Category Archives: News

Our June cover revealed!

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We are excited to reveal the cover of the June issue!

This issue’s cover features a beautiful photograph by Gary Forrest, which he states is ‘a view from the Stanstead Abbott’s bridge that for me never gets old’. Gary has lived in the villages since 2020 and has a long-standing love of photography. Captured in the early evening sunshine, this beautiful riverside scene perfectly reflects the peaceful charm of our local area. The vibrant trees and shimmering reflections on the water create a wonderfully calm and uplifting image – an ideal cover photograph for our June issue! We offer our thanks to local photographer, Gary, for sharing this photograph with us.

In the June issue, we have a special double-page feature uncovering the fascinating history of Briggens House; a Business Spotlight on much-loved local pub, The George IV; another delicious easy bake for you to try; and the next in our fantastic series, ‘Glimpses into our Past’.

You will be able to pick up your copy of The Three Villages Magazine: Issue 18 at the start of June across the three villages. Don’t forget that our magazine is now FREE!

If you can’t get out to get a copy, please text (07488 914972) or call us (01920 870009) and we will get one to you.

Thank you for your continued support,
The Three Villages Team

Florist’s Day: Celebrate Floristry at Sweet Bower Flower Farm this June

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What: Florist’s Day
When: Monday 15th June 2026, 11am to 12.30pm
Where: Sweet Bower Flower Farm, Foxholes Farm Park, Hertford

If you’re looking for a gentle, inspiring way to spend a summer morning – or you work with flowers yourself – Florist’s Day at Sweet Bower Flower Farm could be well worth a visit.

Taking place on Monday 15th June, from 11am to 12:30pm, this special event invites both the local community and professional florists to step into the world of seasonal, locally grown flowers. Hosted at the beautiful Foxholes Farm Park, the morning promises a relaxed and welcoming opportunity to see what a local flower farm can offer.

Visitors will be able to explore the farm, take in the beauty of freshly grown blooms and learn more about how flowers are cultivated just a short distance from home. For local florists in particular, it’s a valuable chance to discover a potential nearby supplier – offering seasonal stems that are fresher, more sustainable and often more distinctive than imported alternatives.

The event also takes place during British Flowers Week, an annual celebration of British-grown flowers and the florists who champion them. With increasing interest in sustainable floristry, many designers are turning to local growers like Sweet Bower Flower Farm to source unique, field-grown varieties while reducing environmental impact.

For hobbyists, gardeners and flower lovers, it’s simply a lovely way to spend a summer morning surrounded by colour and scent. But for those working in floristry, it could also spark new ideas, relationships and inspiration for the seasons ahead.

Whether you come to browse, learn, or connect, Florist’s Day offers a chance to celebrate the beauty and value of locally grown flowers – and the people who bring them to life.

For more information or to get in touch, visitors can contact the farm directly. Website: www.sweetbriarflowerfarm.co.uk

Sign up for Your Tree, Our Future 2026 NOW!

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Your Tree Our Future is a collaborative project delivered by the County Council, Hertfordshire’s district and borough councils, and voluntary sector partners. It is designed to enable Hertfordshire’s residents, businesses and community groups to help plant more trees across the county.

They set out with a goal to help residents plant 100,000 trees over four years. During its first three years, thousands of residents have taken part and helped plant more than 190,000 trees. In 2025 this number was increased to 250,000 trees. In 2026, there are 60,000 trees up for grabs!

Photo by Arnaud Mesureur on Unsplash

You can choose from eight different species while stocks last. A limited number of hedgerow packs are also available, which include 36 trees – enough to plant approximately 6 metres of hedgerow.

All of these trees are:

  • Great Britain natives and suitable for Hertfordshire’s soil and environmental conditions (this gives them the best chance to grow to maturity)
  • two years old and approximately 60-80cm tall (except for hawthorn, which is one year old and a little smaller, as they grow very quickly)
  • grown at a UK tree nursery from seed collected in the UK
  • beneficial to local wildlife.

Trees that could outgrow a domestic garden, like oaks, or fruit trees that need more complex care, have not been included.

The young trees may seem small at the time of collection, but they’re easier to transport and more likely to establish well in their new homes, as their roots are under less stress.

Sign up to the wait list HERE if you’re interested in taking part in the scheme in 2026. The trees do go quickly, so sign up while they are available.

News from Hertfordshire Health Walks

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Health Walks Summer Timetables (May to August) 2026 are now online alongside current timetables. Thanks to the dedication of our amazing volunteers, there are more than 100 different walking opportunities. Taster walks are starting in Welwyn Garden City (6 May), Bengeo near Hertford (7 May) and Baldock (22 May).

