Category Archives: News

Upcoming events at Stanstead Bury Farm

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Check out the exciting upcoming events at Stanstead Bury Farm!

DAFFODIL WALK
DATE: 3rd March 2024
TIME: 2–4pm
VENUE: Stanstead Bury Farm, Stanstead Abbotts, Nr Ware, Hertfordshire, SG12 8JZ

I can’t possibly compete with Benington (https://beningtonlordship.co.uk/) for wonderful displays of snowdrops and daffodils, but if you would like to celebrate the signs of spring and the beginning of March, and support the beautiful church of St James’s in our parish please, come and walk around the farm and enjoy our daffodils on Sunday 3rd March 2–4pm ending up at St James’s Church (which will be open for you to explore). Well-behaved dogs on leads welcome.

Cost £5 per adult, children free (which will go towards looking after the churchyard). Uneven ground not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs, I’m afraid.

If you are unable to attend but would like to donate to the upkeep of the churchyard, there is an option to do this at checkout.

ORDER YOUR TICKETS HERE

PERSUASION
DATE: Thursday 16 May 2024
TIME: 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
VENUE: The Hay Barn, Stanstead Bury Farm, Stanstead Abbotts, Nr Ware, Hertfordshire, SG12 8JZ

Anne Elliott is persuaded to reject Frederick Wentworth by her family and friends but when the Elliott’s circumstances alter and Wentworth returns 8 years later, as a commended naval officer no less, old sparks are rekindled… But can either be convinced to give love a second chance?

Too many characters and not enough actors will see this much-loved Austen novel brought to life in a comedic and potentially hat-astrophic production. In a similarly choreographed, character-swapping style to our critically acclaimed productions of The Importance of Being Earnest (2018), The Three Musketeers (2020) and A Comedy of Errors (2022), audiences will love this truly unique adaptation!

Written by Jane Austen
Adapted by Ethan Taylor
Directed by Sarah Slator
Music by Simon Stallard

Please note that, given the nature of the venues we visit and the charities we work with, tickets to this event are non-refundable and non-transferable. If you are unable to attend a performance we are happy for tickets to be placed under another name/given to another party.

Running time: Approximately 85 minutes

Critics have said of our previous hat-astrophic adaptations:
“A gem of a production… Energetic, ingenious and thoughtful drama!” (Brighton Source on The Comedy of Errors)

“Artfully designed and cleverly executed… a total joy!” (Living Magazines on The Three Musketeers)

ORDER YOUR TICKETS HERE


The Three Villages Magazine: Issue 9 coming soon!

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Issue 9 (March 2024) is at the printer and will be available to purchase from 1st March across the villages!

In this issue, along with all our regular features, you will find the latest in our Local Historic Faces & Places series; a charity focus on Bobtails Playgroup & Teddy Club; updates from our local Girlguiding and Scouting groups; a delicious Simmel cake recipe and much, much more.

We also have a fantastic new PRIZE DRAW offering the chance to win a FREE full-page, full-colour advert in a prime slot within the next print issue!

We will be back in touch when the issue has published with a list of locations to pick up a copy.

Thank you for your support,
The Three Villages Team

Foodbank donations needed!

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The 3 Churches Foodbank Hub has put out a plea for the following donations:

  • Tinned vegetables
  • Tinned rice
  • Small jars of coffee
  • Toiletries and sanitary towels etc.

Donations can be dropped off on Wednesday morning between 10.30–11.30am at St Margarets Parish Church or to Sue Webb at 8 Miller Lane, Stanstead Abbotts.

Any donations are gratefully received.

Lyn Paddon, The 3 Churches Foodbank Hub Manager

The Stanstead Abbotts Concert Society: February, March and April dates

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The Stanstead Abbotts Concert Society have some exciting events coming up in February, March and April!

The Wilderness Yet – 18th February

Deep-rooted in a lifetime love of traditional music, The Wilderness Yet continue to grow with the seasons as they explore the many branches of song from the British Isles. Their latest studio album, What Holds The World Together, was played on BBC Radio 2, 3 and 6, as well as entering the Official Folk Albums Chart. Singer Rosie Hodgson and fiddler Rowan Piggott are joined by guitarist Ben Filmer-Sankey in this new line-up for 2024.

Order your tickets HERE

George Sansome and Matt Quinn – 17th March

George (Granny’s Attic) on guitar and vocals and Matt (Dovetail trio) on mandolin and vocals have teamed up to form a perfect folk duo. When asked about their repertoire they say: ‘We both have a really strong love of folk songs and all the stories, history and people involved. Broadly speaking, we sing songs about love, heartbreak, revenge, death, geese, and the US postal service. Classic folk song stuff really.’

Order your tickets HERE

Nancy Kerr and James Fagan – 21st April

Nancy Kerr and James Fagan are one of the best known duos in British Folk music, and have been playing together since 1995. They have twice won Best Duo at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards (2003, 2011). Both highly regarded singers, they are also acknowledged as masterful players of their respective instruments of fiddle and bouzouki.

Order your tickets HERE

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 www.ticketsource.co.uk (see links above) or from Lynne Heraud (07527 796277)

March Issue Cover Image Reveal!

