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.
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!
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
St John the Baptist Church, Great AmwellWoodland Beavers ColonyHoddesdon Women’s ClubBobtails Playgroup & Teddy ClubSt Andrew’s Primary SchoolSt Mary’s Church, St MargaretsNativity Scene (close up) by Mary YoungmanNativity Scene (Mary Youngman, Hertford Baptist Church)Age UK1st Stanstead Abbotts BrowniesSt Andrew’s Card-Making GroupThe 3 Churches Benefice Wednesday Coffee MorningThe Three Villages MagazineMemory TreeCraft StallView from outside
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.
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.
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
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.
Issue 8 (December 2023) is now with the printer and will be available to purchase from 1st December at all the usual locations.
In this issue, along with 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!
If you struggle to get a hold of a copy, please do get in touch and we will see how we can help.
Issue 8 wraps up our second year of The Three Villages Magazine! If you have any ideas of things you would like to see in future issues, please do drop us an email to print.threevillagesmagazine@gmail.com or using the CONTACT US page.
Thank you for your support! The Three Villages Team
The Three Villages 