It was a year ago, on 18th May 2025, the eve of the feast of St Dunstan, that the first Open House event was hosted. We threw open the ancient doors of the historic St Dunstan’s parish church building and invited villagers to explore its heritage. We also threw brave teddy bears from the top of the tower, watching them parachute gracefully to the eager crowd below. It was wonderful to welcome guests of all ages and with diverse interests on that joyful open day.
A Year of Creative Reflection
The Open House project was established with a simple, dignified purpose: to foster a space where community happens; where common interests spark friendships; where curiosity opens doors to new experiences. Our Art Workshops have been a regular feature of this initiative. We have been pleased to help our neighbours learn a new skill or hone their own craft in the company of friends. The Music for a Summer Afternoon provided by the A10 Strings was delightfully enhanced by the acoustics of the ancient church building and by splendid refreshments and sunshine. Perhaps less exquisite but no less joyous was the Carols by Starlight event in which the gathered crowd celebrated Christmas together under a winter sky outside the Village Hall.
Drama and Discovery
We have also explored the power of storytelling, with the BBC comedy writer James Cary telling the whole story of the Bible in an hour (with jokes) and the striking drama of “I am Mark” profoundly affecting those who attended just before Easter. During a carefully prepared walk across the parish, we learned about the historical practice of Beating the Bounds and the 1000-year-old role of the High Sheriff of Hertfordshire. We’ve hosted discussions about the Christian faith, allowing the curious to explore the person and claims of Jesus in conversation with others. And we held a Christmas Party with line-dancing in which many people discovered a new admiration for professionals who make it look so easy!
Looking Ahead
The project continues this year with another Parish Walk, more Art Workshops, a Conversation with a Paralympian and a Tudor Murder Mystery for villagers to unravel. We have booked another musical ensemble for the autumn and there are more events to come. Look at the rest of our website openhouse.hunsdonchurch.org for details of all our events and join our priority mailing list for early notification.
