THE talents of Singleton Bush Poets have been recognised once again. At the Tamworth Country Music Festival, Heather Searles entered the prestigious Golden Damper Poetry Competition. This proved to be a very challenging event, with performers consisting of professional and experienced poets, from all over Australia. Amidst the many entrants, she was chosen for the final which was held in a packed auditorium, at West Tamworth Leagues Club. The event was compared by Dave Proust, a former Golden Damper winner, who remarked on the very high standard of all the poetry. The winner of the much coveted trophy was Graeme Johnson, better known as the Rhymer from Ryde, and all poets shared in the exuberance of the winner. The following week, seven members of the Singleton Bush Poets club journeyed to the beautiful seaside village of Harrington, to enjoy the Poets by the Sea Festival. Singleton Bush Poets were performing at their best, coming home with a swag of prizes. Neil Jones gained first prize for ‘The Poets Brawl”, an impromptu, one minute poem. He also had the audience in stitches again, as he gained second place in the original performance section. Trish Patterson gained second place in the humorous written section, and impressed the judges with two of her poems in the original performance section. Isabella Bailey, who is emerging as a very talented performer, gained second place in the traditional performance section. Heather Searles did not let the team down, winning the trophy for first place in the original section, plus a first and second in the written section. She was very proud to receive the Dal Gill Memorial Trophy, which is awarded for a poem about the local area of Harrington. Her poem, ‘Come Walk the Wall’, painted pictures with words as it described the sheer beauty and serenity that surrounds, whilst walking along the Harrington breakwall. Throughout the coming year, Singleton Bush Poets hope to present some more great entertainment. The group hopes to have the continued support of the Singleton community at these talent filled functions, and look forward to seeing bigger and better crowds each year.