Historical Exhibition Held to Celebrate 50-year Legacy

County Councillors and colleagues who have worked for Hertfordshire County Council for 50 years were recently invited to a special exhibition to celebrate the anniversary of the first County Council meeting that took place on 21 May 1974 after the Local Government Act was passed.

Attendees had the chance to take a look at historical artefacts carefully curated by Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies at County Hall, Hertford.

Two Community Protection colleagues, Phil Smith and Kevin Horwood were invited to the event to share in the celebrations as they marked their own 50-year anniversary of working for the organisation.

And former Hertfordshire Councillor John Metcalfe, who was one of the original members of the 1974 County Council cohort, was pleased to share in the memories of his time serving as an elected Member for the residents of Hertfordshire.

Speeches were given by Interim Chief Executive Scott Crudgington, Chairman Cllr Terry Douris, Cllr Chris White who is the longest current serving Member of Hertfordshire County Council and former Chairman of the County Council, Frances Button.

Some of the items on display were the first minute book of the ‘new’ County Council, marketing material for staff who were joining the organisation in the 1980’s including a guide to the County Hall offices and a visitors’ book which included high profile signatures such as HM Queen Elizabeth II.

Cllr Terry Douris, Chairman of Hertfordshire County Council, said: ‘It was a fantastic way to celebrate the importance of local government in Hertfordshire and the role county councillors and officers play in key decisions that have impacted our residents lives over the last 50 years. It was great to see attendance from all political parties at the event to celebrate both county-wide and organisational milestones that we should collectively be proud of.’

You can find out more about the Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies service and the breadth of services they provide to residents in Hertfordshire by visiting the website:  www.hertfordshire.gov.uk