A QUAKER meeting house will be throwing open its gate and inviting members of the public into its grounds as part of its 50th year anniversary celebration. 

The Winchester Quaker Meeting House at 16 Colebrook Street will be hosting a series of open gate events throughout 2024. It first opened 50 years ago and is used by many groups as well as Quakers. 

On these dates, the religious group will open the gate for a couple of hours, so that the general public can enjoy the beautiful garden.

The next event will take place on Saturday, April 20 between 2.30pm to 4.30pm.

A spokesperson said: "Spend some time enjoying the peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle of the city, walk the labyrinth, rest a while on one of our many benches. All are welcome."

With subsequent events on May 18 between 2.30pm and 4.30pm, June 1 between 10.30am and 12.30pm, June 15 between 2.30pm and 4.30pm, July 6 between 10.30am and 12.30pmand July 20 between 2.30pm and 4.30pm

The group also has a host of other activities and events for the general public for later this year. These will include: exhibitions, textile workshops, poetry and music performances , a birthday party for George Fox, one of the founders of Quakerism and talks about the history of the Meeting House, and the community that uses it. 

Admission to all of the events will be free.

For more go to facebook.com/QuakersinWinchester/ or call 01962 864184.