Well at last I’ve managed to find some time between other things and get the first Newsletter for 2019 off to print. Sorry for the delay, but since the
Tamworth Country Music festival and a few other shows in-between plus preparing for Hartwood (which is now done and dusted for another year), it seems like time waits for noone. Hard to believe we are into the fifth month of the year already! It certainly has been a couple of hectic months - have to say, although I’ve been kept busy, it’s all been worth it: another successful Hartwood, my new Album “REFLECTIONS” making the deadline for release, as planned, and I can now relax for a week. As this letter goes to print, we have just arrived home from Weethalle, where they held their very first festival - turned out to be a great weekend. I’m now in the process of getting ready for this year’s run starting off at Barham (NSW) on Fri 24 to Sun 26 May, then Warrnambool (VIC) on Sun 2 June at 1.30 pm (City Memorial Bowls Club), Rendlesham (SA) on Sat 8 June (Town Hall), Moonta (Mon 17 June, 7.30 pm (Town Hall), Port Pirie on Fri 21 June, 1.30 pm (NCMA Clubroom), Thargomindah (QLD) on Sat 20 & Sun 21 July then up to Daly Waters (NT) from Mon 29 July onwards, followed by Camooweal (see below).

Just prior to the Hartwood festival, we were hit with severe IT issues that resulted in us having to build a brand new Hartwood website, which is now up and running. I’m also hoping within the next few days to have my own personal updated website ready to be uploaded. Upon mentioning Hartwood, I would like to extend a sincere thank you to all volunteers who again this year have done a marvellous job. Thank you one and all. I would also like to say thank you to everyone for turning up and supporting the Festival, as your support is very much appreciated and valued. Anyone who has photos of this year’s event and would like to share these on the website, please email photos to info@hartwoodfestival.com.au

As you can see by the list above, I have a pretty busy year ahead. A full list of dates, shows, etc, will be uploaded to my new website in the coming days. The new Album will be available also. Over the past couple of years, I have been emailing the Newsletter out in PDF format. I have now decided to switch over to using MAILCHIMP so here’s hoping you all receive your electronic newsletter!

At home I have a small stash of wood behind the shed, so I’m sure the pot belly is going to get a warm-up or two before we hit the road. It was nice to see some welcome rainfall in very needed areas over the past couple of weeks, and I’m sure no-one’s going to complain if we’re lucky enough to get some more!

Camooweal this year will be hosting the Bronco Branding Championships and to coincide, we have a great line-up of artists this year, including Laura Downing, John O’Dea, Neville Anderson, Bruce Lavender, Bush Poet Jack Drake, World Champion Whip Cracker Nathan Griggs, Tim Sheed, Christine Middleton & myself. So, if you’re crossing the Barkly on 23-25 August, we’d love to see you there.Another must-mention is the Channel Country Music Muster on 20-21 July at the Thargomindah showgrounds. Artists include: Ged & Trudy Hintz, Rob Breese, Laura Downing, Rob Walters, Trevor Tolton and myself, so if you’re looking for an outback experience this year, here’s a couple for the diary!

Well, folks, I hope this brings you up to date with what’s happening and where we are heading. I look forward to catching up sometime, somewhere, in the great outdoors. Just another reminder: the new Album “REFLECTIONS” is available now (click here to purchase online, or click here to print a mail order form).

Regards, Tom