We had some really lovely entries to choose from this issue and found it really hard to agree on a winner, but congratulations go to Paul Marriott.
The March 2025 Issue of The Three Villages Magazine’s cover will feature the work of Paul Marriott from High Flying Drone Shots. The stunning aerial shot was chosen because it shows the beauty of the area in such a unique way.
High Flying Drone Shots are a local authorised drone operator. To learn more and the variety of services on offer, check out their website: www.highflyingdroneshots.co.uk .
Thank you to Paul for letting us use this wonderful image on the front cover!
You will be able to pick up your copy of The Three Villages Magazine: Issue 13 at the start of March across the three villages and 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
This engaging four-week programme will be held at Community Alliance Skills and Learning Centre, 67 Fore Street, Hertford, SG14 1AL.
Dates: 19th February, 26th February, 5th March and 12th March. Sessions: Morning (09:30am – 12:30pm) or Afternoon (1:00pm – 4:00pm)
What to Expect Throughout the course, you will receive a slow cooker and all the food needed to create delicious, healthy meals without breaking the bank!
Slow cooking is not only an energy-efficient way to prepare food, but it also enhances flavours while promoting healthier eating. This course will teach you how to minimise food waste and make the most of your ingredients.
How to Book To book email sarah@communityalliancebeh.org.uk.
Launched at the end of 2021, with the first print issue publishing in March 2022, 2025 marks the fourth year The Three Villages has been active!
So, what have we achieved?
In the last three years, we have published 12 issues (with Issue 13, March 2025 on its way very shortly!) filled with content focused on our three villages. We have had interviews with locals; featured local businesses in our Business Spotlights; focused on the vital work of local charities; heard some inspiring stories and updates from our parish councils, schools and community groups; discovered some fascinating local history; held writing and art competitions to engage with our resident creatives, especially within our schools; and our covers have showcased some stunning images from local photographers and artist of all ages/walks of life. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg!
Our Facebook page, website and News & Events Blog have gone from strength-to-strength as our reach continues to increase every month. Our highest number of views in a month was 2818 (November 2023). We see people following our page from other parts of the world as they want to stay connected to home. Our average month sees 650 people checking out our website to see what we have going on in the three villages. It’s the place to go for all the latest news and up-to-date information, so if you haven’t done so already do check out our website, follow/like our Facebook page and subscribe to our News & Events Blog (see below for details).
What do we have planned moving forward?
Many of you were kind enough to complete our recent Future Plans Survey. It gave us a really good idea of what people liked about our offering and areas that we need to improve. We got some brilliant comments too, so thank you to those that took the time to complete it. You can see a summary from our results here in the image below…
At the end of 2024, we sat down and made some exciting plans for 2025. So what are they?
From March 2025 onwards our print magazine will be FREE!
We are increasing our print run by 100% to increase our distribution
We are finding more ways to reach out to those that might not be able to get out and collect a copy of the print magazine: you can now call/text for a copy
We have welcomed two new members to our team, bringing fresh ideas and experience
Across our print and online formats, we have worked hard to build community as we share local news and information, showcase local talent and support local businesses. We hope that you have enjoyed the journey as much as we have! Thank you for your continued support.
The Three Villages Team Building Community in Print and Online Share • Showcase • Support
Check out our WEBSITE: http://www.thethreevillages.com Sign up to our NEWS & EVENTS BLOG: www. thethreevillages.com/news-events/ And follow/like our FACEBOOK PAGE: search @TheThreeVillagesMagazine
Stanstead Abbotts and St Margarets Neighbourhood Plan Public Consultation 30th January–14th March 2025
Your responses to this consultation will be submitted to a local planning inspector and following his review, and incorporation of any changes he requires, the Neighbourhood Plan will be voted on by the electorate in the Neighbourhood Plan area. If approved it will be adopted by East Herts District Council.
Paper copies can be viewed at Village Café, The Lounge Coffee Shop, Stanstead Abbotts Parish Council and East Herts Council. Representations made in writing must be received by 5pm on 14th March 2025.
Looking to explore your artistic side or reignite an old passion for art? Join Pencils at Dawn, an inspiring art class in Stanstead Abbotts led by experienced artist, Dawn Coulter. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, these classes offer a relaxed and supportive environment where you can develop your drawing skills, learn how to use watercolour, and discover new mediums and techniques to help fulfil your creative potential.
Dawn’s classes cover a variety of techniques, with a focus on individualised guidance, so you’ll receive hands-on support while learning to experiment, to embrace making mistakes and to develop as an artist.
When and where Pencils at Dawn meets on a Thursday, 12–1.30pm in The Lounge at The Maltings, Stanstead Abbotts. A new monthly life drawing class also starts at The Lounge on the evening of Wednesday 19th February. These classes will look at clothing and movement as well as the human body. Places are limited, so book with Dawn in advance.
Dawn has taught in secondary schools and in a CAMHS unit, so is also available for home tutoring sessions for children and young people too.
Evening classes in The Red Lion will start again very soon and Dawn has plans to run more daytime classes once new local venues are found.
Don’t miss the chance to develop your artistic skills in a friendly and motivating environment. Contact Dawn to find out more and reserve your spot today.
Contact For more details or to book a class, email Dawn at dawncoulter@me.com.
Some examples of artwork produced at watercolour classes in The Red LionA few more examples of students’ work from classes in Stanstead Abbotts
Coffee and Coping Hertfordshire have a brand new group concentrating on addiction in all forms, for concerned family members as well as addicts. This community pastoral care is done in conjunction with the The 3 Churches Benefice.
Addiction is a real and present in our community, and those facing this need help and support. Coffee and Coping strongly believe that creating a strong sense of community, providing a safe space to talk with empathetic listeners, as well as offering practical support, is the way to help.
If you are interested in knowing more, or would like to come along to this new group, please drop in. You don’t need to book – just turn up.
HOPE IN ACTION Addition, heavy use and concern group
When: Every Wednesday, 17:00–18:30 Where: St Mary’s Church, St Margarets on Hoddesdon Road
Stanstead Abbotts Concert Society will be holding their next music event on Sunday 19th January.
Christina Alden and Alex Patterson in concert with Phil Hewett Christina Alden & Alex Patterson are multi-instrumentalists and songwriters from East Anglia. Their music is rich with intertwining harmony, sensitive accomplished musicianship and a creative song-writing style that is both delicate and moving. Deeply inspired by the world around them, they have a keen environmental eye to craft stories with the natural world at its heart, reflecting on the relationship between humans and the wild.
WHERE: The Parish Hall, Roydon Road, Stanstead Abbotts, SG12 8AB
More about Stanstead Abbotts Concert Society The Stanstead Abbotts Concert Society meets on the third Sunday of each month at The Parish Hall, Roydon Road, Stanstead Abbotts, SG12 8AB.
Doors open at 7.00pm, for a 7.30pm start and the evening ends at 10.00pm.
Soft drinks are available but please bring your own alcohol.
Tickets are £10 and are available from Ticket Source or call 01920 870558.
Join a FREE, friendly and volunteer-led group to build your digital skills in 2025!
A reminder that Community Alliance Broxbourne and East Herts offer FREE digital skills sessions at the Nigel Copping Community Building in Sanville Gardens, Stanstead Abbotts.
The first session of 2025 is on 8th January!
BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL If you’re interested, book your place by calling 0300 123 1034.
The Three Villages 