At last a few comments from the Chairman. Everything has been in full swing for the last month or so; hence the lack of comment from me.

This year is a Golden year for our Festival. Not only do we have Golden Guitar winners performing but we have Gold recognition for the group of people who took the Rotary Spring Festival to The Galston Country Music Festival and for those very loyal people who have been involved for many years with the Festival.

In some ways it is a passing of the guard, as Tony & Vikki Page took a well earned rest last year after 10 years at the helm; Pat Drummond steps down as Music Director this year after 12 years of sterling service; Helen Kay retired last year as Golden Saddles Director after 10 years of wonderfully committed service; and lastly, our wonderful friend, and supporter Frank Ifield has retired from the position of Patron but continues to support.

There are others as well.

A special time of recognition will take place during the official opening of this year's Festival.

I look forward to catching up with old & meeting new friends on Sunday 14th, September.

Cheers

Richard Young

Chairman

Our Poet's Director, Graeme Johnson, has written a Poem for this year's Festival, and I'm delighted to include it in my page.

COUNTRY IN THE PARK
(for the Galston Country Music Festival 2008)

In this year of the Olympics that sees our athletes chasing glory,
recognition of the best in any fields a common story.
Those who do the ‘hard yards’ in their quest for gold & fame,
find their reward is adulation by their cheering fan’s acclaim.

So it is with Country Music. Yes, that sound that warms our hearts.
All those songs ‘bout being “Aussie”, that touch a nerve & top the charts.
Well this year in mid September out at Galston’s Fagan Park,
our own Cavalcade of Country Stars will ‘strut their stuff’ from dawn to dark.

We’ve got winners from the “Tiara’s” and the “TSA Songsters Salute”.
Gold Guitarists that come out of Tamworth. Independent Comp winners to boot.
State & National Champs by the truckload, who all say Galston Country’s the best.
So come join us on Sunday the 14th and put our bold claims to the test.

We’ve got Soloists, Duo’s & big acts and the best of Contemporary Rock.
Jonah’s Road & the dazzling Borderers. Once they start you won’t want them to stop.
Patrick Drummond who crosses all genres with his stories of people and places.
Peter Denahy’s zany wild antics that put smiles upon thousands of faces.

Nicki Gillis the versatile vocalist who originally hails from the west.
Carter & Carter will also be with us. As I said it’s the “Best of the Best”
Steven Passfield that seasoned performer. Caitlin Harnet’s a fine songstress too.
Not forgetting friends Baillie & Richards who’ll be there just to entertain you.

But we’re much more than just Country Music. We’re a family fun day for all ages.
There’ll be Foodstalls & Markets aplenty as our music is played on 2 stages.
Carnival rides for the kiddies and a “Feral Ute Muster” for blokes.
Take a stroll through the beautiful gardens, ‘neath the towering Gum trees & Oaks.

But hang on, I’d nearly forgotten. The “Rhymer from Ryde’s” there as well.
Join our Poets for their morning session. Hear the stories & yarns they do tell.
Milton Taylor heads up our “Bush Posse”. Bernie Keleher. June Redmond too.
Start the day with a fair dose of laughter from the mayhem that’s sure to ensue.

So now that you’ve heard all about it, there’s no reason for you not to come.
Fagan Park on Sept the 14th where you’re bound to have plenty of fun.
Galston Rotary sends you an invite to a wonderful day in the park.
Come & help us raise money for charity. Join us all for a bit of a lark.


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Copyright © Graeme Johnson 1133 Victoria Road West Ryde NSW 2114 (2008)