Open Door Berkhamsted
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What's On
There is always so much going on at Open Door, see below what happens on a weekly basis, and also an ad hoc basis! Sign up to our newsletter to keep up to date on everything that's going on. 

Don't forget we usually have an exhibition on as well, and our donations café is open 10:30-3:30 Monday-Saturday.

If you'd prefer, you can download our PDF schedule for May.
​

New exhibition: 'Men at Work' - an exhibition of exquisite needle turned applique art by the 'Tentmakers of Cairo' 
Monday 9th - Friday 27th May 
Free, donations welcome
​'Men at Work’, acknowledges the fact that the artists who create  khayamiya are men.  Reflecting the centuries-old tradition, passed on from father to son that lies behind the work that is being created today in Chariah Al Khayamiya of Cairo today. 
No need to book to visit the exhibition - pop in between 10:30-3:30 Mon - Sat, refreshments available 

'Art for Ukraine' 
Final chance to view the remaining pieces 16th - 21st May
Our Art for Ukraine fundraising exhibition packed with donated art from local artists ran for over a month, and so many pieces of artwork were sold in aid of DEC's Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal. There are still a few pieces left, so please come in and see them this week.  You can also see the full exhibition HERE - please email info@opendoorberkhamsted.co.uk if you are interested in buying any pieces.

Ukraine coffee meetup
Fridays 6th, 13th & 20th May,  1-3pm 
Free, donations welcome 

We're delighted to ​welcome families and individuals from Ukraine (and where relevant their host families)  for afternoon coffee and cakes - a safe, welcoming space to meet others in similar situations, make connections, and learn more about the local community. All ages / everyone welcome!
No need to book, just drop in

Art and music in the Garden
Saturday 21st May, 1:30-3:30pm
Free, donations welcome

Come and listen to a wonderful mixture of Jazz swing and blues plus own compositions from www.blueingreen.co.uk - an opportunity to enjoy listening to music, and if you wish, to respond to music artistically with abstract or realistic drawing/art work. Please bring your own art materials.
No need to book

Creative Monday Mornings including beginners Crochet Group 
Mondays, 10:30 - 12:30
Free, donations welcome
​Creative Monday Mornings is a drop in session where anyone can pop into Open Door to work on their creative textile or crafting projects.
As part of this, there's a new weekly beginners crochet group starting on Monday 7th March, where you can pick up the skills and stich know-how to make beautiful crochet pieces of your own, while enjoying coffee and cakes in our café.  In the new crochet group, our fabulous volunteer Jane will be on hand to teach you a variety of basic crochet stitches, and help you work to create a beautiful sampler that can be made into a cushion cover. So if you've always wanted to learn how to crochet, or if you want to brush up your rusty skills or just crochet in good company (with good cake!) - please join us.
No need to book, just come along 

CAP Money Course 
Mondays 9th, 16th & 23rd May (3 week course), 7:30-9:30pm
Free, donations welcome 

The CAP Money Course is a free course that will teach you budgeting skills and a simple, cash-based system that works. In just a few weeks, you will get to grips with your finances so you can budget, save and prevent debt. Whether you feel pretty organised or whether it's like a lucky dip every time you try to withdraw cash from your account, the CAP Money Course will help you take complete control of your finances.
​​​Book your place now at www.bookwhen.com/OpenDoor

Programming Club: Coder Dojo (7-15 years)
Wednesday 27th April for 5 weeks, 4:30-5:30pm
Free, donations welcome 
Calling young people who are interested in creating apps for their phone, or building websites to show case their interests! Or would you like to create your own computer game or cool animation?
Young people from 7-15 years old can learn to do all of this, for free, at Coder Dojo Programming Club at Open Door! Dojos are fun spaces where children and teens can use their imagination and creativity to learn cool new skills, and make new friends. Open to all levels, no experience necessary.
The sessions are bookable for the complete series of five, but you can also book individual sessions if you are not able to come to them all. Although the course is free, it is essential that you book a place for your child in order for them to attend.
​Book your place now at www.bookwhen.com/OpenDoor

Yoga with Raccine 
Wednesdays 11th, 18th, 25th May and 1st June, 7pm - 8:15pm  
First class FREE, then £10 a session
​​Raccine’s teaching style works for both beginners and experienced students, with an emphasis on breathing technique, stretching and mobilisation of the body, together with traditional and modern yoga poses. Classes start and finish with time for relaxation. 
Email Raccine at raccineyoga@gmail.com to book a place 

