STARS from Harry Potter descended on Comet country, the Coalition Government announced their emergency budget and World Cup fever gripped the nation in June.

? Wizardry was in the air when scenes from the final Harry Potter film were shot near Baldock.

Weston Hills provided the backdrop as Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson were in front of the camera for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

? Police reopened a cold case investigation into the death of a mystery woman killed while trying to hitchhike on the A1 – 35 years ago.

The body of an unknown woman, with a distinctive Afghan coat, was found near the A507 in Radwell in 1975.

Detective chief inspector Sean O’Neil said: “We know its was such a long time ago but we are appealing to anyone who may have been travelling on the A1(M) all that time ago whose memory may be jogged by this appeal.”

? Thousands of people turned out for Stevenage Day to enjoy some fun in the sun.

In it’s 51st year, a seven-a-side football festival ran throughout the afternoon, as well as dance and dog displays to enjoy.

Stevenage Borough Council Cllr Howard Burrell proclaimed it was “one of the most successful Stevenage Days ever.”

? World Cup fever gripped the nation with residents from Comet country flying the flag in South Africa.

Mike Taylor from Baldock was one of many to follow England’s fortunes as they played the USA but goalkeeper Robert Green’s mishap wasn’t the only one that day, as Mike and three friends almost missed the game altogether when a 90-minute journey took them four hours.

Following his 10-day trip, Mike planned to fly back out if England made the final...

? The new Coalition Government’s emergency budget struck fear into many as the reality of the cuts to come reared its head for the first time.

Plans for the regeneration of Stevenage town centre were deemed to be under threat due to the announcement of a 20 per cent VAT increase in January, while child benefit was frozen and tax credits cut.