Damage continues at Willow Court

imag1627Students of Flinders University have been able to capture the continuing vandalism of Willow Court. While the Barracks and Bronte remain low risk and clear of the damage that previously plagued the site, the same can not be said of Carlton (C Ward), Industrial Therapies and Alonnah Wards (A Ward). Under the protection by the owner, the Derwent Valley Council these buildings remain subject to vandalism including the smashing of many of the one inch thick glass panels that distinguish the property as the old criminal division of Lachlan Park.

We hope that this ongoing damage can be stopped soon and the Council can protect these public assets. The cost of replacing the many glass panes is unknown but would be considerable. These Wards are often the most visually powerful in getting people to understand this part of the site housed people who were considered dangerous to the community. Large walls, 1″ thick glass windows and three inch thick laminated doors housed Tasmania’s Criminals who were judged criminally insane.

Later the site was used to house people with intellectual disabilities because the Criminal division was moved to the Risdon Prison site. A number of reports considered and recommended the wards inappropriate and should close.

The Derwent Valley Council also reported a breakin at Frascati House and the door needed repair and resecuring earlier this year.

Even after the roofing iron was removed from Carlton Ward and the Deputy Mayor reported it, it remained off for a couple of weeks and allowed access for urban explorers, paranormal enthusiasts and vandals.

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The bells are ringing

door bell c ward 2door bell c wardRecently donated doorbell.

More and more articles, stories and artifacts are finding their way back to Willow Court. The most recent is this doorbell, which was located on Carlton House or C Ward. The person who supplied this prefered to stay anonymous, but stated that there was many of these and that each ward had one. As there were many trades people on site they were build at Willow Court. The wooden box contained batteries with the bell on the outside. Not much is known about these and we would be interested to know more and if there were any stories attached that would be good. I could just imagine the local kids ringing and running, or was that just me?

Anyone interested in donating items can contact members of the Friends of Willow Court. I will supply contact details via email. Dont forget that we are now in possession of two artifact lists, so will monitor the listing of all things donated or loaned and would have no issue with involving police should something go missing.

Please be aware that there are a number of people/groups out there seeking donations, some for themselves and others are holding items but have not forwarded those entrusted items to be recorded within the collection.

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