2-879-388 - Historic England Archive/Heritage Images

Laing Sports Ground, Rowley Lane, Elstree, Barnet, London, 22/06/1963. A young girl, dressed as the cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova, receiving a prize from Hilda Laing after a fancy dress competition at the annual Laing sports day at Elstree. In 1964 Laing's annual Sports Day was held at sports ground on Rowley Lane at Elstree on 22nd June. Events included inter-branch tennis, a football competition, an athletic programme, and bowls. There were sport and athletic events for children, as well as fancy dress competitions. A week before this photograph was taken, Valentina Tereshkova became the first woman to travel into space. This photograph was published in the August 1963 edition of 'Team Spirit', the Laing employee newsletter.