The country lifestyle and community feel of Gresford are at the heart of a newly released award winning poem by former Gresford resident Chandra Clements.
The Outback Child, by Mrs Clements, was awarded the Tim Borthwick Memorial Award for New Australian Bush Verse Talent and published in the 52nd Bronze Swagman Book of Poetry.
"I grew up in Gresford and I wrote a poem that reflects my memories of growing up and what it was like as a child in the country," Mrs Clements said.
"I submitted that and I was awarded. But the key thing out of it was that I mentioned in the poem Mrs Margot Capp who was a significant member of the CWA when I was a little girl and played a big role in my life as a woman in town.
"It really tickled her fancy."
Mrs Clements sent Mrs Capp, who is now 95 and living in Lara Aged Care, a copy of the book that her poem was printed in.
Mrs Capp was quite surprised when Mrs Clements showed her the poem.
"I was most amazed really because I just didn't know anything about it, but I'm quite happy with it," Mrs Capp said.
Mrs Capp was also blown away by the impact that she had on Mrs Clements life into adulthood.
"I wouldn't have thought I had such an impact on her life at all," she said.
"It was quite an amazement."
Now Mrs Clements lives on the Gold Coast, however she said living in Gresford shaped her life and how she penned her award winning poem. She hopes to impart at least part of the community oriented lifestyle onto her young children.
The poem is a very personal one for Mrs Clements. Having such a personal work of art placed on such a large platform and recognised in the way that it has been has been mind-blowing for her.
"It's a bit mind-blowing. I wrote it from a very personal level, now being a mum and submitted it and thought that would probably be the end of the story only to be recognised as the best new Australian Bush Verse talent. I'm very happy for Mrs Capp that it happened," Mrs Clements said.
"I'm more focussed on the little bit of joy that I brought to her."
