Category Archives: News

Community Hub Drop-in: a Warm Welcome Every Wednesday

Sometimes all we need is a friendly face, a cup of tea and someone to listen.

The Community Hub Drop-in offers exactly that – a welcoming space where anyone is invited to pop in for a chat, enjoy a free cuppa and find a little support if they need it.

Held every Wednesday from 10.30am to 11.30am at St Mary the Virgin Church, St Margarets, the drop-in is free to attend and open to everyone. If you’re feeling isolated, worried about your finances, finding life a little overwhelming or simply fancy some company, you’ll be greeted with a warm welcome.

The team is also able to help people access additional support where needed. A private telephone is available for contacting organisations such as Citizens Advice, Mind, Age UK, the National Domestic Abuse Helpline and Alcoholics Anonymous. There is also a Chromebook available, providing a quiet, private space for visitors to search online for information and support services.

No appointment is needed, and there’s no pressure or expectation – just a chance to sit down, have a chat and explore any support that may be helpful.

If you think a friendly conversation over a cup of tea could brighten your week, why not drop in?

Community Hub Drop-in
📍 St Mary the Virgin Church, St Margarets
📅 Every Wednesday
🕥 10.30am – 11.30am

FREE AND OPEN TO EVERYONE!

From London to Hertford: Supporting Coffee and Coping’s 32-Mile Fundraising Walk

Three local fundraisers are preparing to take on an impressive challenge in support of Coffee and Coping Hertfordshire.

Following their successful 26-mile charity walk last year, Jim, Lee and Paul are going even further in 2026 by walking 32 miles from Tower Bridge in London to Hertford. Their challenge, From Our Capital to Our Community, aims to raise funds for Coffee and Coping, a local charity that provides support for people affected by addiction, their families, and those experiencing loneliness, while also helping to build a sense of community through regular drop-ins and events.

The charity offers a welcoming, non-judgemental space where people can find friendship, encouragement and support. Through its community sessions, Coffee and Coping helps people facing addiction, isolation and other life challenges to connect with others and know they are not alone.

Every donation, whatever the amount, will help Coffee and Coping continue providing opportunities for people to connect and receive support when they need it most.

If you would like to support Jim, Lee and Paul in their fundraising challenge, donations can be made via their JustGiving page HERE.

We wish Jim, Lee and Paul every success with their 32-mile walk and thank everyone who is able to support this worthwhile local cause.

Advertiser of the Month: D. Sparwell Roofing Ltd

This month, we are pleased to feature D. Sparwell Roofing Ltd as our Advertiser of the Month.

A trusted local business with more than 15 years’ experience, D. Sparwell Roofing Ltd provides a wide range of roofing services across the local area. Whether it’s a complete roof replacement, a flat roof repair, chimney work, lead work, fascias and guttering, or simply replacing a slipped tile, the team prides itself on delivering reliable workmanship with a friendly and professional approach.

The company offers free estimates, drone surveys on request and a 24-hour emergency call-out service, giving customers peace of mind when roofing problems arise. D. Sparwell Roofing Ltd also provides a 10-year guarantee on all new pitched and flat roofs.

As a local business, the team understands the importance of providing a dependable service and building lasting relationships with customers. Their focus on quality workmanship, clear communication and reliability has helped them establish an excellent reputation within the community.

If you would like to find out more about D. Sparwell Roofing Ltd or arrange a free quotation, you can contact the team on 07852 576194 or 01279 492048, or email sales@dsparwellroofing.co.uk.

Please remember to mention The Three Villages when making an enquiry!

Have Your Say in the 2026 Residents’ Survey

Residents across Hertfordshire are being encouraged to take part in the 2026 Residents’ Survey and share their views on the issues that matter most to them.

The survey asks for feedback on local services, the area where you live and how you prefer to receive information. The results will help provide a better understanding of residents’ priorities and experiences across the county, helping to shape future services and decision-making.

The more people who take part, the more accurate the picture will be, so we would encourage as many local residents as possible to complete the survey and share it with friends, family and community groups.

The survey takes less than 10 minutes to complete and is open until Sunday 12 July.

This is an opportunity to have your voice heard and help influence the future of services in our area, so if you have a few minutes to spare, please consider taking part.

Complete the survey HERE.

Illustration by Sayyam Abbasi on Unsplash

The Three Villages Magazine: June Issue is here!

The June Issue of The Three Villages Magazine is now available to pick up FOR FREE across the villages.

In this 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 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 870115) and we will get one to you.

Thank you for your continued support,
The Three Villages Team

Don’t forget…
We would love to hear from you if you have an interesting story or an upcoming event to promote. The approximate deadlines for submissions are: 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 (print.threevillagesmagazine@gmail.com)!

Our June cover revealed!

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

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!

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!

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

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.

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

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.”

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