“The initial idea started at a dinner party,” said organiser Grahame Stelzer.

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“During a conversation with Greg North, who was the bush poet champion at the time, he agreed to come to Gloucester to perform some of his poetry.”

Grahame and his wife, Kaye, contacted the council for approval to use the saleyards, collaborated with Gloucester Rotary to turn the event into a fundraiser, and invited local poets to join the entertainment lineup.

“It was a simple idea, and from the very first event, we attracted people from all over,” Grahame told News Of The Area.

“The saleyards provide a fantastic venue with excellent acoustics and a wonderful atmosphere.”

Local bush poet Claire Reynolds has been performing at the event since the beginning.

“It is an occasion that brings smiles to people’s faces,” Claire stated.

While she performs her own poetry, Claire also enjoys reciting classic works from the Australian bush poetry canon.

“I want to keep the old poems alive,” Claire explained.

Local musicians the Bowden Brothers will perform once again this year.

“The Bowden Brothers have supported the event since its inception and are always a crowd favourite,” said Brian Beesley, Rotary President.

In conjunction with Bush Poetry in the Saleyards, the Verse in the Valley Festival will also take place.

Sponsored by the Australian Bush Poetry Association, the festival will feature several events, including the finals of the NSW Bush Poetry competition.

The winner will have the opportunity to perform at the saleyards event.

The Verse in the Valley Festival will run from 5-7 March at various Gloucester venues.

Bush Poetry in the Saleyards will run at the Gloucester Saleyards on Saturday, 8 March 2025.

Community members are invited to bring their own picnic, cushion and blankets to enjoy the event.

By Wendy BUSWELL