Author Archives: Anna Bond

Christmas Message

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We would like to take this opportunity, before setting the out-of-office, to send a Christmas message…

May the spirit of Christmas bring you PEACE,
The gladness of Christmas give you HOPE,
The warmth of Christmas grant you LOVE.
(Author unknown)

We know that the Christmas period can be a time of heartache and hardship for many, so if you are finding things hard we encourage you to reach out to groups/charities/organisations that can help:
* Mind Infoline (0300 123 3393) is open Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm. It will be closed on 25 and 26 December 2023, and 1 January 2024.
* Age UK’s helpline (0800 678 1602) is open 8am to 7pm, every day of the year.
* CALM’s helpline (0800 58 58 58) and webchat, offering advice on coping with feeling anxious at Christmas, are open from 5pm to midnight, every day of the year.
* Samaritans (116 123) are open 24/7 for anyone who needs to talk.
* There will always be a warm welcome at The 3 Churches Benefice.

Thank you for all the support over the last year. We look forward to continuing to share local news and information, showcase local talent and support local businesses in 2024.

Happy Christmas!

The Three Villages Team

Advertise with us in 2024!

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We are busy planning ahead for 2024 and have some slots available for advertising within The Three Villages, in print and online!

For only £120 for the year, advertising with us includes:
* a slot for your advert within our advertising directory in every print issue
* your advert appearing in our online advertisements page in colour
* AND your advert featuring on every page of our website in the scrolling adverts panel!

The Three Villages is an excellent way to connect with local people living within the villages of Great Amwell, St Margarets and Stanstead Abbotts. Our print magazine is available (for only £1) at various places across the villages, with our website providing the latest news, events and information. You can also access the magazine archive online, which has all the past issues of the magazine in digital form.

We support local business, charities, community groups, as well as championing local individuals, who together make up our wonderful villages. In advertising with us, you are supporting us to keep doing what we do, as well as marketing your business!

If you are interested, please get in touch by emailing threevillagesmagazine@gmail.com or using the Contact Us form.

The 3 Churches Benefice Christmas Tree Festival 2023

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On Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th December, 2–6pm, The 3 Churches Benefice held a Christmas Tree Festival at St Mary’s Church, St Margarets.

St John the Baptist Church, Great Amwell
Woodland Beavers Colony
Hoddesdon Women’s Club
Bobtails Playgroup & Teddy Club
St Andrew’s Primary School
St Mary’s Church, St Margarets
Nativity Scene (close up) by Mary Youngman
Nativity Scene (Mary Youngman, Hertford Baptist Church)
Age UK
1st Stanstead Abbotts Brownies
St Andrew’s Card-Making Group
The 3 Churches Benefice Wednesday Coffee Morning
The Three Villages Magazine
Memory Tree
Craft Stall
View from outside

The church looked beautiful all lit up with the trees that had been provided and decorated by local groups and businesses. Powell Funeral Services donated the tree for St Mary’s and Gini Trower from The Wallen Garden kindly loaned two of her wonderful rooted trees. The amazing nativity scene at the altar, made by Mary Youngman and on loan from Hertford Baptist Church, was much admired by everyone. There were some delicious cakes, biscuits and mince pies; a raffle; a scavenger hunt for the children and some lovely craft items on safe.

Rev’d Sarah told us that the whole event was a brilliant success, with over 130 people going along to get in the festive spirit and over £450 raised. These funds will go towards the upkeep and work of the church.

The 3 Churches Benefice would like to thank everyone who helped: organising beforehand, providing and/or decorating trees, making cakes, volunteering as helpers, donating raffle prizes etc. It was a great team effort and there was some lovely feedback from those who came along.

Rev’d Sarah Forrest, Priest in Charge

Farewell to Jackie Spencer

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Left to right: Jonathan Pilkington, Anthony Richardson, Henry Buxton, Suzie Nichol, Jackie Spencer, Andrew Day, Jonathan Trower and Dr Tessa Dormon.

In October 2023, The Trustees of The Baesh Trust bid farewell to Jackie Spencer, the Clerk, after 30 years of service. The Chairman, Mr Jonathan Trower thanked Mrs Spencer for all her work, support and advice over the years and proposed that she is appointed as a Clerk Emeritus. She was presented with a cheque as a token of appreciation from the Trustees, who wish her well with her retirement.

Christina Whellams, Clerk

The 3 Churches Benefice Christmas Tree Festival

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Christmas Tree Festival
2–6pm on Saturday 9th & Sunday 10th December
St Margarets’ Parish Church

This year, for the first time, The 3 Churches Benefice of Great Amwell, St Margarets and Stanstead Abbots are holding a Christmas Tree Festival at St Margarets’ Parish Church. We are hoping it will be a great success and an 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 raffle. Please bring along cash (small change where possible). Any proceeds will go towards the work and upkeep of St Mary’s Church, St Margarets.

We look forward to welcoming you!

Rev’d Sarah Forrest, Priest in Charge

christmas-tree-festival-poster-2023Download

The Three Villages Magazine: Issue 8 is here!

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The December 2023 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 including, but not limited to:
St John the Baptist, Great Amwell
St Mary the Virgin, St Margarets
St Andrew, Stanstead Abbots
The Village Pharmacy
The Maltings Coffee House
Stanstead Abbotts & St Margarets Village Club
The Red Lion
The Bridge Shop

In this issue, along with all our regular features, you will find the latest in our Local Historic Faces & Places series, the winners of our School Christmas Bauble Competition, a charity focus on Equine Table Top Sales, tips on how to stay well during the winter months and much, much more!

We hope that you enjoy this latest issue.

If you are struggling to get a hold of a copy, please do get in touch and we will see how we can help.

Thank you for your continued support,
The Three Villages Team

The 3 Churches Benefice: Advent & Christmas

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The 3 Churches Benefice has lots of wonderful services/events running over the Advent & Christmas period. Everyone is welcome to come along, follow the star and join the song!

Check out the poster for all the dates…

To download the PDF, click below…

christmas-poster-2023-v-2aDownload

If you have any questions, or would like more information about any of the services listed, please email admin@3churches.net.

The 3 Churches Benefice

Foodbank Donations

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The 3 Churches Foodbank Hub is in need of donations, especially:

  • Tinned vegetables
  • Long life milk
  • Jars of sauces – for pasta and rice.

Donations can be dropped off on Wednesday morning between 10.30–11.30am at St Margarets’ Parish Church or to Sue Webb at 8 Miller Lane, Stanstead Abbotts.

Any donations are gratefully received.

Issue 8 coming soon!

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Issue 8 (December 2023) is now with the printer and will be available to purchase from 1st December at all the usual locations.

In this issue, along with our regular features, you will find the latest in our Local Historic Faces & Places series, the winners of our School Christmas Bauble Competition, a charity focus on Equine Table Top Sales, tips on how to stay well during the winter months and much, much more!

If you struggle to get a hold of a copy, please do get in touch and we will see how we can help.

Issue 8 wraps up our second year of The Three Villages Magazine! If you have any ideas of things you would like to see in future issues, please do drop us an email to print.threevillagesmagazine@gmail.com or using the CONTACT US page.

Thank you for your support!
The Three Villages Team

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