ABPA - Australian Bush Poets Association

That's right Merv! We will be at the Bundy Muster on Friday-Sunday 1-3 July. Not sure if that's an event you have in your calendar? It is held at Across the Waves and is an excellent festival of bush poetry, run by Bundy Poets.

Cheers
Shelley

G'day Shelly,

I went to my first Bundy Muster in 1996 Shelly when I met Neil McArthur, who just lived around the corner from me then.

I had written my first book of poems called Tales of Uncle Jim in 1995 and after showing Neil he told me that I should try performing my poetry. I managed to pick up a finalist spot in the original section. The beginning of my career as a Bush Poet.

Bette Shields was co-ordinator then and it was run by the Bundaberg Writer's Group.

It was decided by a small group of poets in the group that we should form our own Association and hence The Bundaberg Poets Group was formed. I was it's first secretary, Liz Ward the President.

I took on the job as co-ordinator for the Bundy Muster for the next two years and inaugurated the written competition we called The Bush Lantern Award. We also published an anthology of poems from various entries that went well.

John and Sandy Lees have been looking after it ever since and doing a good job.

Over the years we were usually away when it was on but did get to go some years back.

Should be home this year so might sneak out for a peak.

OK Merv - sorry, I wasn't aware of your earlier involvement in the Muster. I know Sandy and John well, of course.

I was fortunate enough to win the Bush Lantern last year. My husband Rod and I compete in the performance categories - we especially enjoy the duo It is lots of fun!

Hope to see you there.

Cheers
Shelley

Nothing to be sorry about Shelly, just sharing some memories of early years.

Well done on your win last year Shelly nice to be credited by your peers for your efforts.

What was the poem?


Merv.