On the morning of February 18th 2017, the upstairs room in the Children’s Bookshop at Beecroft, Sydney, was abuzz with the voices of sixty people who had come together to celebrate two very special events.
The first, was the launch of A Temple Bell Sounds, a commemorative anthology of 108 tanka from the first twenty-one issues of Eucalypt: a tanka journal, selected by the journal’s founding editor Beverley George. Beverley had, over several weeks, read and reread each issue comprising 2576 poems and lovingly put together a beautifully crafted anthology of fine work, honed by 108 poets over ten years
Kiyoko Ogawa, past editor of the prestigious journal ‘Poetry Nippon’, was in attendance to launch this special anthology. She was warmly received and spoke highly of the work. It was obvious that she had read it with great care and the poets in the room were delighted and encouraged by her complimentary, insightful words.
27 poets, with poems in the anthology, were invited to read.
The second event was the handover of the custodianship as editor of Eucalypt: a tanka journal, from Beverley George to Julie Thorndyke, effective from issue #22. Beverley spoke of a long understanding between herself and Julie, that one day, Julie would succeed her as editor. She spoke of her gratitude to Julie for her support and assistance over the years and for the knowledge that the editorship of the journal will be in such capable hands.
Julie said she considers it a privilege to be taking over such a fine journal and how much she looks forward to it. She listed and thanked Beverley for all that she has done as editor over the past ten years, often leaving little time for her own poetic pursuits.
Julie then invited 23 poets with poems in Eucalypt: a tanka journal, issue #21 to read.
The morning closed with feelings of deep appreciation to Beverley and eager anticipation for Eucalypt; a tanka journal, loved by poets and readers worldwide, to continue on for many years with Julie Thorndyke as editor.
Catherine Smith
Australian Haiku Society 