Inaugural Meeting of the CJ Dennis Society Inc.

[Stephen Whiteside]

The inaugural meeting of 'The CJ Dennis Society Inc' took place at 2.30 pm yesterday afternoon at 'The Singing Gardens', former home of CJ Dennis.

A small but dedicated crowd gathered in the tea-room on a warm, sunny afternoon, to outline the aims of the society, discuss the nature of its constitution, elect office bearers...and recite a bit of CJ Dennis.

The results of the elections were as follows:

Patron: Ted Egan

President: Stephen Whiteside
Vice President: David Campbell
Secretary: Jim Brown
Treasurer: Jim Brown
General Committee Member: Daan Spijer

Honorary Life Members:
Jan Williams (owner of 'The Singing Gardens')
Toolangi Primary School

Ted Egan was not in attendance yesterday, but he had notified Jim prior to the meeting of his willingness to accept the invitation to be our Patron.

The creation of the Society is an exciting development. Jim Brown has worked hard to bring it into being, and I am grateful to him for his efforts. I anticipate there is much that we will be able to do to promote the life and works of not just CJ Dennis but all the classical rhyming poets, and the craft in general, to a wider audience.

[Heather]

Great stuff Stephen and congratulations to all concerned. Will those that expressed an interest at Toolangi last year be notified? Have you got details of how to join etc?

Heather

[Stephen Whiteside]

Thanks, Heather.

Membership queries should be directed to Jim Brown. He can be contacted at: jimbrown@stanza.alphalink.com.au

There is also a web-site, which you can find here: www.thecjdennissociety.com

Kind regards,
Stephen

[Maureen K Clifford]

Congratulations el presidente - that's a good job done

[Zondrae]

Thanks Stephen,

Book has arrived. I have decided to keep it for a week or two. We have an occasion that would suit a small gift coming up so I will give it to Calvin then. Thank you for including the extra poems.

Regarding the CJ society. I had expressed my interest to join while talking to Jim and David at the National. I will follow it up. Thanks too for the links.

[Stephen Whiteside]

All sounds good, Zondrae.

[Vic Jefferies]

Good On You Stephen,

Sounds great! These are the sort of ideas and ventures that will ensure the advancement and popularity of "Bush Poetry."


Vic

[Stephen Whiteside]

Thanks, Vic.

[Stephen Whiteside]

It is with great regret that I am announcing my decision to stand down as President of the CJ Dennis Society. Unfortunately, I have some health issues at the moment. In my initial enthusiasm I felt that I would be able to cope with these, but it has become apparent to me that this is not the case. I am also working full time, which adds to the pressure, and I want to give myself the best possible chance for recovery.

I have great confidence in the other Committee members. I believe the Society is in very good hands, and am confident it will flourish in spite of my absence.

[Heather]

Sorry to hear that Stephen. Best wishes for a speedy and full recovery.

Heather