WHAT: St John’s Quiz Night WHEN: 7pm (for a prompt 7.30pm start) on Friday 16th October WHERE: Great Amwell Parish Hall, Great Amwell, Ware SG12 9SG
St John’s Quiz Night will be held on at 7pm (for a prompt 7.30pm start) on Friday 16th October at Great Amwell Parish Hall. Fundraising for St Johns Baptist Church damp course on the left of the stained-glass window.
£20 per ticket includes dinner.
Teams of up to 8.
Bring your own glass, drinks, cuttlery and nibbles.
Dinner: Choose from fish and chips or chicken and chips (vegetarian option available). Please state your choice when booking.
For more information or to book your tickets, please contact Bryan (bjbrace122@gmail.com).
Jazz lovers have a date for the diary this October, as acclaimed pianist James Pearson brings his show, 125 Years of Jazz Piano, to BEAM Hertford.
James Pearson is the Artistic Director of Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club and a core member of the Ronnie Scott’s All Stars. He will be joined for the Hertford performance by Sam Burgess on bass and Chris Higginbottom on drums, also core members of the Ronnie Scott’s All Stars.
The evening promises an entertaining journey through the history of jazz piano, spanning 125 years and celebrating some of the great names who have shaped the genre. The programme includes music associated with legendary pianists such as Fats Waller, Art Tatum, George Shearing, Dave Brubeck and Oscar Peterson.
For anyone who enjoys live music, this is a chance to experience the sound and history of jazz piano in the intimate setting of BEAM Hertford, with musicians who are closely connected to one of London’s most famous jazz venues.
125 Years of Jazz Piano with James Pearson takes place at BEAM Hertford on Wednesday 7 October at 7.30pm.
Have you got a favourite spot beside the water in our local area?
Perhaps you love watching the narrowboats on the Lee Navigation, have a favourite bench beside the River Lea, or enjoy a particular stretch of waterside path. Maybe it’s somewhere you walk regularly, somewhere you’ve been going for years, or simply a place that makes you stop and enjoy the view.
We want to hear about it!
Local author Annette Hannah, who lives in Stanstead Abbotts, has kindly donated a signed paperback copy of her latest novel, Dining at Davinci’s, and we’re giving one lucky reader the chance to win it.
The novel is set across two timelines, following 17-year-old Dolly Davinci in 1975 and Gracie Hart in 2018, whose lives become connected through friendship, art and the discovery of a canal boat filled with memories.
The book’s canal boat setting inspired our competition, so we’re asking you to tell us about your favourite local waterside spot.
And don’t worry about writing an essay — 50 words or fewer is all you need!
How to enter
Send us your answer, along with your name and contact details, to threevillagesmagazine@gmail.com by 1 October 2026.
We’ll choose our favourite entry and the winner will receive a signed paperback copy of Dining at Davinci’s from Annette.
With the colder weather arriving, Equine Table Top Sale & Dog Show has moved back indoors! Come along on Sunday 27th Sept 2026, 11 till 1pm, to Albury Village Hall (SG11 2JD) and help raise funds for Deer and Wildlife in Danger.
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.
Entry for buyers £1
Tables for sellers £10. Limited tables available booking is essential! 07747300095 to book
DOG SHOW The dog show is a bit of fun for all, with rosettes 1st to 5th place. Dog show is sponsored by Keiths Canine Services. Dog show will be held outside on the concrete unless the weather isn’t great and dogs are welcome in the hall. Entries will be taken on the day (£2 a class).
CLASSES 11.15am Waggiest tail 11.30am Prettiest lady 11.45 Gorgeous fella 12.00 Best rescue 12.15 Best trick 12.30 Best Junior handler 12.45 Judges favourite
Why not head down to Albury Village Hall this Sunday, have some fun and help a fantastic charity!
Widford Summer Event and Dog Show Sunday 23 August, 10am–1pm Widford Playing Field, SG12 8SH Entry: £1 adults, 50p children Cash and card accepted
Get ready for a fun-filled morning for all the family at the Widford Summer Event and Dog Show on Sunday 23 August!
