Wheathampstead Businesses group recently celebrated its 20th anniversary with a cheese and wine evening for current and past members.

Eight members adorned Wheathampstead Memorial Hall with displays of their products and services.

Current and former members, six former chairmen and parish councillors heard from a variety of businesses which have been involved over the years.

Herts Advertiser: Wheathampstead Businesses chair Ginny CooperWheathampstead Businesses chair Ginny Cooper (Image: WEB)

Iain Begg, who has been involved for 19 years, started the proceedings by talking about the origins of the group - which was launched by parish council members in 2003 to help local businesses support each other.

Wheathampstead High Street had previously been featured on the BBC as an example of local shops closing, but is now "completely different" 20 years on.

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Current chair Ginny Cooper explained that Wheathampstead Businesses- known locally as WEB - has a mission to 'promote, protect and support' businesses and the economy.

This is done through twice monthly networking meetings, the management of an online business directory, promoting businesses on social media and providing them with a platform to support each other.

One of the group's biggest achievements was a crowdfunding campaign for the Post Office and Village Store, which lost £9,000 worth of stock in a burglary earlier this year.