Back in April 2013 I was busking in my usual fair-weather spot, when I noticed a senior gentleman and a younger woman taking a keen interest in the Australian songs I was singing. Then in a very strong German accent the gentleman said “That is Banjo Paterson isn’t it?”. I nodded that he was correct. Then between songs, the pair approached me and introduced themselves as father and daughter (or granddaughter?) on holiday from Germany. Dieter (the gentleman, with the woman translating) then told me that he loved Banjo Paterson poetry but that he had not heard so many of them put to music before. He probably knew more Banjo Paterson poetry than many Australian youth, a sad indictment on our education system.
© Dieter Affeldt, Germany.
© Dieter Affeldt, Germany.