People from all walks of life came together at the weekend as groups in Letchworth and Hitchin took part in the Great Get Together in memory of Jo Cox, raising hundreds of pounds for good causes.
Labour MP Mrs Cox, who was tragically murdered in her Yorkshire constituency last June, was a great believer that we all have more in common with each other than what divides us.
In that spirit strangers got together to mark a year since her tragic death with tea, cakes and more.
In Letchworth, members of the Letchworth & Baldock Labour Party held a free afternoon tea at the Howard Garden Social Centre – where more than £150 was raised for the Jo Cox Foundation.
Organiser Sue Ngwala said: “Everyone has been so generous, both baking and donating. It’s helpful in difficult times to come together and talk with new people as well as old friends over a cup of tea.
“It’s been so positive to see that no matter our age or background, we’ve more in common than that which divides us.”
About 100 people attended the Letchworth event, where there was a mountain of homemade baked goods including traditional fairy cakes, vegan cheesecake and everything in between.
In Hitchin, the North Herts People’s Assembly held a Get Great Together event in the Market Place, with tea, coffee, cakes and more – and a collection for the people of Grenfell Tower that raised more than £500.
A spokesman tweeted afterwards: “Hitchin raised a glass to Jo – she is gone yet was with us today, and has inspired millions of people to put peace on top.”
Elsewhere in the town, families living near Pinehill Park gathered throughout the afternoon and early evening to mark the day.
Bim Afolami, the newly-elected Conservative MP for Hitchin and Harpenden, marked the Great Get Together at St Nicholas’ Church in Harpenden on Sunday.
He said: “Jo Cox reminded us, and reminded me, that in our communities there is much more that unites us than divides us.”
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