The 30th Festival in 1987 had a new attraction when John Hetherington and Bruce Roberts read and recited Lawson's works on the Sunday morning at the Lawson monument. This coincided with the tree planting by official guest Di Morrissey.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
These recitations have continued rain, hail or shine every year for thirty one years.
From a small beginning it has become a very popular event, complemented by Betty and John Fittler's camp oven damper, golden syrup and hot cups of tea. John and Bruce have decided that the 60th Festival would be a good time to retire. Over the years they have enjoyed sharing Lawson's work with audiences who have braved many a frosty morning to hear poems and stories remembered from school days.
John and Bruce have their favourites too, but wider reading of his works have given them a appreciation and admiration of the depth of Henry Lawson's work. Sunday June 11 will be the finale of a very long season. Bruce's reading of "Two Dogs and a Fence" will be included in the program as well as John's "Scots of the Riverina" and audience requests.