Ashwell at Home: Visitors celebrate village in the sunshine

Ashwell at Home, which is now in its 38th year, is run by a team of volunteers as well as villagers who open their gardens and organise activities.

Each year Ashwell at Home is usually held on the second Sunday in May, to celebrate the village - which was first established more than 1,100 years ago.

Town Crier Graham Scott at Ashwell at Home (Image: Clive Porter)

The event, held on Sunday, May 14, raised funds for the Ashwell Village Museum, Ashwell Primary School and St Mary's Church.

This year's theme was 'A Day in the Country' - showcasing the village's best features - and visitors had a chance to see exhibitions, farming displays and farm animals.

They also enjoyed music, dancing, talks, art and craft demonstrations, and workshops on butter making, spinning and weaving and more - as well as a stage school workshop, a dog show and scarecrow and tree trails.

Letchworth Morris Dancers performing at Ashwell at Home (Image: Clive Porter)

Visitors were able to explore 17 different open gardens, ranging from the tiniest courtyard to a large country house, with all sizes in between.

A spokeswoman for Ashwell at Home said: "The sun shone brightly and visitors of all ages (some with their canine friends) could be seen enjoying themselves at every venue in the village or happily munching the delicious home-made refreshments on offer while looking eagerly at their programme to plan their next stop - supported by regular announcements from the Town Crier!"

An embroidery marking the Coronation of King Charles III (Image: Clive Porter)

Additional entertainment was provided by the Letchworth Morris Dancers and a traditional Tudor dance team, who performed outside the museum.

Melbourn resident Clive Porter, who visited on the day and took photos, said the day was "a great experience with everyone really happy and carefree".

Visitor Sylvia Drury admiring the blooms (Image: Clive Porter)

He added: "I was very taken aback by the wonderful atmosphere, with both young and old contributing to make the day a very special event.

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"I was very impressed by how friendly everyone appeared to be. Numerous individuals, recognising me from my frequent visits to previous shows, came over to enquire how I was keeping. All very nice and cordial."

Morris dancer Geoff Pitt at Ashwell at Home (Image: Clive Porter)