The Chimes

New Norcia has been a hive of activity as the cooler season sets in, including two King's Coronation celebrations, a visit from the Porsche Club of Perth, and a community service day trip from Lumen Christi students.

King's Coronation Dinner

In grand style, Lyle Georgeson and Cathie Mackie drew a group and celebrated the event on the Saturday night of the coronation, 6 May, with a dinner at the Hostel. Guests started with pre-dinner drinks and sat down to a meal of shared antipasto platters, followed by a choice of salmon, steak or chicken for mains and fruit and ice-cream for dessert.

"Thank you all for making our coronation party such a fun night", said the organisers. "Joyce, your organisation and communication during the planning was first class. John, thank you for all your help, especially with sourcing our favourite champagne and making outstanding espresso martinis. Carmel and Tyler – the Murray team – were both very efficient (even under challenging eftpos conditions) and Tyler, apart from looking resplendent, was a very polite and capable young waiter. The food was enjoyed by all, especially the antipasto platters and the salmon and the dessert was so beautifully presented. Fresh fruit salad and ice cream has never looked like that before"!

King's Coronation High Tea

The King's Coronation High Tea was held in the newly renovated small dining room at St Ildephonsus’ College on 11 May. Inspired by Sharyn Sinclair, Emma Kelly, Claire Forrester and Jane Graham, the ladies beautifully decorated the room with photos and books of Charles and Camilla. A fire was lit for the first time in the renovated fireplace, creating an ambience of genuine cordiality.

Guests were treated to a glass of champagne upon arrival and Abbot John served a complimentary, truly English cocktail for the guests – Pimms! In addition to tea (and bottomless champagne), the layered light lunch included mini cupcakes, zucchini slice, chocolate cake, vol-au-vaunts, strawberries dipped in chocolate, macarons, New Norcia's Nutcake, Pan Chocolatti and Biscotti, mixed sandwiches and scones with jam and cream.

Amongst the ladies and gents who attended were many locals, from as far afield as Miling, Dandaragan, Bindoon and Bullsbrook. "We knew New Norcia would do a good job", said the organising committee afterwards, "but my word, all expectations were exceeded! St Ildephonsus' looked superb, the finishing touches to the room – including the open fire – were just beautiful, and the presentation of the afternoon tea literally blew everyone away". (Comments were overheard that the standard was far higher than any on offer from Perth hotels.)

"Most of all, thank you for giving us an opportunity to get a diverse group of friends together for an afternoon of fun and catching up", the ladies said, "something that, in this busy lifestyle we all lead, we never seem to get around to, but which is actually so important".

Porsche Club of Perth

Porsche car owners and fans swept up the Great Northern Highway on 7 May to swoon over their sleek sedans in the picturesque setting of the New Norcia Hostel. The Club enjoyed a catered lunch, which guests reported as "so amazing!" (So were their cars!)

Lumen Christi Community Service Day

Two hundred students from Lumen Christi College in Perth came to New Norcia for a day trip on Wednesday 10 May.

The day started with mass in the Abbey Church, Fr Robert presiding. This was followed by a sausage sizzle in the Arcades before heading off to the large olive grove to help with the autumn harvest.

With community service a component of their curriculum, the students rallied to fill a large crate to the brim with the black and green fruits. Despite the pouring rain, the students reported having had a fun time picking olives.

Bonus Event!

...and in case you missed it, check out the West Australian article on the recent visit by the West Travel Club for their annual New Norcia Photography, Writing and Experience Weekend!