We attended the launch of Trudy Cowley and Dianne Snowden’s new book Patchwork Prisoners at Parliament House today. We had been invited to perform a short excerpt from Louisa’s Walk since our presentation also deals with the Rajah Quilt (the topic of the book).
It was a privilege to be there and to be a part of this important part of convict women’s history. A highlight was meeting the group of descendents from the Rajah’s 1841 voyage during which the Quilt (now housed in the National Gallery in Canberra) was made. One of these was Judith Stehr who, with some of her relatives, had come over from New Zealand for the launch. Judith has been on Louisa’s Walk twice now and brought members of her family. She was under the impression that I was a descendent myself.
Oh Judith if only it were true! English- born, Chris and I would give anything to be able to claim convict heritage!
Descendents from the Convict Ship the Rajah
