L - R Andrew McKenna and Jim HaynesThe Pat Glover Storytelling Award is an integral part of the Port Fairy Folk Festival. A unique event where folk can listen and share stories of every shape.
For an urban dweller like me it's a chance to hear tales from people of the land, direct and unfiltered. Farmer Rob England's story of the plight of Coorong, told several years ago, still moves me when I think of it. This year another man of the land took to the stage, Ian Black, with a sorry saga titled 'My Red Ute'. Ian's first time in the spotlight - I hope he returns next year with another adventure.
The Pat Glover was honoured with the presence of American storyteller Teresa Jordan. Teresa was at the festival with her husband Hal Cannon with Songs and Stories of the Rancher's World - true stories of a girl growing up on a vast Wyoming Ranch. The link to Teresa's website is here. Here's hoping that next time Teresa is passing through Victoria, Storytelling Australia (Vic) can organise a welcome as is our custom for visiting OS tellers.
The winner of the 2012 Award was Andrew Mckenna. Andrew floored us with a magical telling of an Irish Selkie Tale. Andrew captured the dark pain of the selkie in a way I have never heard before. This was a return appearance; Andrew won the award in 2006. A remarkable storyteller.
Also appearing at the Pat Glover was Julie Perrin (2011 Pat Glover recipient) - check out Julie's blog - a beautiful pic of Port Fairy.
And finally, two big thank yous - firstly to Jim Haynes who MCs the Pat Glover every year and anchors the spoken word component of the festival and secondly to Rosemary and David Stewart who manage the venue and welcome us into the old Port Fairy Lecture Hall year after year.
Posted by roving scout: Jackie Kerin
