An 80th birthday is not an unusual event these days but friends of Narrabri’s Max Pringle OAM were determined to make Max’s 80th a special celebration.

Thirty six friends gathered at the Sporties club on Saturday for a birthday lunch in honour of Max, well known in Narrabri, and described by his partner in poetry, Jacqui Warnock, as ‘Narrabri’s living treasure’ for his many contributions to the community and, of course, his championship winning bush poetry.

Max is often invited and always generously obliges when asked to write and present a special poem dedicated to a celebratory event or person.

His poetry is just part of a busy life which sees Max go ‘above and beyond’ in engagement and support for his community over the years he has lived in Narrabri.

And he proudly takes the name of Narrabri far and wide as a successful contestant in the top bush poetry competitions across Australia, bringing home champions’ awards and confirming his now national reputation as a leading bush poet.

For a prolific poetry friend

There once was a fella called Max
who suffered from rhyming attacks,
whose verses and tales
with laughter regales
the audience that he attracts.

Through poetry we became friends,
Poet’s Breakfasts with visiting friends.
Max engaged in the craft
of making us laugh –
or thoughtful the message his sends.

Max and I have been “Partners in Rhyme”,
reciting for quite a long time –
Bundaberg, Dunedoo,
Corryong, Toodyay too,
Coonabarabran lately was fine.

In life you’ve experience vast,
family man, Dot your love that would last.
Granddad, great granddad too,
and there’s now quite a few,
as you boast most of us you’ll surpass.

As a person you’re known for your giving.
Glenwood Lane where you once made a living.
You’re generous though
and I hope that you know
you’re a Narrabri Treasure still living.

We’re glad that you came up this way
from down south. At the end of the day –
you’re a voice of this town
MAX F M, you’re renown,
to turn up and to having your say.

Now you’re eighty you’d like to retire
from commitments that may make you tire?
No! You’d be too sorely missed
if you weren’t on the list
for round here you are one to inspire.

I digress from the reason we’re here,
to celebrate Max’s birthday with cheer!
OBE’s* thus now yours,
so enjoy the applause.
Happy Birthday dear friend we hold dear.
*(OBE, over bloody eighty!)

Jacqui Warnock

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