Norfolk Christian care complex celebrates 65 years

Quebec Hall, the Christian residential care home and bungalow complex in Dereham, will be celebrating its 65 – year anniversary this summer with an open day and service of thanksgiving. Tony Rothe reports.

The centre, situated in countryside on the edge of Dereham, comprises 43 bungalows with 19 residents in the hall itself. It has been described as a place of peace for those who wish to come and live in a Christian environment.
 
The open day on Saturday 19 July will provide an opportunity for visitors to tour Quebec Hall and visit the bungalows, and take tea in the picturesque gardens or in the marquee. The fellowship speaker at 3pm will be Professor Sam Leinster, who is the former Dean of the Medical School at the University of East Anglia.
 
Quebec hall was built in 1759, and named after the siege of Quebec in Canada. It has served people through the ages through both world wars, originally as a school, and then bought and refurbished by David Potter who built 44 bungalows for retired Christians. The complex was officially opened on 25 May 1960 by Lieutenant General Sir William Dobbie.
 
Manager Mark Woodgett describes Quebec hall as a place of peace and friendship, and says “We encourage one another especially through our weekly and monthly events, ranging from cream teas to barbecues, quiz nights to themed evenings mostly centred around food! We value people and look forward to getting to know everyone who comes to live here - we try to ensure that everybody feels at home.
 
“We also see Quebec hall as a place of rest where you can relax and enjoy the wonderful surroundings - the character of the hall and the peace and tranquillity of walking around the gardens, perhaps resting in one of the lounges or in the summer house retreat.”
 
Importantly, the centre is a place of fellowship, with weekly services to explore the word of God, share communion together and pray.  They hold a weekly sing and share morning and a monthly prayer meeting.
 
Professor Sam Leinster pioneered the undergraduate course at the UEA’s medical school in order to centre on a patient’s needs and wishes, to ensure an effective integration of science and patient care at all stages of a doctor’s training. He was included in Who’s Who back in 2007, which he saw as an endorsement of the new medical school at the UEA.
 
Born in Belfast, Prof Leinster’s career has been extensive. He served as a medical officer in the Royal Air Force for five years, in the RAF hospital at Ely and also on a surgical team in Oman. After four years in Cardiff, where he specialised in breast cancer surgery, he moved to Liverpool University, first as senior lecturer, then professor of surgery and, later, director of medical education.
 
He describes himself as an active committed Christian, and was a regular worshipper at Dereham Baptist Church, as well as preaching at various churches around the area. Although he has no recollection of when he became a Christian, he has no problem with that: “I don’t remember being born either, but I know I am alive.”
 
For further information about Quebec Hall or the open day, visit quebechall.co.uk

Or contact: Mark Woodgett at info@quebechall.co.uk or phone 01362 692504.
 
Quebec Hall is on Quebec Road, Dereham, Norfolk NR19 2QY
 
Photos are courtesy of Quebec Hall.

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