Author Archives: Anna Bond

Cover Photo Call – March 2026 Issue

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Once again, The Three Villages Magazine is inviting local photographers to help shape the look of our next issue. We are currently seeking a cover image for Issue 17 (March 2026).

Are you a local photographer – amateur or professional? Do you have a photograph that captures the beauty and character of our three villages? This is your chance to have your work featured on the cover of our free community magazine.

For our March issue, we’re especially looking for a Spring-inspired image that highlights a recognisable local landmark or scene. We also welcome seasonal photographs that could be considered for future covers in June, September, or December.

Submission Guidelines

  • Orientation: landscape images work best for our cover or portrait images that can be cropped to fit the aperture.
  • Image size: High-resolution images required (21.6cm wide at 118ppcm or the largest image files you can send)
  • Format: JPEG/TIFF files are ideal
  • Editing: Light editing is fine, but please avoid heavy filters
  • Credit: Photographers will be credited, so please provide your preferred wording
  • Caption: Please include a short caption with the location and your name

If you’d like to submit a photograph and showcase your work, please email your image to
threevillagesmagazine@gmail.com

Submission deadline for March Issue: 26th January

We can’t wait to see the three villages through your lens!

Explore the Story of Olives Farm

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The Stanstead Abbotts Local History Society is hosting a fascinating talk by Miles Dymock this Friday 9th January and everyone is invited to attend.

WHEN: Friday 9th January at 7.30pm
WHERE: Stanstead Abbotts Parish Hall, Roydon Rd, Stanstead Abbotts, Ware SG12 8EZ
WHAT: ‘Olive Farm: from Bronze Age to where we are today’
DETAILS: Free to members, £3 for non-members, includes refreshments

The talk promises a journey through centuries of local history, showing how one place has evolved through different eras.

About the Society
The Stanstead Abbotts Local History Society collects and shares information about the history of Stanstead Abbotts and neighbouring St Margarets. Their website features articles and archives on a wide range of local topics from ancient times through more recent village life, and they encourage contributions of photos, memories or research from the community.

The society’s events and talks are open to both members and non‑members (unless stated otherwise), with meetings held at Stanstead Abbotts Parish Hall most months. Find out more on their website: salhs.co.uk

The First Equine Table Top Sale & Dog Show of 2026!

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** POSTPONED ** Please note that this event has been postponed until March 8th…

Join us for a relaxed and family friendly community event this Sunday 11th January, combining an Equine Table Top Sale with a fun Dog Show, all in support of a wonderful cause.

The event will take place from 11am until 1pm at Albury Village Hall, SG11 2JD, and is entirely indoors, so you can enjoy the day whatever the weather brings. Even if conditions outside aren’t great, the event will still go ahead as planned. In the event of bad weather, the dog show will also be held indoors.

🐶 Dog Show

The dog show is all about having fun and getting involved, rather than serious competition. There will be prizes awarded from 1st to 5th place, kindly sponsored by Essex Cooling. It’s a great opportunity to show off your dog, have a laugh and enjoy the community atmosphere.

🐴 Equine Table Top Sale

Browse a variety of equine-related items and other small business-holder stalls, meet fellow enthusiasts, and pick up some great finds in a warm, indoor setting.

❤ Supporting a Great Cause

All funds raised from the event will go towards Rose Cat Rescue, helping to support their important work caring for cats in need. You can find out more about this great charity on their website: https://www.rosecatrescue.co.uk/

Whether you’re an equine enthusiast, a dog lover, or simply looking for something enjoyable to do on a Sunday, this event promises a lovely couple of hours for everyone.

We look forward to seeing you there!

SEND Strategy 2026–2029 Consultation

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The Hertfordshire SEND Local Area Partnership has developed a new SEND Strategy for 2026–2029, which sets out their shared ambitions to improve outcomes for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). This strategy has been shaped by the voices of children, young people, families, and professionals across education, health, and social care.

Local people are being invited to have their say on the ambitious new draft strategy for SEND that has greater collaboration at its core by completing a short online survey.

The consultation seeks to find out:

  • Do the ambitions reflect what matters most to children and young people with SEND and their families?
  • Are there any parts which are missing, unclear or need strengthening?
  • What do you think is the single most important priority for us to focus on?

DOWNLOAD THE DRAFT STRATEGY HERE:

send-strategy-2026-2029-pdf-3.64mbDownload

RESPOND TO THE SURVEY HERE: https://surveys.hertfordshire.gov.uk/s/SENDSC/

Consultation start date: Friday 14 November 2025
Consultation closing date: Friday 6 November 2026

Be sure to have your say!

A Christmas Message from The Three Villages Team

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As the festive season draws near, we’re filled with warmth and gratitude for the sense of togetherness that Christmas brings. It’s a time to celebrate – with sparkling lights, delicious food and the joy of connecting with those we hold dear. But we also understand that for some, the holidays can be a time of struggle. Whether due to personal challenges, loss, or the pressures of the season, we know that Christmas isn’t always filled with cheer for everyone.

To those who may find this time difficult, please remember you’re not alone. Our community is strong, and we’re here for each other. We encourage you to take this season at your own pace, to embrace the small joys and to reach out if you need support. Every step forward, no matter how small, is worth celebrating.

