Good news for everyone in Stanstead Abbotts and St Margarets – our Neighbourhood Plan is moving ahead.
Our Neighbourhood Plan is now being carefully reviewed by an independent examiner. This is a vital stage in the process, ensuring that everything put forward meets legal and planning requirements, and reflects the wishes of our community.
What’s happening now? The examiner is going through all the submitted documents, including the Consultation Statement and the Evidence Base. He has produced a Clarification Note, to make sure everything is in order to which the Steering Group Members are responding. If you’d like to take a look at the details yourself, all the relevant documents are available on the East Herts District Council website. You can access them by following the link below: Stanstead Abbotts and St Margarets | East Herts District Council
What’s next? Once the examiner completes his review and (hopefully) gives the green light, we’ll move on to the Referendum Stage. This is when you, the residents of Stanstead Abbotts and St Margarets, get to vote on whether the plan should be officially adopted. You will be able to cast your Yes/No decision in a ballot at your usual Polling Station.
Why it matters The Neighbourhood Plan is all about shaping the future of our villages – protecting what we love, guiding appropriate development and making sure that our voices are heard in the planning process.
Thank you to everyone who has taken part so far.
Stay tuned for updates on the referendum date and, in the meantime, we encourage you to take a look at the plan documents.
Stanstead Abbotts and St Margarets Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group
Have you ever wanted to understand the Bible better?
Whether you’re a lifelong churchgoer, someone who drifted away from church, or just curious about what the Bible is all about, The Bible Course is for you.
What is The Bible Course? Produced by the Bible Society, The Bible Course is a brilliant introduction (or re-introduction!) to the world’s bestselling book. Each session combines video teaching, discussion time and personal reflection. It’s accessible, engaging and genuinely eye-opening – whether you’ve read the Bible for years or are just starting to explore.
You’ll learn:
How the Bible fits together as a whole
Who the key people are, and why they matter
What themes run through Scripture from beginning to end
How this ancient book still speaks to us today
Who is it for? Honestly? Everyone. If you:
Feel curious about the Bible but don’t know where to start
Want to grow in your understanding and confidence
Have big questions about faith, life, and God
Are part of church – or not at all!
When and Where? **The course starts on Monday 23rd June** Alternate Mondays (dates: 23/6, 7/7, 21/7, 4/8, 1/9, 15/9, 29/9, 13/10) 🕕 7.30 to 9.30pm 📍 St Mary’s Church, St Margarets
Interested? Let us know you’re coming by getting in touch. Contact Rev’d Sarah (Email: vicar@3churches.net or Text/Call: 07488 914972)
The Bible Course has helped thousands of people discover the Bible as a living story – one that speaks hope, meaning and purpose into everyday life. Why not come along and see where the journey takes you?
This month we are featuring NLA Care as our Advertiser of the month!
NLA Care are passionate about offering the best, high-quality home care service that is tailored to meet each individual client’s needs.
Their Mission
To set a standard within the care sector, that is driven by real passion for good quality personal care.
To offer an excellent premium service with the main goals being comfort and quality of life.
Their Values
To care with compassion and empathy
To respect and appreciate my service users
To work with honesty and integrity
Recognition
Investing in development
We asked owner and the heart of the business, Nadine, to tell us a little more about NLA Care:
I started running this business in 2011, initially to just see a couple of people, needing my help and assistance. It barrel rolled quite quickly, and now I am here with a lot of clients and changing people’s lives. I have been doing this job for 15 years, and I will be doing it for another 15 years with honour.
There is nothing more satisfying than helping people, be able to stay at home and within their community, whilst feeling safe and looked after. Nothing is more rewarding than the comments of families who know they have mine and my team’s full support.
We have all kinds of packages available, depending on the individuals care needs, and I love being able to adapt to their needs. My team is person centred and I love the fact, I can give people the reliability, and same carers, who are just as passionate as me about care. My team are unique, and we offer tailored allocated times, so that the client’s needs are met.
I love what we do with a passion, and it shows in our work ethic and dedication.
Find out more about the fantastic NLA Care and how they can help you or a loved one get the home care you need.
If you are in need of some extra support, whether that is palliative care, help with household duties, collecting prescriptions, respite care, or meal preparation, NLC Care is the place to go!
The June Issue of The Three Villages Magazine has published and is now available to pick up FOR FREE across the villages.
In this issue, we have a Charity Focus on Coffee and Coping, an incredible local charity; another look inside the workings at The Maltings, including a business spotlight on Kokebi Coffee; updates from our Parish Councils, local schools and community groups; and the latest in the highly popular Local Historic Faces & Places series.
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.
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!
Thank you for your continued support, The Three Villages Team
Richard Samways is a lifelong, passionate birds and wildlife follower. He has followed our local swan family at Amwell Pool for six years. He drives from Hatfield on average of once a week, all year round, to see how they are and enjoy a long walk down the New River. Richard feels the swans always recognise him, that they share a kind of loyal friendship and that they certainly look forward to his floating nutritious pellets (an additional supplement they gobble up fast and enjoy).
