Category Archives: Event

VE Day 80th Anniversary

8th May 1945 was a day of immense relief and celebration across Britain and the Commonwealth after nearly six years of conflict.

During the war years, the villages of Great Amwell, St Margarets and Stanstead Abbotts played their part in the national effort. Residents served in the armed forces and civil defence roles, while the countryside and local facilities were used for various wartime purposes. Local residents would have experienced rationing, blackouts and the arrival of evacuees. The local railway line was a key part of the transportation network, linking local communities with the broader wartime logistics system.

This year’s 80th anniversary commemorations not only honoured the past, but also brought the community together in a shared act of remembrance and unity.


Stanstead Abbotts & St Margarets Village Club

The Village Club was a hub of celebration on Sunday 4th May.Organised by The Village Club in partnership with Stanstead Abbotts and St Margarets Parish Councils, the event that ran from 12 to 4pm welcomed visitors to 4–6 High Street for an afternoon filled with music, fun and community spirit.

St John the Baptist Church, Great Amwell
In Great Amwell, delicious cream teas were served from 2.30pm on Sunday 4th May in the beautiful setting of St John the Baptist Church to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of VE Day.

It was a lovely afternoon. Sitting in the quiet of the historic church, provided an opportunity for members of the community to come together, reflect and remember the significance of the day.

Displays
Information of wartime life in the villages, where Spitfires shot up our High Street, Flying Bombs took roofs off, and where our brave soldiers and airmen fought and fell are to be found on two notice boards in the villages:

One on the Local History Board at the High Street car park entrance and the other (with extra photos of VE Day street parties) outside the entrance to The Village Club (Home Guard HQ 1939–45).

These will be on show for the next few days for all to see.

As the nation reflects on eight decades since the end of the war in Europe, local commemorations such as these serve to remind us of the importance of remembering history, honouring sacrifice and preserving peace. 

‘The Three Musketeers’ at Stansteadbury Farm

This is my Theatre is coming to Stansteadbury Farm to perform ‘The Three Musketeers’!

When:  Friday 30th May 2025, 7:00 to 8:30pm
Where: The Hay Barn, Stanstead Bury Farm, Nr Ware, Hertfordshire, SG12 8JZ
Tickets: £16 per person

BOOK YOUR TICKETS NOW

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

This performance will take place indoors and is suitable for ages 6+.
Note: Many of our historic venues are without heating and can therefore be cold in all seasons so please dress warmly.
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.

Reviews
“Highly entertaining and a must-see for lovers of theatre, outdoor performances and The Three Musketeers alike!” – Living Magazines

“Plenty of action and comedy plus catchy, harmonious songs. Great fun and we can’t wait for the next show!” – Sussex Local Magazine

“We were all on the edge of our perch as the cutlasses swung!” – Brighton Source

The next Equine Table Top Sale and Dog Show

The next Equine Table Top Sale and Dog Show on Sunday 11th May 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 ONLY

Dog Show Sponsored by Tyrrell Plastering Ltd.
Jimmy Riddles Toilet Hire is kindly supplying us with a portaloo for the weekend.

All money we raise goes to Friends of the Wild Rescue and Rehab, a volunteer run and self-funded wildlife rescue based in Bishops Stortford, covering the Bishops Stortford area plus surrounding villages. They help all small wildlife, ranging from orphan birds and mammals through to animals with injuries such as broken legs/wings and cat attack injuries. Find out more about this amazing charity on their website: https://friendsofthewild.co.uk/.

Message on 07747300095 to book your pitches!

Noel Robinson performing at Hertfordshire Studios!

Noel Robinson is a London born singer, songwriter, guitarist and worship leader. Noel ministers internationally, which allows him to travel extensively around the world, leading, teaching and training worshippers in diverse settings. Noel’s heart is to see the Church empowered and revived as agents of change and transformation in this world.

Noel primarily plays and mixes Contemporary Christian Music style with gospel music. He has released five studio albums: O Taste and See (1996); Worthy in This Place (2001) with Nu Image; Garment of Praise (2006) with Nu Image; Devoted (2013); and Outrageous Love, a live album (2015).

He is performing at the Hertfordshire Studios, Brewery Road, Hoddesdon, EN11 8HF on Friday 25th April, 1–2pm (doors open 12.30pm).

Entrance is free, but donations welcome.

Come and try lawn green bowling

Many of you living around Hoddesdon may have memories of the Old Highway Recreation Ground from playing there in your youth or your children and grandchildren enjoying the area. 

At Hoddesdon and Rye Park Bowling Club we have been playing our sport in the grounds since 1937. Along the way we have had a lot of success with members representing England: recently a member represented Disability Bowls England in South Africa. 

Many of own club competitions are still being played for trophies presented by, or in memorium to, past members. Some being recognised as persons of note from the area: Haward, Partfitt, Smailes, Howe, Blackaby, Mascot, Varney and many more. 

Our membership is made up of residents from the local area and nearby towns and villages.

In April we are again hosting free sessions to come and give our sport a try. Bowls is played as competitively as you want, but it is a great game for persons of all abilities with a chance to have a social game and one where you can make many friends.

‘Bowls is not just and older persons sport it is a game that older person can play.’

Please see our flyer showing dates for the free sessions.

Email ryeparkbowling@gmail.com for more information or visit https://hoddesdonandryeparkbowlingclub.co.uk/.

Launch of The Hub!

A community space in Stanstead Abbotts is being launched on Saturday 5th April.

