Cloudcatchers 2026 Autumn Ginko No. 81

The Cloudcatchers group held its Autumn ginko (Number 81) on Thursday 30 April 2026. This was a period of excessive and unpredictable rain, so two of our members, Norma and Richard Watts, offered their home in Ballina for the occasion. Yes, it did rain on and off, but we were able to share our previously written ‘autumn haiku’ under cover … (those written prior to this date). This was followed by a stroll in their back yard and then a sharing of first drafts.

There were seven of us … some who have been with Cloudcatchers for over twenty years, and one new participant, Sally Lattin. She is no stranger to creative writing, but was anxious to generate the delights of exploring the haiku genre with fellow writers. The gathering comprised Norma and Richard, Angela Smith, Robyn Braithwaite, Laurel Astle, Sally and Quendryth Young.

The venue was on a backwater of the Richmond River (flowing from inland, through Lismore, and emptying into the ocean at Ballina). Here we found a mangrove swamp, with flying foxes overhead, which were highly active and very vocal as a response to our presence. Underfoot was a multitude of mud-crabs, whose presence was only made visible by an array of little holes. So much activity and noise from overhead, silence below, … and plenty to observe, discuss, write about, and enjoy.

First drafts were shared, and arrangements made for sending a sample of three haiku each to Robbie Braithwaite for the Round Robin, which was later completed and circulated. Lunch was enjoyed together at the Ballina Sports Club. All that enthusiasm and, so sorry, we forgot to take a photo!