Liberty Tea Rooms founder honoured at Heart Hertfordshire Hero Awards
Kerry-Anne Cooper, who recently retired as founder of Liberty Tea Rooms & Community Hub in Hemel Hempstead, has received the Community Award at the Heart Hertfordshire Hero Awards 2025, celebrating over a decade of service to vulnerable members of the local community.
Kerry-Anne, 62, co-founded the charity with her husband Owen in 2013, creating a welcoming space where anyone in need can find support for mental, social, and financial wellbeing. In 2016, she led a fundraising campaign to relocate the charity to Bank Court, in Hemel’ s town centre, securing its place as a vital hub for the community.
Now led by new CEO Richard Evans, Liberty Tea Rooms continues to offer fresh food and drink on a minimum suggested donation basis, supported by a range of volunteers of all abilities aged 18 to 91. Its Community Hub provides free services including money management courses, life skills support, and a food bank distribution point.
The award was presented by The Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire and broadcaster John Darin at a ceremony on 21 March.
Local supporter Dan Stobbs, who nominated Kerry- Anne, said:“ She’ s the heart of our community. This award is a testament to the incredible impact she’ s made.”
Kerry-Anne said:“ This award belongs to the whole Liberty Tea Rooms family. I believe in building an inclusive community – and I’ m proud of all that we’ ve achieved together.”
To find out more or get involved, visit: www. libertytearooms. co. uk
Discover Aviation History at the de Havilland Aircraft Museum
Founded in 1959 as Britain’ s first aviation museum, the de Havilland Aircraft Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of aeronautical innovation. Home to 20 historic aircraft, including the legendary Mosquito and the Comet, the world’ s first commercial jet airliner, the museum brings aviation’ s groundbreaking milestones to life.
Visitors can explore a wealth of artifacts and interactive exhibits, enjoy equipment demonstrations, attend engaging talks, and view rare film clips and newsreels that capture pivotal moments in aviation history.
Run entirely by dedicated volunteers, who were recently awarded The Queen’ s Voluntary Service Medal, the museum
is recognized as one of the‘ best small museums’ by The Sunday Times and proudly holds the Travellers’ Choice Award for 2024.
Adding to its authentic atmosphere, several buildings were recently repainted in wartime camouflage, courtesy of Dulux’ s“ Let’ s Colour” Community Engagement Programme. Meanwhile, the Amy Johnson Hangar is preparing to unveil an exciting Cold War exhibition, set to expand the museum’ s immersive historical experience.
Conveniently located just south of London Colney off the B556, the de Havilland Aircraft Museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, with free parking, an on-site café, and a souvenir shop for visitors to enjoy. For more details, visit www. dehavillandmuseum. co. uk.
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