To celebrate its 40th anniversary, Milton Keynes and District Reform Synagogue held its first open day, attracting more than 200 people from all faiths.

Many guests had never been inside a synagogue before and were curious to learn more about Judaism. But the open invitation also brought in Jewish families previously unaware of the synagogue’s existence.

The event featured contributions from cheder pupils, teenage congregants, the shul choir and a five-piece band led by Andy Gilbert. The Mayor of Milton Keynes, Councillor Martin Petchey, cut the anniversary cake.

Shul chair Priscilla Dorrance said the day “exceeded all our expectations. It was tremendous to be able to show our friendly community to so many people.”

In the early days of the synagogue, services were held in members’ homes. But as numbers increased, the synagogue began using hired halls for events and in the 1990s, members decided to fundraise for permanent premises. The synagogue was built in 2002 in Giffard Park, north-east of Milton Keynes.