Category Archives: Family Fun

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

** 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!

Stanstead Abbotts Advent Window Trail

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!

Christmas Tree Festival: THIS WEEKEND

Christmas Tree Festival
2–6pm on Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th December
St Mary’s Church, Hoddesdon Road, St Margarets

The 3 Churches Benefice are holding a Christmas Tree Festival at St Mary’s Church, St Margarets. It is a wonderful opportunity for us all, as a community, to get into the spirit of Christmas!

Entry to the Festival will be FREE, but seasonal refreshments will be available to buy for those visiting. We will also have a tombola, children’s activities, a teddy tombola and craft stalls with some lovely homemade items. Any proceeds will go towards the work and upkeep of the church.

*NEW THIS YEAR* We also have a ‘Carols amidst the Christmas Trees’ at 5pm on Sunday 7thDecember. Don’t miss it!

We look forward to welcoming you!

Rev’d Sarah Forrest, Priest in Charge

The Annual St Margaretsbury Fireworks Display 2025

The countdown is on for one of the brightest nights in our local community: The Annual St Margaretsbury Fireworks Display!

This year’s spectacular event will take place on Sunday 2nd November at St Margaretsbury Recreation Ground, and it promises to be a brilliant evening for families, friends and neighbours alike.

What’s on
Gates open at 4.00 pm, kicking off a fun-filled afternoon with something for everyone:

  • Mini Fun Fair from 4.00 pm – perfect for little ones (and the young at heart!).
  • Licensed Clubhouse Bar open from 4.00 pm – enjoy a sociable drink before the show.
  • Bonfire lit at around 6.30 pm, bringing that warm, autumn glow.
  • Professional Fireworks Display from 6.45 pm, lighting up the night sky in a dazzling show of colour and sparkle.

And that’s not all! There’ll be hot food, a catering truck and hot mulled wine to keep everyone toasty while you watch the fireworks.

Family-friendly fun
The St Margaretsbury Fireworks Display is one of the highlights of our community year. It’s a wonderful opportunity to come together. Children under 3 go free and tickets are great value:

  • £20 Family (4 people)
  • £8 Adults
  • £5 Under 14s

You can pay by card or cash at the gate, but make sure to arrive early – on-site parking is limited and fills up fast.

Event details at a glance

📍 Venue: St Margaretsbury Recreation Ground, St Margarets, SG12 8EH
🕓 Gates open: 4.00 pm
🔥 Bonfire lit: 6.30 pm (approx.)
🎇 Fireworks start: 6.45 pm (approx.)
🏁 Ends around: 7.15 pm

Wrap up warm, bring your friends and make it a night to remember!

Just a Reminder – AppleFest is Almost Here!

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.

New this September – Make Church!

We’re excited to share something new starting on 21st September – and we’d love for you to be part of it!

Make Church is a brand new monthly gathering especially for children and families, designed to be inclusive, sensory and joyful – a place where children of all abilities can explore faith in their own way.

There’ll be:

🎶 Songs and actions
🖐 Hands-on sensory experiences
🤸 Movement and play
❤ A warm, safe space where all children are welcome

And it’s not just for the kids – parents and carers are part of the journey too. Whether your child is full of energy, prefers to observe, or has additional needs, there’s a place for them at Make Church.

🕓 When?
Every 3rd Sunday of the month at 4:00 PM
First session: 21st September
Also on: 19th October, 16th November, 21st December

📍 Where?
St Andrew’s Church, Stanstead Abbots

❤ Come as you are. Let’s Make Church together. ❤

If you have any questions, please do get in touch.

With blessings,
The Three Churches Benefice

Bike ‘n’ Hike – this Saturday 13th September!

Get ready for a fun-filled, active day out for a great cause – Bike ‘n’ Hike is happening this Saturday 13th September, and there’s still time to get involved!

Whether you’re a keen cyclist, a casual walker, or looking for a family day out, Bike ‘n’ Hike is a fantastic way to explore beautiful historic churches across the region while raising vital funds. The money you raise is split between a local church of your choice and the Beds and Herts Historic Churches Trust, helping to preserve these wonderful buildings for generations to come.

Find out more and get your forms here: bedshertshct.org.uk/bike-n-hike

The 3 Churches Benefice are also joining in the fun with a special Family Map, designed to guide you around our three lovely churches in a safe and enjoyable route suitable for all ages.

To get your Family Map, just email: admin@3churches.net

So dust off your bike, lace up your walking shoes and get ready for a rewarding adventure this weekend!

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

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

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

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

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