Category Archives: News

The Three Villages Magazine: June Issue is here!

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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

June 2025 Issue: cover reveal!

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The June 2025 Issue of The Three Villages Magazine’s cover will feature the work Richard Samways.

© Richard Samways

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.

Thank you for your continued support,

The Three Villages Team

VE Day 80th Anniversary

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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. 

Advertiser of the Month: MJ Electrical

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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.

📞 Contact MJ Electrical today on 07973 969765

Volunteer for Hertfordshire Health Walks

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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.

Hertfordshire County Council

‘The Three Musketeers’ at Stansteadbury Farm

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This is my Theatre is coming to Stansteadbury Farm to perform ‘The Three Musketeers’!

When:  Friday 30th May 2025, 7:00 to 8:30pm
Where: The Hay Barn, Stanstead Bury Farm, Nr Ware, Hertfordshire, SG12 8JZ
Tickets: £16 per person

BOOK YOUR TICKETS NOW

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

Health Walks Summer Timetables now online

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Health Walks New Summer Timetables are now posted alongside current timetables.  Thanks to the dedication of our amazing volunteers, there are more than 100 different walking opportunities, including 27 gentle walks for beginners and 45 evenings/weekend walks.  New walks are starting in Bishop’s Stortford, Letchworth, Hitchin, Hemel Hempstead and Wheathampstead, and taster walks in Stevenage and Waltham Cross.

New walkers are always welcome and there’s no need to be super fit to join.  There is a volunteer at the front and one at the back to ensure everyone stays together.

You can find the new timetables HERE.

The East Herts Summer Timetable is provided below…

east-herts-health-walks-timetable-may-aug-2025Download

Hertfordshire County Council

Advertiser of the Month: Hamlet Builders

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This month, we’re proud to feature Hamlet Builders as our Advertiser of the Month. Hamlet Builders are a family run building company known throughout Essex and Hertfordshire for their quality work, friendly service and strong local reputation.

With over 20 years’ experience, Hamlet Builders offer a wide range of professional building services to both domestic and commercial clients. From small home improvements to large-scale construction projects, they bring the same care, attention to detail and high standards to every job.

WHAT THEY DO

Hamlet Builders provide a complete range of services, including:

  • New builds
  • Extensions
  • Loft and garage conversions
  • Kitchens and bathrooms
  • Plastering, tiling and finishing work
  • Driveways, patios, landscaping and groundwork
  • Demolition and full property transformations

WHY CHOOSE HAMLET BUILDERS?

  • Family run and proudly local
  • Friendly, reliable and professional team
  • Over two decades of experience
  • Free surveys, quotes and estimates
  • Competitive pricing
  • A strong reputation for quality workmanship and customer satisfaction

At Hamlet Builders, no project is too big or too small – and they pride themselves on being able to meet your requirements, whatever your vision.

Why not speak to them today to find out more and see how they can help bring your plans to life?

For a no obligations FREE quote please email or call us:
Belmont/Hamlet Hill, Harlow CM19 5JU.
Telephone: +44 7946 617 060 / +44 1279 792472
E-mail: info@hamletbuilders.co.uk
Website: https://hamletbuilders.co.uk/

📞 Call Hamlet Builders today – your trusted local builders in Essex and Hertfordshire

Come and try lawn green bowling

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Many of you living around Hoddesdon may have memories of the Old Highway Recreation Ground from playing there in your youth or your children and grandchildren enjoying the area. 

At Hoddesdon and Rye Park Bowling Club we have been playing our sport in the grounds since 1937. Along the way we have had a lot of success with members representing England: recently a member represented Disability Bowls England in South Africa. 

Many of own club competitions are still being played for trophies presented by, or in memorium to, past members. Some being recognised as persons of note from the area: Haward, Partfitt, Smailes, Howe, Blackaby, Mascot, Varney and many more. 

Our membership is made up of residents from the local area and nearby towns and villages.

In April we are again hosting free sessions to come and give our sport a try. Bowls is played as competitively as you want, but it is a great game for persons of all abilities with a chance to have a social game and one where you can make many friends.

‘Bowls is not just and older persons sport it is a game that older person can play.’

Please see our flyer showing dates for the free sessions.

Email ryeparkbowling@gmail.com for more information or visit https://hoddesdonandryeparkbowlingclub.co.uk/.

Update at Rye Meads: Pylons and Parking

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National Grid are undertaking works on the pylon in the car park at Rye Meads. This work includes replacing the conductors (lines themselves) as well as the insulators, and maintenance on the pylon structure itself: so major works. You can find out more about the North London Reinforcement (NLR) project  HERE. The same works are also being undertaken on pylons either side of our car park including on the HMWT meadow.

The main effect to the site will be parking at the visitor centre with a large area of the car park closed off as it falls in the work area leaving us approx. 6 parking spaces and no access to the Lapwing Hide. As such, the car park will be closed on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but the Visitor Centre and trails will be open as usual.  On other days there will be a system in place to stack staff and volunteer parking in the coach bays, leaving the 6 spaces free on a first-come, first-served basis.

There will be no coach parking or designated disabled parking available during this time, but there will be a drop off point close to the visitor centre.

Works on the pylon in the meadow have a slightly different timeline and requires a track to be laid across the meadow for access. The track will start being laid on 7 April, so there is likely to be minor disruption to access the reserve during this phase. The aim is for work to begin on the meadow pylon on 18 April and completed with track removed by 24 May, so again expect minor disruption for track removal.

The first stage of 2025 work is the delivery of scaffolding on 7 and 8 April followed by construction of scaffolding gantry over the road on 14–16 April.

Allowing for preparation of works, the maximum timeframe is 28 April–13 June 2025.

This means there will be very limited parking at Rye Meads 28 April–13 June 2025.

Be sure to check the Rye Meads Blog for regular updates: https://community.rspb.org.uk/placestovisit/ryemeads/b/ryemeads-blog

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