At the 20th Anniversary of the closure of Willow Court the Willow Court History Group has put together a display to add to the theme of “Stories from the Asylum” using podcasts and QR codes. You can now access these from the tab “20th Anniversary Audio Stories”. Seven short stories are told from the perspective of care staff, artisans, the CEO and director of nursing and an advocate. These short histories start in 1946 and goes through to the person employed to close the hospital. Six of the stories have never been released before.
The “Stories from the Asylum” first day was an interesting, educational and entertaining experience. Talks today were about: Punishment and Health in convict Van Diemen’s Land by Hamish Maxwell-Stewart and Pete Smith on, Sharing Some Insights into the Closure of Willow Court from his perspective as a social worker employed at the hospital.
A full house with Pete Smith
On a lighter note we had music from the Derwent Valley Concert Band (part) who continued the long history of concert bands at the hospital, at one time there were three bands. We had two sessions of poem readings by Liz McQuilkin, co-author along with Karen Knight, of “Renovating Madness”.
Liz McQuilkin watching Matron call the audience together.
Tomorrow’s program of events are below. Gold coin donation for entry.
Sunday 29th November
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
