Global, Local

The Agrarian Kitchen @ Willow Court

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The Friends of Willow Court Committee were honoured to have the company of Rodney Dunn at the 2016 annual general meeting. Rodney is the owner of the Derwent Valley favourite and world famous ‘Agrarian Kitchen’ situated in Lachlan. Renowned for his gourmet expertise, delightful old -world cooking school and neighbourly connections for fresh ingredients Rodney shares his plans for a new eatery and shop within Willow Court. The newly renovated Bronte building within the council owned section of Willow Court presents an appealing, relaxed and historically significant atmosphere for a choice dining experience.

It has been a foresight of the Friends of Willow Court of the sites potential for tourism and educational opportunities. Rodney explains the eatery’s location within the picturesque setting of the valley will provide an idyllic destination for functions and travellers to dine. The eatery and shop will show case locally sourced produce and highlight specialist kitchen equipment. Diners will enjoy the taste of the valley with a finely crafted menu. The site has room for expansion or as Rodney envisions a partnership with a boutique brewery.

Excited by the prospect of tourism to the site, committee members still held concerns for how the new eatery would engage the public with the historical memories and stories of the site. It was discussed and subsequently agreed upon that the sites rich heritage be preserved through interpretation. Rodney is eager to work with Friends of Willow Court, the Derwent Valley Council and the Willow Court History Group to implement interpretive panels within the eatery that will feature key stories that will connect the past to the present.

13918867_1055639651149970_1036875824_oThe new Agrarian Kitchen will reinvigorate the Willow Court historic Precinct with a modern dining experience for locals and visitors alike. Through interpretation the Friends of Willow Court Committee will help to develop a sophisticated respect and connection with the sites heritage to promote education and a more informed future.

By Nadia Lobb

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Global, Local

Friends of Willow Court AGM

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476 (c) 2016 Anne Salt (Chairperson Friends of Willow Court) volunteering on the wall at the Willow Court restoration project.

On Thursday the 4th August the Friends of Willow Court had their Annual General Meeting which is open to the public. I attended and was allowed to record the Chairperson’s report. Mrs Anne Salt read out the years activities that the committee participated in or arranged. She also gave thanks to Haydn and Penny Pearce, Bernie and Janine Clifford for their support during the Heritage Month tours.

There was also a presentation from Mr Rodney Dunn. Mr Dunn showed the gathered committee his plans for an extension to his already highly successful business, the Agrarian Kitchen. (podcast to come later). Mr Dunn is keen to work with the Friends of Willow Court and the Willow Court History Group once the Derwent Valley Council finalise their long processes for a lease on the Bronte Building.

 

 

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