WHAT a weekend Binalong was buzzing. The "Meet, Eat and Greet" at the Binalong Hotel on Friday night was packed.
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The winners of the written section were announced. The Written NSW Bush poetry champion was David Campbell (Beaumaris, Vic) with his poems "The Lucky Country" and "When Rhyme is a Crime". The yarns and poetry set the pattern for the whole weekend.
It was a weekend of entertainment, competition poetry interspersed with music, yarn spinners, readers and MC patter. Everyone had an opportunity to participate.
People came from everywhere. Stories were told all weekend of people and places around Australia. Campers and travellers, who follow Bush Poetry events, came to Binalong.
The bush scenery and decoration made the Mechanic Institute Hall feel like a bush setting, highlighted by a wooden cockatoo on a stand. So much so that one comment was that the hall was the best part of the event.
It wasn't all poetry: a seven-a-side cricket competition was held at the oval, the VRA had an open day and BBQ, a shearing demonstration was held at Kuriong and Peter Minson showed his glass blowing expertise. There was plenty for everyone to enjoy, which with all the smiles, chatter and friendliness, they did.
The poets gave their all to entertain, a huge variety of Bush Poetry, classical, original and contemporary, that had the audience thoughtful, silent and rolling with laughter. The judges had a very hard time as the standard was high.
The audience rolled in the aisles at the "Celebrate Australia Concert". For those who have never seen Greg North's camp Clancy, "Clancy of the Overflow" will never be the same.
Graeme Johnson's Australian or Sydney Barbie or Robyn Sykes as Elvis were fantastic. John and Clancy "Pasture Prime" kept everyone toe-tapping proving they are not "Passed their Prime". MC, Mike Grogan (Illalong) with his modern Banjo and other stories proved he too could tell a tall tale.
On behalf of the major sponsor, Yass Valley Council, Cr Geoff Frost drew the raffle. Nan Betts (1st), Lorraine McCrimmond (2nd) and Peter Stadtmiller (3rd).
Everyone had a chance to perform including locals and novices. They entertained at the Poets Breakfast on both Saturdayand Sunday.
Thanks to the P&C and Binalong Brahmans for providing delicious breakfasts. A special thanks to the Bowning Lions Club who were on "Hygiene Duty" all weekend.
The Binalong primary schoolchildren recited the Wombat poem beautifully. The junior competition followed with Reid Noyes (Young, first) and Henry McColl (Binalong, second) competing. The Binalong Junior Band with their brass instruments, some bigger than the children, had the hall swaying to "Bound for Botany Bay".
The inaugural "Adrian Sykes Award" and the "Bubbles Garry Award" trophies were crafted by local glass blower Peter Minson. The trophies, a cockatoo sitting on a branch, were works of art and admired by everyone. They added to the poets aim to win.
The NSW Men's Bush Poetry Performance Champion and winner of the Adrian Sykes Award was Ralph Scrivens (Corrimal NSW). His performance of "Turbulence" had the audience rolling in their seats.
Rhonda Tallnash (Violet Town Vic) wowed them with her performances. Rhonda was first in each category and was the overall winner; the new 2014 NSW Women's Bush Poetry Performance Champion and recipient of the Bubbles Garry Award.
The support of sponsors, local community and organisations, volunteers, the poets and the audience all encapsulated the "Spirit of the Bush". The Binalong Arts Group thank you all.