Dacorum Health Walks followed by coffee at Open Door
Every other Thursday, 10am (May 26th, June 9th & 23rd, July 7th & 21st, Aug 4th & 18th)
Free, donations welcome for drinks and cakes
The new May to August Health Walks programme has been published which includes two Thursday morning walks in Berkhamsted :) Every other Thursday at 10am the walkers start at Sacred Heart Church Car Park (behind Open Door) and return to the Open Door café for optional coffee and cake and a warm welcome afterwards! Why not give the Grade 1 or the new Grade 2/3 walk a try? 
No need to book - for more info see www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/healthwalks

NEW - Youth Café 
Every Thursday, from 26th May, 4-6pm (to be twice a month from June)
We're delighted to launch a Youth Café aimed at senior school pupils, providing a supportive and safe environment for them to drop in and meet friends, chill out, have drinks & cakes, do their homework, socialise. Over time, we hope to provide a range activities and speakers. Contact iain.manson@opendoorberkhamsted.co.uk with any queries.
Drop in - no need to book

Connections: An evening with Peter Drury 
Thursday 26th May, 7-9pm 
Free, donations welcome 

Peter Drury, who is known by many as "the voice of football", will be joining us for our next Connections event for men.  Peter is a resident of Berkhamsted and will join us to share his passion for football and some of the moments in his career where he has created such memorable commentaries. He will be open to your questions, so get thinking! 
​​​Book your place now at www.bookwhen.com/OpenDoor

Jubilee cream teas
Monday 30th May - Wednesday 1st June, between 10:30-3:30
Join us for a cream tea this week to celebrate the Jubilee! We'll have fresh scones, jam and cream on offer so come and enjoy!
No need to book - just drop in!

Jubilee bank holiday weekend closure 
Please note that Open Door will be closed on the bank holidays Thursday 2nd, Friday 3rd June and Saturday 4th June, to enable our volunteers and staff to celebrate the jubilee with their family and friends.

Repair Café - not taking place in June 
There will be no Repair Café on 4th June, due to the Queen's Jubilee celebrations 
For more information see our Repair Café page. 

Infant and child first aid classes
Paediatric First Aid Certificate for Ofsted
  • June 5th, 9am - 3pm, ​October 9th 9am -3pm
2 hour Infant and Child First Aid, £25 per person. Next course:
  • Sunday 3rd July,  10am - 12pm
  • Future dates: September 11th 10am - 12pm, November 13th 10am - 12pm​
For more information and to book, see https://bookwhen.com/hannah_daisyfirstaid

New exhibition opens: Rotary Young Photographer competition Exhibition 
​Monday 6th June - Saturday 25th June 2022
We are delighted to be welcoming back young photographers of Dacorum schools to display their incredible photography - this year with the theme 'The Colours of Nature'.
No need to book

Support Group for Parents of Neurodiverse Children 
Thursday 9th June 2022, 7-8:30pm (every 2nd Thursday of the month)
Free, but donations welcome towards running costs

​We are setting up a new support group for parents of neurodiverse children - those on the Autistic spectrum. The group will be run by parents, for parents, with the aim of sharing stories, experiences, and ideas. It can be very lonely and isolating when you have a child who is neurodivergent. We hope that by setting up this group we can offer support for one another and a new community.
Please email ponkgroup24@gmail.com  for more info or to book 

Mixed race family group 
Saturday 18th June, 2-2:45pm
We're delighted to welcome a new informal get together for mixed and bi-racial families of all ages to socialise and connect. All mixed race families welcome, from babies to grandparents!  
For more information or to RSVP please contact bipocoftring@gmail.com

Repair Café 
Saturday 2nd July, 9:30-12:30 (first Saturday of every month) (NOTE no Repair Café in June due to Queen's Jubilee)
Donations welcome 
Throw it away? No way! 
Do you have something that needs fixing?  Prefer to mend it than throw it away?  
You're invited to pop in with your broken things and let our experts take a look – you can even enjoy a cuppa and a cake whilst you wait – either inside, or in our lovely garden.  We ask for a voluntary donation in exchange for your repair, and any refreshments. No need to book! We are also seeking more volunteers to repair things - if you're interested please visit the page below and get in touch :)

No need to book. For more information see our Repair Café page. 

