The Friends of Willow Court Special Committee are holding a two day event in and around the Barracks Building on 28 & 29 November to acknowledge the closure of the Willow Court side of the Royal Derwent Hospital. The event will be officially (invite only) opened by, Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Kate Warner AC and the schedule of Speakers include Professor Hamish Maxwell-Stewart (Convict Historian), Margaret Reynolds (ex teacher Lachlan Park Hospital), Pete Smith (ex staff member) and poet Liz McQuilkin. co author of Renovating Madness (Karen Knight and Liz McQuilkin 2018).
Music will be from the Derwent Valley Concert Band who will bring back the sounds of the concert bands that were based at the Hospital.
‘Stories from the Asylum’
***NEW UPDATED PROGRAM***
‘Stories from the Asylum’ marks the 20thanniversary of the closure of Willow Court that falls on 28thNovember, 2020. The event seeks to acknowledge this milestone in the asylum’s 193 year history through talks by guest speakers, poetry, music, storyboards, and podcasts (QR code only) recordings of former staff reflecting on their time at the hospital, and the Roses from the Heart bonnet tribute to the convict women who spent time at the New Norfolk asylum.
Saturday 28 November
10 – 11:30 Punishment and Health in convict Van Diemen’s Land – Hamish Maxwell- Stewart
11:30 – 12 Renovating Madness – Liz McQuilkin poetry readings
12 – 1 pm Music – Derwent Valley Band Brass Quintet
1 – 1:30 Renovating Madness – Liz McQuilkin poetry readings
2-3 pm Sharing Some Insights into the Closure of Willow Court – Pete Smith
Sunday 29thNovember
10 – 12 Digital Future for Tasmanian History – Hamish Maxwell-Stewart
12-1 pm Music Derwent Valley Band Saxophone Quartet
1 – 2 pm Punishment and Health in convict Van Diemen’s Land – Hamish Maxwell- Stewart
2 – 3 pm Reflections on Lachlan Park Hospital school – Margaret Reynolds – former teacher
3:30 – 4 pm Music Derwent Valley Band Saxophone Quartet
4 Comments
Hi. Do we need to book to attend?
Hello Glenda, There is no booking system in place however there is a covid restriction on the numbers per session. Best to arrive early I would suggest to ensure a place.
Cheers
Mark
Will the talks be recorded to be available for people who may not be able to enter the complex?
Hello, at this stage there is no recording planned. We did look at live streaming but have run into access issues. This is mainly due to limited volunteers.
Cheers
Mark