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!
As the winter season sets in, it’s essential to prioritise the wellbeing of our elderly loved ones, who are more vulnerable to health challenges during this time. Cold weather brings an increased risk of flu, pneumonia and depression, along with other serious concerns like heart attacks and strokes. Older people often have weaker immune systems, making them more susceptible to illnesses in winter, and pre-existing health conditions can worsen due to colder conditions.
There are many easy ways to ensure that our elderly loved ones stay warm, well and healthy during winter:
Keeping Homes Warm: Ensure the heating system is in good working order, seal any drafts and heat only necessary spaces to save energy.
Layer Up: When heading outdoors, dress in cosy layers to trap warmth close to the body.
Stay Vaccinated: Keep up with vaccinations, including annual flu shots.
Minimise Exposure: Try to avoid contact with anyone presenting flu-like symptoms.
Maintain a Healthy Diet: Incorporate warm, nutritious foods like soups and stews into your diet, staying hydrated with warm drinks.
Stay Active and Social: If able, engage in moderate activity such as short walks to generate body heat, promote circulation and maintain a good mood.
If additional support is needed, reach out to your local GP for medical care, vaccinations and guidance. Support from your community is always essential – family, friends, and community groups can be relied on for assistance and companionship. Respite care at a local care home is also an option for those requiring extra support; they can provide 24/7 inclusive care in a warm environment.
Remember that with the right precautions and help, everyone can enjoy the season while minimising health risks. B&M Care provide support and respite care to our local communities (see: https:// bmcare.co.uk/our-care/respite-care/) so please contact us if you need using our dedicated customer support team on 0333 234 1975 (available 9am–5pm (Monday–Friday) or via email to info@bmcare.co.uk for any questions and advice regarding the care that B&M Care can offer a loved one.
The December Issue of The Three Villages Magazine is here and is now available to pick up FOR FREE across the villages.
We are thrilled to reveal our cover with the winning entries from our Schools Christmas Arts Competition! Read about the winners on page 3 of the magazine. I’m sure you’ll agree the baubles look amazing. Congratulations to our winners! Be sure to come along to the Christmas Tree Festival at St Mary’s Church, St Margarets (this weekend: 6th and 7th December, 2 to 6 pm) to see the winner baubles on our tree.
Also in this issue, we take a look at the important work of local charity, ALFS; we find out all about local business Heavenly Hair; we have the first in our new series, ‘Glimpses into our Past’; we get to meet local resident Julia Witting and lots more!
You can get The Three Villages Magazine from, but not limited to, the following locations: The Village Pharmacy St John the Baptist Church St Mary’s Church St Andrew’s Church The Bridge Shop The Maltings Café St Margarets Train Station
Also, if you can’t get out to get a copy, you can text (07488 914972) or call us (01920 870009) and we will get one to you.
Looking ahead… We would love to hear from you if you have an interesting story or an upcoming event to promote. The approximate deadlines for 2026 are: 5th January (March Issue), 3rd April (June Issue), 3rd July (September Issue) and 3rd October (December Issue). Alternatively, we can also promote your upcoming event/share your news on our News & Events blog. Please do get in touch!
Thank you for your continued support, The Three Villages Team
This month, we’re thrilled to shine the spotlight on The Red Lion, the heart of Stanstead Abbotts, where great food, warm hospitality and a vibrant community spirit come together.
Nestled in the village centre, The Red Lion offers more than just a meal – it’s an experience. Whether you’re enjoying a sunny afternoon in their pub garden or catching up with friends over a drink in the bar, this is the place to relax, unwind and soak up the welcoming atmosphere. For those of you with four-legged companions, the pub is dog-friendly, so your furry friends can join the fun too.
At the helm of the kitchen is Head Chef Michael Duckett, bringing a wealth of experience and a passion for fresh, imaginative dishes. From Wednesday to Sunday, guests can enjoy a menu crafted with love, featuring seasonal ingredients, 100% certified grass-fed beef, locally sourced vegetables and fresh pasta. And don’t forget the Sunday Roast – a village favourite served from 12–4 pm, featuring a mouth-watering trio of meats. Booking ahead is always recommended to secure your spot.