Mary's Meals 
Saturday 9th July (Second Saturday of every month), 11:30-3pm
Donations welcome 
Each month we host the wonderful Mary's Meals, an amazing global charity which aims to provide one
good meal to some of the world's poorest children every school day.  Volunteers will be serving up some delicious soup, tea and cake, and you can also buy some wonderful treasures from their table top sale. For more information, visit www.marysmeals.org.uk
No need to book (note our café is open as usual from 10:30-3:30 for tea and cake) 

Discover Drawing with Maud
3 weekly workshops - dates coming soon
£30 for the course or £10 per session

​Join artist Maud Eager for this series of three workshops exploring different ways you can approach drawing. The aim won’t be to produce neat accurate drawings - which is what often makes people say they can’t draw and give up - but rather to enjoy discovering what is possible! The course is suitable for all levels, from complete beginners to those who have some drawing experience. Even if you have already completed one of Maud’s courses, do join these sessions - there is always lots to explore with drawing!​
Booking coming soon

Learn to weave - weaving short course - postponed, look out for new dates in the autumn
If you have always wanted to learn to weave, or happen to have a weaving loom of any sort and you want to weave on it but don't know how to start, come along to this course and Deborah will teach you how!
Whether you have a simple frame loom, shaft loom, or a fixed heddle loom - or, you have no idea what these mean, you're welcome - anyone can weave buy simply finding a plain picture frame or buy a frame loom from www.handweavers.co.uk. Deborah will supply all yarns for warp and weft needed for the course. However you are also welcome to bring along any yarns you want to use. She will also have a couple of different looms which anyone can experiment on… and maybe find your weaving mojo!  This is a 3 day course spread over 3 weeks in May, thus giving you time for homework :) You will also need a G clamp to secure their loom to the table. If you need any advice or help with this please email us.
See the link below for more details.
Postponed, look out for new dates in the autumn

Regular weekly activities


Mondays

functional pilates
Mondays 10 - 11am, and 11:15 - 12:15
£14 per class

As the name suggests functional pilates puts the “fun” back into functional movement for your day to day life through pilates.  Here at functional pilates, we teach you how to gain a better understanding of your body, strengthen your body in order to help prevent injury, rehabilitate after injury or help and build you up having had a recent issue or operation. AND....we have fun doing it!!  I'm Sam, Owner and Founder of functional pilates, I specialises in exercise referral, older adults, fall prevention, Osteoporosis and Cardiac rehabilitation, to name a few.  I am also a low back pain specialist. Clare, who works with me and is the usual teacher for these classes, is a fully qualified Osteopath and qualified Pilates teacher, her classes are suitable for all levels and focus on body awareness, strength and mobility. 
For further information or if you'd like to chat about your requirements, please call Samantha Chamberlain of functional pilates on 07968 062791 or email sam@functionalpilates.net. Alternatively take a look at the web site at www.functionalpilates.net and see the different types of programmes we run.
​​
Creative Monday Mornings including beginners Crochet Group 
Mondays, 10:30 - 12:30
Free, donations welcome
​Creative Monday Mornings is a drop in session where anyone can pop into Open Door to work on their creative textile or crafting projects.
As part of this, there's a new weekly beginners crochet group starting on Monday 7th March, where you can pick up the skills and stich know-how to make beautiful crochet pieces of your own, while enjoying coffee and cakes in our café.  In the new crochet group, our fabulous volunteer Jane will be on hand to teach you a variety of basic crochet stitches, and help you work to create a beautiful sampler that can be made into a cushion cover. So if you've always wanted to learn how to crochet, or if you want to brush up your rusty skills or just crochet in good company (with good cake!) - please join us.
No need to book, just come along 
​
Paracise with Susie Alderson - on Zoom 
Mondays, 10:30am - 11:15am 
First class FREE, then £5 a session
​Join Susie for her 45-minute Paracise (low impact exercise to music) sessions by Zoom.
For more information or to book, please contact Susie susie.alderson@outlook.com on or 07762 138356 - or visit www.paracise.com
​

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Connections men's yoga
Mondays, 8pm - 9pm at Carmenta Life
£10 a session or £90 for 10

​Yoga is a wonderful physical and mental discipline that can help your overall wellbeing. We're working with a highly experienced yoga teacher, Sarah Robinson from Essential Beauty, who's been running a men’s yoga class for a number of years. The classes take place at Carmenta Life.  
If you'd like to find out more or book a place, please contact Iain Manson at iain.manson@opendoorberkhamsted.co.uk Or find out more on our Connections men's yoga page.


