Launch of unique Murtoa poetry collection

February 7, 2014

A collection of poems written by former Murtoa resident Noel Hays was officially launched by Yarriambiack Shire Councilor Cr Ray Kingston on Wednesday, February 5, in the Mechanics Hall Supper Rooms.

The poems, some of which feature regularly in the Murtoa and District Advertiser, capture the spirit of the Murtoa community where Noel lived as a boy. They tell of the legends, the characters and the events within a rural community of the mid 20th century.

Sometimes humorous, always sincere, the poems have an immediate appeal for those who have lived in Murtoa and know the people and places about which Noel writes. But as an entertaining folk history they have a much broader appeal.

The book, titled “Murtoa – In the eyes of Noel Hayes” will be on sale for $20.

Noel will donate $10 of each book sold to the Murtoa Swimming Pool Committee as a mark of the happy times spent as a boy at the old Murtoa swimming pool.

Copies of the book can be obtained from Mrs Mary Haby, 49 Munro Street, Murtoa. Phone 53852214 for $20.00 plus $1.40 postage. Cheques to be made out to the Murtoa Swimming Pool Inc.