The Mercury reports that a Youth Charged with Ward F Arson in March 2012.

http://www.themercury.com.au/article/2012/05/12/327351_tasmania-news.html

Wow, about time someone has been caught burning these precious peices of History. Well done to everyone involved in the investigation.

This will be Interesting!!!!!

* All comments will be deleted, this is in fairness to the offender and the course of justice. Thanks

A Historic Event for Willow Court

On Sunday 6th May, at 2.15 pm the Minister for Environment, Parks and Heritage, Brian Wightman MP, vistied the Willow Court site along with Mayor Martyn Evans, David Llewellyn and Councillors to officially hand over the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Derwent Valley Council and State Government.

The MoU occurred during the Tasmanian Heritage week Willow Court open day & Frescati Open Day

On Sunday 6^th May, at 2.15 pm the Minister for Environment, Parks and Heritage, Brian Wightman MP,  will be visiting the Willow Court site along with Mayor Martyn Evans and Councillors  to officially  hand over the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between the Derwent Valley Council and State Government.

The Minister’s office will release a press statement regarding the event and will contact the media to inform them of the event. 

After the handover of the MOU, the Minister may wish to tour either or both of the sites, but I am aware that Minister Wightman has a tight schedule on that day and may not be able to stay for very long.

Below is a letter of appreciation to all the Willow Court volunteers from the Mayor.

* Please click on the letters to make them bigger.

Lunatic Kills Fellow Patient Hobart. Nov. 28  

An inquest was held today on in the body of Harold Solomon, :in inmate of the New Norfolk Mental Hospital, he was killed yesterday by a fellow patient

named Ivan Smith, with a piece of green firewood. Tasman Morgan, an attendant at the hospital, said that at about 10.15 yesterday morning he heard a dull sound as though a blow had been struck. On in investigating he saw Smith dragging the deceased away by the legs. He yelled out and Smith ran away. He had known Smith for elven months, and during that time he had found him quiet. Smith had never shown signs of violence or homicidal mania.   Dr. E. U- MacDonnell. Medical Superintendent, said he found deceased lying on the ground. The pulse beat was just perceptible. Smith was admitted in 1915 discharged in 1920 and re-admitted in January. 1922. It was on record that Smith had once attempted to commit suicide. Other evidence was given by attendants and police. The jury found that Solomon met his death from a fractured skull due to a blow from a piece of wood inflicted

by a fellow patient. Ivan Smith, who was hopelessly insane. There was no evidence of negligence on the parf of those   authority.

This article was found on Trove: http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/31266932?searchTerm=new%20norfolk%20insane%20asylum%20death&searchLimits=#pstart2743366

The bell that once stood proudly atop of the old K1 Clock Tower at Willow Court has been found accidentally in a rather unusual place.

It makes you wonder where all the other WCC artefacts are hidden or stored. A great find and I’m looking forward to hearing them both some time soon!

To read more please visit this link: http://www.genphotography.com.au/page8.htm

Photo- Genealogical Photography

http://www.theparanormalguide.net/apps/forums/topics/show/7539352-royal-derwent-hospital-new-norfolk-tasmania?page=last

I came across this today on the Paranormal Guide. It has some pretty interesting infromation on the post esepecially about reported the murders,  assisted suicides.

I like the finishing line the best.

“There are planty of other ghost stories and some publications name this as the most haunted building (or series of buildings) in Australia. If you have had an experience or have more info please share “

One could only imagine what it was like back in those days when many of the older orginal wards were falling apart. Shame they are now gone but I’m sure the patients were pleased when new buldings were built.

I like the reference to the Ghost Room !

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/26035118?searchTerm=”lachlan%20park”&searchLimits=exactPhrase=lachlan+park|||anyWords|||notWords|||l-textSearchScope=*ignore*%7C*ignore*|||fromdd|||frommm|||fromyyyy|||todd|||tomm|||toyyyy|||l-word=*ignore*%7C*ignore*|||sortby

REBUILDING ONLY REMEDY

Lachlan Park Conditions !

