Where is Kell Watkins now?

Subject: Australian storyteller Kell Watkins
From: maeve
Date: 20 Jun 07 - 06:40 AM

I heard Australian Kell Watkins on tour with Gordon Bok years ago. It would have been at the Chelsea House in Vermont, I believe.

His stories were great fun. I remember "Bloody Sheilas", "King of the Bullock Drivers", and "Fire at Ross's Farm" in particular ("Stretching the Truth" cassette).   I found 51 hits on Google, including this link to his recordings and books: http://www.freightshop.com.au/cocos/shop.htm

Have any Mudcatters seen him/heard a performance lately?

Thanks,

maeve

Subject: RE: Where is Kell Watkins now?
From: Rowan
Date: 20 Jun 07 - 07:01 PM

The last I heard, Kel was in WA (that's West Oz to you USA people) but I've not heard from or about him in some years. The ABC (Oz) TV program Australian Story did a piece on a distressing event that involved his family and he 'went to ground' for a while but, like you, I hope he struts his stuff again.

For a while he was collecting "paper folklore' items (before photocopiers) and intended publishing a book about them. From the bits I knew he'd collected it would have been as good as the Opies (British) or Ian Turner & June Factor (Oz) on playground folklore.

We live in hope.

Cheers, Rowan

Subject: RE: Where is Kell Watkins now?
From: maeve
Date: 20 Jun 07 - 09:31 PM

Oh, thank you, Rowan. I'd love to see that project come to fruition. He really impressed me as being a gifted and kind person. I'm sorry to hear he's had troubles. I hope we'll hear from him again soon. I wonder if he'd appreciate a note. Hmmm.

Again, thanks very much for responding.

maeve

Subject: RE: Where is Kell Watkins now?
From: maeve
Date: 21 Jun 07 - 11:49 PM

And I have no idea why my fingers typed in an extra "l" in Kel's name. I suppose my brain neglected to communicate with my fingers. sigh...

maeve

Subject: RE: Where is Kell Watkins now?
From: Rowan
Date: 22 Jun 07 - 12:59 AM

Ah, wel. Perhaps some kind Mudelf can fix the thread title.

Cheers, Rowan