Sydney man Bill Westwood has fond memories of the Barrington Guest House which was destroyed by fire in 2006.
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He put pen to paper and wrote a poem about the beloved local icon.
“I have written all this with total love for the guest house and your wonderful town, part and parcel,” he wrote to the Dungog Chronicle.
“It is a total shame that future generations won't have the pleasure of sitting on that verandah and soaking in that scene of utter peace.
“I have also written this on behalf of the owners, people who worked there and people who stayed and therefore I ask you to publish the sonnet in honour of those who still love it and remember.”
We hope you enjoy Bill’s poem.
The House at the End of the Road
Come with me to a forest of dreams
Where the leaves dance happy on the trees
And play hide and seek in the moonlight
A quiet place
Where the days are sweet
And life is one on one
With your time machine
Where life goes on with sweet and kind
To ease the tensions of your mind
It is called ' The House At The End Of The Road'
The house is a big one
A huge one just like a tent
Of wood and steel and spreading
Holding out its arms, out for the world to see
And welcome you to stay
Hideaway verandas are just a treat
To beat away that summer heat
You climb the steps of anticipation
And open the door of 'can't wait'
To be greeted by a large dining room
All dressed up and looking fine
Just getting ready for you to dine
The tables are dressed with large table frocks
That dance across the room
Just waiting for you to join them
The walls are covered with paintings, sketches and photos
From yesterday, today and tomorrow
And a fire is crackling in its place
Saying come over and see me sometime
And when the nights are hot and sticky
And the doors are open wide
The forest has a trick or two
Tucked up its sleeve
It sends a breeze, you wouldn't believe
To cool you whilst you eat
I know a forest far and wide
Where happiness survives
And if it happens you take 'five'
This sit on the steps out the front
To take in this vista of content
You will be joined rather soon
By councillors feathers and furs
Telling a story of need
"Have you got something for me" they say
And when your time is finally done
And it's time for you to go home
And your bag is full of love and kind
Remember – There is a forest far and wide
Where happiness survives
It is just below the Great Divide
At The House At The End Of The Road.