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.
In honour of 50 years of local partnerships, creativity in the arts, community building, resilience, and meaningful connection, we have spent the last year celebrating with local people. As the 50th anniversary gave way to family fun events, celebration grants, special community lottery prize draws, and a fabulous 1970s-themed dinner, there were opportunities for everyone to get involved.
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. - Cllr Marc Amron (Member Champion for Hertsmere’s 50th anniversary)
Family Fun Event
At the end of September 2024 more than a thousand people came to our 50th anniversary celebration held at our Civic Offices Car Park in Borehamwood. The day was full of funfair rides, live music, classic cars and a wide range of food stalls. The Mayor of Hertsmere, Cllr Richard Butler opened the event and everyone had a wonderful day. We also got to hear from some of our residents who participated in the filming of the 50th anniversary film, which you can view below:
Celebration Grant
Throughout spring 2024 local voluntary organisations and community groups were encouraged to apply for a speciality grant that celebrated Hertsmere's 50th Anniversary. In all 46 organisations were awarded a total of £30,000 to support events and fund equipment for local groups.
Community Lottery Anniversary Prize Draw
“The power of community is the most valuable asset for any charity. Each and every person has the power to make a difference and volunteering can take many different forms,” - Representative from Comfort Cases
The Hertsmere Community Lottery held a special prize draw to celebrate the anniversary. The draw was open to all of the lottery's Good Causes - which are local social/sport organisations and charitable groups - and there were four winners!
The winners of the golden celebration were Hertsmere Mencap, Zenith Trampoline, Comfort Cases UK and DR96 who all thanked their lottery supporters and the council for helping them reach their goals. Each group won £250 each and all put that money to go use from arranging a Cream Tea for group members to providing children with fully packed care cases.
“Being a part of the Hertsmere Community Lottery has made a huge difference for our fundraising and we would highly recommend for all clubs to jump aboard, it’s quick and easy to apply,” - Zenith Trampolining Club Spokesperson
Celebration Dinner
On Sunday 2 March past and present members of local charities, community champions and dignitaries were invited to celebrate the creation of Hertsmere with a groovy 1970s themed event. Guests donned their dancing shoes and either their mini-skirts or bell-bottoms ready to dance the night away.
There was a special guest who arrived on site in a navy blue police box and a rather long colourful scarf... Guests had the chance to take photos with Dr Who and the Tardis before sitting down for dinner and then a boogie on the dance floor. They were also entertained by a "close-up magic" magician and the students from Bushey's MPAA who performed a dance to a 70s medley.
The event took place at The Village Hotel in Elstree and 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.
We would like to thank everyone who has celebrated with us over the past year.