But the delights don’t stop at food. The Red Lion regularly hosts special events and celebrations, and their beautiful marquee is available for hire, perfect for birthdays, Christmas parties and all kinds of gatherings. Whether you’re planning an intimate get-together or a grand celebration, the team is on hand to create a bespoke event tailored just for you.
For sports enthusiasts, The Red Lion is the place to catch the action, showing Sky Sports on all screens, whether you’re inside the bar, outside on the patio, or enjoying the garden.
With so much on offer, The Red Lion is more than just a pub – it’s a cornerstone of our community. Make sure to join their mailing list to stay up to date with the latest news, events and seasonal specials.
If you haven’t yet experienced The Red Lion, now is the perfect time. Book a table, bring your friends (and dogs!), and discover why this Stanstead Abbotts gem is our Advertiser of the Month.
If you’ve ever dreamed of writing a book – whether it’s a gripping novel or a compelling non-fiction title – but aren’t sure how to get started, help is at hand.
Start Your Book is a new 2½-hour writing workshop led by experienced author, journalist and writing tutor Piper Terrett. This inspiring, in-person session is designed to help aspiring writers overcome the overwhelm and take those vital first steps toward getting their book underway.
Piper, a former Financial Times Group journalist and past lecturer in writing at London Metropolitan University, brings a wealth of industry knowledge and practical experience to the table. With an English degree from Cambridge and three published books under her belt – including a crime novel – she understands both the creative and structural aspects of writing a successful manuscript.
Held in the welcoming space at Nourish, Vale House in Hertford, this taster session is ideal for anyone who:
Wants to get started on their novel or non-fiction book
Needs help planning and organising their project
Could use a motivational boost and expert guidance
Attendees will also receive £10 off Piper’s full online course, Write Your Book, which is an in-depth 8-week programme launching this December. The full course covers everything from idea development and book planning to editing, publishing and even self-publishing options.
Whether you’re writing for personal fulfilment or hoping to publish, this workshop offers a supportive and informative starting point. It could be just the kick-start you need to finally get that book idea out of your head and onto the page!
DETAILS 🗓 Saturday 22nd November 2025 🕙 10:00am–12:30pm 📍 Nourish, Vale House, 43 Cowbridge, Hertford, SG14 1PN 💷 £30 per person
SPACES ARE LIMITED SO BOOK NOW!
To book or find out more: 📧 piperterrett@gmail.com 📞 07879 810795 🌐 dojustaboutanything.com
In glorious autumn sunshine, members of the Scouting family gathered at the Great Amwell War Memorial to honour those who gave their lives in service to our country.
The group included Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Young Leaders and Leaders, all standing together in a moving Act of Remembrance. Wearing their uniforms with pride, the young people laid crosses, and wreaths were laid by the Scout Group as well as Mrs Paddon on behalf of Lewis Cocking the local MP and the Parish Council. Everyone observed the two-minute silence, reflecting on the sacrifices made by generations past.
The ceremony was a poignant reminder of the importance of remembering and learning from history. For many of the youngest members, this was their first experience of a formal remembrance event, helping them understand the values of respect and gratitude that Scouting promotes.
As the sun shone over the memorial, the sense of community and shared purpose was clear. The Scouts’ participation ensured that the legacy of those who served continues to be honoured by future generations.
‘It was wonderful to see so many young people paying their respects,’ said Gail Stretch, Group Lead Volunteer. ‘Remembrance Day is an important part of our Scouting calendar, and today showed how committed our members are to keeping this tradition alive.’
Gail Stretch Group Lead Volunteer Great Amwell Scout Group
Hertfordshire County Council has launched a public consultation to gather residents’ feedback on the future of the county’s 16 recycling centres and five reuse shops. The aim is to explore options that will help these services remain efficient and sustainable for the long term.
