The 3 Churches Benefice are holding a special VJ Day Celebration Tea at St John the Baptist Church, Great Amwell, on 17th August from 2.30 to 4.30pm.
The Fourteenth Army included troops from all corners of the Commonwealth, including Britain, India, Africa and Burma. It is often referred to as the ‘Forgotten Army’ in part owing to the focus on ‘Germany first’ and the European campaign being closer to home, but they fought in challenging terrain and ultimately contributed to the defeat of the Japanese.
Many families, including those of Churchwardens Sue and Margaret, waited until August for the homecoming of their loved ones. Their service and sacrifice is important to remember on this 80th Anniversary of VJ Day.
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.
The next Equine Bootsale and Dog Show on Sunday 6th July will be held on Widford Playing Fields (SG12 8SL), 11am to 1pm.
Pitches £10 Horse boxes/trailer £15 PITCHES ON THE DAY £15 (bring your own table/blanket)
Entry for buyers only £1!
Dog Show Entry £2 per show per dog per class
CASH AND CARD ARE NOW ACCEPTED
Dog Show sponsored by Oaks Funeral Directors – Cuffley. Toilet hire sponsored by Jimmy Riddles Toilet Hire.
All monies raised will go to HEART (Heart Animal Rescue Team), which was founded by Hannah Bolton after finding there was a need for support within Harlow, Essex and neighbouring areas for local wildlife. Hannah has been rehabbing and rescuing animals for 3 years. HEART is full of a network of some wonderful people who go above and beyond to make sure animals are safe and cared for. To find out more about this charity, visit their website: https://www.heartrescue.co.uk/.
Madrigals at Amwell Pool, the wonderful annual music event is just around the corner!
WHEN: Friday 20th June, 9–10.30pm WHERE: Amwell Pool, Lower Road, Great Amwell
The Haileybury Chamber Choir and Choral Society will sing at this long-established event, by the banks of the river in the beautiful village of Great Amwell. The music and stunning setting makes the evening truly magical. This will be the 85th Madrigals Concert!
All welcome. No tickets required.
As usual, there will be a collection in aid of Isabel Hospice.
WHEN: Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th June, , 2–5pm WHERE: St James’ Church, Roydon Road, Stanstead Abbotts
Cream Teas and Churchyard Tours On Saturday and Sunday, come and enjoy a delicious cream tea in the beautiful setting of this ancient church. Free churchyard tours offer a fascinating exploration into the rich history of the church and those who are laid to rest there. Please do bring along cash as the card machine may be temperamental!
‘Songs for a Summer Afternoon’ Concert At 4pm on Saturday 14th, join us for a special concert by the Priory Choir. It will be a wonderful festival of delightful summer songs! The performance will take place in the church. Tickets for the performance will cost £10 per person with all profits going towards the upkeep of St James’. To book your tickets for ‘Songs for a Summer Afternoon’, please got to EventBrite. Although there are some tickets available on the door, we would recommend you book in advance!
About St James’ Church St James’ is a redundant church in the care of the Churches Convervation Trust. The Friends of St James’ Church, a group of dedicated local volunteers, organises a wide range of events during the year, as well as helping to keep the church open to visitors during the summer months. You can learn more about us on our website.
Hertfordshire Health Walks with be joining charity Stepping Out with Carers on Wednesday 11th June at Hatfield House for The Big Step Out 2025. This event is dedicated to the nation’s 10 million unpaid carers and the people they care for. Several scenic, sociable and fabulous walks will be on offer, as well as music, lunch, stalls and more!
To book your place, complete a contact form HERE or send an email to hallosteppingout@gmail.com and you will be connected with someone who can help.
Stepping Out with Carers offer walks throughout Hertfordshire including lunch at many of the county’s most beautiful venues. Designed as a boost to physical and mental wellbeing as well as a great way to meet new friends, these walks are free of charge. Their walks at every venue are graded to cater equally for those who use a wheelchair or have other mobility issues. Their offer includes transport for those who would not otherwise be able to attend. Carers may come on their own or bring the person they care for.
To find out more about Stepping Out with Carers, visit their website: carerssteppingout.co.uk.
Our community would not be what it is without the amazing volunteers who give their time freely to help others – and in the process often have a great time themselves! People don’t always realise the huge difference that volunteering makes in our community or that volunteering takes so many shapes and sizes, with hundreds of different organisations and roles that volunteers can be involved in. Our Volunteer Fair will celebrate volunteers in all their glory and, with more than 20 local organisations taking part it will be a wonderful opportunity to learn about the many different types of volunteering and how you could get involved too.
