Category Archives: Charity

Snowdrop Garden Open Days

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Snowdrop Garden Open Days – Possibly for the Last Time – in Support of the Beds & Herts Historic Churches Trust

We are pleased to share that the Bishop of St Albans’ Garden will open to visitors this February, offering a much-loved chance to enjoy God’s creation in its early spring beauty. This year’s openings may be the last time the garden is made accessible to the public, making the occasion especially meaningful.

Thousands of snowdrops and other early bulbs will be in bloom, creating a peaceful, uplifting place to wander and reflect. All proceeds will go directly to the Beds and Herts Historic Churches Trust, which helps fund essential repairs to historic churches across Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire.

Bishop Richard, Acting Bishop of St Albans, writes:
“This is a lovely way to enjoy the first signs of spring while supporting an important cause. We’re proud to contribute to preserving the unique heritage of our local churches.”

Open Garden Dates
Abbey Gate House, Abbey Mill Lane, St Albans AL3 4HD

• Saturday 14 February
• Sunday 15 February
• Saturday 21 February
• Sunday 22 February

Time: 2pm–4pm
Entry: £5 per adult (all proceeds to the Trust)

All are warmly invited to visit the garden, perhaps for the final time as we are not sure if the new Bishop will continue to allow the garden to be opened to the public, enjoy its seasonal beauty and support the preservation of our cherished church buildings.

For more information, please contact:
Jane Smith, PA to the Bishop of St Albans
Email: janesmith@stalbandiocese.org

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!

Autumn Gift Fair on Monday 27th October

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The British Red Cross are holding an Autumn Gift Fair, which will take place on Monday 27th October at Fanhams Hall, 10am to 3pm. The funds raised will go towards helping those facing crisis.

There will be a large variety of unique & interesting stalls, including clothing, textiles, jewellery, food and drink, and much more! It’s an ideal opportunity to purchase gifts for family members and friends while having a thoroughly enjoyable day out.

Light refreshments will be available. There is FREE parking within the grounds of the hall.

If you have any enquiries, please get in touch with emmajaneslater@redcross.org.uk.

Baby Loss Awareness Week: 9th to 15th October

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Baby Loss Awareness Week, which runs from 9 to 15th October every year, is a time for everyone in the baby loss community and beyond to come together, to remember much-loved and missed babies, and raise awareness of pregnancy and baby loss.

Sands – the UK’s leading pregnancy and baby loss charity – leads this special week. It is represented by a blue and pink ribbon logo, which has been the inspiration to create Ribbon Displays up and down the UK, in every community, inviting those who have experienced loss to come together and remember their babies. 

The 3 Churches Ribbon Display
The 3 Churches Benefice is hosting a Ribbon Display outside St Andrew’s Church, Stanstead Abbotts. You are encouraged to add your own ribbon of remembrance during the week. The church will also be open from 3–5pm on Sunday 12th October for quiet reflection.

The 3 Churches Ribbon Run
From 3pm on Sunday 12th October, a team will run/walk the 5km circuit from St Andrew’s to raise funds for Sands. Walkers and Runners welcome!

To donate, visit https://fundraising.sands.org.uk/fundraisers/sarahforrest

The loss of a baby or pregnancy is heart-breaking, and this is happening to families across the UK everyday.

If you are in need of any support locally, please do reach out to The 3 Churches Benefice: vicar@3churches.net / 07488 914972 / 01920 870009.

For anyone who needs the support of Sands, you can find more information on their website www.sands.org.uk. 

Saying Goodbye Service at St Albans Cathedral
On 14th October at 7pm, in St Albans Cathedral, Saying Goodbye (part of the Mariposa Trust) will be hosting one of their special services. This is for anyone who has either personally lost a baby at any stage of pregnancy, at birth, or in early years, or who has been affected by family members’ or friends’ loss.

To read more on the charity, please see the Saying Goodbye website, which you can find at: www.sayinggoodbye.org.

An Evening of Wonderful Music with the Beds and Herts Historic Churches Trust

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Enjoy the Galliard Trio playing Beethoven, Elgar, Dvorak, Vaughan Williams and more in the beautiful, historic church of St Mary’s, Ware.

The concert starts at 7.00 pm on Saturday, 4th October. It is followed by light refreshments and the chance to meet and talk with the musicians. 

The event is in aid of the Beds and Herts Historic Churches Trust and St Mary’s Church. 

To book your place and find out more see https://bedshertshct.org.uk/events/.

Tickets are £12 plus Eventbrite booking fee. Cash only on the door – donations are also welcome!

Mark Newbery (Membership Secretary, Beds&Herts Historic Churches Trust)

4Oct2025 PosterDownload

Just a Reminder – AppleFest is Almost Here!

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We’re getting ready for another fantastic AppleFest at St Elizabeth’s Centre – and you’re invited! It’s just around the corner, so be sure to pop the date in your diaries!