The event takes place at Widford Playing Field, SG12 8SH, from 10am to 1pm. Entry is just £1 for adults and 50p for children, with both cash and card accepted on the day. Bring a chair, spread the word and come along to enjoy the morning.
There will be plenty to see, do and eat, with food and refreshments including burgers, bacon rolls, hot dogs, homemade cakes, sausage rolls, hot and cold drinks, Pimm’s, Prosecco, beer and ice cream. There will also be a tombola, toy stall, sweets, chocolate, honey and a wide selection of stalls offering everything from 3D toys and resin designs to gifts, jewellery, crystals and natural dog treats.
There’s lots to keep younger visitors entertained too, with bouncy castles and inflatables, a coconut shy, octopus ride, basketball game, candy floss and activities for younger children. Sammies Animal Experiences will be offering donkey rides and pet grooming, while The Glitter Squad will have glitter, hair extensions and face gems.
And, of course, there will be plenty for our four-legged visitors. Lee Valley Dog Training School will be running a dog agility activity, giving dogs the chance to have a go, and Henry’s Hut Dog Grooming will be offering dog trims and nail clipping.
The Dog Show, kindly sponsored by Heath’s Personal Dog Training, is all about having fun, with classes and prizes for the participating dogs. It’s a great opportunity to bring your pooch along and enjoy the day together.
The event is raising money for Cats at ALFS and Widford Playing Field. Signs have been sponsored by Universal Signs and Powells Funeral Directors, and toilet hire has been sponsored by Luxury Toilet Hire UK Ltd.
With food, stalls, activities, animals and the dog show, there’s plenty to enjoy at Widford Playing Field this August. Come along and enjoy a community morning out while supporting two fantastic local causes.
Award-winning horticulturalist and TV presenter David Domoney will be appearing at Van Hage Garden Centre on 2nd September to share his gardening wisdom with audiences.
David Domoney (Image courtesy of Blue Diamond Garden Centres)
An Evening with David Domoney – Step by Step Gardening Live is an entertaining and inspiring event filled with practical advice and insider tips.
Based on the hugely popular Step by Step GardeningYouTube series, this live event brings the channel to life with expert demonstrations, seasonal inspiration and practical techniques to use in your own garden.
This Morning’s resident gardening presenter will guide audiences through essential gardening tasks step by step, sharing professional tips, planting advice and creative ideas to help you achieve stunning results, whatever your level of experience.
Following the talk, guests will have the opportunity to take part in a live Q&A session, where David will answer gardening questions.
Blue Diamond’s Group Events Manager Rebecca Gurnett says: “We are delighted to announce that we will be hosting a series of live David Domoney evenings across our centres. These events are designed to support the continued growth of our Step-by-Step Gardening YouTube programme while providing our customers with an engaging and memorable experience. Whether you’re a passionate gardener, a fan of television or simply looking for an entertaining night out, this is a unique opportunity to meet one of Britain’s best-loved gardening personalities and enjoy an evening full of laughter, inspiration and advice.”
The evening also includes a welcome drink on arrival and an exclusive book signing with David.
Diamond Club customers will receive an exclusive £5 credit added to their membership account, which can be redeemed on their visit after the event.
Fans of local author Annette Hannah have something new to look forward to, as her latest novel, Dining at Davinci’s, is now available on Kindle, with the paperback edition due to follow soon.
Set across two timelines, the story begins in 1975 with seventeen-year-old art student Dolly Davinci, whose life takes an unexpected turn while working in a hotel in the picturesque market town of Bramblewood. More than forty years later, Gracie Hart receives a mysterious bunch of keys from her late friend and mentor, Dolly, setting her on a journey to uncover long-hidden secrets. As the story unfolds, art, friendship, love and loss intertwine, with a canal boat playing an important role in revealing Dolly’s past.
Annette, who lives in Stanstead Abbotts, is well known to many of our readers. After a successful career in marketing, she fulfilled a lifelong ambition of becoming a novelist and has since published several feel-good romantic novels inspired by the beautiful Hertfordshire countryside.
If you’re looking for your next summer read, Dining at Davinci’s promises an engaging story filled with memorable characters, mystery and romance.
