Category Archives: News

March Issue Cover Image Reveal!

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!

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

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?

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!

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.

Advertise with us in 2024!

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.

The 3 Churches Benefice Christmas Tree Festival 2023

On Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th December, 2–6pm, The 3 Churches Benefice held a Christmas Tree Festival at St Mary’s Church, St Margarets.

The church looked beautiful all lit up with the trees that had been provided and decorated by local groups and businesses. Powell Funeral Services donated the tree for St Mary’s and Gini Trower from The Wallen Garden kindly loaned two of her wonderful rooted trees. The amazing nativity scene at the altar, made by Mary Youngman and on loan from Hertford Baptist Church, was much admired by everyone. There were some delicious cakes, biscuits and mince pies; a raffle; a scavenger hunt for the children and some lovely craft items on safe.

Rev’d Sarah told us that the whole event was a brilliant success, with over 130 people going along to get in the festive spirit and over £450 raised. These funds will go towards the upkeep and work of the church.

The 3 Churches Benefice would like to thank everyone who helped: organising beforehand, providing and/or decorating trees, making cakes, volunteering as helpers, donating raffle prizes etc. It was a great team effort and there was some lovely feedback from those who came along.

Rev’d Sarah Forrest, Priest in Charge

Farewell to Jackie Spencer

Left to right: Jonathan Pilkington, Anthony Richardson, Henry Buxton, Suzie Nichol, Jackie Spencer, Andrew Day, Jonathan Trower and Dr Tessa Dormon.

In October 2023, The Trustees of The Baesh Trust bid farewell to Jackie Spencer, the Clerk, after 30 years of service. The Chairman, Mr Jonathan Trower thanked Mrs Spencer for all her work, support and advice over the years and proposed that she is appointed as a Clerk Emeritus. She was presented with a cheque as a token of appreciation from the Trustees, who wish her well with her retirement.

Christina Whellams, Clerk

The Three Villages Magazine: Issue 8 is here!

The December 2023 issue of The Three Villages Magazine is here and available to purchase for £1 across the three villages. Be sure to pick up your copy!

You can find it at a number of locations including, but not limited to:
St John the Baptist, Great Amwell
St Mary the Virgin, St Margarets
St Andrew, Stanstead Abbots
The Village Pharmacy
The Maltings Coffee House
Stanstead Abbotts & St Margarets Village Club
The Red Lion
The Bridge Shop

In this issue, along with all our regular features, you will find the latest in our Local Historic Faces & Places series, the winners of our School Christmas Bauble Competition, a charity focus on Equine Table Top Sales, tips on how to stay well during the winter months and much, much more!

We hope that you enjoy this latest issue.

If you are struggling to get a hold of a copy, please do get in touch and we will see how we can help.

Thank you for your continued support,
The Three Villages Team

Foodbank Donations

The 3 Churches Foodbank Hub is in need of donations, especially:

  • Tinned vegetables
  • Long life milk
  • Jars of sauces – for pasta and rice.

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.

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