The celebration of Mudgee Valley Writers’ 29th birthday took members a step back in time when we visited Henry Lawson’s old local haunts.
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Members met at the home site on Henry Lawson Drive where, through lively readings by award winning local poet Kevin Pye, they were transported back to the early life of Henry Lawson.
Stepping out the foundations of his old home made us clearly aware of Lawson’s humble beginnings.
The bricks were handmade and whilst they were set out for drying, possums came to investigate and a few of the old bricks actually had possum footprints in them.
Tragically, vandals have defaced the old chimney that has stood since 1870 and removed many bricks, putting the structure in peril of collapse.
From the home site, the group wandered down the road a step to the old Eurunderee School.
They thank David Mayson, President of Eurunderee School Site Trust, for the privilege of visiting, and the history he related.
Current improvements are being brought about by the Eurunderee School Trust.
The grounds host the original trees and many planted since, providing welcome shade.
In 1876 the old bush school had 28 boys and 18 girls enrolled. In 1970, the current school building closed.
Longdrop toilets, tank water and a wood heater for the chilly winter days make present day schools seem like holiday resorts in comparison.
From the hillside setting above Eurunderee Creek where Henry Lawson swam as a child, the visitors’ gaze was drawn across a patchwork of greens to the distant volcanic rim that nestles Mudgee in its cradle – indeed, a sight which inspired many of Henry’s tales.
The group celebrated the 29th birthday of the Mudgee Valley Writers with buttered damper and golden syrup, and held their meeting within the historic wooden schoolhouse, sitting at the old desks and stools.
They heard tales of yore in both poetry and story form about dogs, horses, chooks, timber cutters, the plight of farmers wives and sweethearts, and more, by Henry of course, and also read aloud our own writings of school days and swaggies, along with an original swaggies song from Bob Campbell (another of our well known writers).
Mudgee Valley Writers meets at Club Mudgee on the second Tuesday of the month and new members are most welcome. Phone president, Joan Taylor, on 6373 5448 for more information.
