Country cooking and entertaining bush poetry in the comfort of an historic hall make for an enticing invitation to spend a winter's day.
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The Dungog-Clarence Town CWA annual event "A Day in the Bush" is back at Clarence Town School of Arts Hall on Friday June 21.
The event started around 16 years ago when the late Bob Sanders decided it was time to share his poetry with a larger audience.
Since then the event has continued to offer a platform for talented poets and musical entertainers, all while providing a day out with a difference.
Bob's widow Lois now co-ordinates the event and is thrilled this year that two of Bob's brothers will attend, with one, Dick Sanders from Waratah, performing.
Owen Giggins who spends his time between Gloucester and Clarence Town has been coming to the event for the last four years and wouldn't miss his fifth time.
"I love the atmosphere and the stories that the poets tell," he said.
"They've all got a story whether its serious such as one about Anzacs or about a washing machine which is a funny one, but they all have a meaning to them."
While each year there is new material from the performers, Owen said there are some poems he never tires of hearing.
Award winning poets Jenny Markwell from the Central Coast and Claire Reynolds from Gloucester will be two of the performers on the day.
One of the star attractions is also the good old fashioned CWA cooking. Both a traditional morning tea and lunch are served on the day.
"It's really good value," said Owen.
"The poetry is great and the service you get, but with morning tea and lunch it's a great day out."
Lois said the event has attracted a steady crowd over the years with people travelling from across the Hunter to attend, despite the popularity levels of poetry waxing and waning.
"The good thing about bush poetry as against standard poetry is that bush poetry has that story to it, it's not just rhyme," she said.
"It's often educational too."
Tickets for "A Day In The Bush" are $25 and include morning tea, lunch and a chance to win a lucky draw prize.
The day starts with morning tea at 9am with the entertainment to start at 9.30am.
Bookings are essential for catering purposes - call Lois on 4996 4331 or 0427385431.
