Who's Who for Local History Day

Meet some of the people who will be hosting Local History Day at the Eric Morecambe Centre, Rothamsted Park on 20 April 2024.

Any queries, questions or feedback on the Day contact:

You can ask any marshal to help direct you to, or to contact, a listed individual.

In detail:

A Message from our Honorary President

Councillor Fiona Gaskell

Cllr Gaskell says, “I have had the honour to serve as Mayor of the Town for the current municipal year, which is my first year as a councillor of Harpenden Town Council. It has certainly been a busy year since, as well as being the Chairman of the Council, I have attended numerous events in and outside the town.

“One thing which has been clear to me throughout is how many lively voluntary organisations and societies we have in the town and how so many residents throw themselves into activities to contribute to their success.  As a result, Harpenden is a thriving community.

“The Society is one such organisation in which I take a special interest, and I was pleased recently to be asked to be Honorary President, a role which passes on to my successors.  I encourage as many people as possible to support the Local History Day 20 April and the Society in the future as it develops its range of activities.

I look forward to seeing you on 20 April.”

Regards,
Councillor Fiona Gaskell
Mayor of Harpenden, President of the Society

About our Patron – Annie Brewster, High Sheriff of Hertfordshire 2024-25, appointed 17 April 2024

Annie Brewster, High Sheriff

The office of High Sheriff is the oldest continuous non-religious office under the Crown, dating back to Anglo-Saxon times.  The sheriff was responsible to the King for the maintenance of law and order within each shire and for the collection of taxes.  Today’s law-enforcing sheriffs, all over the world, stem from this role.

Being independent and non-political, High Sheriffs are able to bring a wide variety of people together within the county, supporting the judges, police, magistrates, prison and probation services, the armed forces, emergency services and the many charities in Hertfordshire.

Annie lives in Wheathamstead, where she has served her community as a local councillor for over 17 years, being a Parish, District and County Councillor.  Annie was Mayor of St Albans City & District in 2013, then the Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Culture, Sport and Leisure, overseeing the development of the new Museum and Gallery, then the new Harpenden Leisure Centre and Eric Morecambe Centre.

Following a private confirmation ceremony by the King in March, Annie assumed the office of High Sheriff on 17 April in a service at St Albans Abbey.  Annie was recently appointed Patron of the Society.  Annie says, “I am particularly pleased to be renewing acquaintance with the EMC and look forward to participating in the Local History Day on 20 April.”

About our new Chairman – Roger Butterworth

Roger Butterworth, Chairman

Roger first took an interest, which he emphasises remains completely amateur, in local history as a teenager. He spent his whole career in the City of London, from which he retired in 2020.  Appointed Chairman in 2023, Roger came to his role at an exciting, yet challenging, time.  After 20 years without a museum, and the Covid years, thanks to the Les Casey bequest and the hard work of dedicated trustees, we now have a spanking new Museum to be proud of and a well-organised archive room for our extensive documents and images.

Roger says:

“Members of the Society’s project team have been working for six months already to prepare for the Local History Day on 20 April.  The purpose of the event is the sharing of our knowledge and enthusiasm.

“To make the most of 20 April and of the Society and all it has to offer, I invite interested residents of Harpenden and surrounding communities:

• To volunteer to help on the day, for example as marshals, but in any event put the date in your diary and come along;
• To volunteer to help in the Museum;
• Use our website and visit the Museum;
• Join the Society;
• Take the opportunity to take an interest in the other participating societies on 20 April.”

“With the support of trustees and members, we have the opportunity to grow the Society and all we do.”

Do get in touch if you wish to join the Society, conduct research, volunteer in any capacity or have any questions: chairman@harpenden-history.org.uk