RESIDENT ARTIST DRAWS INSPIRATION FROM NATURAL SURROUNDS.

Bolton Clarke Bongaree Retirement Village resident Graham Forsyth first studied art at school and took up a paintbrush again to challenge himself in retirement.

Now the former policeman, 74, is hoping to set up an outdoor studio on the patio of his one-bedroom unit to expand his catalogue of more than 100 paintings – including the winning portrait from the village’s 2022 art competition. Graham says his love of painting grew to keep him challenged after he retired in 2004.

“I did art as a subject at school and was introduced to water colours where I developed an interest,” he says.

“I was inspired by the impressionists like Vincent Van Gogh and Monet.”

In retirement, the grandfather of three was looking for a new challenge and in addition to acting as the village’s volunteer bus driver, he decided to try his hand at art again.

“I like puzzles, crosswords and anything which is a challenge, and painting provides that for me,” he says.

“The bigger the canvas the more I can enjoy the art itself and work on improving my technique.

“I try to do a bit of everything like landscapes and still life paintings where I can adjust the lighting and shadows.

“I recently painted a series of trawlers anchored in the Bribie Passage.”

Graham has painted many selfportraits and often profiles his wife in his work.

“I try to get the eyes right, then everything else follows,” he says.

He also uses the Bribie Island bushland setting as a creative stimulus.

“I like the green of the bush and I’ve noticed every tree has a different shade,” he says.

“Being here at Bongaree on the edge of Bribie is inspiring.”

Author Gary Crew Nominate For Prestigious 2024 Hans Christian Andersen Award

GARY CREW, ONE OF AUSTRALIA’S MOST AWARDED AUTHORS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE, HAS BEEN NOMINATED FOR THE INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN AWARD FOR 2024.

Gary Crew, author of acclaimed books such as The Watertower and Strange Objects, has received a nomination for the 2024 Hans Christian Andersen Award. Crew has been recognised for his experimentation in genre and format, as well as how these innovations convey his desire to create a fascinating experience for readers. Crew has been either won, been shortlisted, or been nominated for over 50 literary awards both within Australia and internationally. As stated in the nomination announcement, “the breadth of topics, styles, formats, and genres he has tackled provide ample evidence that he is one of Australia’s most influential and significant wordsmiths.”

The Australian division of IBBY (The International Board on Books for Young People) nominated Crew and the other Australian nominee, illustrator Matt Ottley. The winners of the awards will be announced in 2024 at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair.

Gary Crew’s latest book, In the Secret Place, is scheduled for release in 2023 with Hawkeye Publishing.

“AVAST YE LANDLUBBERS!”

Gem Life

Inspired by the recent movie, “Fishermen’s Friends 2”, here come THE BRIBIE GLEEMEN with a wonderful concert called… ..“ALL AT SEA!”

Supporting the Cancer Council of Qld, Bribie Island Branch

Presenting many songs inspired by the sea surrounding our beautiful Bribie Island……Songs of the sea, travel, navigation,

A great night was had by all as the local band, the CELTIC MINSTRELS, played up a storm at the St Patrick’s Day celebrations at Gem Life’s Over 50’s, Bribie Island.

Many residents donned the traditional green as they joined in the celebrations. The best costume award went to a German tourist Leprechaun wearing a lime green tutu. However, it was hard to choose the best dressed as many made a special effort for the occasion.

The CELTIC MINSTRELS are a local band that regularly plays for the markets in Brennan Park, U3A and other venues. Members live in Bribie or the nearby Moreton region.

There was a great selection of Irish favourite songs, including singing in Irish Gaelic by Ted Burton, the band’s Bass, Mandolin and Banjo player. Two tables won prizes for enthusiastically joining the chorus of well fishing, confusion on deck, tying a lot of knots!

Plenty of ballads, sea shanties, rollicking sailor songs. Featuring several fine examples of nautical sentimentality and even introspection(both Naval and Navel).

Bribie’s own male voice choir will warm your cockles and also featuring those saucy, know the song, Cockles and Mussels as Bodhran (Irish round drum) player John Boland roamed the floor with his microphone. The tissues came out for an endearing version of crowd favourite Danny Boy. This was sung by Guitarist and Irish Whistle player, Sarah Harris who was joined by lead players, Mike Watts on Concertina and Mandolin and Maria Boland on fiddle.

Not to be outdone, our Pocket Rocket / Energizer Bunny and talented fiddle player, Beth Sowter leapt from the stage and quickly amassed a crowd of eager dancers who learnt and danced the Circassian Circle and the Galopede. The audience enjoyed the dancing but not as much as those doing the dances –that is when they weren’t laughing. The CELTIC MINSTRELS are best known for their Bush Dances. They teach Bush Dancing at the U3A where the Band provides live music to dance to. If you want a great time and get fit as a side benefit, then head along singing stowaways…”The

Brothers”.

Gecko

When? 1.30pm Sat 6th May, 23

Where? Recreation Hall, First Ave, Bongaree

$20 (includes light refreshments) These shows are always fully patronised so get in quickly for your tickets by phoning…. 0438 618 073 (On Bribie) 0408 404 180 (Off the Island)” to U3A in First Ave, on a Thursday morning. The Bush Dancing For Fun Class resumes in the 2nd semester on April 20th.

Many grand Irish Jigs and Reels were played to tapping feet. A mesmerizing air (Innisher) from whistle and flute player Kelly Bridgewater and songs sung by Button Accordionist Lindsay Normin showed the depth of this great band.

Not to be outdone, singer and fiddler Laura Campbell sang a tongue-twisting folk song that was enjoyed by all.

The whole evening was well run by Gem Life’s Social Club. They always do a great job in organizing events and cleaning up afterwards. The CELTIC MINSTRELS are available to play at local venues and are only too happy to teach bush dancing at over 50’s resorts within the Morton Bay Regional Council Area. For further information contact John Boland on 0422 770252 or email riaanddah@gmail.com 1.30pm

Beachmere District Community

The B.D.M.S. Community Markets are held at the Men's Shed 53 Rogers Street Beachmere, every 1st Saturday of the month 7.30am12 Noon.

Bribie Island BICA Markets

The Bribie Island BICA Markets are held at Brennan Park, Bongaree, the 3rd Sunday of each month from 6am -12pm

Bribie Rotary Markets

The Rotary Markets are held at Brennan Park, Bongaree on the second Sunday of each month from 6.30am – 12 noon

Queensland Cancer Council

The Cancer Council Markets are held at Brennan Park, Bongaree on the first Sunday of each month from 7am to 12 noon.

The Sylvan Beach Munch Markets (Farmers Market)

The Munch Markets are held in the park opposite the Bribie Island Hotel on the 1st Saturday of each month from 9am to 2pm

Banksia Beach Market

Bribie Harbour Shopping VIllage is held on the last Saturday of each month 8am to 2pm

The Bribie Island Comm Plant Nursery

The BribieIsland Community Plant Nursery is open Tues to Sat 8 am to 12 pm

The Bribie Island Lions Market

2nd Sat of the month at Tintookie Park Woorim 7am - 1pm.

Bribie & District Woodcrafters Assoc & Bribie. Island Gem Club Open Day and Markets

Our Markets Are Held On The Last Sun Every Month 8am - 12pm Contact Ian Trail 0401 134 384