CONDITIONS at Lachlan Park, New Norfolk, as outlined in the report by the Supervisor of Mental Hygiene for Victoria (Dr Catarinich) were moderately set out, a representative of “The Mercury” discovered when he visited the institution yesterday. Everywhere in the old section of the hospital there are signs of decay and congestion, and complete rebuilding seems to provide the only .possible remedy for a depressing state of affairs.

TpROM the outside approach to the – institution with its concrete gut terings and paths, well kept lawns and avenues of trees, there is evidence of an atmosphere of happiness for Uie people there. But the picture changes rapidly inside, and the deeper one probes into the wards and cells of the old building the worse the position becomes.

The original building was erected in 1826-118 years ago-as a place of con- finement for invalid prisoners of the Ho- bart Town barracks. There have been many additions. The new buildings helped to relieve congestion, but the original buildings have been occupied continuously since 1826.

Worst parts of the institution are the women’s refractory ward, and the female main building and the section which includes the central cookhouse, bakehouse, and laundry. In the women’s refractory ward and main building the single wards are dark and drab. In many cells narrow barred windows high above the floor provide only dull light- ing and little ventilation. Sunshine never reaches many cells, and although clean the bare floorboards and naked walls are depressing. Many of the walls also are damp, and thick wooden doors with small holes in each are typi-cal of those found only in old convict prisons which remain in parts of the State.

There can be no sound argument for the retention of mentally sick human bei rigs under such conditions. In many places floors, which creak with age, are patched with pieces of tin, and narrow wooden staircases are dan- gerous because of their construction and condition.

One ward in the main women’s build- ing is known to nurses as the “ghost room.” It is in a central position surrounded by a group of wards which vary in size: Actually the room is little different from the others sur- rounding it, but because of its un- canny atmosphere, many nurses will not enter it unless it is essential for them to do so.

Bathroom facilities and accommoda- tion in the old portion of the women’s wards are primitive. There is ample hot water, but baths are out of date.

A skylight directly over three baths in one room provides the only light,

and two of the three baths are copper, tubs on wooden frames. They have outlived their usefulness.

Like some other wards at the hospital, the women’s refractory building is not sewered. The fact that lavatory pans have to be taken along a corridor, past single cells, and through a dining-room for assembly outside in a yard provides one of the best arguments for the wip- ing out of the whole of the buildings.

In the main women’s building some of the upstair wards have been vacated because of the danger to patients in the event of fire.

Many women are sleeping on beds which were transferred to New Nor- ton from Port Arthur probably 80 years ago, when the new beds were bought for the model prison in the penal settlement.

The beds are without springs of any kind. Instead they have three pieces of iron each about 4in. wide to sup- port mattresses. Patients would be as comfortable sleeping on mattresses on the floor.

The laundry is part of a block of buildings which includes a central cookhouse, bakehouse, and store. The general layout is bad, the structural condition of the building deplorable, and the facilities for providing meals for more than 600 people many years behind the times.

The old wards in the men’s divisions are nearly as bad as those on the. women’s side. There i§ little space for exercise in yards which are hemmed in by high walls and buildings which prevent the sun reaching more than a small part of them.

 The cleanliness apparent everywhere in the wards and other parts of the in- stitution is a tribute, to the staff, who are playing a big part in keeping up the standard of treatment, but only complete rebuilding can bring about the desired result in essential features of modern mental treatment. .

“Given that easter has just passed I thought this an an appropiate time to upload this from The Mercury 22/3/1947.”

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/26382468?searchTerm=”lachlan%20park”&searchLimits=exactPhrase=lachlan+park|||anyWords|||notWords|||l-textSearchScope=*ignore*%7C*ignore*|||fromdd|||frommm|||fromyyyy|||todd|||tomm|||toyyyy|||l-word=*ignore*%7C*ignore*|||sortby

Lachlan Park Sports

Entries are a record for the Lach- lan Park Sports Club Easter carni- val at New Norfolk, and more than 300 competitors will contest events carrying prize money of £400.

- The carnival has attracted axe- men, athletes and cyclists from most parts of the State, Handicaps will be published next week.

The meeting will be held on Easter Eve and will be followed by a carnival at Franklin on Easter Monday. Many of the competitors at New Norfolk have entered for the Franklin sports

This is a very interesting article from Damien Besters Blog from the last DVC workshop.

http://www.damianbester.com/2012/04/april-workshop-dicussions.html#comment-form

“Well I’m happy to be a volunteer on the new committee, I’m no conservation or development expert but I have other things to offer, and I’m happy to do it for free.

