A former Norfolk convent is hosting an exhibition to celebrate its rich history and show how the charity based there is looking to the future.

Homeless charity Emmaus Norfolk & Waveney occupies the former All Hallows Convent in Ditchingham, near Bungay.

It is inviting the public to attend an exhibition on Saturday, September 16 and Sunday, September 17.

The exhibition, created with the support of the All Hallows Community and The Heritage Lottery Fund, will follow the life and work of the order of Anglican nuns who once lived in the convent.

The exhibition comes as Emmaus Norfolk & Waveney has exciting plans to develop the site.

The charity has received funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund to restore the former grade II listed refectory, where the exhibition will be hosted.

The refectory, which is currently in need of renovation, will service the public, Emmaus companions and guests staying at the 32-bedroom bed and breakfast that the charity is also developing on-site.

Beccles & Bungay Journal: Cecile Roberts of Emmaus Norfolk & WaveneyCecile Roberts of Emmaus Norfolk & Waveney (Image: Emmaus)

Cecile Roberts, CEO of Emmaus Norfolk & Waveney said: “We’re incredibly honoured to work with the sisters of All Hallows to explore the heritage of the site, specifically the refectory, and we can’t wait to showcase this to the public.

"We’ll be sharing the memories of the sisters who lived here, and it’s thanks to their generosity that we’re able to put the exhibition on.

"The new enterprise will create amazing opportunities for companions to grow and learn new skills and we can’t wait to welcome to public back to eat with us."

Beccles & Bungay Journal: Aerial shot of All Hallows Convent 1965Aerial shot of All Hallows Convent 1965 (Image: Emmaus)

The heritage of All Hallows Convent began in 1859 when the All Hallows sisters moved to the site in Ditchingham.

They remained there for 160 years and together they ran a House of Mercy for vulnerable women, a school, and an orphanage.

Emmaus Norfolk & Waveney, a secular organisation, took on the building in 2011 and it is now a community and home for 32 people, who have experienced homelessness.

Beccles & Bungay Journal: All Hallows House of Mercy 1870All Hallows House of Mercy 1870 (Image: Emmaus)

 

THE REFECTORY:

Beccles & Bungay Journal: Refectory currently used as part of Emmaus' second-hand shopRefectory currently used as part of Emmaus' second-hand shop (Image: Emmaus)

Beccles & Bungay Journal: Mock-up of refurbished refectoryMock-up of refurbished refectory (Image: Emmaus)