TWO special anniversaries have been celebrated at Holland House, in Cropthorne, attended by more than 40 people.

The retreat house for the Diocese of Worcester, has marked 70 years since it was given to the diocese by Mrs Holland, and 40 years since it became an independent trust.

The celebrations were marked with a lunch on Monday January 25 cooked by the in-house chefs which included a pea panna cotta, frozen mulled cider and a baileys and white chocolate cheesecake.

Enjoying the meal were former and current trustees, friends and staff of Holland House, including people who were instrumental in setting up the trust.

Diana Beswick was leader of the community which founded the House in 1976 said: “It’s wonderful that 40 years on Holland House is thriving as it is. I was one of four people who came to try to help save the house from being sold. It was hard work, but we really felt that something special was happening and we were just serving it for a little while. We wanted to encourage young people to come and explore their spirituality and think about the beauty of creation in the House’s amazing gardens. We were a small Christian community, but were open to everybody, regardless of their beliefs. It’s fantastic that the spiral goes on and Holland House continues to be a place of Christian devotion for all.”

Current chair of the trustees, Paul West, added: “This has been a great opportunity to reflect on the past 40 years of Holland House, but it’s also a chance to look at where we’re going in the future. In the next 12 months we’ve got some exciting plans to update the chapel, which has itself just had its 50th anniversary and continue to improve the facilities at Holland House, to ensure it remains a place for rest, refreshment and discussion, welcoming people from all faiths and none.”

Also present at the celebration was

The Venerable Robert Jones, Archdeacon of Worcester, attended the lunch and said: “I was delighted to be able to help celebrate these two special anniversaries. Holland House is a place of great hospitality and also a place where people can come to think widely, deeply and safely together.”

Before the lunch, all those present gathered in the chapel for a special service of thanksgiving.