The Chimes

Following upon the heels of the recent upgrades to accommodation at St Gertrude's College, her brother down the road is also getting some much-needed attention. What was once deemed the 'Green Room' for its iconoclastic '70s style wall colour, the east dining room has transitioned from a dated food hall for rambunctious school kids to an elegant, modern lunch room for guests attending live events at New Norcia.

Director of Visitor Services, Carmel Murray, rummaged through the many hidden-away closets of New Norcia's memorabilia to decorate the room with repurposed items that would otherwise be left forgotten and dust-covered, including a vintage fireplace mantelpiece that adds an air of noble elegance to the room. She also rustled up some stored artwork from New Norcia's vast Collections to adorn the newly painted antique white walls.

Staff enjoyed an inaugural luncheon in the dining room following their recent Cultural Awareness Training day in December.

Guesthouse meals are currently prepared in the St Ildephonsus' kitchen, which adjoins the newly renovated dining room. To the west of the kitchen lies a second dining hall, another relic of the college's school-day past – and currently a sight for sore eyes. But Carmel has keen visions for the dilapidated room. Using her well-prepped interior design magic wand, the larger dining hall will one day be a beautiful respite for bus tours to enjoy morning tea, lunch, or a sundowner in style and comfort. (The very-competent Grounds and Maintenance team will do doubt also play a key role.) A work in progress – stay tuned!