Walks are suitable for a range of fitness levels. Look out for our gentle walks for beginners, graded FS or G2. New walkers are always welcome and there’s no need to be super fit to join. Nervous about joining a Health Walk? Read our Advice for walkers.

Tune in to Mix 92.6FM on Tuesday 5 May between 11am and 12 noon for a live chat with Elly about Health Walks:MixFM_Your radio Your Hertfordshire

View Hertfordshire Health Walks East Herts timetable below.

east-herts-health-walks-timetable-january-to-april-2026Download

Setting up a Health Walk near you

If you are passionate about walking and want to help others who are not so confident about being outside, why not set up a group walk in your neighbourhood?

You would be joining more than 300 Hertfordshire residents who are delivering free walks in their neighbourhoods. Health Walks offers a nationally recognised walk leadership qualification, insurance and marketing to get you started. On completion of the classroom and practical training, you will receive branded Health Walks kit – including a high vis, rucksack, whistle, water bottle and polo shirt!

Spaces are available on our upcoming new volunteers’ training workshops – 21 May in Stevenage and 10 July in Hatfield. Why not come along to find out more? Contact us on 01992 555 888 or healthwalks.cms@hertfordshire.gov.uk to book your space.

MORE INFO ON SETTING UP A HEALTH WALK

Hertfordshire County Council

Broxbourne MP hosts Older Persons’ Fair for hundreds of residents

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Broxbourne’s MP Lewis Cocking hosted his second annual Older Persons’ Fair at The Spotlight, Hoddesdon on Friday 10 April.

More than 250 local residents attended and were able to meet over 30 exhibitors, ranging from Age UK, Hertfordshire Zoo, local U3A groups, charities, the police and fire service, and representatives from the NHS. Refreshments were kindly provided by Tesco Extra, Cheshunt.

Lewis Cocking MP said, “This year’s Older Persons’ Fair was designed to be a one-stop shop for everything that could help an older person in Broxbourne, and I was very pleased to meet so many attendees who gained some very valuable resources and advice. As Member of Parliament, I’m continuing to fight to bring in-person banking back to our high streets, a better bus service and easier access to healthcare.”

Lewis Cocking MP is pictured speaking to constituents attending the fair, chatting to a representative from Small Acts of Kindness and getting involved with the Armchair Singers.

Advertiser of the Month: Little Blue Van Nursery

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This month we are delighted to feature Little Blue Van Nursery as our Advertiser of the Month. Based in Great Amwell, the nursery provides early years education and childcare for children aged from two years up to school age, alongside wraparound breakfast and after-school clubs for local school communities.

Little Blue Van Nursery is set in a welcoming, rural environment with access to a variety of indoor and outdoor learning spaces. Children benefit from a secure outdoor area as well as a larger field and playground space, encouraging regular opportunities for physical play, exploration and connection with the natural world. Indoors, the nursery offers a range of thoughtfully designed play areas including construction zones, creative and sensory spaces, a cosy reading corner and areas for imaginative play.

The nursery follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, ensuring children’s learning and development is supported in line with national standards. Learning is delivered through a play-based approach, with activities designed to reflect children’s interests and encourage curiosity, independence and social development. Staff plan both child-led and adult-guided activities, alongside structured group times such as story sessions and themed learning experiences.

A key feature of the setting is its emphasis on outdoor learning. Children are encouraged to explore, climb, balance and engage with nature through regular access to outdoor equipment, open space and nature-based activities such as planting and seasonal exploration.

The nursery team is made up of qualified early years practitioners, many holding Level 3 or higher childcare qualifications. Staff are trained in safeguarding and first aid, and each child is supported by a designated key person who helps to build strong, consistent relationships and tailor learning to individual needs.

Alongside its nursery provision, Little Blue Van also runs breakfast and after-school clubs for local school children, offering families flexible childcare options that support working parents.

With its combination of experienced staff, engaging learning environments and a strong focus on play-based development, Little Blue Van Nursery continues to provide a nurturing and stimulating start to early education within the local community.

Enrolling Now for September 2026

For enquiries, admissions, or to arrange a visit:
Website: https://www.littlebluevan.co.uk/
Enquiries: Please use the contact form on the website or email admin@littlebluevan.co.uk

FREE Digital Skills Group in Stanstead Abbotts

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Want to master your computer, tablet or phone?

