Well we all have our dreams and one of mine has been to tell the story of The Amazing Case of Dr Ward in the Bond Store at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG).

In the Bond Store, amongst a plethora of interesting things, is a permanent exhibition about the global trade and transportation of plants during the 19th century. There is a replica Wardian case, several early microscopes, a flower press, and vasculum and other bits and pieces to excite plant nerds.

The Beaker Street Science Festival is an annual event that celebrates science past and present with talks, debates, music, visual art - its both fabulously entertaining and feast of ideas for hungry minds.

That’s me - grinning like a happy possum!

And if you’d like a copy of my book on the subject, you can order HERE.

Those who know me, know that I love festivals. I love the moosh of ideas, the opportunity to share work and to enjoy what others have been creating. In my neighbourhood, June is the best. First is the Williamstown Literary Festival , aka the Willy Lit Fest. On the west side of the Birrarung (Yarra River), it was, and I think still is, the largest literary event west of the city of Naarm (Melbourne).

The festival like all, has struggled to get back on its feet after Covid. But back it is - with more OOMPH! than ever. The program this year was packed - something for everyone. As well as bringing in events and authors from afar, locals always have a place.

The Home Grown Hobsons Bay table with author Alison Stuart

Sessions are rolled out in the many rooms inside the magnificent Williamstown Town Hall. The ball room is set up as a hub, filled with displays including the festival book shop Book and Paper. Several years ago the Hobsons Bay Library created a Facebook group to connect local writers. Home Grown Hobsons Bay is ever increasing and we always have a table in the hub.

Following the WLF is the Newport Folk Festival, hosted by the Newport Fiddle and Folk Club. Newport is where i live and I’m an enthusiastic folkie. I’ve participated in many of the groups that operate within the Club, learned to play the ukulele and hold a harmony but I found my home in the choir and I coordinate the Newport Storytellers. The Storytellers kicked off the Saturday with a Breakfast Show. Not an easy gig starting at 8.30 am!

My friend and collaborator Sarah Depasquale and me sharing a selkie tale at the Breakfast Show.

World Storytelling Day is a global celebration of oral storytelling marked on or around March 20. I’ve been involved in countless gatherings over the years and even during the worst years of Covid. But to be honest, the strain of being chirpy during the lockdowns and isolation took its toll.

However I’m surrounded by wonderful people who love the art of spoken story as much as I do, and fueled by their enthusiasm, we created an awesome event inviting storytellers and musicians from around the world into our patch.

We had two sessions - one for Children and following that - one for All Ages. We had access to technology so we dropped a big screen and enjoyed guests from India, NSW, Bangladesh and Canada. We had stories from Japan, Poland, Germany and Kazakhstan. The second session was recorded by one of our members, Adrian Newington - for others to enjoy and as a memory of a fabulous day.

This was a celebration from the grass roots - local community enjoying connection.

Having fun with Sarah Depasquale as we settle in to tell our story (photo: Gerry Nelson)

I’m part of community of people who gather under the name - Newport Storytellers. It’s a long story how it came to be but I’m the current coordinator of the regular monthly events. We’ve had a few adventures over the years and we’ve even made a podcast!