A boy who started reciting poetry just six weeks ago has impressed at a Dubbo competition that’s drawing entrants from across the region.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Five-year-old William Davies from Narromine lit up the stage with his rendition of ‘A Picture of Daddy’.
He received first prize in the memorised poem - own choice for six years and under section of the 2017 City of Dubbo Eisteddfod.
He and fellow entrants Zeon Berger from Narromine, Amaya Wakista from Dubbo all received praise from adjudicator Carolyn McKenzie.
First-timer Will greeted his win with an excitement, watched by parents Steve and Holly Davies and gran Mitty Davies.
“We’re amazingly proud, he’s blown us away,” his mother said.
Will only started speech and drama classes six weeks ago and in the lead-up to the eisteddfod rehearsed in front of his parents, grandparents and big sister Ellie.
The second day of the eisteddfod’s speech and drama program began with verse speaking choirs from junior primary schools.
“We were delighted that we actually had six entrants today from schools represented here in Dubbo and also Gilgandra,” eisteddfod society committee member Narelle Bunt said.
“Which is lovely to see some of our regional schools coming back in and supporting the Dubbo eisteddfod.
“...We’re always thrilled to have every child on stage.
“We acknowledge that for some children it’s perhaps their only opportunity to perform in front of an audience and the children all did so beautifully.”
St Joseph’s School at Gilgandra won first prize in the section, and there was high competition from St Pius X Primary in Dubbo and Dubbo West Public, Ms Bunt.
The verse speaking choir for small schools section drew entries from Ballimore, Girilambone and Hermidale Public Schools.
“Each of those schools only have small numbers but the children’s faces just light up when they’re on stage and their teachers are to be commended for getting the children well prepared and... organised to travel to Dubbo,” Ms Bunt said.