The December issue (that we are busy working on now) marks the conclusion of three full years of The Three Villages in print and online! We are taking this opportunity to reassess how we can best share, showcase and support our three villages in future publications.
We want to hear from you!
If you could take 5 minutes to complete our online survey, we would really appreciate it. Have your say and shape the future of our publication.
Slipper swaps are back in Hertfordshire County Council’s libraries this autumn. If you or someone you know is older or has a disability, please come along to one of the events where you can claim a free pair of slippers, get advice on keeping well this winter, and lots more.
As some of you may have noticed, there is a striking new bench in St Margarets!
St Margarets’ Parish Council received a request from a resident asking if they could provide a bench at the bus stop opposite St Mary’s Church on Hoddesdon Road. They agreed that a bench would be useful for residents, so chose a commemorative bench to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings on 6 June 1944.
Permission was sought from the Bus Infrastructure and Network Infrastructure Team within the Highways Department at Hertfordshire County Council to place the bench in its location and it was purchased from David Ogilvie Engineering Ltd who specialise in street and park furniture. It was part funded with a £500 Locality Budget Scheme Grant awarded by Cllr Jonathan Kaye at Hertfordshire County Council and the remainder paid for by the Parish Council.
Local resident Matthew King of MK Independent Ltd kindly donated materials and installed the bench. Cllr Jonathan Kaye at Hertfordshire County Council also generously provided a grant towards the cost.
It is really very beautiful and will give residents a place to stop and rest, while also remembering the brave souls who fought for their country and gave their lives for others.
I am sure you will all agree that this bench is a lovely and poignant addition to the village. Thanks go to the resident who suggested it and to the Parish Council for taking up the request.
We are on the lookout for projects to support with our Environmental Improvement Grant, with up to £3,000 in funding available for people or groups who are hoping to improve nature on their land and in their local communities.
Any project delivering improvements for biodiversity could be eligible, for example tree planting, hedgerow creation, wildflower meadow establishment or pond creation.
The grant is available for Hertfordshire community-based organisations, Parish and Town Councils, and to private landowners and land managers
Find out more about the grant and watch video case studies featuring previous recipients HERE.
Essex & Herts Air Ambulance (EHAAT) is looking for dedicated volunteers to join their team at the recently opened charity shop at 14 The Forum in Stevenage, which has been welcoming the community since July. They need enthusiastic individuals to help support this vital life-saving service.
EHAAT’s charity shops are essential in raising funds to keep their helicopters flying, providing critical care across Hertfordshire, Essex, and surrounding areas. As a shop volunteer, you’ll assist with tasks like sorting donations, pricing items, serving customers, and creating vibrant displays. It’s a great way to develop retail skills, meet new people, and make a meaningful impact on your local community.
Whether you can volunteer a few hours a week or more regularly, they’d love to hear from you. No experience is necessary – just a positive attitude and a willingness to help!
To learn more about becoming a volunteer at the Stevenage shop, visit ehaat.org/volunteer or stop by the shop to chat with the team. Your time could help save lives!
This month’s Equine Table Top Sale and Dog Show is on 27th October.
WHERE: Albury Village Hall, The Bourne, Albury WHAT TIME: 11am to 1.30pm
EQUINE TABLE TOP SALE Entry £1 (cash only) Lots of different stalls offering some lovely items for sale, including some non-horsey things too (like Erin’s Jewels). Refreshments including homemade sausage rolls and cakes on sale!
Book your tables in advance at £10 – numbers are limited. To book a table get in touch with Gail on 07747300095.
DOG SHOW Entry £2 per show per dog (cash only) Ribbons awards up to 5th place for all classes!
All fundraising goes to Cheshunt Animal Rescue, which provide a safe and caring environment for all the animals that come through their doors. They rehabilitate and release wildlife and take in unwanted pets. They strive to find loving forever homes for each and every animal that enters their homes. Find out more about the great work this charity do by visiting their website: https://cheshuntanimalrescue.co.uk.
AND A BIG WELL DONE… Equine Table Top Sale and Dog Show have just celebrated a big milestone. They have been working hard for 5 years now, raising an incredible £27,557.00 to help support 36 different small charities. Well done to Gail and her team of amazing volunteers!
The September 2024 issue of The Three Villages Magazine is here and available to purchase for £1 across the three villages. Be sure to pick up your copy!
You can find it at a number of locations including: The Village Pharmacy, Stanstead Abbotts St John the Baptist Church, Great Amwell St Mary’s Church, St Margarets St Andrew’s Church, Stanstead Abbotts The Bridge Shop, Stanstead Abbotts
In this issue, along with all our regular features, you will find the latest in our Local Historic Faces & Places series; a focus on new charity, Coffee and Coping; an interview with local Brownie Leader, Helen Payne and much more!
We are also continuing our PRIZE DRAW offering the chance to win a FREE full-page, full-colour advert in a prime slot within the next print issue. This issue’s winner is Farrelly Plumbing and you can check out their advert on the inside back cover.
If you are struggling to get a hold of a copy, please do get in touch and we will get one to you.
Thank you for your continued support, The Three Villages Team
If you’re aged 50 or over, come along to this year’s free Live Longer Better celebration event to find out about the range of physical activity opportunities available in Hertfordshire. CLICK HERE to watch a promotional video.
Join The Live Longer Better in Hertfordshire Movement on our mission to get more people, more active, more often. The Movement encourages older adults to be active as a means of increasing their healthy lifespan.
On Thursday 5th September 2024, we are holding the second ever celebration event at the University of Hertfordshire’s de Havilland campus and Hertfordshire Sports Village based in Hatfield.
The day, which is free to attend, will consist of a mix of keynote speakers, informative marketplace and physical activity sessions, and will run from 9.00am–3.30pm. Discover innovative ways to stay strong, maintain balance, enhance flexibility and foster a sense of community.
Don’t miss this chance to be part of a Revolution that champions active ageing, leaving no one behind. This community gathering aims to empower Hertfordshire residents to embrace a longer, healthier and happier life.
Please bring a water bottle on the day, as there are water fountain facilities available to use. Wear comfortable clothing and supportive shoes. All equipment will be provided for on the day.
You’ll be able to try taster sessions, including tai chi, chair yoga, walking football, pickleball and more.
WHERE AND WHEN
Date: 5 September 2024 Venue: University of Hertfordshire Time: 9.30am–3.30pm (you can enjoy the whole day or come and go as you please) Lunch and refreshments will be provided.
Register online by clicking HERE or call 01707 281201. If you want to browse local physical activity opportunities before then, visit the Moving More website.
We are Hertfordshire County Council, and if you live in Hertfordshire, during your lifetime you’re likely to use or learn about some of the many services we provide.
We are with you every step of the way – from your first day at school to staying independent in your own home for as long as possible. We are there for all life’s big moments, and the small ones too.
To keep being here for you, we also need to keep listening to you. So tell us what’s important to you by taking part in our Annual Residents’ Survey 2024. Your responses will help shape how we do things in the future.
An online survey is now open to anyone who lives in Hertfordshire until 11:45pm on 15 September. There is also an easy-read version available.
To keep our county cleaner and greener, our survey is online. You can request a paper survey at your local library or call our Customer Service Centre on 0300 123 4040.
The Three Villages 