A tea party 80 years in the making
Ask someone what makes a town special and you might hear about its history or its landmarks. Ask someone who has called Stevenage home for 80 years, and the answer might be much simpler - The people.
"My favourite thing about Stevenage is my friendships. 50 years of community."
That was one resident's answer at Stevenage Borough Council's 80 at 80 Tea Party on Friday 30 October. Residents celebrating their 80th birthdays this year came together for an afternoon of stories, laughter, entertainment and, naturally, lots of tea and cake.
Each of the 60 guests brought something that can't be found in a history book; a lifetime of memories and a personal connection to the town's story.
For some, that meant remembering the Stevenage they first knew. For others, it was about the friendships made, the families raised and the community built over the years. And for everyone, it was a chance to share those experiences with people who understood what they meant.
One guest summed up the afternoon perfectly:
“Thank you so much. It was such a lovely, special afternoon. It brought back so many happy memories, and it was wonderful to feel celebrated.”
The afternoon opened with welcomes from Hertfordshire Vice Lord-Lieutenant Dr Sally Burton and the Mayor of Stevenage, Councillor Lloyd Briscoe. Stevenage Museum curator Jo Ward then brought the town's history to life, taking guests on a journey through eight decades of change.
There was plenty more to enjoy, with afternoon tea, live singing from Cara Bo and a little magic from Dean Maudsley. Everyone also received a special goodie bag to take home as a memento of the occasion.
The celebration attracted attention beyond the room, too, with BBC radio and television teams joining us to capture the stories of residents and hear what eight decades of life in Stevenage really mean to the people who know it best.
Councillor Myla Arceno, Cabinet Holder for Culture, Leisure and Wellbeing, closed the afternoon:
“It was a pleasure to mark this special anniversary with people from Stevenage who turn 80 this same year. It was fascinating to hear their stories of life in Stevenage and meet others who have built lives in the town. We have so much to celebrate about our success story as a new town and this was a great event to mark this milestone. I’d also like to thank all those who applied to join the event.”
Stevenage was officially designated Britain's first post-war New Town in November 1946. Eighty years on, its story is still being written through the lives of the people who call it home.
Happy 80th birthday to all our guests and thank you for being part of Stevenage's story.
Find out more about events celebrating Stevenage 80.