Wanganui Tales and Yarns had a successful pilot meeting last Wednesday and there will be more to come.
Hosted by the Wanganui Arts Society and compered by Christopher Cape, the meeting in Cooks Gallery attracted 25 people of whom 10 gave a performance. Six read from their own published works, two
presented material from their soon-to-be-launched books and there were presentations of poetry, songs, bush ballads and anecdotes.
The evening and material recognised and celebrated connections and heritage among and between Australia, New Zealand, Maori, Irish, Scottish, English, early settlement and current history and events.
Chris Cape says the material covered the works of JK Baxter, Peter Cape, Tom Scott, with an acknowledgement to Sam Hunt, Australian Bush Poetry, early and recent New Zealand history, Wanganui River stories, and song, poetry and prose drawn from Lyttelton, Oamaru and south as far as Stewart Island, with subjects ranging through love, war, politics, rural interest, bush, booze and pubs.
Recognition of the merchant navy was celebrated by Don McGhee who told of life in the service and read a short poem.
Over the course of the evening an exhibition painting was sold, encouraging the Arts Society to host more such evenings.
¦The next evening is pencilled in for Tuesday, September 23, from 7pm (to be confirmed). Music and spoken word presenters and performers are welcome, as are interested audience.