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We are excited to share with you the cover image of the upcoming March Issue of The Three Villages Magazine!

© Jenny Hanson

This photograph was taken by Jenny Hanson along the New River and shows ‘one of the locals.’ Jenny has lived in Great Amwell for over 30 years now. She regularly walks down the rivers with her dog, and around the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust reserve. Jenny’s favourite photography genre is wildlife and she is also a Karate instructor at Wodson Park, Ware.

You can check out Jenny’s amazing photography on Instagram. Check out her page: https://www.instagram.com/jennyamwell/ .

Thank you to Jenny for letting us use this stunning photograph. We are so fortunate to have so many places to see wildlife in and around our villages, and it is lovely to be able showcase not only Jenny’s talent, but also such a beautiful mallard.

The March Issue of The Three Villages Magazine is about to start the proofreading stage, so we are on schedule for March publication. If you haven’t picked up a copy of the December issue, make sure you do before they disappear!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

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We would love to be able to offer delivery for those that cannot get out in the villages to pick up a copy, but in order to offer this we need some committed volunteers.

Would you be able to help us?

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer and would like to know more, please email us at print.threevillagesmagazine@gmail.com.

While we don’t have a team of volunteers yet to offer delivery on a wider scale, if you are ever struggling to get to the villages to purchase a copy, please do get in touch and we will do what we can to help!

The Three Villages Team

Using your fire safely this winter

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As winter settles in, there’s something magical about gathering around a crackling fire. To make sure your cosy moments are also safe, we’ve put together a helpful guide to chimney safety and creating the perfect, secure blaze.

Let’s start by looking after your chimney. Think of it as the heart of your fireplace. It needs a little TLC to keep things running smoothly. Schedule a visit from a chimney sweep before the winter chill sets in. They’ll remove any buildup, especially creosote, a fire risk.

Don’t forget the basics. A good chimney cowling keeps out unwanted guests like debris and critters, reducing the chance of blockages. Give your chimney a visual once-over, fixing any wear and tear pronto.
Think of an open fire like an open window, you’ll soon notice the cold air when your fire isn’t lit. This is the reason why many people choose to go for a log burner, you take your efficiency from 10% to 85%. If you’re not using it, it’s well worth capping the chimney at the top.

Now, let’s talk about building the perfect fire. It’s an art, not a science!

Choose Dry Wood
Opt for seasoned hardwoods like oak or maple. Dry wood burns cleaner, making less smoke and reducing the risk of creosote buildup.

Start Small
Begin with small, dry kindling before adding bigger logs. It’s like giving your fire a warm-up, ensuring a steady burn without a smoky start.

Leave Some Ash
A little ash between uses (about an inch) acts as insulation, helping the fire maintain its warmth and radiate heat into your space.

Add Detectors
Install carbon monoxide detectors. While it’s uncommon, blockages can lead to this odourless gas. Safety first!

We’re always here if you need any advice, just give us a call.
Tim’s Chimneys
07791 741860

Check out the website HERE.

Can you help the Foodbank?

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The Hertford & District Foodbank is in need of donations, specifically:

  • Tinned meats and vegetables
  • Toothpaste
  • Soap
  • Sanitary towels
  • Bottles of squash

Donations can be dropped off on Wednesday morning between 10.30–11.30am at St Margarets Parish Church or to Sue Webb at 8 Miller Lane, Stanstead Abbotts.

Any donations are gratefully received.

Lyn Paddon, The 3 Churches Foodbank Hub Manager

Warm Welcome Spaces: Beat the Winter Blues!

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If you’re feeling the winter blues in more ways than one, then don’t forget that everyone is welcome at The 3 Churches Benefice’s Warm Welcome Spaces…

Warm Welcome Space Coffee Morning
A weekly coffee morning offered as part of the Warm Welcome Space initiative during winter months. Come and share a cuppa in our warm, welcoming and free space.
Every Monday, 9:00–11:30 at The Wilshere Hall, St Andrew’s Church.

Community Hub Drop-in
Offers a safe space for anyone in the community who is in need of a listening ear or practical help. During winter months this is a Warm Welcome Space.
Every Wednesday, 10:30–11:30 at St Mary’s Church, St Margarets.

warm-welcome-spaces-2023Download

Advertise with us in 2024!

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We are busy planning ahead for 2024 and have some slots available for advertising within The Three Villages, in print and online!

For only £120 for the year, advertising with us includes:
* a slot for your advert within our advertising directory in every print issue
* your advert appearing in our online advertisements page in colour
* AND your advert featuring on every page of our website in the scrolling adverts panel!

The Three Villages is an excellent way to connect with local people living within the villages of Great Amwell, St Margarets and Stanstead Abbotts. Our print magazine is available (for only £1) at various places across the villages, with our website providing the latest news, events and information. You can also access the magazine archive online, which has all the past issues of the magazine in digital form.

We support local business, charities, community groups, as well as championing local individuals, who together make up our wonderful villages. In advertising with us, you are supporting us to keep doing what we do, as well as marketing your business!

If you are interested, please get in touch by emailing threevillagesmagazine@gmail.com or using the Contact Us form.

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