Anyhow…..

Scarey thoughts regarding Ward G. Even if they did knock the Ward down where is the guarantee it would be more appealing to developers??? This needs careful consideration and involvement from a number of key stakeholders not just one party!

One that note did the sandstone/quartz plaque in Ward F get saved by any chance??? Not to mention the one over at Ward 2!

In regards to the fence, Its a bigger issue than just erecting a permanent fence as I’m sure many would be aware. Positioning is crucial as the Barracks will be the gateway to Willow Court and an ill looking, wrong positioned fence will be a sheer waste of precious money and be an eyesore in years to come.

Thats my 10c”

Nick

To view the full article click on the link: Willow Court saved from the wreckers SEM 17 May 1969 B 

I was sent this by someone who works in the Mercury. It’s an awesome little article and was in the Mercury May 1969.

DR John Weatherley (Hospital Administrator) saved the section of the Barracks that still exists today from the wrecking ball during the huge restructure of the hospital in the mid 1960′s.

He claimed this section of the barracks under an amnesty, the Govt was prepared to grant for a sele cted building of historical value.

Can you imagine if the knocked the whole thing down. It would be disastrous and almost criminal. Thank god for Dr Weatherly vision and foresight in protecting this Ward. Lets hope others today and in the future  have the same vision in saving & protecting what we have left today.

On another interesting not the article also explains the Famous Willow Tree was removed due to Rot. Based on pervious information I sourced and on this article I think it’s now confirmed that the tree was removed in the 60′s.

Its really lovely to see the to ladies once again having the foresight vision to save some of this famous Willow Tree so that it can be saved and planted throughout  Willow Court and most likely other locations in the Derwent Valley.  I did hear rumours that root stock was planted at the Salmon Ponds.

It’s a shame The Barracks Museum and café never eventuated and to my knowledge the willow trees were never planted in willow court, unless they have been removed over years.

I really liked DR Weatherley’s plans for the Park, namedLachlanParkto provide a link with the old hospitals name. I liked the idea of providing access to the old mill race. I don’t know anything about the mill race or John Terry’s Mill or whatever happened to the original millstones unless they are the ones near Arthurs square.  Can anyone shed some light on the Mill?

What I find amusing yet frustrating is that since 1969 nothing much has changed forWillow Court, almost 43 years on and we haven’t been able to act or better the vision of the past.

Dr Weatherley finishes by saying willow court and the park will be something which the State could be proud and something which everybody could enjoy.

Dr Weatherley I agree with you. We haven’t got there yet, but one day I hope we will.

Nick J

Site of Conscious, where is your conscious?

Willow CourtTasmania: Site of Conscious explains what they stand for (found on their group)

“A Site of Conscious

Interprets history through historic sites;
engages in programs that stimulate dialogue on pressing social issues;
They also draw explicit connections between past and present;
foster dialogue among diverse stakeholders; and
open avenues for citizen participation in other human rights or transitional justice efforts.”

“Sites of Conscience:
Interpret history through historic sites;
Engage in programs that stimulate dialogue on pressing social issues;
Promote humanitarian values as a primary function; and
Share opportunities for public involvement in issues raised at the site.”

Youtube video from the International Coalition of Site of Conscious

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hNnSGflpAE

I used to work in the Disability Sector for over 6 years, and I agree with the majority of what the International Coalition of Site of Conscious stands for.

It’s strange for me to find a group or website on the internet about Willow Court and not join instantly. However when I came across this group on facebook I knew that some of the key players/admin of this group don’t particularly like what I & APIU have been doing for Willow Court over several years.

Knowing this I decided not to join the group, and thought it best if I stayed out of this one.

Last week I was on facebook and I got a notification saying I was accepted into the Willow Court Tasmanian Site of Conscious Group, and within a few minutes I was kindly welcomed by Janet. Janet was glad to see me on the group and roughly stated that she looked forward to working together and having some good discussion and debate.

From that initial discussion & welcome by Janet I decided to stay as a member of the group and start contributing.

