This December, we’re thrilled to continue our series of heritage events supported by Heritage Lottery Trust, with a celebration of all things Victorian Christmas.
Join us on Saturday 2nd December from 10am – 4pm for a wonderful day out for all the family at our grade II listed former convent site. Every visit and purchase will support our homelessness charity and the work we do to help people who have experienced homelessness to rebuild their lives.
Step back and enjoy a 19th century Christmas
The perfect way to kick off the festive season, enjoy a Christmas market with stalls from local makers and businesses. Get involved in drop-in heritage embroidery and florist craft workshops held throughout the day – make homemade gifts or create a beautiful decoration for your home. Families can also enjoy children’s craft activities during the day focusing on traditional arts & crafts.
Be entertained all day with our friends from Hedenham Choir performing classic Christmas carols and a fantastic jazz band providing all the festive atmosphere.
We’ll be creating an immersive Victorian Christmas experience with staff dressed up in 19th-century costumes and a chance for children to meet Father Christmas and make a Christmas wish.
As usual, you can enjoy a spot of charity shopping in our stunning second-hand showroom and treat yourself to festive food and drink from The Old Orchard Cafe including mulled apple juice and mince pies.
Explore our rich heritage
As you wander our historical site, step-back in time and explore the rich heritage of the All Hallows Convent and learn about the Sisters who lived and worked on our site at our pop-up exhibition.
We want to continue the legacy of All Hallows Community and this Winter we are restoring the refectory of the grade II listed building.
The refectory will be restored to its former use as a dining room and it will reopen as a restaurant servicing the public, visitors to a unique bed and breakfast and live-in residents, known as companions. This project will protect and restore part of a heritage building which is at risk of dilapidation, at the same time enabling the commencement of a new social enterprise. The refectory will support our companions to build new skills in hospitality and create a new income stream for supporting people who have experienced homelessness and trauma, who wish to rebuild their lives.
Join us for a magical event, entry to the event is free and parking is available on site.