By TANIA PHILLIPS
GRAFTON Rose B&B will be a big part of this year’s Jumpers and Jazz in July program – adding a literary flavour to the popular winter festival.
The popular B&B in Grafton Street, Warwick, is set to host talks by two exciting Queensland-based authors Liz Agnew and David Bowden as well as daily Devonshire teas and exhibitions by local woodturners and Hong Kong artist Ansel Chan.
Brisbane author Liz Agnew will launch her new book on Friday and Saturday 18-19 July from 2pm to 4pm while Author David Bowden will be at Grafton Rose on Sunday 20 July.
A qualified librarian with a passion for books and cooking, Liz has spent many hours poring over recipes to bring a feast of mouth-watering Strawberry treats in her first book “Ruby’s treasure”. While researching the recipes, she came across many facts and trivia relating to strawberries and chose to add these to give the reader an insight into the humble strawberry.
“The setting at Grafton Rose Bed & Breakfast is just perfect for the book launch which will be followed by a cooking demonstration and a scrumptious Vintage Tea,” Liz said.
“I decided to hold the launch at Grafton Rose because Deborah Price who runs it used to be an old work colleague at the Queensland College of Art.
“We are both passionate about books, art, history and people. Deb manifests her passion as the owner of Grafton Rose B&B promoting and opening her historical home to visitors in Warwick. I manifested mine in creating an art/recipe/history book about strawberries and their cultural significance.
“People don’t have to be strawberry lovers to come to the launch, but the overall flavour on the 18 and 19 will be strawberry.“Guests will be greeted with homemade strawberry brandy and will participate in a cooking demonstration and food tasting of four simple but delicious strawberry recipes appropriate for a vintage afternoon tea.
“This tasting will be followed by steaming fresh scones with rose butter and strawberry jam and cream. As the mercury slides down the thermometer, guests can get cosy with conversation, good food and hits from the 1950s. In addition, every guest at the launch will receive a copy of Ruby’s treasure (which was printed locally in Warwick.)”
Meanwhile, David Bowden will talk about his book “Reminscences of Shearing and Shearers” relating some of the tales his shearing days. The day will also include a Devonshire tea with freshly baked scones, homemade jam and lashings of whipped cream.
“The Shearer’s Book took 18 months to compile with Jim Allen (another shearer in the Maranoa Region),” he said.
“We received information by post. In addition, we had face-to-face interviews with many of the people involved. In addition we had assistance with important historical photos from Larry Arnold (a fellow Shearer) and the Roma Family and District History Society.
“I was a shearer from 1958 to 1971, and we thought that the history of the shearing and wool industry should be placed on paper while several of those from the period were still available for interview.”
Bookings are essential for both events, and for more information phone 07 4667 0151.
What: Talks by authors
Where: Grafton Rose B&B, Warwick
When: Friday, Saturday Sunday, 2pm-4pm
Interested? Phone 07 4667 0151. Cost $50 on Friday -Saturday and $10 on Sunday.
