SKYWRITERS TAKE-OFF!

        The Grenfell launch of the Skywriters Project took place yesterday at Grenfell Public Library. Eight local writers met with programme convenor Dr Merrill Lindsay from Forbes in an informal 'getting to know you' session and introduction to the Project, and all left with an idea in mind for a piece of writing relating to the stars or sky. This is the linking theme because participants' works will be published on the Big Skies Collaboration website and potentially in a Skywriters anthology to be published in 2019, the fiftieth anniversary of humanity's first steps on the moon.
      
        The value of working within a group was very much in evidence as those present exchanged ideas which led to 'light bulb' moments for several.

Members of the group exchanging ideas over a 'working' lunch.

         Experience within the group ranges from novices who would "like to try my hand at writing" to published writers and at least two people are currently writing a novel. But the project suits everyone because there is plenty of editorial guidance and support available. Registration forms are available at the library and another meeting will be held in a few months' time - it's certainly not too late to get involved!

         Skywriter launches have already been held in Condobolin and Bathurst and launches in nine more towns are scheduled for the next fortnight. Feedback from the launches will assist in future planning. See also the Skywriters Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SkywritersProject for the latest news.

       

REACH FOR THE STARS .... WITH YOUR PEN!

      .. or these days that maybe should be keyboard ...

      The Grenfell launch of the Skywriters Project will be held in the Grenfell Library on Monday, 20th March, from 12 noon. Attendees will be able to interact informally over lunch (supplied) before an introductory session about the Project from convenor Dr Merrill Findlay.

       What is the Skywriters Project? Essentially its purpose is to promote the art of writing and support writers working in central New South Wales. Writers and aspiring writers in towns across the target area will work on stories or poems in any genre that relate in some way to celestial phenomena in the Southern Sky - and with a bit of creativity you can weave that link into most plots or lines of thought! Those involved will be guided through the process of writing from initial concept to published work through a series of free writing workshops and support from professional editors including online support. And as a byproduct relationships between writers will develop which will ensure there is ongoing encouragement and support for what can be a difficult, even lonely, endeavour.
         Finished works of us to 3,000 words - fiction, nonfiction, prose or poetry - will be published on the Big Skies Collaboration website and may also be included in a Skywriters Anthology to be published in 2019, the fiftieth anniversary of humanity's first steps on the moon. The project is funded through the NSW Regional Arts Fund and hosted by Arts OutWest although local libraries will be the settings for the actual meetings and workshops.
        The Skywriters Project is part of a larger initiative, the Big Skies Collaboration, a creative coming together of arts practitioners, astronomers and local communities to celebrate millennia of astronomies on the inland plains and share their stories about their own or other people’s relationships with the cosmos in rural NSW from Cowra to Narrabri, Condo to Bathurst to Orange, Cowra and Forbes. Hence 'Skywriters' - writers who take their inspiration from the sky.

        More information about the project can be found at https://bigskiescollaboration.wordpress.com/projects/skywriters/

         There is also a facebook site with current information at  www.facebook.com/SkywritersProject

(there's a good picture/post based on Merrill's visit to Grenfell a fortnight or so ago!)

          To find out more come to the launch with your questions and find out whether Skywriters is for you. And remember ....
                             When you write of what's out there
                             Let your mind run where it will -
                             Pen adventure, romance, thrill;
                             Makes no difference what your skill -
                             Creative pride is what you'll share!.

"SENIOR-HOOD" - CELEBRATE IT!!

     Grenfell Public Library in association with the Friends of Grenfell Library held a very successful Seniors Morning Tea yesterday (7th). Sixty people attended (twice as many as last year!) and enjoyed the traditional mix of entertainment, food and friendship.

     The morning commenced with a reminder that while being a senior has its drawbacks -
for example your back goes out more than you do, your knees buckle but your belt won't, you and your teeth no longer sleep together - there are advantages - the older you get the better you realize you were and being 'over the hill' is much better than being under it. (The jokes didn't improve much as the morning progressed .....)

      Interspersed with all sorts of culinary goodies were three entertainment items. The first came from the two Year 12 Music students from The Henry Lawson High School, Shannon Best and Kira Gibson, who each sang a number accompanied by music teacher Brodie McKnight on guitar to a great reception from the audience.
                                                                                     

Kira Gibson performing accompanied by Brodie McKnight
with Shannon Best waiting in the wings to perform.

      John Hetherington has entertained with his recitations at almost every Seniors Morning Tea and all enjoyed his rendition of a comic Henry Lawson poem.

       The third item was a bracket of three songs from locals Gordon and Naomi Steninhardt. This was a first appearance for Gordon and Naomi but they were a great hit with the audience and have already been invited back next year. They sang "Che Sara, Sara" with everyone joining in the choruses, that great Australian song "We've Done Us Proud", and an original song of social comment written by Gordon, "I Would Love to See Australia the Way it Used to Be", which made a great impact and had many of us suggesting he seek to have it recorded.
                                                                                         

Impressive local duo Gordon and Naomi Steinhardt

      Each of the entertainers selected winners of the lucky door prizes and some dozen attendees won prizes including chocolates, mugs, biscuits, even a small recipe book.

      During the morning "Happy Birthday" was sung to Gloria Stien (we never did find out how many years were being celebrated....). Gloria and husband Allan have been regular attendees at the Senior Morning Teas over the years.

      Events like the Senior Morning Teas don't happen without a lot of work behind the scenes and many thanks go to the hard-working members of the Friends of Grenfell Library.

Some of the lucky door prize winners .. and they are grinners!!

Workers on the day were Agnes Besant, Barbara O'Meally, JennyG, Elaine Keys and Margaret Whitty, while Geoff Earl helped set up the hall on Monday afternoon. Patricia Smith was also once again a great volunteer addition to the team. The willingness of the entertainers to perform gratis is also much appreciated.

 

       The final thought of the morning - wrinkles are the road map of life. The more you've got the further you've travelled.