But it’s been writing and illustrating stories and poems that has sustained Syd throughout his lifetime.
Syd now lives on his own in the little town of Rockley in the NSW Central West, not far from Bathurst. His home holds fond memories of the life he shared with his wife Patricia, now sadly deceased, who also wrote poetry, and loved painting and gardening.
HammondCare volunteer Jasmin has been visiting Syd every week for over two years. During COVID restrictions, her visits were limited to phone calls, but were still able to keep their connection alive. Since the start of their friendship, Jasmin has helped Syd compile two editions of stories and anecdotes, with the second book published just recently.
“We both established early on that we share more than one passion - firstly for the written word, books and reading in particular, as well as a deep interest in local history. I also volunteer at the local school where I help with reading, so it was already a big focus for me,” explains Jasmin.
It was a perfect arrangement from the start – Jasmin doesn’t drive, and Syd lives four blocks from her house. Their shared love of the local area and its’ history was an added bonus. Jasmin had learned from a friend at her local church that HammondCare was looking for a volunteer to help support a client who lived locally.
During Jasmin’s weekly visits Syd began reciting his poems and stories of growing up, and she thought they were delightful. Jasmin started writing down those he didn’t already have copies for, as he recited them. The pair have just published a second edition of his book, with over 50 items – including five new stories.
“Syd has a great sense of humour and has lived such a full life. I’m especially fond of his poem ‘Jolly’ about a school mate who risked life and limb to gain house points at a swimming carnival by jumping off a tower – even though he couldn’t swim!”
Syd is grateful for the encouragement Jasmin gives him and the practical support in getting the two editions of his stories, poems and illustrations published.
“When Jasmin visits me every week we talk about my new edition of the book and the local district newsletter she produces, and I always tell a few jokes. We both enjoy each other’s company very much.
“Jasmin gives me a word prompt for homework and I write poems or stories around them, for example the following poem I wrote about using the word “Country”:
GO TO THE COUNTRY, THEY SAY
I am out here in the country,
My family far away.
No one to speak to,
That is how I spend my day.
The log trucks go roaring past,
The ground shakes all around,
No one to take me to town.
They say, “Go to the country,
The place is nice and quiet”.
But you get really bored,
When there is no one else in sight.
Volunteer Coordinator Debbie loves seeing how Syd and Jasmin relate together.
“They are a great pairing in so many ways. Jasmin has been really pivotal for Syd, encouraging him to get a second edition of his book published, giving him writing exercises to do between visits – just a few lines to get him started. This gives him an activity to work on until they meet up again, a sense of purpose.”
Syd really is a local legend. The Post Office in the nearby village of Perthville has a copy of one of his poems, One Tonner, on the wall. And Syd’s GP has displayed at her surgery a cutting of the newspaper article and his photo following the release of his first book.
Congratulations, Syd on the second edition of your book!
To download a copy of When Every Bubble Had A Rainbow, click on this link.