‘Stories from the Asylum’ is a two-day event taking place on 28 and 29 November 2020.
The event marks the 20th anniversary of the closure of Willow Court that falls on 28th November, 2020. ‘Stories from the Asylum’ acknowledges this milestone in the asylum’s 193 year history through talks by guest speakers, poetry, music, storyboards, and podcast (QR code only) recordings of former staff reflecting on their time at the hospital.
There will also be a display of artist Christina Henri’s project ‘Roses from the Heart’ featuring bonnets to commemorate convict women who spent time at the New Norfolk asylum.
Event Program
Saturday 10:00am – 4:00pm
10:00am – 11:30am, Convict research project – Hamish Maxwell-Stewart 11:30am – 12:00pm, Poetry from Renovating Madness – Liz McQuilkin 12:00pm – 1:00pm, Music – Derwent Valley Concert Band
1:00pm – 1:30pm, Poetry from Renovating Madness – Liz McQuilkin 2:00pm – 3:00pm, Closing Willow Court – Pete Smith
3:30pm – 4:00pm, Music – Derwent Valley Concert Band
Sunday 10;00am – 4:00pm
10:00am-12:00pm, Convict research project – Hamish Maxwell-Stewart 12:00pm – 1:00pm, Music – Derwent Valley Concert Band
1:00pm-3:00pm, Convict research project – Hamish Maxwell-Stewart 3:30 – 4:00 Music, – Derwent Valley Concert Band
The full program of events for the weekend is available from Council’s website and Facebook page.
Entry is via gold coin donation.
Attendees of events in the Willow Court Barracks precinct are required to wear flat, enclosed shoes.
Source: Derwent Valley Council