AN afternoon of Bush Poetry will take place on 28 June at the Raymond Terrace Community Church.
Renowned bush poet Bob Skelton, also known as the “Minmi Magster”, will be at the event.
Skelton has authored seven poetry collections and won local and international awards.
The event is being held by the Raymond Terrace and District Historical Society to raise money to retain the Sketchley Pioneer Cottage.
The cottage was the family home of William Sketchley, an English convict sent to Australia in 1830 for stealing.
He became a landholder of 85 acres (34 hectares) and turned the one-roomed dwelling into a cottage large enough to house his ten children.
It is the only known 1840s colonial building in Port Stephens and was donated to the Historical Society in 1975.
The Society consists of volunteers with a shared interest in local history.
They will celebrate the group’s 50th anniversary in November.
A group spokesperson said, “its role in preserving and displaying local history is as relevant to the future as to the past.”
The Bush Poetry event will be held from 2pm to 4pm and includes afternoon tea.
For details, contact 0421 976 278.
All proceeds will go towards the preservation of the Sketchley Pioneer Cottage.
By Cosette DE LORENZO
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