Launch of New Book by Dr John Wilson

Dr John Wilson’s long awaited book launch was held on 25th August at Barton Restaurant Caledonian Hotel North Adelaide.

Cover of the New Book

It was a great occasion before 90 guests who were mainly the author’s family and close personal friends. A warm greeting was guaranteed with a welcoming choice of sparkling wine and orange juice along with a delicious array of sandwiches, cheese and fruit platters offered by the grand children and other family members.

Sr Anne Player rsj and Sr Lorraine Crowe rsj travelled from Goulburn NSW for the day and Sr Marie Foale rsj from Kensington South Australia also attended. Helen and Colin Woods were among the friends.

Canon Martin Chittleborough (Anglican priest) and cousin of John’s wife Jennifer officiated as MC. He spoke about the author as well as giving some background about Tenison Woods.

He told of John Wilson’s 40 year career at the Adelaide Children’s Hospital as a paediatrician and his retirement interest in identifying scientists whom he believed had been denied proper recognition for their contributions to science. Martin explained that John had written three books, the third about Julian Tenison Woods.

John Wilson thanked the guests for coming, especially those who had travelled from Brisbane, Sydney and the South East of South Australia. He thanked all of those who had assisted him with his research. He spoke of Colin’s relationship to Julian and thanked him for accepting the task of launching his book. John talked about his association with the South East through his sister Rosemary who had married a local farmer and to whom he dedicated his book.

During a trip to the South East with his wife Jenny, John visited the Mary MacKillop Penola Centre where he was enthralled with the section devoted to Fr Julian Tenison Woods for whom he developed a fascination. The seed was sown and John became determined to write a book about him with the express view of bringing greater attention to Julian’s deeds, especially in the field of science.

Martin introduced Colin Woods as a great grand-nephew of Tenison Woods and invited him to speak on behalf of the Woods family and to officially launch the book.

Colin recited quotations about Julian from three academics. He included that by Prof Greg Craven Vice Chancellor of the Australian Catholic University during the official Blessing and naming of Tenison Woods House in Sydney on the 3rd of February this year.

He outlined Julian’s travels and works, describing the enormity of his achievements due to his intellect, faith, drive and energy, despite suffering severe illness all of his life.

Colin referred to the quotes John had used to create realism and the photographs and illustrations used to add further interest.

He said that although the book concentrated on Tenison Woods’ scientific work in South Australia, he nevertheless broadly covered Julian’s life from his earliest times in England through to his death.

Colin described the book as being a broad and very readable chronicle of Julian’s life and achievements.
He congratulated John on his achievement, commended the work to guests and declared the book launched.

On completion of formalities the guests mingled and spent a most enjoyable morning and afternoon. John and Jenny’s grand children manned a table in the foyer where a brisk trade took place as people secured their copies of the book.
The book is priced at $25.00.

Orders can be sent by email, phone,  or 'snail mail' to: 30 Churinga Road, Aldgate, SA 5154