Emily Butterworth, Volunteering Development Lead at GoVolHerts, shared: ‘We’re really looking forward to welcoming everyone to this event in the heart of Hitchin. It’s a fantastic opportunity to meet the incredible people behind our local charities and learn about the vital role volunteers play in their work. We’re delighted to have a wide range of amazing organisations taking part, all eager to share how the public can get involved and the fantastic impact that they can achieve through volunteering. We’re honoured to be joined also by local dignitaries and representatives from Hertfordshire County Council. Whether you’re looking to try something new, build confidence, or find a meaningful way to give back, this event is the perfect place to start. Huge thanks to Visit Hitchin for helping us bring it all together.’
The Volunteer Fair in Hitchin is part of Hertfordshire’s celebration of Volunteers Week, a national event to celebrate and showcase the contribution of volunteers in our community. To find out more, visit www.govolherts.org.uk or contact the team at info@govolherts.org.uk. The fair will take place on the High Street in Hitchin. There is no need for the public to register – just come along at any time from 10am to 3pm. We look forward to seeing you there!
GoVolHerts is a free volunteer-matching platform that makes it easy to discover the right opportunity. With hundreds of live roles from almost 500 non-profit organisations, the site connects people with causes that matter to them. GoVolHerts is delivered by North Herts and Stevenage CVS and proudly funded by Hertfordshire County Council.
About the show When young D’Artagnan travels to Paris to join the Musketeers he uncovers a plot to discredit Queen Anne in the eyes of King Louis XIII and the country. With Athos, Porthos and Aramis, D’Artagnan must help to defeat the evil Cardinal Richelieu and Milady de Winter, but their quest will not be easy…
Join us as we bring this action-filled adventure to life in a dynamic and hilarious staging of the much-loved novel – expect puppetry, plot twists and just a little bit of mayhem as we bring you our ‘must-see’ show packed with song, silliness and sword fights… Lots of sword fights!
Written by Alexandre Dumas Directed & Adapted by Sarah Slator Assistant Direction by Chloe Bond Music by Simon Stallard
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This performance will take place indoors and is suitable for ages 6+. Running time: Approximately 85 minutes What3Words Location: twin.porch.rock Parking: There is audience parking outside the venue. Seating Provided: Yes. Food and Drink: Refreshments will be available before the performance for donations towards church funds. Dogs: No dogs other than guide dogs will be admitted to this performance. Wheelchair User Access: There is step-free access into the venue. If you have any access requirements before your visit, please contact the Box Office via email or phone (07981 227790) ahead of the performance date.
You are invited to the annual Rogation Day Service at St James’ Church, Roydon Road, Stanstead Abbotts on Sunday 25th May 2025 at 11am. All are welcome to this special thanksgiving service in the beautiful old Parish Church of St James.
Traditionally Rogation Day included ‘beating the bounds’, which was an opportunity to re-establish the area considered to be the Parish of Stanstead Abbotts and to ensure the boundaries were clear. This year, we will meet outside St James’ Church at approximately 12pm and head out on a short, led walk that is suitable for families. Do wear sturdy shoes, bring a bottle of water and, if the weather in nice, why not bring a picnic!
Stanstead Abbotts Concert Society will be holding their next music event on Sunday 18th May.
Pete Morton ‘Pete Morton is a singer and entertainer who is often referred to as an old time troubadour. He delivers an unruly freewheeling mix of storytelling, comedy and song that weaves it’s way around the folk tradition. His current show ‘The Ghost of a Sailor’s talking blues’ is a joyful ramble through time (not necessarily in the right order!), in the style of the talking blues, as well as unleashing popular singalong chorus from the last 400 years. Originally from Leicester, England, Pete discovered the acoustic music scene at 16, and has been on the never-ending tour internationally ever since. With his powerful, euphonious voice storytelling and compelling stage presence he continues his merry niche, singing songs and entertaining with a fun-loving and approachable style.’ (Source: https://www.petemorton.com/)
WHERE: The Parish Hall, Roydon Road, Stanstead Abbotts, SG12 8AB WHEN: Sunday 18th May (doors open at 7pm)
More about Stanstead Abbotts Concert Society The Stanstead Abbotts Concert Society meets on the third Sunday of each month at The Parish Hall, Roydon Road, Stanstead Abbotts, SG12 8AB.
Doors open at 7.00pm, for a 7.30pm start and the evening ends at 10.00pm.
Soft drinks are available but please bring your own alcohol.
The Three Villages 