6th October 2012 Working Bee at the gates of Willow Court Tasmania, former Resident, Geoffrey came to visit and helped us out with some safety tips and told me about some of his life inside Willow Court and outside. How apt to have a former resident visiting us to offer his advice at the first restoration working bee at the entrance to his former home. *LANGUAGE WARNING*
News tonight 10.10.12 about restoration efforts at Willow Court
ABC News, Restoration of Willow Court
Tonights ABC News story of restoration at Willow Court also
contains an interview with Mayor Martyn Evans,
David Llewellyn and Haydn Pearce.
New buisness in private sector of Willow Court
The ongoing collection of local business continues with the adding of two more, Annette Lay is about to open a new business, OH LAH LAY selling her own hand made arts and crafts in the old Nurses Quarters while upstairs there has been reports of a recording studio being set up.
It’s a great place to enjoy a light meal and a brouse through the Artisans shops and Antique dealer. The “local” theme that Haydn and Penny Pearce had chosen has encouraged the small cottage industry in the district.
Push for an apology
Use link to go to ABC site Push for an apology Important recognition of the past which will help us understand the present and pathways to our joint future. Contains footage from E Ward
Cosmos Men engage with Men’s Shed at Willow Court
Willow Court Working bee
Dr. Dianne Snowden and Hon. David Llewellyn AM talking over restoration with Rod Quarrel at todays working bee.
Audio here https://willowcourtheritagesite.org/audio-documentaries/
Gallery here: https://willowcourtheritagesite.org/pictures/working-bee-gallery/
Media Release here: https://willowcourtheritagesite.org/education-and-media-packs/media-releases/
New Norfolk News:http://www.newsnn.net/2012/10/friends-tackle-fence.html
Formal Minutes of the DVC August
http://www.derwentvalley.tas.gov.au/webdata/resources/files/16%20August%202012.pdf
At last, the minutes of the DVC August meeting have appeared on the DVC website, we can now see the formal document and who voted which way. The minutes also have approval for stage five in the subdivision opposite Royal Derwent Hospital. Names are suggested for some of the streets, it would be nice to see a street name that recognises the history from the Residents side. What would be a good name?
New Short Film
I have just uploaded a new short film (21 min) of footage I had on one of the Royal Derwent visits, Most of these buildings are gone now except for the Chapel and Ward 10. Images of the past. Royal Derwent Hospital, Wards 7,8,3,4,10 and the Chapel. http://
[nggallery id=8]
A new Willow Court Site
A very creative web site has emerged from a young Tasmanian Student and it contains great photography and audio interviews. It is great to have more information about Willow Court and it’s history in the public domain and should raise the profile of Willow Court as a place of importance. The owner, who made contact with us on the last open day has given us permission to share links. This is a really positive story and it’s great to see younger people interested in Tasmanian Disability/ Mental Health, and Architectural History. https://willowcourtheritagesite.org/links/
Cheers
Mark
Rod Quarrell Restorer
Rod Quarrell sizing up the work on the Willow Court gateway
Rod has worked on many heritage properties around Tasmania, including Port Arthur and has volunteered his expertise and time to restoring the beautiful old gates that face the New Norfolk township. After a chance meeting with a member from the Friends of Willow Court Committee, conversations soon came round to the restoration of the site which happened to be a passion of Rods too. Rod’s interest and expertise in heritage properties such as Willow Court have lead to our first restoration project on 7/8 Oct.
Friends of Willow Court have initiated this project and have been granted a Works Exemption by Heritage Tasmania. Four to six volunteers from FoWC will assist Rod on the first weekend in October.
Cheers
Mark