Very sadly, at the start of May, Richard found the nest empty with no sign of the swans. Richard was not the only person to be affected by this loss. There has been a lot of speculation as to what might have happened, but Richard feels it was most likely a result of corvids, foxes or squirrels, rather than humans.
Richard has kindly written us an article within the June issue about the swans and his memories of last year’s cygnets, accompanied by some really lovely photographs.
You will be able to pick up your copy of The Three Villages Magazine: Issue 14 at the start of June across the three villages. Our magazine is now FREE!
If you can’t get out to get a copy, please text (07488 914972) or call us (01920 870115) and we will get one to you.
8th May 1945 was a day of immense relief and celebration across Britain and the Commonwealth after nearly six years of conflict.
During the war years, the villages of Great Amwell, St Margarets and Stanstead Abbotts played their part in the national effort. Residents served in the armed forces and civil defence roles, while the countryside and local facilities were used for various wartime purposes. Local residents would have experienced rationing, blackouts and the arrival of evacuees. The local railway line was a key part of the transportation network, linking local communities with the broader wartime logistics system.
This year’s 80th anniversary commemorations not only honoured the past, but also brought the community together in a shared act of remembrance and unity.
Stanstead Abbotts & St Margarets Village Club The Village Club was a hub of celebration on Sunday 4th May.Organised by The Village Club in partnership with Stanstead Abbotts and St Margarets Parish Councils, the event that ran from 12 to 4pm welcomed visitors to 4–6 High Street for an afternoon filled with music, fun and community spirit.
Mick was a Paratrooper in the Falklands
St John the Baptist Church, Great Amwell In Great Amwell, delicious cream teas were served from 2.30pm on Sunday 4th May in the beautiful setting of St John the Baptist Church to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of VE Day.
It was a lovely afternoon. Sitting in the quiet of the historic church, provided an opportunity for members of the community to come together, reflect and remember the significance of the day.
Displays Information of wartime life in the villages, where Spitfires shot up our High Street, Flying Bombs took roofs off, and where our brave soldiers and airmen fought and fell are to be found on two notice boards in the villages:
One on the Local History Board at the High Street car park entrance and the other (with extra photos of VE Day street parties) outside the entrance to The Village Club (Home Guard HQ 1939–45).
These will be on show for the next few days for all to see.
As the nation reflects on eight decades since the end of the war in Europe, local commemorations such as these serve to remind us of the importance of remembering history, honouring sacrifice and preserving peace.
We’re pleased to feature MJ Electrical as our Advertiser of the Month. With over 25 years of experience, MJ Electrical has built a trusted reputation as your go-to local electrician. They take pride in offering a full range of electrical services, from fuse board replacements and rewires to installing additional sockets and lighting solutions.
Whether you’re planning home improvements or need urgent electrical work, MJ Electrical delivers professional, reliable service every time.
Now the weather is getting warmer why not consider becoming a Health Walks volunteer? Not only could you make new friends, give back to your community and help others get active, but you’d also reap the health and wellbeing benefits walking has to offer.
Volunteer once a week or once a month – it’s up to you. Our next free training is on the 14th May in Bishops Stortford, which will be followed by other training events across the county during the year.
Read more about how to become a Health Walk volunteer and join one of our free, friendly and safe Health Walks HERE.
Health Walks are open to everyone. All walks are free and you don’t need to book. Just turn up at least 10 minutes before the start time as there will be a pre-walk briefing and walks start promptly. Check out the latest timetable for our area HERE.
About the show When young D’Artagnan travels to Paris to join the Musketeers he uncovers a plot to discredit Queen Anne in the eyes of King Louis XIII and the country. With Athos, Porthos and Aramis, D’Artagnan must help to defeat the evil Cardinal Richelieu and Milady de Winter, but their quest will not be easy…
Join us as we bring this action-filled adventure to life in a dynamic and hilarious staging of the much-loved novel – expect puppetry, plot twists and just a little bit of mayhem as we bring you our ‘must-see’ show packed with song, silliness and sword fights… Lots of sword fights!
Written by Alexandre Dumas Directed & Adapted by Sarah Slator Assistant Direction by Chloe Bond Music by Simon Stallard
This performance will take place indoors and is suitable for ages 6+. Note: Many of our historic venues are without heating and can therefore be cold in all seasons so please dress warmly. Running time: Approximately 85 minutes What3Words Location: twin.porch.rock Parking: There is audience parking outside the venue. Seating Provided: Yes. Food and Drink: Refreshments will be available before the performance for donations towards church funds. Dogs: No dogs other than guide dogs will be admitted to this performance. Wheelchair User Access: There is step-free access into the venue. If you have any access requirements before your visit, please contact the Box Office via email or phone (07981 227790) ahead of the performance date.
Reviews “Highly entertaining and a must-see for lovers of theatre, outdoor performances and The Three Musketeers alike!” – Living Magazines
“Plenty of action and comedy plus catchy, harmonious songs. Great fun and we can’t wait for the next show!” – Sussex Local Magazine
“We were all on the edge of our perch as the cutlasses swung!” – Brighton Source
The Three Villages 