Category Archives: Family Fun

The Calm Circle launches Monday 13th April

Coffee and Coping are starting something that’s been needed for a long time.

On Monday April 13th, Coffee and Coping launches its first ever women’s talking group. It will run every second Monday of the month, 7:30–9pm at The Farmers Boy, Brickendon.

This is a free space for women of all ages. No pressure. No judgement. Just a place to sit down and talk about what’s really going on – whether that’s menopause, life changes, stress, or just the build-up of everything we all carry.

It’s about sharing real experiences, real conversations and helping each other feel a bit more steady walking back out than when you came in.

The group is run by a woman who has been through menopause herself and brings a wealth of life experience – not theory, not textbook – real understanding and the ability to guide the room in a way that feels safe and honest.

It’s held in a pub, so yes there’s access to drinks, whether that’s a tea, coffee, soft drink or something stronger. But the space itself is set aside, so you can talk properly.

This is another step forward for Coffee and Coping – making sure there’s somewhere for everyone in the community.

If you know someone who might need this, send it to them. Share it into women’s groups, mum groups, anywhere it might reach someone who’s been keeping things in.

Because the truth is simple – everyone deserves a place where they can just be seen and be heard.

Coffee and Coping

Mothering Sunday – 15th March 2026

Join us this Mothering Sunday on 15th March as we celebrate and give thanks for our mothers, and all those who nurture and care for us.

We especially invite those with children to our family friendly services, designed to be creative, engaging and suitable for all ages:

💜 9am – Mothering Sunday Service at St John the Baptist, Great Amwell
💜 4pm – Mothering Sunday Make Church at St Andrew, Stanstead Abbots

We also have more traditional services:
🌸 10.30am – Morning Prayer at St Andrew, Stanstead Abbots
🌸 10.30am – Holy Communion at St Mary’s, St Margarets

There will be flowers given out at every service as a small token of appreciation and love.

Mothering Sunday can bring many different emotions for different people and we are here for all of them. Wherever you are on your journey, you are warmly invited to join us.

We look forward to welcoming you!

The 3 Churches Benefice

Rescheduled Equine Table Top Sale & Dog Show

Join us for a relaxed and family friendly community event on Sunday 8th March, 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 Ltd. 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!

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!

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