Announcements

Haiku workshop with Julia Wakefield Houghton

Seaford Meeting Room, Seaford Library
Grand Blvd, Seaford SA 5169

Saturday, 24 June 2023
10:00 AM to 12:30 PM

The haiku is so much more than a 5-7-5 syllable three-line poem – in fact it can be a lot less as well! What is most important is that elusive ‘aha’ moment. Join Julia in exploring the evolution of the Japanese form and discover the best of English language haiku; then try some exercises that will help you to create your own unique haiku.

Julia is the convenor of the Bindii Japanese Poetry Forms Group, which is based in Adelaide. She is a published prize-winning poet who has been attempting to write haiku for the past 15 years. … Click for more

FSP Anthology 47 launch and order form

Judges and editors
Left to right: David Cookson (editor), Max Merckenschlager (judge), Veronica Cookson (editor), Jacqui Merckenschlager (judge), Sue O’Brien (Convenor)
Winners
Left to right: Stef Rozitis, Elaine Barker, Louise Nicholas, Charlie Madden, Helen Hutton,  Meryl McDougall, Rob Ferris, Maria Vouis, Sue O’Brien

FSP is excited to announce that Anthology 47 was officially launched by in-coming Convenor, Sue O’Brien, at the monthly meeting on 1 May 2023.

Edited by Veronica and David Cookson, the anthology’s title, beyond the bend … , takes its name from a line in Torbay by contributing poet, Sharon Foulkes. The collection of over 100 poems thrilled the judges, Jacqui and Max Merckenschlager, who were at the launch to meet the winning and commended poets. … Click for more

FSP Life Memberships to Erica Jolly and Nigel Ford

Nigel Ford presents Erica Jolly with a certificate for Life Membership
Sue O’Brien presents Nigel Ford with a certificate for Life Membership

Life membership is awarded to a person who has made an exceptional contribution to Friendly Street Poets, Inc. At the 2023 AGM, two such awards were made.

Nigel Ford was awarded Life Membership for his outstanding commitment to poetry generally, to promoting and supporting poets’ groups in the broader community, and to his unswerving support of Friendly Street Poets as a committee member, six years as Convenor and 10 years as Regional Representative.

Erica Jolly was awarded Life Membership for decades of teaching, mentoring and supporting poets within Friendly Street Poets and the wider community.… Click for more

Call-out: expression of interest for editors of the 2023 FSP Anthology

Friendly Street Poets (FSP) has a wonderful opportunity for two volunteer editors for the next poetry anthology based on readings in 2023.

Since its beginnings in 1975, FSP has consistently brought the work of both established and developing writers to a keen readership. The new annual anthology will be the 48th in our proud history.

The positions involve the editors: 

  • attending the monthly (Feb to Dec) readings at the Box Factory in the Adelaide CBD;
  • selecting a Poem of the Month from poems submitted, which will appear on our website — and deciding on Honourable Mentions where warranted;
  • determining poems for inclusion in the anthology;
  • corresponding with the successful poets, gathering bio information, etc;
  • writing an introduction for the book;
  • organising cover design, layout, etc;
  • liaising with the printers;
  • launching the book during the year.
… Click for more

New Poets 23 launch at Halifax Cafe

Monday 17 October 2022
6:00pm for 7:00pm start

Halifax Cafe
187 Halifax Street, Adelaide, SA 5000

Come along and celebrate the launch of New Poets 23, featuring the first published collections of poetry from Stephy Kate Dewan, Shaine Melrose and Heather Nimmo.

MC will be Nigel Ford. Judge, Heather Taylor Johnson will be there to share her feedback about the winning entries.

The winning poets will read selections of their work and copies of the New Poets 23 collection will be available to purchase on the night.

The Halifax Cafe will be open for food and beverages.

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