Peter Knox – Australian Literature Researcher and Regional Anthologist. Always ready to infect others with his enthusiasm for Australian Literary History

Peter, at last, is able to celebrate the birthday of his son, Jamie, after 41 years.

Peter says – Its my son Jamie’s birthday. That’s the first time I’ve been able to say that.

There is a story in that.

Image. Jamie, Izzy and Laura at Luffley Cafe. October 2008.

Peter has, through contact with MARK GREGORY, come across the ROCHDALE COOPERATIVE MOVEMENT which began in England in the mid 1800s. There is perhaps a place for some of that nature in these times. Peter is wondering about Melinda’s acquisition of the chorus of her COLLIERS’ STRIKE SONG which harks back to the 1795 Food Riots of ROCHDALE. We suggest a look at the net sites which deal with the Cooperative. Rather interesting.

THE LANE BELOW THE FLATS. Originally a poem by WILFRED NATHAN published in the BULLETIN in the early 20th Century and set to music by members of PASPALUM. Another wee entry into the 20th Century but charming nonetheless. IZZY Foreal ( Peter Knox) vocals.

Peter has made contact with Mark Gregory of UNION SONGS. Mark has added another dimension to Peter’s study of Melinda’s work. An historical poetic connection which begins to reveal Melinda’s intertextual influences and her reinforcement of a working class literary tradition. Of The Working Class AND the oppressed.

PETER has resumed his meditation regime, radiating positivity across the Bilambil Valley and focussing on the completion of his thesis.