Hertfordshire’s oldest purpose-built shul, St Albans United Synagogue, celebrated its 70th anniversary with its first in-person social event since the start of the pandemic.

Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, St Albans Mayor Councillor Edgar Hill and descendants of founder members were among the guests and the afternoon’s highlight was a video review of the seven decades.

Among those speaking affectionately of the pioneering days was 91-year-old Victor Harris, son of Jack Harris, the shul warden who performed the 1951 opening ceremony with a golden key.

Hazel Kyte, 85, recalled her participation in the children’s choir which sang at the shul’s consecration.

There were also reminiscences from friends and current members Howard Joseph, Sheila Abrahams and Ray Claret, who attended cheder together during the shul’s first decade.

Remarking on the evident closeness of the community and its rabbinic couple, Daniel and Alli Sturgess, Rabbi Mirvis said: “You are not just a community, you are a mishpocha — a family. There’s a very special warmth here.

“It’s a marvellous thing, that sense of camaraderie, and I envy you for that — we simply don’t have communities like this in London. I don’t know if you appreciate how lucky you are to be part of this community. It is something really, really special.”

St Albans’ development was not down to luck. “It happens because of good leadership, good partnership and a wonderful community spirit.”

Councillor Hill expressed admiration for the role the Jewish community played in local life and there was also a video “mazeltov” from St Albans MP Daisy Cooper, who was unable to attend.

Standing in for US president Michael Goldstein, trustee Professor Andrew Eder observed that while the synagogue had been founded by people forced out of London by the war, it was gratifying to see significant numbers still joining. “We at the US can’t wait to see what you will achieve in the next 70 years.”

The shul now has close to 300 members, with 18 added between Pesach and Rosh Hashanah.