(I found out later that I was added by a fellow member of the group who thought that I should join and work as one unified front for Willow Court.)

Yesterday I uploaded a link to the Willow Court & Barracks Working Group Meeting Minutes on my website and facebook group.

Later that day member from the Site of Conscious group contacted me and asked if I could upload the link on the site of conscious group. I agreed and last night I uploaded the link only for it to disappear several minutes later. I thought it may have been a glitch so I uploaded it again to the site of conscious page and once again it was removed.

I then had this message in my inbox:

“Hi Nick,

I have talk with J and we believe that this group is not the appropriate place to deal with committee business or council business. We have made this clear to all members of the committee who are on here. You can send individual messages outside and also give direct links to that information, which is available on the DVC site.

Our number one goal is allowing our sector and students to show support for a site of conscience and for them to have their say. We are not advocating for or getting into debates with the steering committee or DVC.

I believe J has already discussed this on email with you and also extended an invite to catch up with us to discuss our direction and purpose. I would also invite you to meet with us.”

To which I replied briefly

“Sorry but that’s a bit hypocritical, most of the stuff on your group in some way deals with the committee or council business e.g. Open days, videos, access etc etc do you need me to go on.”

One only needs to look at the majority of posts that are on the Site of Conscious group and they are all linked to committee or DVC business. Here’s are few

E.g.

• Link to the DVC website- Macdonald Report

• Several Videos including DVC owned buildings whilst accessing with DVC permission

• Post about the Willow Court Committee working bee

• Post about a DVC meeting and counselors rejection a motion to which a comment was made about the DVC

• Post and comments about what the DVC have done in relation to the Malcolm McDonald Report

• Post about the cancellation of the Committee’s autumn festival Open Day

• Post about the Committee hosting an Open Day on May 6^th

I did not delve into DVC or Committee business unlike they have, I simply uploaded a link (as requested) for the group’s members to access the Committee Meeting Minutes.

Oh and J never emailed me stating anything along those lines. If I new thats how they operate I would have respectfully left the group there and then.

Willow Court as it stands will always have business with the DVC or the Commitee as these are the only 2 Offical bodies involved in the site long term.

I think it’s quite sad that a group with such high humanitarian background and motivation to be hypocritical and censor someone’s post with no tangible reason.

I standby the fact that I have never removed or censored a comment that involved willow court no matter what context it was in. I welcome everyone to have their say, I respect everyone’s opinions not matter if I agree or not. The only time I would ever delete a post if it was spam or it was of a threatening or abusive nature.

Debate is healthy and it is something that Willow Court needs to achieve a postive and successful future.

I’m not saying that that you should not join the Willow Court Tasmania: Site of Conscious Group that’s up to you.  

I know a lot of the members of the group when I used to work in the Disability Sector and they are great people and real advocates for people with Disabilities. Having these people collectively working together and supporting Willow Court is a great asset to have in Willow Court’s corner, and keep up the work.

 My concerns are the one or two key people running this site.

In my opinion they just don’t seem to live by what they stand for!

Please tell me what you think, I welcome all comments.

Regards

Nick J

Hi all

From now on I thought it was important to start listing the Willow Court & Barracks Working Group  meeting minutes on my website so that you at home can be up to date with whats happening and allow for transparency and clear communication.

These minutes are available thru the DVC website or by clicking here:  http://www.derwentvalley.tas.gov.au/site/page.cfm?u=415

I will create a section on my website for the Minutes, but will upload each months Minutes separately from April onwards.

Nick Jarvis

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OFFERING:
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‘Lyprenny’ – vacant, masonry block, 2-storey building (2462m2) previous DA approval 24 units (STCA)
Vacant lot – (2,460m²).
To be sold as one parcel. Closing 12th April.

http://www.ljhcommercial.com.au/22RGWG

My websites including the facebook group & www.royalderwent.com is deemed a conflict of interest by one person on the committee and they have suggest to the remainder of the committee that I not display any of the Willow Court & Barracks Working Groups Events on my websites such as Open Days and Working Bees.

I do not see where the conflict is, my mission is to spread anything and everything related to WCC to the public who yearn to know more about the Treasure we callWillow Court

This is going to be addressed at the next meeting

What do you think?????

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