The sun was shining brightly on Saturday, July 19, as Quebec Hall, a Christian residential care home and bungalow complex in Dereham, celebrated its 65-year anniversary in grand style. The historic Quebec Hall, originally built in 1759, has been serving as a charitable retirement complex since 1960, providing a loving home for elderly missionaries and retirees. The brainchild of Christian businessman David Potter, Quebec Hall has grown to become a thriving community, offering full-time care for 22 residents in the main building and housing 43 self-catering bungalows for more active retirees. To mark this significant milestone, the complex hosted an open day and special thanksgiving celebration, which drew in over 150 guests, including residents, family members, staff, trustees, volunteers, and local dignitaries.
As the guests gathered in the beautifully manicured grounds of the estate, they were treated to a wonderful afternoon of celebration and reflection. The event was attended by the Mayor of Dereham, Ray O’Callaghan, as well as two daughters of David Potter, who were instrumental in bringing their father’s vision to life. The guest speaker for the afternoon was Professor Sam Leinster, an ex-trustee of Quebec Hall, who delivered a thought-provoking Bible address based on Nehemiah chapter 8 verse 10 – “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” The address served as a poignant reminder of the importance of faith and community in the lives of the residents and staff at Quebec Hall. The afternoon’s proceedings also included reports from the Chairman of Trustees, Mr. Stephen Read, General Manager Mark Woodgett, and Head of Care David Woodgett, which highlighted the sense of family and camaraderie that pervades every aspect of life at Quebec Hall.
The sense of community and family that exists at Quebec Hall is truly remarkable. One resident has called the complex home for an incredible 30 years, transitioning from a bungalow to the main hall just two years ago. The staff, too, are a testament to the complex’s warm and welcoming environment, with five members of the team having clocked up an impressive 144 years of service between them. Additionally, one of the self-employed tradesmen who maintain the complex has been doing so for nearly 40 years, and one of the trustees has served for an impressive 24 years. These remarkable statistics speak to the enduring power of the relationships and bonds that have been formed at Quebec Hall over the years. As the guests enjoyed a superb buffet spread and toured the hall and bungalows, they were able to see firsthand the love and care that goes into making Quebec Hall such a special place.
The open day and thanksgiving celebration was a resounding success, with visitors praising the warm hospitality and generosity of the Quebec Hall community. Mark Woodgett, General Manager, reflected on the event, saying, “A lot of people put in a lot of hard work, but we have had so many compliments about the day; it was very worthwhile.” The event was a celebration not just of Quebec Hall’s 65-year history but also of the countless lives that have been touched and transformed by the complex’s ministry. As the guests departed and the celebrations drew to a close, there was a sense of gratitude and appreciation for the vision and dedication of David Potter, who had first envisioned a place where elderly missionaries and retirees could find love, care, and community.
Quebec Hall’s story is one of faith, hope, and love, and its 65-year anniversary is a testament to the power of these values to transform lives. As the complex looks to the future, it remains committed to providing a safe, supportive, and loving environment for its residents, where they can live out their days in peace and contentment. Whether you are a resident, staff member, or simply a visitor, Quebec Hall is a place where you can experience the joy and strength that comes from being part of a vibrant and caring community. For more information about Quebec Hall, please visit their website at quebechall.co.uk or contact Mark Woodgett at [email protected] or phone 01362 692504.
In conclusion, Quebec Hall’s 65-year anniversary celebration was a joyous and uplifting occasion, filled with music, food, and fellowship. It was a testament to the enduring power of faith, community, and love, and a reminder that these values can bring people together in the most remarkable ways. As the Quebec Hall community looks to the future, they do so with hope and confidence, knowing that they are part of something truly special. If you have a news story or forthcoming event relating to Christians or a church in Mid Norfolk, please do not hesitate to contact Tony Rothe at [email protected], and he will be happy to share your story with the wider community.
