Australian artist Christina Henri is visiting Ireland with her cloth bonnet memorial that remembers the lives of the women exiled to Australia as convicts 1788-1853. For many their crime was simply that of poverty. These women and their children are paid tribute in Christina's memorials, 'Roses from the Heart' and ' Cherished Babies'.

You are VERY WELCOME to attend any of her events.

From 13 September onwards there will be a 'Roses from the Heart' bonnet exhibition in the Kilmainham Gaol, Dublin.

On Wednesday 25 September at 11.00am at the Down Gaol Museum there will be a 'Blessing of the Bonnets' ceremony where babies bonnets created by over 200 students from Downpatrick will be included amongst the bonnets blessed. This event includes music and refreshments.

On Saturday 5 October in Derry, as part of the City of Culture Program, a workshop will be held in the small room of the Guild Hall from 10.00-4.00. The workshop is to create baby's bonnets from shirts sourced in Derry (connecting with the cotton and linen trade in Ireland) and the bonnets made will be included in an exhibition in Derry. ALL VERY WELCOME.

On Sunday 20 October at 12.00 noon there will be a 'Blessing of the Bonnets' at St Coleman's Cathedral in Cobh, County Cork, following which the bonnets will be walked through town, accompanied by the Bedizzole Marching Band from Italy to the Cobh Heritage Centre where they will be permanently installed. These bonnets represent the 184 women and children aboard the ill-fated NEVA on its way to Australia. ALL VERY WELCOME.