Church Life – Page 2 – The 3 Churches Benefice

The 3 Churches Foodbank Hub

As many of you will know, the local Foodbank Hub operating out of St Margarets’ Parish Church (St Mary the Virgin) began life in December 2020, after discussions with Rev’d Dr Sarah Forrest. Through her links with the schools, the increasing strain on individuals and families during the Pandemic became apparent, and the idea of a local hub delivering to people in the villages was taken up by us as a benefice. We now regularly deliver Foodbank parcels to people in need, many of whom would struggle to get to Hertford or Ware to pick up what they and their families need.

The 3 Churches Foodbank Hub is always in need of donations. When we have specific requests, this will be noted in our News & Notices sheet. Donations can be dropped off on Wednesday morning between 10.30–11.30am at St Margarets Parish Church or to Sue Webb at 8 Miller Lane, Stanstead Abbotts.

Any donations are gratefully received. Thank you for your continued support!

If you have any questions, do get in touch with Lyn Paddon, The 3 Churches Foodbank Manager (see our Contact Us page for details).

‘Mayflower’ Descendants at St John the Baptist

On Sunday 3^rd September at St John the Baptist, Great Amwell, a memorial to Richard and Elizabeth Warren was unveiled by the Bishop of Hertford, the Rt Rev’d Dr Jane Mainwaring.

Richard and Elizabeth were married in the church in 1610, and Richard was one of the Pilgrim Fathers who left Plymouth on the ‘Mayflower’ in 1620. Elizabeth and her five daughters followed him to the New World three years later.

The memorial plaque was sponsored by The Warren Cousins from America, fifteen of whom were present at the ceremony, including their president Marty Beerman and his wife Jane.

The service was conducted by Rev’d Dr Sarah Forrest, assisted by Benefice Reader, Lynne Griffiths. It was a lovely service, followed by refreshments, and everyone who attended felt it was a very special event.

Written by Richard Mellor

Photographs:
(1) Rt Rev’d Dr Jane Mainwaring with Rev’d Dr Sarah Forrest and Benefice Reader Lynne Griffiths
(2) The service
(3) The Bishop of Hertford, assisted by Benefice Reader, Lynne Griffiths before the unveiling
(4) Richard Pickering in 17^th Century costume, with the unveiled plaque
(5) The Warren Cousins
(6) Jane & Marty Beerman, with the Rev’d Dr Sarah Forrest and Churchwardens Margaret & Richard Mellor