Community Alliance Broxbourne and East Herts hold monthly Digital Skills group sessions, which are free, friendly and volunteer-led by Digital Champions. They can teach you to do simple things like navigate your devices with ease, online shop, access virtual appointments and stay connected with family and friends.

Sessions take place on Wednesdays from 2.30pm to 4pm at Nigel Copping Community Building, Stanstead Abbotts, SG12 8GA.

Dates for upcoming sessions: 22 April, 20 May, 10 June, 22 July.

Booking is essential. Call 0300 123 1034 to book a space.

Just bring your charged device and start your journey toward becoming more digitally confident!

Vanessa Lynch
Digital Skills Co-ordinator

The Calm Circle launches Monday 13th April

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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

Advertise with The Three Villages in 2026

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If you’re a local business looking to grow your visibility in 2026, there’s never been a better time to partner with The Three Villages.

Over the past year, we’ve been focused on one thing: reaching more people across our community and helping local businesses like yours get seen.

In 2025, we made some big changes:

  • We made the magazine completely FREE, opening it up to more readers than ever
  • We doubled our print run, expanding our reach across the area
  • We introduced a delivery request service to ensure accessibility for all
  • We launched and grew our social media presence, with steadily increasing engagement across Instagram, Facebook, and our News & Events blog

What does that mean for you? More eyes on your business. More local awareness. More opportunity.

Why advertise with us?

When you advertise with The Three Villages, you’re not just placing an ad, you’re becoming part of a trusted, growing community platform.

Our readers actively support local businesses and our advertisers benefit from:

  • Consistent visibility across print and digital channels
  • A strong, community focused reputation
  • A targeted local audience that values independent businesses

What’s included?

For just £90, you’ll receive:

  • A slot in every remaining 2026 print issue
  • Inclusion in our online advertiser directory
  • A place in our website’s scrolling advert panel

Plus some added extras to boost your exposure:

  • A monthly prize draw to win a full-page, full-colour advert in the magazine
  • The chance to be featured as our Advertiser of the Month, promoted across our blog and social media

Limited spaces available

To make sure every advertiser gets real visibility and value, we keep our advertising spaces limited.

If you’ve been thinking about promoting your business locally, now’s the time to get involved.

📩 Email us at threevillagesmagazine@gmail.com to find out more or secure your spot
🗓 Deadline: 20 April for inclusion in the June issue

Let’s grow together

At The Three Villages, we believe strong communities are built on strong local businesses.
By advertising with us, you’re not just growing your brand, you’re helping support a platform that connects and celebrates the area we all care about.

New E-pass to be introduced at Recycling Centres

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On 11 February 2026, the Cabinet Panel approved plans to introduce a new E-pass system and enhance options on how waste generated from DIY is managed at Recycling Centres across the county.

With access restrictions already in place in many neighbouring local authority areas and with rising service costs, these changes will prioritise access for residents, strengthen controls to prevent misuse, and provide an improved option to pay for disposal of DIY waste.

The plans are set to be implemented gradually from spring 2026 when residents will need to apply for an E‑pass to access the centres. The process will be quick to register and there would be no need for residents to book a specific day or time of arrival like in some other areas. Updated DIY waste arrangements will allow residents to pay for any material above the ‘free’ legal limits, rather than being refused access at the centres.

The feedback gathered through consultation on these proposals showed strong positive support from 67% of residents for the E-pass and 65% of residents positively supported a new option to pay for excess DIY waste, instead of refusing to accept the material.

Cllr Paul Zukowskyj, Executive Member for Environment, Transport and Growth at Hertfordshire County Council, said:
‘The plans were agreed yesterday as part of the Council’s wider programme to manage rising service pressures across the Recycling Centre network which has been receiving more waste, more visits, and an increase in operating costs each year. We know how important the service is to residents and, back in the summer of last year, we scrapped proposals to introduce a booking system and reduce the days of operation at four of our centres. The plans approved yesterday were options that residents supported as part of a public consultation we ran last year and will provide better controls on waste that should not be entering our Recycling Centres, meaning we can prioritise use by Hertfordshire residents. We’re also providing an improved offer for residents who need to dispose of waste from DIY work at their homes by allowing them to pay a small charge, rather than turning away quantities that are higher than the current lawful limits. We believe that these changes will improve the customer experience for Hertfordshire residents as well as helping contribute to the wider council savings required.’

Further communication to ensure residents understand what the E‑pass is, how to register, and what the updated DIY waste policy means will be provided as part of the phased roll out from the spring.

Hertfordshire County Council

You can sign up to get updates directly from Hertfordshire County Council! Visit hertfordshire.gov.uk/UpdateMe

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