Wednesday 31 January 2024

Obit - Death of Eddie Sampson, January 2024

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 (Photos 1-14 © Sandra Nixon) 

Eddie Sampson was the person who introduced me to Australian Poetry not only our great poets but to my amazement he also produced a number of wonderful poems.
I admired Eddie as he happened to be a great racing car driver when younger.. mostly speedway and this fact got my interest straight away. Then listening to his own poems I thought “If this bloke can write poetry then I might have a go myself “…and that was the beginning of my journey into the world of Rhyme. His sense of humour and enthusiasm made my visits to Hut 44 a highlight in my life.
I can still see him beating his chest in time to recreate the sounds of galloping horses in a poem and the cheeky look when he harassed Bob Bolton into playing a gumleaf. I guess I really admired all these things from Eddie but what I admired most was his unwavering loyalty to Australian Poetry and Music. Wonderful memories of an incredible character whom like Bob Bolton was the heart and soul of the BMC for me. We miss you cobber and will never forget your light that shone in our little Hut Monday nights.  Pete Cahill.

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It was always going to be a good night,if Eddie turned up. You would have to go a long way to meet a nicer bloke. Pete & I were always blown away by his repertoire. His delivery was superb. My favourite poem was the one about the father of the bride when asked ‘who gives this bride away?’ ‘GIVES! ….and on it went. Brilliant. Very happy memories of this wonderful bush poet.  Sue McMahon.

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So sad to hear of Eddie’s passing! He has been one of the sort of “mischievous rogues” of the BMC and I mean that in the nicest possible way! He had a very quick wit but never seemed to be the one to push himself onto people - seemingly happy to be a step or two away from the “limelight” while all the while observing what was happening around him in that way that poets and songwriters seem to do! 

He was a deep thinker with a great sense of humour and, when the opportunities arose, he delivered his poems with a real flair of expression that captivated his audience! He didn’t just recite a poem, he was telling you a story and getting you involved!!

He was also very generous in his support and encouragement of others - a genuinely nice bloke whose presence and contributions will be sadly missed.  Tony Romeo


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1.  Eddie at The Loaded Dog Folk Club, 2009

2.  Eddie reciting at BMC Social, 2005  

3. Social, 2008

4. Social 2008
5. Social, 2008

6. Social, 2008

7. Social 2008

8. Social 2008

9. Concert Party, Sept 2007

10.  Eddie, Dec 2012

11. Eddie, Dec 2012

12. Eddie, Dec 2012

13. Eddie, Dec 2012

14. Christmas 2016

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Bob Bolton Photos

15. Eddy @ The Loaded Dog, 2007 - 070623 017 - Bob Bolton photo


16. Eddy @ The Loaded Dog, 2007 - 070623 026 - Bob Bolton photo


17. Eddy @ The Hut 2010 - 100913 001 - Bob Bolton photo

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Wednesday 24 January 2024

Festival Reports - Illawarra Folk Festival 2024, Sharyn Mattern collection

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(Photos © Sharyn Mattern) 

1. Concert Party at the Folk School 
2. Concert Party at the Folk School 

3. Concert Party at the Folk School 

4. Concert Party at the Folk School 

5. Concert Party at the Folk School 

6. Concert Party workshop

7. Concert Party workshop

8. Concert Party workshop

9. Concert Party workshop

10. Concert Party workshop

11. Concert Party workshop

12. Andy Irvine (Ireland)

13. Concert Party workshop -Accordion t-shirt

14. Saplings session

15. Saplings session

16. Saplings session

17. Saplings session

18. Saplings session

19. Concert Party workshop

20. Concert Party workshop

21. Concert Party workshop

22. Concert Party workshop

23. Bush Dance 

24. Bush Dance 

25. Bush Dance 

26. Bush Dance 

27. Bush Dance 

28. Bush Dance 

29. Bush Dance 

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Thursday 18 January 2024

From the Archives - 1984 Committee Flow Chart

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Once upon a time, when Bush Music was famous, many sub-committees were needed to run the club's various activities.

President - Bob Brain, 
Vice President -  Dave Johnson,
Secretary, Concert Party - Tony Romeo,
MC - Marg Walters,
Editor, Archives, Publishing - 
Bob Bolton, 
Dance - Don Richmond,
Treasurer - Susan Jackson,
Mulga Wire - Doug Park 
?? - Balls 

A few other activities - Booking Agency, Collecting,  Festival, Schools Promotions,  Programming Activities, Long Term Planning

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BMC turns 70 this year & we have plans!

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The Bush Music Club was founded by John Meredith OA & friends in October 1954 as part of the post-war search for Australia's traditional songs & music to counter the increasing Americanisation of our culture. 

NationaL Library of Australia Oral History Collection  - see the Meredith collection

Bush Music Club Blog - Guide to the blog 

Compilation - Articles about our Anniversaries

Compilation - Articles about our 60th Anniversary

Extract from Minutes 7th January 1955



Extract from Singabout, Journal of Australian Folksong, 1(1), Summer 1956


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