WHEN: 11am to 4pm on Saturday 5th April 2025
WHERE: 2b High Street, Stanstead Abbotts, Herts. SG12 8AB

The Hub is a space for workshops, talks and presentations on various subjects focussed on health and wellbeing, as well as an organic food hub where locals can order organic food, home produce, tins, cleaning products and personal hygiene products. All sourced in the UK.

The pet shop at dog grooming parlous will be a permanent fixture and is run by Jo, who has an established shop in South Woodford, so even your pets will get to benefit from this new space!

At the launch event, there will be…
* The Nestaurant: serving delicious vegetarian and vegan food.
* Phebe’s Bakes: a local pop-up chef serving curries, patties and other tasty dishes.

Please do go along to enjoy some lovely food and find out more about this new venture.

Jim’s Big Walk for Coffee and Coping

Have you heard about CEO of Coffee and Coping Hertfordshire’s Big Walk on 20th April? Jim is walking the 20 miles from Bath to Wells to raise money for this important charity. Coffee and Coping Hertfordshire’s mission is to combat loneliness, and all that goes with it, through community. They have a number of groups that meet around Hertfordshire and they have achieved an incredible amount in a short space of time, but fundraising is vital to help them continue in their work.

Jim’s story
Why walk from Bath to Wells? Well, I’ll tell you! These two places played a major part in my childhood, but also are places where community values were instilled in me! My charity is trying to reconnect community values back into everyday life.

Growing up in Somerset I lived a life filled with people I knew, trusted and relied upon! We were in and out of each other’s houses without knocking. We were able to trust the people who lived in the houses around us and we never got lost because someone around us knew where we should be going.

In this life now all that is lost! I’m not saying to blindly trust everyone or listen to the words of strangers without forethought. I am saying, however, it costs us nothing to listen, talk and support our neighbours!

Help me get where I’m going both mentally physically and emotionally!

If you can support Jim in his incredible fundraising effort, all donations are gratefully received. You can find his Just Giving page HERE.

GROUPS

Coffee and Coping Stanstead Abbotts Drop-in: Midday to 1:30pm, Wednesdays and Fridays at The Ashlea Room, Parish Hall, Stanstead Abbotts, Herts SG12 8EZ. A chance to get together, meet new people and build community. Everyone is welcome!

Hope in Action: 5 to 6.30pm, every Wednesday at St Mary’s Church, 33a Hoddesdon Road, St Margarets, Herts SG12 8EG. An addicts, heavy substance and alcohol users’ safe space to talk, get help and break their cycles of addiction.

Coffee and Coping Hertford Heath Drop-in: 2 to 3pm, every Tuesday at The Silver Fox pub, 16-18 London Road, Hertford Heath, Herts SG14 7RH. This group is for anyone who wants to connect with people, talk about life, as well as get real help for any problems that may arise.

 Men’s Communication Collective: 6.30 to 8pm, 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month, at the Pioneer Club, Heathlands Drive, St Albans, Herts. AL3 5AY. The chance for all adult men to find a safe space to talk about their issues and also look at the way they communicate with their families, friends and colleagues.

These groups are free to attend. No need to book, just go along!

Stanstead Abbotts Concert Society’s March event!

Stanstead Abbotts Concert Society will be holding their next music event on Sunday 16th March.

James Delarre and Saul Rose
Fine musicians and long-time friends, James Delarre and Saul Rose are masters of their craft and well known for their outstanding musicianship and crystal clear talent. Audiences are promised a warm, joyful and very personal evening of exquisitely delivered traditional tunes and songs.

WHERE: The Parish Hall, Roydon Road, Stanstead Abbotts, SG12 8AB
WHEN: Sunday 16th March (doors open at 7pm)

BOOK YOUR TICKETS HERE

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.

Tickets are £10 and are available from http://www.ticketsource.co.uk (see link above) or call 01920 870558.

Free Slow Cooking Course in Hertford

Join the popular Slow Cooking on a Budget Course!

This engaging four-week programme will be held at Community Alliance Skills and Learning Centre, 67 Fore Street, Hertford, SG14 1AL.

Dates: 19th February, 26th February, 5th March and 12th March.
Sessions: Morning (09:30am – 12:30pm) or Afternoon (1:00pm – 4:00pm)

What to Expect
Throughout the course, you will receive a slow cooker and all the food needed to create delicious, healthy meals without breaking the bank!

Slow cooking is not only an energy-efficient way to prepare food, but it also enhances flavours while promoting healthier eating. This course will teach you how to minimise food waste and make the most of your ingredients.

How to Book
To book email sarah@communityalliancebeh.org.uk.

In your email, please include:

  • Your dietary requirements
  • Preferred session (Morning or Afternoon)

You can view the poster below…

Community Alliance Broxbourne & East Herts

Coffee and Coping: Basic Car Maintenance Course

Malmech & Mannion and Coffee and Coping Hertfordshire have a fantastic event running on Sunday 16th March from 10am till 1pm at Malmech & Mannion in Welwyn Garden City.

Learn basic car maintenance AND support a local charity!

For a donation to the charity you will be taught how to check your tyre pressure, sort out your fluid levels and all the basic things you need to maintain your car.

You will be given a certificate and a checklist, as well as a useful car maintenance goody bag.

Email garage@coffeeandcoping.org to book your space NOW.

Sponsored by Bennetts Car Parts: https://www.bennetts.com/.

3-4 Southfield, Burrowfield Industrial Estate, Welwyn Garden City, AL7 4ST

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