placed under another name/given to another party.

Running time: Approximately 85 minutes

TO BOOK YOUR TICKETS CLICK HERE

Critics have said of our Shakespeare productions:
“Shakespeare would have envisioned his play to be enjoyed exactly this way!” – Visit Brighton

“A must-see for theatre fans and an education in how to make Shakespeare relevant again!” – Binge Fringe

Great Amwell Village Games

Great Amwell will once again be holding a Village Games event!

Join us for an afternoon of fun at the Glebe Field behind Great Amwell Parish Hall on Saturday 27th July, 5pm to dusk.

Bring along a picnic and enjoy games, races, fireworks and more! 

Fun for the whole family and a fantastic opportunity to get the community together.

If you are able to help, please contact Suzie@GreatAmwellVillage.co.uk.
To donate, please scan the QR code (left)

See the poster below…

Volunteers Needed on Saturday 27th July!

Stanstead Abbotts Parish Council are looking for volunteers of all ages to lend a hand for a hour carrying out some jobs in the village playground (23B High St, Stanstead Abbotts, SG12 8AS) on Saturday 27th July, between 10am to 12 noon.

Jobst that need doing include litter picking, weeding, bench repairs and other small gardening jobs.

If you can spare some time to help out even just an hour, we would be very grateful.

Advertise with us for only £60!

We have some advertising slots available! Why not join us? It is now only £60 for the rest of the year.

The annual fee for the rest of the year is just £60 and includes…

a slot within the remaining two issues of the PRINT MAGAZINE
AND
inclusion in our advertisements directory and scrolling adverts panel (that appears on every page) on the WEBSITE.

JOIN US AND…
* 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 rest of the year and be entered automatically into our prize draw.

For more information, email threevillagesmagazine@gmail.com

DEADLINE TO BE INCLUDED WITHIN THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE: 26th JULY 2024

High blood pressure: Take a sec to check

A new local campaign urges people aged 40 and over to come forward for a potentially life-saving blood pressure check at their local participating pharmacy.

Around one in four adults in the UK have high blood pressure, but only half of those are aware of it. High blood pressure (hypertension) doesn’t usually have any obvious symptoms, making it an invisible threat to many. If left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease and vascular dementia.

Some people from African, Afro-Caribbean or South Asian heritage may have high blood pressure at a younger age and are encouraged to get their blood pressure checked earlier.

It’s quick and easy to get a FREE blood pressure check at a pharmacy. You don’t need an appointment and many pharmacies are open in the evenings and at weekends. To find the nearest participating Pharmacy, click HERE.    

You can find out more about High Blood Pressure and how to get it checked on the Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care System site HERE.

To receive local health and wellbeing information straight to your inbox, sign up to your health and wellbeing update me at: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/updateme.

[Source: Hertfordshire County Council]

NEW Hertfordshire Veteran & Community Drop-in

Hertfordshire Veteran & Community Drop-in STARTS THIS FRIDAY 28TH JUNE!

On Friday 28th June, a new community hub will have its very first meeting in The Ashlea Room at Stanstead Abbotts Parish Hall.

Hertfordshire Veteran & Community Drop-in will be held from 12:00 to 13:30 every Wednesday and Friday.

It is a drop-in support hub offering a free cuppa as well as support staff who have at least Level 2 Counsellor Skills and can sign post to any help needed, or who simply know how to listen and converse if people are just lonely.

Coffee and Coping are working in partnership with the Walking with the Wounded charity to make sure that veterans and their families are cared for properly within the community.

Their aim is to provide a space for anyone who is struggling and doesn’t know what help there is or where to get it, as well as for older people who may have lost their friends or partners and just need to feel included and respected. 

See the poster for more information.

Ware Reuse Shop: bag yourself a bargain!

Did you know about the Resuse Shops in Hertfordshire? These Reuse Shops sell quality household bargains that have been dropped off for reuse at our recycling centres.

The permanent Reuse Shops at Harpenden, Stevenage, Ware, Waterdale and Welwyn Garden City Recycling Centres saved 610 tonnes from the waste stream in 2023–24, whilst providing residents with unique, preloved, quality furniture, bikes, and other items. 

Ware Recycling Centre
The reuse shop at Ware recycling centre is the largest. It offers a wide variety of high quality items.

Opening hours…
Saturday to Wednesday: 10am–5.45pm
Thursday and Friday: closed

How to get here…
Westmill Road,
Ware,
SG12 0ES

Get in contact…
Call: 01992 555820
Email: WareReuseShop@hertfordshire.gov.uk

Why not go along to the Ware Reuse Shop and grab a quality household bargain? For more information, visit the Reuse page HERE. Follow Ware Reuse Shop on Facebook to find out what items are available!

Madrigals at Amwell Pool: Friday 21st June!

This much-anticipated annual event – Madrigals at Amwell Pool – returns!

WHEN: Friday 21st June, 9–10.30pm
WHERE: Amwell Pool, Lower Road, Great Amwell

The Haileybury Chamber Choir and Choral Society will sing at this long-established event, by the banks of the river in the beautiful village of Great Amwell. The music and stunning setting makes the evening truly magical. This will be the 82nd Madrigals Concert!

All welcome. No tickets required.

There will be a collection in aid of Isabel Hospice.

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