Christmas is about connection: not only through festivities, but through kindness, understanding and lifting each other up. Together, we can create moments of light and hope for all, making sure no one feels left out or forgotten.

From all of us at The Three Villages Team, we wish you peace and the strength to make this season your own. May it be filled with warmth, comfort and the quiet joy of knowing you are part of a caring and supportive community.

With best wishes,
The Three Villages Team

Quick reminder for anyone in crisis over Christmas:
If you or someone you know is struggling emotionally or in crisis, Herts Mental Health Helpline (0800 6444 101) is open 24/7 for advice and support.

The Neighbourhood Plan: FINAL STAGE

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East Herts Council have approved our plan and we now move to the final stage (Referendum).

The Polling Station will be set up in January 2026 ready for your vote, so keep an eye out for your voting card.

In the meantime, and before you vote, please visit the website and read the final plan HERE to find out the advantages of saying yes. The final plan is supported by all three Parish Councils and East Herts District Council.

View the website here: https://www.stansteadabbottsneighbourhoodplan.uk/ and read about the importance of a Neighbourhood Plan HERE.

Julia Davies

The Three Villages: Advertise with us in 2026!

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As you know, here at The Three Villages one of our primary goals is to champion and support local businesses, especially for those that choose to advertise with us!

In 2025, we implemented some significant changes, which have proved a success:
* Our print magazine became FREE!
* We increased our print run by 100% to boost our distribution
* We offered a text/call service for delivering magazines to those that might not be able to get out and collect a copy
* We launched our Instagram and got to over 125 followers in the first two months, with numbers on the increase, and average monthly views of over 700.

With each issue we are seeing increased engagement through our social media platforms (Facebook, News & Events Blog, Instagram), and we are confident that things will continue to rise.

So why not join us?
* BE RECOGNISED AS A TRUSTED LOCAL TRADER *
* SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY MAGAZINE *
* REACH CUSTOMERS ACROSS THE LOCAL AREA *

The fee of just £120 includes a slot within every 2026 issue of the print magazine AND inclusion in our advertisements directory and scrolling adverts panel on the website.

PLUS
* We offer the chance to win a FREE full-colour, full-page prime advertising spot within every print issue!  
* We also feature an Advertiser of the Month on our News & Events blog, shared to our Facebook and Instagram.

For more information, email threevillagesmagazine@gmail.com.

The deadline is 1st January, so grab your spots now!

The Three Villages Magazine: Dates for 2026

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Now that the December issue is out, we wanted to share the 2026 copy deadline dates with you all.

March Issue = 5th January
June Issue = 3rd April
September Issue = 3rd July
December Issue = 3rd October

The Three Villages is all about building community and we are keen to ensure that your local community magazine reflects the things that matter to you.

If you have an event to promote, a success to celebrate or have an idea for a competition or special feature, we would love to hear from you!

The Three Villages Team

Stanstead Abbotts Advent Window Trail

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The Friends of St Andrews School presents Stanstead Abbotts Advent Window Trail. A brand new fundraiser for 2025!

Join us this Christmas as our community lights up with festive window displays – one magical reveal each evening.

Each window has been lovingly decorated by families, organisations and businesses.

Collect a letter from each window to reveal a special festive message!

Maps are now on sale – every £2 purchase goes directly to St Andrews School.

Printed maps are available at the school Christmas Fayre, or for a digital version contact Gemma (07791264279 via WhatsApp or email fostawindowtrail@yahoo.com).

So wrap up warm, grab a map and discover 24 magical windows!

Keeping Well in the Winter Months

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As the winter season sets in, it’s essential to prioritise the wellbeing of our elderly loved ones, who are more vulnerable to health challenges during this time. Cold weather brings an increased risk of flu, pneumonia and depression, along with other serious concerns like heart attacks and strokes. Older people often have weaker immune systems, making them more susceptible to illnesses in winter, and pre-existing health conditions can worsen due to colder conditions.

There are many easy ways to ensure that our elderly loved ones stay warm, well and healthy during winter:

  • Keeping Homes Warm: Ensure the heating system is in good working order, seal any drafts and heat only necessary spaces to save energy.
  • Layer Up: When heading outdoors, dress in cosy layers to trap warmth close to the body.
  • Stay Vaccinated: Keep up with vaccinations, including annual flu shots.
  • Minimise Exposure: Try to avoid contact with anyone presenting flu-like symptoms.
  • Maintain a Healthy Diet: Incorporate warm, nutritious foods like soups and stews into your diet, staying hydrated with warm drinks.
  • Stay Active and Social: If able, engage in moderate activity such as short walks to generate body heat, promote circulation and maintain a good mood.

If additional support is needed, reach out to your local GP for medical care, vaccinations and guidance. Support from your community is always essential – family, friends, and community groups can be relied on for assistance and companionship. Respite care at a local care home is also an option for those requiring extra support; they can provide 24/7 inclusive care in a warm environment.

Remember that with the right precautions and help, everyone can enjoy the season while minimising health risks. B&M Care provide support and respite care to our local communities (see: https:// bmcare.co.uk/our-care/respite-care/) so please contact us if you need using our dedicated customer support team on 0333 234 1975 (available 9am–5pm (Monday–­Friday) or via email to info@bmcare.co.uk for any questions and advice regarding the care that B&M Care can offer a loved one.

http://www.bmcare.co.uk

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