• T H E • T H R E E • V I L L A G E S • News & Information covering Great Amwell, St Margarets and Stanstead Abbotts •
The Hertford & District Foodbank is in need of donations, specifically:
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.
Lyn Paddon, The 3 Churches Foodbank Hub Manager
If you’re feeling the winter blues in more ways than one, then don’t forget that everyone is welcome at The 3 Churches Benefice’s Warm Welcome Spaces…
Warm Welcome Space Coffee Morning
A weekly coffee morning offered as part of the Warm Welcome Space initiative during winter months. Come and share a cuppa in our warm, welcoming and free space.
Every Monday, 9:00–11:30 at The Wilshere Hall, St Andrew’s Church.
Community Hub Drop-in
Offers a safe space for anyone in the community who is in need of a listening ear or practical help. During winter months this is a Warm Welcome Space.
Every Wednesday, 10:30–11:30 at St Mary’s Church, St Margarets.
The next Equine Table Top Sale and Dog Show will be held on Sunday 21st January, 11am to 1.30pm at Albury Village Hall, Ware.
There are a few table spots left, so if you are interested, please contact Gail asap on 07747300095!
All monies raised will go to Hessa’s Homeless Hounds, a brilliant local charity for rescue dogs.
Do come along and support this event! Fun for all the family!
The event is sponsored by Jim from Amwell Lakes – Premier Carp Fishery.
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
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.
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.
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
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
Stanstead Abbotts Concert Society has a concert coming up on Sunday 10th December. Dan Walsh will be performing with The McAnestas. Go along and enjoy an evening of live music!
DETAILS
Sunday 10th December
Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start
Stanstead Abbotts Parish Hall, Roydon Road, SG12 8EZ
Tickets £10
Book online HERE or ring 01920 870558
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
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 Three Villages 