🗓 Saturday 27 September 2025
📍 St Elizabeth’s Centre, Perry Green, Much Hadham
🕚 11:00 am–3:30 pm
🎟 Free Entry (donations welcome!)

Enjoy apple picking, live music, a BBQ, local stalls and plenty of family fun – all in support of our mission to empower people with complex needs.

See you at the orchard!
The Fundraising Team at St Elizabeth’s
http://www.stelizabeths.org.uk

Got an event coming up?
The Three Villages love celebrating community! Let us know about your local events so we can help spread the word in print and online.

The next Equine Table Top Sale and Dog Show: 28th September

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The next Equine Bootsale and Dog Show is going to be held on Sunday 28th September at Albury Village Hall (SG11 2JD) from 11am to 1pm.

Tables £10 – BOOKING ESSENTIAL
(tables and chairs provided by the hall)

Entry for buyers only £1!

Dog Show Entry £2 per show per dog per class
(Rosettes awarded from 1st to 5th place)

CASH AND CARD ARE NOW ACCEPTED

Dog Show sponsored by Hertfordshire & Central Bedfordshire Dog First Aid Training

All monies raised will go to Cheshunt Animal Rescue. Their mission is to provide a safe and caring environment for all the animals that come through their doors. They rehabilitate and release wildlife, and take in unwanted pets. They strive to find loving forever homes for each and every animal. For more information about this amazing charity, check out their website: cheshuntanimalrescue.co.uk.

Message Gail on 07747300095 to book your tables!

St Elizabeth’s Centre: Applefest

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AppleFest is back!

Join us for an afternoon of apple picking, live entertainment, refreshments and BBQ and fun for all the family. We also have a number of stalls including our very own social enterprises.

All the details
When: Saturday 27 September 2025, 11 am–3:30 pmWhere: St Elizabeth’s Centre, Perry Green, Much HadhamEntry: Free (donations gratefully received)

Come along and join the fun!

  • Apple Picking & Tasting: Wander the orchard and taste the harvest.
  • Live Music & Entertainment: Celebrate with tunes and family‑friendly performances.
  • Refreshments & BBQ: Savour light bites, cooked treats, and drinks.
  • Local Stalls: Browse stalls featuring goods from St Elizabeth’s own social enterprises, alongside crafts and produce.

Why AppleFest Matters
AppleFest blends enjoyment with community spirit and fundraising. Proceeds from donations and stall sales support St Elizabeth’s mission – helping children and adults with learning disabilities, epilepsy and other complex needs live full, meaningful lives.

We look forward to seeing you there!Louisa Stone
Fundraising and Database Administrator
St Elizabeth’s Centre
www.stelizabeths.org.uk

The Bishop of St Albans Open Garden

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The Bishop of St Albans Garden will be open over the last two weekends in August (23 and 24 August, and 30 and 31 August) between 2pm and 4pm for people to come and look at the beautiful gardens and the summer display. 

Those who saw the snowdrops earlier in the year will have seen the potential that the garden had for the summer and will be delighted at the change a different season brings. The garden will be open regardless of the weather.

The two acres of garden is an oasis in central St Albans and visitors frequently comment on the fact that they did not know the garden was here or how extensive it is.

Entrance is £5 per person (children free) and dogs on leads are welcome.

All money raised is donated to the Beds and Herts Historic Churches Trust.

The Bishop of St Albans Garden
Abbey Gate House, Abbey Mill Lane, St Albans AL3 4HD

Coffee and Coping: FREE COMMUNITY EVENT!

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Looking for something fun, meaningful and free to do with the whole family this summer? Mark your calendars for Saturday July 26 because Coffee & Coping Hertfordshire is hosting a FREE COMMUNITY EVENT at The Maltings, Stanstead Abbotts, Herts SG12 8HG – and you’re invited!

Running from 10am to 4pm, this vibrant family funday promises a little something for everyone. Whether you’re a parent looking for engaging activities for your kids, a wellness enthusiast interested in yoga, or simply someone who loves a good cuppa with friendly conversation, this event has you covered.

What to expect:

  • Games & Drawing for Kids – Creative fun for little ones of all ages
  • Stalls – Browse and buy delicious cakes, sweets, handmade jewellery, coffee and ice cream
  • Food – Tuck into tasty local treats from independent vendors
  • Talks & Demonstrations – Take part in wellbeing-focused sessions, including yoga and tai chi
  • Tombola & Community Activities – Classic fun for all ages

Organised by Coffee & Coping, a Hertfordshire-based group focused on promoting mental health awareness and community wellbeing, the event is all about bringing people together in a positive, relaxed and supportive space.

📍Location:
The Maltings, Stanstead Abbotts, Hertfordshire SG12 8HG
🗓️ Date: Saturday, July 26
🕙 Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

And best of all? It’s completely FREE to attend! So bring your friends, bring your family and come connect with your community in the beautiful setting of Stanstead Abbotts.

For more information, visit coffeeandcoping.org.

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