Tuesdays

Slow Flow yoga with Leanne
Tuesdays 9:30-10:30am
£10 per class or £50 for 6
This slower-paced flow class allows time and space to explore each posture while cultivating strength, flexibility and presence of mind and body. Each class ends with a deeply relaxing shavasana and head massage, with the opportunity to share a hot drink together after practice at Open Doors’ fantastic café. Everyone welcome - maximum of 6 participants. 
To book, contact Leanne on leannecoombes@gmail.com

Qigong with Yoko 
Tuesdays
​11:30-12:30 and 12:30-1:30

£50 for 5 sessions
Qi = energy, gong = skill - learn how to cultivate and improve your energy through these ancient Chinese exercises intended to strengthen muscles and organs, improve breathing and focus attention and intentions; helping you to achieve unity of mind, body and spirit. Improve blood circulation, increase flexibility and mobility, strengthen lungs, plus many more benefits. Suitable for all ages. For complete beginners. 
Find out more and book via yokoyaghmie@btinternet.com or 07947988465

The Open Door Book group - in person 
Last Tuesday of the month, 1:45-3pm 
Open Door upstairs studio
Donations welcome - tea and cakes provided!
​
There are three opportunities each month to join our active book group! We meet during the last week of every month - the last Tuesday of the month in person at Open Door, on Zoom on the last Wednesday and Thursday of the month. Check out our Book Group page for exact dates and to find out what books are coming up over the next few months!
Email Jane Ellen at fredcharliej@gmail.com for further details on how to join the group (it's free to everyone) and to register your place. 

Yoga Nidra with Natalie
Tuesdays 7-8:15pm 
£15 per session
A deeply healing rest session, in which you are guided through a conscious sleep journey whilst lying down in a nourishing, cosy, warm nest. Natalie guides you through some yoga inspired gentle physical movement as preparation for the rest session. Afterwards, Natalie holds a space for sharing and connection with herbal tea and healthy snacks. Everyone welcome – all equipment provided. Wear warm and comfy clothes. 
For more information or to book please contact 
nataliebrophyyoga@gmail.com
​

Wednesdays


'Sagalates' with Michelle Selinger
Every Wednesday, 10:30 - 11:15
£5 a week
A seated Pilates class for those who would prefer not to have to lie on a mat. Gentle Pilates movements - some seated and some standing with the chair as a support.
​To book, please drop Michelle an email at michelleselinger@outlook.com or call her on 07826 858533. 

Art with Julie Smare
Every Wednesday 12:30-2:30
£15 a session - pay on the day 
​A warm and friendly art group for both beginners or with those with more experience. Paint alongside people working with watercolours, acrylics, pastels and charcoal. Everyone welcome​​.
Contact Julie for more information or to book: julie.smare1@gmail.com


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The Open Door Book group 
Last Wednesday of the month at 2pm (also on Thurs eve, see below)
Via Zoom, free ​
There are three opportunities each month to join our active book group! We meet during the last week of every month - the last Tuesday of the month in person at Open Door, on Zoom on the last Wednesday and Thursday of the month. Check out our Book Group page for exact dates and to find out what books are coming up over the next few months!
Email Jane Ellen at fredcharliej@gmail.com for further details on how to join the group (it's free to everyone) and to register your place. Jane can also provide details about the books and information on using Zoom. 


Thursdays

Pilates with Michelle Selinger - now back in person!
Every Thursday from September 9th, 9:45-10:45 
£10 a week
Pilates is a system of exercise and is full body programme with a mind/ body emphasis. Focus is placed on controlled movements performed in a fluid and balanced way to improve strength, mobility, flexibility, and coordination when practiced regularly. Beginners & Returners welcome. 
​To book, please drop Michelle an email at michelleselinger@outlook.com or call her on 07826 858533. 
​
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Wobble with Susie Alderson 
Thursdays from 10am 
Via Zoom

​These gentle and social exercise sessions are aimed at those who would like to maintain or improve their quality of life, but can't stand for the duration of a traditional exercise class. See the Wobble flyer for more details.
​If you're interested in taking part, get in touch with Susie at susie.alderson@outlook.com or on 07762 138356, or visit wobbleclasses.com

Chair yoga with Hilary Warrell - now back in person!
Thursdays 11:30am -12:30pm
£10 per class 
​Hilary is back in person running her brilliant chair yoga classes, with the opportunity to stay for a social cuppa and chat afterwards. Join her for an hour of functional and fun mindful movement and breathwork, designed to improve joint mobility, strength, balance, coordination, confidence and mood. It’s suitable for all ages and designed to be very inclusive. ​
To book, please contact Hilary on 07963 252577 or hgwarrell@hotmail.co.uk
​
Support Group for Parents of Neurodiverse Children 
Second Thursday of the month, 7-8:30pm
Free, but donations welcome towards running costs