Looking for something a little different this summer? Why not step inside St Mary’s Church, St Margarets and discover a gallery of miniature masterpieces?
A Celebration in Miniature promises to be a delightful exhibition showcasing unique artworks inspired by Stanstead Abbotts & St Margarets. Created by local artists, each piece may be small in size, but together they capture the character, beauty and stories of our villages.
Visitors are invited to browse the exhibition in the wonderful setting of St Mary’s Church and take part in a silent auction, with the opportunity to bid on favourite pieces and perhaps take home a unique work of art. If something catches your eye, simply register at the welcome desk to receive a bidder number and then place your bid on the sheet next to the artwork. You can bid on as many pieces as you like, and at the close of the auction, the highest bidder takes home the artwork.
There is an extra way to get involved too. Visitors will be invited to vote for their favourite exhibit, with the winning artist receiving the People’s Choice Award. So, while you’re admiring the collection, don’t forget to cast your vote and help crown the public’s favourite miniature masterpiece.
The event begins with a Preview Evening on Friday 31 July from 7.00pm to 9.00pm, where guests can enjoy cheese and wine while being among the first to view the collection.
The exhibition then continues on:
Saturday 1 August, 2.00pm – 5.00pm
Sunday 2 August, 2.00pm – 5.00pm
The exhibition is a wonderful opportunity to spend some time in St Mary’s, admire the talents of local artists and have your say by voting for the People’s Choice Award. There may even be a piece of art that captures your heart and finds a new home on your wall.
After all, sometimes the smallest works of art leave the biggest impression!
Don’t forget! If you’re interested in entering an artwork, get in touch for your entry form asap! Deadline for entry forms is Monday 27th July.
Turn the Page and Turn Up the Volume with the Summer Reading Challenge
Looking for a fun way to keep children reading over the summer holidays? The 2026 Summer Reading Challenge is back, and this year’s musical theme, Read to the Beat, promises plenty of fun for young readers.
The challenge launches at all Hertfordshire Libraries on Saturday 4 July and runs until Saturday 5 September. Children are invited to read books throughout the summer, complete reading challenges and collect themed rewards along the way.
Everyone who completes the challenge will also be entered into a prize draw for the chance to win a place at an exclusive workshop with children’s author Gareth P. Jones.
The Summer Reading Challenge is completely free to take part in. Children simply need to be members of Hertfordshire Libraries, and if they’re not already members, joining is quick and free too.
Reading just a few books over the summer can help children maintain their reading confidence before returning to school in September and the Summer Reading Challenge is a fantastic way to make reading enjoyable throughout the holidays.
Whether your child is already an avid reader or just discovering a love of books, why not pop into your local library this summer and join in?
Looking for a fun family morning out this July? The popular Equine Bootsale and Dog Show is returning to Widford Playing Field on Sunday 26 July, with plenty to enjoy for animal lovers, families and bargain hunters alike.
Taking place from 11.00am to 1.00pm, the event combines an equine bootsale with a relaxed and friendly dog show, alongside a variety of stalls and activities. General entry is just £1, with all proceeds supporting HEART (Heart Animal Rescue Team).
Founded by Hannah Bolton, HEART provides rescue and rehabilitation for animals and wildlife, helping those in need across the local area. Find out more about this amazing charity on their website: heartrescue.co.uk.
The fun dog show is open to all, with entries taken on the day for £2 per class. Rosettes will be awarded for first to fifth place, and classes include Waggiest Tail, Pretty Lady, Gorgeous Fella, Best Rescue, Best Trick, Best Junior Handler (under 16s) and the Judge’s Favourite. The dog show will take place beneath the tree line, providing welcome shade for competitors and spectators alike.
There will also be plenty to see and do throughout the morning, including Shetland grooming, donkey rides, a children’s stall, sweet treats, natural dog treats, resin crafts and a range of small local businesses selling horse-related and general goods.
Event Details
📅 Sunday 26 July 🕚 11.00am – 1.00pm 📍 Widford Playing Field, SG12 8SH 💷 General entry: £1 | Dog Show: £2 per class
Come along, enjoy the day and help raise money for a fantastic local animal rescue charity.
