First Ashwell at Home since Lockdown – A wonderful day out for all the family!

The first Ashwell at Home since 2019 was a bumper day out to this beautiful and historic village, with lots of happy people from toddlers to grandparents – and even their dogs – enjoying everything the day had to offer, all bathed in beautiful sunshine…

Some visitors came especially to see the 15 open gardens, others to savour the history of the village and to enjoy the many things to see and do.

Ashwell at Home – Bygrave Handbell Ringers

The theme was ‘A Day of Wellbeing’ with a number of activities for all with workshops including movement, yoga, singing, harp relaxation, drawing, painting and mini fit club, plus free reflexology mini-treatments and the opportunity to join in with Herts Early Dance, Morris Dancing and the Jumba flash mob!

There was music all around the village with performances from classical to pop, rock and folk, vocal harmony, Spanish guitar and other acoustic instruments.

Add to that a number of walks and talks on the history of Ashwell, a tree trail, basket making, spinning, art, pottery, well dressing and quilting demonstrations and displays – not to mention delicious lunches and cakes – it was truly ‘something for everyone with lots of opportunities to join in the fun!

Now in its 37th year, Ashwell at Home is an annual event where this historic village welcomes visitors from near and far for a whole day of entertainment for all ages. Traditionally held on a Sunday in the first half of May.

Don’t forget to ‘save the date’ for 2023 – likely to be either Sunday 7th or 14th May – and keep a lookout for more information on the website www.ashwellathome.org.uk or follow on Facebook www.facebook.com/AshwellAtHome   
Ashwell at Home – Dr Fergus David Moynihan

Dr. Fergus David Moynihan who joined the Ashwell GP’s Practice with his father, Dr. John Moynian (who had run the Practice since 1933), in 1965, fully taking over in 1972.

He has published an intriguing insight to the Ashwell Medical practice over the last century and was signing purchases of this on Sunday at the Guildhall.

The centuries old custom of Well Dressing is unique to Tissington in Derbyshire. When Maureen Kersee moved from that area to Ashwell some years ago she brought this art with her and at each Ashwell at Home she produces a new spectacular piece of work. This year the subject displayed was depicting The Owl and The Pussycat theme.

There is evidence in the churchyard of a mass grave that would have been produced for fatalities from the Black Death, which raged throughout the Nation between the 1300’s to the 1600’s, killing off huge swathes of the population. It was responsible for wiping out half the population of Ashwell. There is further documentation regarding this in the Church. This is how a doctor of the day would have been dressed in an attempt to protect himself from the chronic disease.

Article and photography by Clive Porter PhotographyÂ