​We are setting up a new support group for parents of neurodiverse children - those on the Autistic spectrum. The group will be run by parents, for parents, with the aim of sharing stories, experiences, and ideas. It can be very lonely and isolating when you have a child who is neurodivergent. We hope that by setting up this group we can offer support for one another and a new community.
Please email ponkgroup24@gmail.com  for more info or to book 

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Connections men's meet-ups
Third Thursday of every month, 7-9pm
These are a safe and supportive environment where you'll join other men to discuss and deal with a range of issues – trusting each other and being open to sharing. 
​Go to the Connections page for more information. 

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The Open Door Book group 
Last Thursday of the month at 7:30pm (also Weds 2pm, see above)
Via Zoom, free 
There are three opportunities each month to join our active book group! We meet during the last week of every month - the last Tuesday of the month in person at Open Door, on Zoom on the last Wednesday and Thursday of the month. Check out our Book Group page for exact dates and to find out what books are coming up over the next few months!
Email Jane Ellen at fredcharliej@gmail.com for further details on how to join the group (it's free to everyone) and to register your place. Jane can also provide details about the books and information on using Zoom. 


Fridays

Memory Cafe
Fridays, 10:30 - 12noon 
Free
We run a weekly Memory Café for people with dementia and Alzheimer's (and a family member/carer) – an opportunity to take part in crafts and games.  
Please email before you or a loved one come for the first time - 
info@opendoorberkhamsted.co.uk.
​
Paracise with Susie Alderson - on Zoom  
Fridays, 10:30 - 11:15am 
First class FREE, then £5 a session
​Join Susie for her 45-minute Paracise (low impact exercise to music) sessions by Zoom. 
For more information, please contact Susie susie.alderson@outlook.com on or 07762 138356 - or visit www.paracise.com
​

Saturdays

Repair Café 
First Saturday of every month, 9:30-12:30
Donations welcome 
​​Throw it away? No way! 
Do you have something that needs fixing?  Prefer to mend it than throw it away?  
You're invited to pop in with your broken things and let our experts take a look – you can even enjoy a cuppa and a cake whilst you wait – either inside, or in our lovely garden.  
We ask for a voluntary donation in exchange for your repair, and any refreshments. No need to book!
For more information see our Repair Café page. 
​
Mary's Meals
Second Saturday of every month, 12-3pm
Donations welcome 
Each month we host the wonderful Mary's Meals, an amazing global charity which aims to provide one
good meal to some of the world's poorest children every school day.  Volunteers will be serving up some delicious soup, tea and cake, and you can also buy some wonderful treasures from their table top sale. For more information, visit www.marysmeals.org.uk
No need to book (note our café is open as usual from 10:30-3:30 for tea and cake)

Sundays

Power Flow Vinyasa yoga with Aisling
Sunday mornings 8:15am for an hour every week apart from the last Sunday of the month.
£10 per class
​​The perfect way to start your Sunday leaving you feeling energised and calm. A powerful and strengthening vinyasa flow class, designed to raise the heart rate and promote stronger cardio health. Poses are held for longer which helps to build a connection with the mula and uddiyana bandhas (our core), whilst strengthening through the body and mind.
For more information and to book go to Infinity You Yoga's website - www.infinityyouyoga.co.uk
​

On demand video yoga classes

One of our yoga tutors, Raccine, has made some yoga videos you can follow at home at a time that suits you. Enjoy! 
Gentle Yoga 
Stress Relief
Twist and release 
Energy Balance
Upper body and relaxation 
Email Raccine at raccineyoga@gmail.com for further information about her classes etc!

Meal Delivery Service 
Open Door's meal delivery service has closed for the time being, but we are still here to help if you need it. Visit our donations café, Community Pantry or get in touch on info@opendoorberkhamsted.co.uk if you need support. 

Online Support 

​If you’d like to join one of our online classes but you don’t feel confident using Zoom, we can offer tips and technical help if you contact us on itsupport@opendoorberkhamsted.co.uk

Past events

​Read about some key past events here:
  • ​We had a wonderful time at our 'Down Rectory Lane' event on 27th & 28th August 2021, creating a unique work of community art - read more about it here.
Open Door​, ​Community Space and Cafe, 360-364 High Street, Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire ​​HP4 1HU
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