The Chimes

A Special Celebration

Kath had been to New Norcia previously for various events and decided that the Hostel would be the perfect venue for her special celebration.

With pretty flowers to decorate the tables and little thank you cards with pictures of the paintings that Kath creates, the dining room looked beautiful. The special cake was made by Kath's husband, Richard.

Guests enjoyed a wonderful buffet lunch followed by dinner prepared by Marlon and his team, and an overnight stay.

Kath had some lovely words for us after celebrating her birthday.

"I can’t thank you enough for making my 80th birthday truly memorable and a wonderful family time for all of us.
It was really special because of the lovely setting and building and the care taken with the table settings and the delicious food.
We were very comfortable in the hostel. All our needs were met and there is an atmosphere of generous hospitality which encouraged us just to relax and enjoy it all. We had time to chat to each other. That’s very precious when the guests came from Alice Springs, Sydney, Esperance and Perth.
Thank you for the extra touches. I loved the teapots!!
And the gift bag! How kind!
None of us will forget the lovely time we had together.
With very warm regards and heartfelt thanks."
Kath

Dominican Sisters

Arriving just in time for Midday Prayer, the Sisters joined the community for lunch in the refectory (the kitchen put on Sunday fare) and enjoyed a short tour of the monastery, which included a short twinkling of the ivories with Fr Robert.

After viewing such treasures such as Salvado’s hand-written diaries in the library, they paid a visit to the abbey church and the museum and art gallery.

Senior Mary Ryan OP had a few lovely words to say about the visit:

"On behalf of all the Dominican Sisters who visited New Norcia last week, I want to thank you so much for the hospitality shown to us – joining for Midday prayer, lunch in the refectory and the inspirational - and educational – tour of the monastery.
Everyone was so impressed and loved seeing your ‘treasures’ in the different rooms and library, not to mention the beautiful piano playing from Fr Robert – what a treat! We all appreciated the service at dinner, please thank the monks involved as it surely was a real mark of Benedictine hospitality. The Sisters were also surprised and grateful for your thoughtful gift, which will be a reminder of their visit. It truly was a wonderful day. We have made a $500 donation for your Monastery library – to use in whatever way you need, as we recognise the work involved in keeping sacred things so carefully. With much gratitude and a remembrance in our prayers."

Sr Mary Ryan OP

Music from the Movies

This is a rare opportunity to hear works, in unique piano renditions by New Norcia’s Fr. Robert Nixon. Fr. Robert will be joined by some of New Norcia’s talented singers for some items to make this soirée truly a night to remember. Requests from guests are welcome- please email these before 14 July 2024 to organist@newnorcia.com.au.

Guests are invited to come dressed as their favourite movie character!

The evening will commence at 6.30pm and will be accompanied by dishes prepared by Abbot John.

Please contact Joyce to book your accommodation for the night. This is for the following venues: Hostel, Guesthouse or Old Convent. Joyce's details will be sent to you in your confirmation e-mail when you have purchased your tickets.

Accommodation is $130 per room (including continental breakfast).

Cecilia takes her Hairdressing on the Road

The van is fully fitted out for purpose, including a wheelchair access ramp at the rear, air conditioning, a wash chair, and a cutting chair.

The monks, at least those with hair, are looking forward to joining Cecelia’s list of happy clients.

Bienvenue Julian et Iness

They have been in Australia for 3 months, intending to stay for 12 – 24 months. In ordinary life, Julian is an IT consultant and Iness is an accountant and runs her own small business. You may see Julian running from time to time, to keep fit for his Tae Kwan Do. Iness says she prefers more sedentary pastimes, that include vin, and movies. Iness wants to her improve her English (which I must say is already really good). We hope that you have a wonderful time while you are with us at New Norcia.

Groups Bookings at New Norcia - Suggested Day Programme 2024

Bookings can be made through the New Norcia Museum.
Please call 08 9654 8056.
Special group rate for the town tour and museum entrance is $20pp.

Major Upgrade to the Visitor Centre Entrance

Early April saw lots of hard work from our equally energetic grounds and maintenance team, removing offending trees, boring holes and setting posts for new shade sails which will protect our visitors from the harsh summer sun and winter rains.

Such developments contribute to our ongoing commitment to providing a memorable and positive experience for the thousands of visitors to this iconic site, and certainly well worth any inconvenience experienced in the process.

We are also very excited to announce that work has begun on the Old Trading Post, which will become The Mandorla Centre and Artist in Residence (2025)…a feature story for a future edition!

Food Safety Management

Recent projects have included:

• Replacement of the kitchen floor in St Ild’s kitchen
• New stainless-steel shelving in the hostel kitchen and old hygiene equipment has been replaced
• Heavy-duty contractor cleaning of exhaust canopies, splashbacks and filters in all kitchens across the site
• All staff involved in the preparation and serving of food have completed food handling safety training
• Abbot John has completed the food safety supervisor course, and this training will be extended to the managers of each department preparing and serving food

The implementation of a comprehensive ongoing food safety management plan will contribute to the fine tuning of our food safety policies and procedures.

Shade Sail Installations

Having recently completely renovated the Visitor Centre entrance, a series of overlapping shade sails have been installed, and picnic settings moved into the area for the use and convenience of our considerable the increasingly large number of passing tourists.

The sails have greatly added to the amenity of the Visitor Centre and Museum and Art Gallery, and create a very welcoming area.

On the northern side of the roadhouse, a shade sail has been installed to upgrade the outdoor seating area for patrons wanting to drink their tea and coffee, eat a meal, or enjoy a cold drink in the fresh air and gorgeous weather that we are currently enjoying.

Both installations were supplied and fitted by Shade Solutions of Osborne Park.

Community Gathering

There were a number of community events to celebrate:

Beginning with the retirement of Heather and Rose. Heather a long-term member of the roadhouse team and Rose, long term community cook, working out of the St Ild’s kitchen. We then turned to some milestone birthdays that occur around this time, beginning with those turning 50, followed by those turning 60.

We then welcomed new members to “Team New Norcia”: Shelly (Roadhouse), and French backpackers, Iness (Roadhouse) and Julian (Grounds and Maintenance). And what would a community celebration be without a song.