Hello Willow Court Supporters,
We start the year off knowing that the site has been given away by the very people who were elected to manage it, some has been given to the Arts Community while other parts to private businesses. I suspect there will be more news over the next few years about this and the methods that this was do and also the “independent” investigations into the processes used.
But the history is still alive and we at the Willow Court History Group still intend to gather what we can and share that knowledge in a respectful way. This website has clicked over 2 million views this year, which shows that people are interested in the history for personal, family or other research reasons.
This year it is my plan to have 4 face to face (non political) meetings a year where the history can be studied, shared and recorded. This idea is open to anyone with an interest in the site. I intend to have Guest Speakers to enhance our learning and enjoyment. I will announce the first of these in the coming weeks.
Until then happy New Year from us.
PS, still looking for venue. 03.03.2020
5 Comments
Count me in. This is a very important historical site and I am excited to think that we can at least continue to enhance and share our knowledge to those who are interested.
My McGuigan/Johnston Family has a long history with the New Norfolk Asylum …
My Great Grandparents, John McGuigan, his wife, Margaret Clarke and John’s sister, Mary Young all worked at the Asylum.
Also my Grandmother, Mary Jane Augusta McGuigan (John and Margaret’s dtr).
My Grandfather – John Thomas Johnston was a Senior Cook – their son, Hubert John Johnston trained as a Nurse, transferred into Admin and later retired as Store Manager. My mother Ivy Isobel Harrison was Nurse in Charge of the Laundry. Mum’s sister, my Aunt, Gladys Harrison was a Nurse and her husband, Cecil Clark returned from WW1 and was employed on permanent Night shift there.
I am interested to learn more about the RDH but disappointed that the buildings have been allowed to fall into disrepair – it could have been developed into a fantastic historic facility – to rival Port Arthur … if only someone had had the foresight to actually preserve the complex. The Clock Tower was destroyed by people with no concept of the history of the place, I used to walk through the grounds on my way to and from school as a child – it is so very sad to see that has been permitted to happen to the site.
Hi Deirdre,
We share your despair with the lack of foresight but would also applaud the many who diligently planned and sort funds to preserve this history. Despite these best efforts the local Council have just given away and leased the last of the buildings to private owners. While disappointing, this has happened before and without good business plans these businesses often run into trouble and collapse leaving the taxpayers and ratepayer to again clean up and start again.
We will try and keep a respectful online presence with what history we have available.
You have certainly described a long and dignified past family history, some of that going back to the asylum under the many different names it had. What stories they would have been able to tell. Thank you for sharing.
Cheers
Mark Krause
I am very keen to know if the archaeological digs are being held this year as I am very keen to be involved. Looking forward to your reply. Kind regards from Lorraine Fisher
The site has been given away or leased at an extremely low rate and access is now no longer available unless negotiated with the private lease holders. Therefore no digs are planned for the future.
Cheers
Mark