Published 13 May 2026
Escape the winter weather and hear from seasoned storytellers and experts sharing the lesser-known tales of Bunbury’s histories with our Winter Warmer program. Always different, always entertaining, all welcome.
Our presenter for this session is Norm Flynn & Co.
Date: Sunday 5 July 2026
Time: 1.30pm - 3pm
In 1855, a respected English doctor arrives in the Australian colonies not as a free man, but as a convict, sentenced to transportation for passing forged banknotes. Yet what unfolds is a remarkable story of redemption and reinvention. Through Norm Flynn's signature dramatised storytelling, meet Doctor Samson: a man who rode horseback across the south-west tending to the sick, brought music to Bunbury's social scene, and with his own funds founded the town's first Brass Band. Wrestling a problem with alcohol, Dr Samson became a torchbearer for the temperance movement.
It's a tale of a deeply human character who, despite a scandalous beginning, left an indelible mark on the community he came to call home.
Free entry, RSVPs are encouraged. Coffee & tea available.
Presenter Bio:
Norm Flynn is a stalwart of Bunbury’s local history and theatre community. Over the years, Norm has brought to life situations, times and people who have left their stamp on the town of Bunbury. No stranger to the Winter Warmer program, last year’s dramatised presentation centred around the life and letters of Louisa Clifton, later presenting at the Royal Historical Society of W.A. in Perth.
Norm has had a long-term interest in community theatre, including scriptwriting, producing, and set building. He enjoys dramatising historical subjects and material in the hope of making the tales entertaining and has enlisted the services of Lyndon Edwards on the keyboard for this presentation.
About the Winter Warmer program:
The Bunbury Museum and Heritage Centre presents Winter Warmers, a series of free talks and workshops celebrating local history, learning and storytelling every Sunday afternoon from June to August. Always different, always entertaining, all welcome.
Visit our website to see which topics are coming up.
About the Museum:
The Bunbury Museum and Heritage Centre is located at 1 Arthur Street, Bunbury. Opening hours: 10am to 4pm, Tuesday to Sunday (closed Mondays).
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