Firstly, we wish to thank the mammoth efforts of poets, friends, families and movie-buffs who attended the movie night. It was wonderful to see smiling faces, to meet new members and to catch up with those poets who we now know on a more intimate basis. The success of the movie fundraiser goes to those who sold tickets, purchased tickets or simply donated towards the night. We raised approx. $1,500, championing the call to help publish our Word is Out Journal. Your participatory efforts now ensures the publication of Issue #3 - ready for the Spring Poetry Festival in October with a special launch night to take place at The Glasshouse (Brass Monkey), Friday 19th October.

For those of you who missed the film, for one reason or another, you missed an electric night of fun and camaraderie, everyone mingling, joking and chatting in the upstairs foyer of the Astor Theatre. It was indeed a literary first for WA Poets, a fun social event where the purpose to publish and fundraise was lost in the ether of ‘giving’. It all came from the heart, everyone purchasing raffle tickets, going for the big prize of the Italian Gourmet basket. Not only did our large group enjoy the atmosphere, but they had a choice of buffet food, nibbles, champagne and orange juice. The night was abuzz with helpers. Flora Smith in her usual poetic charm, cruising the crowd with raffle tickets, Coral Carter (& her son) at the drinks table, and Rosie Barter & Raechal Petridis on the raffle. At the end of the night we had one small raffle stub left, raising over $239 - a marvellous effort by you all. The success of the night was way beyond our expectations, and although only 85 tickets were handed in at the theatre, we actually sold 121 tickets. The irony of the fundraiser night meant that ‘you’ – the 36 missing people actually contributed 100%. Where were you all?

A special thankyou must go to Maggie Van Putten who vouchsafed the initial purchase of 20 tickets to get the movie night on the road. A super thankyou to the following people who are gems in our literary community: to Coral Carter who donated the champagne, and poured for everyone on the night. A lady who simply says, ‘I can do that’. To Flora Smith, rousing-up a gourmet basket and contents, for selling tickets, and for her matter of fact ‘let’s do it, it’s no trouble.’ To Rosie Barter, for her raffle & hat signage, selling and help on the night. Rosie, a new found gem and helper, says ‘it’s okay, but one day I’ll give up fundraising and write poetry.’ To Rachael Petridis, Lucas North, Coral’s son and to all of you who bought or attended the film night – a big thank you! The Word is Out Journal #3 will be published raising the level of publication for poets in WA. But this is already happening! So this is where I give a special mention and thanks to Donna Ward who gave generously towards the fundraiser. Donna is now the tireless Managing Editor of the new literary journal Indigo. She understands publishing and a special credit must go to her for WAPI’s idea for the film night. We simply copied, but did not have to research. Thank you Donna for your successful, innovative idea!

Last but not least, we thank the following organizations and people: to the Astor Cinema, especially Tania (Manager) for her easygoing help, to the Fremantle Press who donated (as raffle prize) three poetry books from Graeme Miles, Mark Reid and Dennis Haskell. To the following poets for their generous donations, Joyce Parkes, Sally Clarke, Jan Napier, Jacqui Stewart, Frank Hawkins, Sandra McAlpine and Peter Evans, thank you!

We hope you enjoyed the film ‘Amazing Grace’. It was a wonderful film, especially since the story highlighted a history that sometimes goes unnoticed. William Wilberforce worked for the good of all people, and you movie buffs can take credit for doing the same.

Helen Hagemann