Bush Traditions Gathering - a review of '06

The Gathering was bigger and even better this year. Numbers, while still small, were up 50% on last year and people are travelling considerable distances to be there. They came from as far afield as Brisbane and Melbourne with many others from numerous places in between.

The real value of this gathering is in the way it brings together a critical mass of people who have extensive knowledge and experience, and considerable talents, ability and accomplishments in this specialised genre. Among many things the organisers’ goals include:

· build a critical mass of exponents who can take their experience home with them;

The success of the Gathering lies in what people bring to the event and the extent to which they allow themselves to be a part of events. The potential to learn, to be inspired and challenged by the experience was palpable. I am happy to report that it is all going very well

The event was arranged around the four main components of the tradition: Song, Dance, Music and Word.

There were more dancers, and with few beginners the complexity of dances and the standard at which they were danced were high and while the space in the Maltings is not ideal for dancing, we made do and a good time was had by all. The music for these events was bright and lively, played by a scratch band formed around some seasoned museos who followed a plan. There was an opportunity to learn the music earlier in the day and then to play it for a dance workshop, just what you need really.

Singers were much better represented this year with some excellent sessions in the Mill. Poetry too, had a bigger role with several planned sessions and a presence at other times.

The music workshops were well attended and formed the core of activities in the Cooperage. The fireplace added an extra and welcome dimension. This year many of the tunes presented at workshops were compiled into a spiral bound book and made available to participants for $5. I expect this useful innovation to be repeated in future years, time and resources permitting.

Participation is an important part of the ethos of this gathering. Dave Johnson put a great deal of effort into rehearsing and running the Great Australian Goldrush Show. This involved a group of 20 or so participants learning and playing the tunes, songs and skits selected and adapted from the works of Charles Robert Thatcher. It formed a significant focus for participants and provided a memorable end to a memorable weekend. This activity as much as any other emphasised the value and importance placed on participation.

Feedback has been extremely positive, with unanimous endorsement of the value of living in and with Australia’s folk traditions for a weekend spent in pleasant surroundings with congenial and like minded people. Most participants drifted off on Monday, with a good sized crew staying to tidy up and review events after stumps.

Bradley Grange is always worth a mention. This is a magnificent group of heritage buildings set out on a square in a way that frames some interesting outdoor spaces which are great for a chat or a session. It provides an excellent backdrop to the weekend, setting a harmonious atmosphere and tone for events. Set apart from the town of Goulburn, on the floodplain of the Mulwarre river, activities are uninterrupted by noise, passers by or traffic. Overall Bradley Grange provides interesting spaces for people to sit in small groups and sing, play or talk. This gives activities the intimacy, immediacy and feel of a soiree, while the whole weekend unfolds around participants like a house party.

All in all the weekend happened fairly much as expected, being loosely planned around a framework of workshops, singing sessions and dances. As with the best of such gatherings there was a special spirit of friendliness around a shared creative experience. There is no hierarchy at these events, with participants sharing song, music, word and dance in an inclusive and supportive manner.

A big thank you to all who helped with organisation and to those who contributed to the weekend by offering to lead workshops and in many small ways.

email Ray Mulligan

or Phone Ray at: 61 2 6247 4725
or send a snail mail to PO Box 7182 WATSON ACT 2602

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