Guests representing local charities, community champions and dignitaries, past and present, were transported back to the 1970s for the very start of Hertsmere's creation at a special celebratory event.
It marked 50 years since the creation of the borough and was an opportunity to give back to those local heroes who go above and beyond for our communities.
Cllr Marc Amron, Member Champion for Hertsmere’s 50th anniversary, said:
The 50th anniversary of Hertsmere's formation has provided an ideal opportunity to celebrate our wonderful borough as well as recognise our vibrant and cohesive communities that we value so deeply.
This event brought together people who help, support and uplift our communities. I am delighted we were able to mark and recognise the contributions of so many to Hertsmere life. It was a wonderful way to look back at how far our borough has come.
We heard from residents about why they love living in Hertsmere, highlighting our strong sense of community that makes our borough so special. It was great to catch up with dignitaries including former mayors, friends, charities, community organisations and businesses that make our borough so special. Several council staff, who work hard day in and day out to deliver key council services, also joined us for the event.
My thanks to Cllr Nik Oakley and everyone else who worked so hard to organise the celebration.”
The event took place at The Village Hotel in Elstree on Sunday, 2 March. Funding support was provided by local businesses Trulo, Griggs and Sky Studios Elstree to ensure that a large cross-section of community groups and their volunteers could attend. All councillors who attended paid for their own tickets.
Guests were greeted by Dr Who and the Tardis and invited to travel back to 1974, where they were tempted by the cuisine of the day, disco hits and a 70s medley by students from Bushey's MPAA.
In addition to the celebration event, we held a family fun day in September 2024, as well as giving out thousands of pounds in small grants to local community groups and voluntary organisations to help celebrate our 50-year anniversary during 2024.
The Hertsmere Community Lottery also donated an additional £250 to four good causes in the borough, as part of the celebrations.
Hertsmere was created on 1 April 1974 under the Local Government Act 1972 by combining Aldenham Parish from Watford Rural District, Bushey Urban District, Elstree Rural District and Potters Bar Urban District.
The name ‘Hertsmere’ was coined for the new district by combining the common abbreviation of Hertfordshire with ‘mere’, an archaic word for a boundary. The name is reflected in the council's coat of arms, which shows a hart upon the battlements of a boundary wall.
The district was awarded borough status on 15 April 1977, allowing the chair of the council to take the title of mayor.
To view a slide show of some photos from the night, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghDPz9B_xTM
To view our 50th anniversary video, visit: https://youtu.be/GV4vjOhUl1c
