Q&A with the author of ‘The Abbotsford Mysteries’
We chat with Patricia Sykes for Spinifex Press about her new book of poetry: The Abbotsford Mysteries
Read more information http://www.spinifexpress.com.au/Events/event/eid=23/
Tell us a little about you?
I’m a poet and librettist
What will people experience when they come to the reading?
Pleasure I hope! And some idea of what it was like to live at the Convent. Kavisha Mazzella will also be singing at the launch.
How long have you been working on this book? And what’s been involved?
I’ve been researching this collection for a number of years and have interviewed 70 ex residents of the Convent as well as consulting my sisters and my own memories.
Where did you draw your inspiration from?
Personal experience and the stories of the women.
In 10 words or less why should people get moving and check it out?
The Convent – once an institution, now an arts precinct – oozes stories.
What was your biggest challenge along the way?
Juggling the amount of material I gathered without losing sight of the poetic impulse.
Where will we see you next?
At the launch!
Launch details:
Date: Saturday 5 November, 10 for 10.30 am
Venue: Abbotsford Convent Foundation,1 St Heliers Street, Abbotsford VIC 3067 (look for signs). Ample parking in car park ($4 in gold coins) or free street parking.
RSVP: RSVP by 28th October to 9329-6088 or
What’s the best way to get to the venue?
By train: Victoria Park station on the Epping and Hurstbridge lines is the closest railway station to the Abbotsford Convent. Please note that some services express past Victoria Park station. Once out of the station and on Johnston St, walk east (away from the City) down Johnston St for around 12 minutes to Clarke St. Turn right into Clarke Street (the last right before the Yarra) and left into St Heliers St. The main entrance to Abbotsford Convent is on the right of St Heliers St before you reach the Collingwood Children’s farm.
Alternatively, the bus can be caught from Victoria Park Station down Johnston St rather than walk down Johnston St from the station. The bus details are below.
By tram: Catch any tram down Victoria St Abbotsford/Richmond and get off at Nicholson St Abbotsford (or Lennox St Richmond). Walk north up Nicholson St all the way to Abbotsford St and turn right. At the end of Abbotsford St turn left into Clarke St and then right into St Heliers St. This is a 20-25 minute walk.
By bus: From the City- the 200 City to Doncaster Shoppingtown/ Bulleen, The 201 City to Doncaster Shoppingtown/ Bulleen, and the 207 City to Doncaster Shoppingtown/ Donvale depart from Melbourne Central/ Lonsdale St in the city, run along Lygon St, Elgin St then Johnston St. Alight at Clarke Street bus stop (before Johnston Street crosses the Yarra). Turn right at Clarke St then turn left into St Heliers St. The 205 Melbourne University to Doncaster Shoppingtown begins at Melbourne University then proceeds down Elgin and Johnston St and pasts Clarke St.
