"Spring in the Shire" winners Pages 12

SPRING IN THE SHIRE WINNERS PHOTOGRAPH

Pictured left (l to r) Junior Prize Winner Lucy Blersch, Young Adult Prize Winner Holly Draffin, Golden Plains Shire Mayor Cr Gavin Gamble, Young Adult Highly Commended Amelie Strachan and Major Prize Winner Lyn Steele.

Contact Helen Collins on 0418 340 387 for all your Interior Design & Styling needs and she will work with you to create beautiful & functional spaces

Thanks to: Ross & Caroline Wilson of Shelford and Mora Leach of Inverleigh for faithfully supplying the monthly rainfall figures. Your efforts are very much appreciated.

Golden Pens – Write Side Up

G'day from the penners. First off, we would like to wish every reader a Happy NewYear. But it has been far from a perfect start to 2022, covid numbers are astounding and it is so sad to hear of so many loved ones dying. Our hearts go out to anyone who has had the experience of having a family member who has had this insidious virus. But enough of the virus, how has the weather been? Teesdale coped a massive storm on the 7th January and it was fierce! Hailstones the size of Tom Bowlers, or for those not familiar with the large marbles, lets try Gum Balls that you get out of the little vending machines. Most of Teesdale's properties turned into a river I think, I know ours did and we sustained some damage but nothing came into the house luckily. I know from the Teesdale face book page that many lost driveways and had a lot of damage. What with a snow storm 18 months ago and all the rain we have had and then the hailstorm, well it really does make you think about climate change seriously, very seriously. But the penners write on, not much stops the creative juices from flowing. We are back at full strength after a short break and raring to get pen to paper. This month’s poem comes from Peter and it a beauty so we hope you enjoy it. Remember our email address is goldenpens4@gmail. com and we can be contacted anytime if you would like to send us a message or perhaps to join us.

The Silent Storyteller

I am the silent storyteller. I can tell you stories. Tales of places I have been, things that you have never seen. Tales that once were told to me, when I was a child so free. Tales of things that never were But should have been; you might concur. So many stories I could tell imagination’s great, but, well, Until I speak, or write it down, I remain The silent storyteller.

Who is the silent storyteller? Who can tell you stories? Is he standing next to you? Is that her over in the queue? Your grandma, uncle, neighbour, friend, all have their tales, your ear to bend. Mundane, amusing, boring, not - unknown until you hear their lot. All must give voice, and tell their tale before they pass beyond the veil, Or remain, for all eternity A silent storyteller.