NEWS Of The Area author and Fingal Bay fisherman John ‘Stinker’ Clarke, will be holding a book launch next week with not one but two new publications on offer.

A large gathering of pioneering families and friends are expected to attend the launch of “Marsh Road” at Soldiers Point Bowling Club on 30 October.

Written over three years, John said the book “tells the stories of those who lived in the community of Bobs Farm, Port Stephens, and the numerous difficulties they confronted as far back as the late 1800s.”

John has developed a unique style of presentation since writing his first history book “Broughton Islanders” back in 2009. It was followed by “Old Salt”, “Oysterman’” and “The Outer Light”.

By conducting interviews in the homes of the descendants of those depicted, and collecting old photographs and documents of the period, John has been able to capture Port Stephens’ fascinating past.

All of his books are held by the NSW State Library.

Continuing his interest in writing books for younger readers, John will also be launching “Milly the Magnificent Flying Mullet”.

Following the recent success of “Clarabelle the Cow” and “Banjo the Bream”, Milly is the story of a Myall Lakes mullet with extraordinary talents and exciting adventures.

The illustrations by local artist Megan Barrass are described by John as “amazing”.

The launching of both books, emceed by ABC Radio’s Scott Bevan, will be held on Wednesday 30 October 2.30pm at Soldiers Point Bowling Club, with members of the public invited to attend.

The occasion will include displays of artwork and photography from the Nelson Bay Marina Artisans Collective, while the Tomaree Museum Association will be conducting a raffle for a magnificent glass mural of the headlands donated by photographer Stephen Keating.

John will also be signing books at Allan’s Hairdresser in Salamander Shopping Centre and The Cellar Café at Fingal Bay from Thursday, 31 October.

By Simon EKINS