Why is this happening?
The council is facing growing challenges in running the service, including rising operational costs, increased visitor numbers, commercial misuse of the sites, and new regulatory requirements. There are also serious concerns about staff safety, with a recent survey revealing that nearly all front-line staff have experienced verbal or physical abuse – something the council is committed to addressing.
What’s being considered?
Maintaining the recycling service costs the council around £13 million each year. With wider financial pressures, particularly in areas like social care, the council is reviewing how the recycling centres can continue to operate effectively and efficiently.
While earlier proposals included reduced opening days at some sites and a countywide booking system, these have now been withdrawn. Instead, the council is inviting the public to share their views on alternative options being explored.
Your feedback will help shape decisions on how the service is run in the future, with outcomes expected in early 2026.
As the weather turns colder, we’re opening our doors and hearts to offer Warm Welcome Spaces across The 3 Churches Benefice. Whether you’re looking for company, a cuppa, or simply a warm and friendly place to spend some time, we’d love to see you.
Coffee Morning – Every Monday 📍 The Wilshere Hall, St Andrew’s Church, Cappell Lane, Stanstead Abbotts 🕘 9.00–11.00am
Come and share a cup of tea or coffee, enjoy a fun activity and connect with others in our free, welcoming space. It’s a relaxed, friendly morning where everyone is welcome!
Community Hub Drop-in – Every Wednesday 📍 St Mary’s Church, Hoddesdon Road, St Margarets 🕥 10.30–11.30am
Our Wednesday session is open to anyone who needs a chat, a bit of practical help, or just a safe space to sit and relax for a while.
These sessions are part of the national Warm Welcome Spaces initiative, supporting communities to come together and ensuring everyone has somewhere warm and welcoming to go this winter.
So if you’re nearby – come and join us! Have a cuppa, meet new friends and enjoy the warmth of community.
When emergencies happen, a fast and well-coordinated response can save lives and reduce disruption. That’s where Hertfordshire Local Resilience Forum come in.
The Hertfordshire Local Resilience Forum (LRF) is a partnership of over 60 organisations who work together to keep our county safe, prepared and resilient.
Who’s involved? The LRF brings together a wide range of services and organisations, including:
Emergency services (police, fire, ambulance)
Local councils
NHS and health services
Utility companies
Charities and volunteer groups
What do they do? Hertfordshire Local Resilience Forum plan, train and prepare for the most likely risks to Hertfordshire, such as flooding, power cuts, severe weather, pandemics and more.
They use the Hertfordshire Risk Register and the National Risk Register to guide their planning, so they’re always focused on what matters most to local communities.
They don’t just plan on paper – they regularly train together, simulating real-life emergencies so they’re ready to act quickly and effectively when needed.
Find out more
To learn more about the risks in Hertfordshire, how to prepare for them and what the LRF is doing to keep our communities safe, visit their website HERE.
You’ll find practical advice, downloadable resources and simple steps you can take today to be ready for whatever tomorrow may bring.
Are you looking to improve your digital skills in a friendly and welcoming environment? The Community Alliance – Broxbourne & East Herts is offering a fantastic opportunity to do just that with their Digital Skills Group in Stanstead Abbotts.
This free, volunteer-led group is perfect for anyone who wants to get to grips with using a computer, tablet or smartphone. Whether you’re new to technology or just want to build your confidence, their Digital Champions will help you learn how to:
Navigate your devices with ease
Shop online safely
Access virtual appointments
Stay connected with friends and family
Sessions take place monthly on Wednesdays from 2:30 to 4:00pm at the Nigel Copping Community Building (SG12 8GA).
There are two dates remaining for 2025: 13th November and 10th December.
Booking is essential! 📞 Call 0300 123 1034 to reserve your place.
Just bring your charged device and start your journey toward becoming more digitally confident!
The Three Villages 