Pamela keeps the art of poetry alive

The art of poetry is important to Pamela Longmuir, keeping her focused on what is important in her life and the chance to introduce poetry to others in Braeside Park.

“I have always loved poetry – reading and writing it – as it is a gentle way of telling a story,” Pamela said.

Pamela moved to Braeside Park a year ago after renting in Warragul.

“I had had my name on the waiting list for four years and had known about the village for many years. It always seemed to be the perfect place for me to move into when I was ready,” Pamela said.

For her, the move has given her peace of mind.

“Renting is always worrying as you never know when you may have to move, it is an uncertain type of housing. Moving into Braeside Park has given me a sense of security I have never had before.”

She has always loved the ambiance of the village and particularly its gardens and community rooms.

She is looking forward to the end of winter so she can get planting in the village’s edible garden. She will ‘take over’ the reins of fellow resident May Hedin who has been the village’s gardening guru for many years.

“I have always been interested in gardening, and the edible garden gives me the chance to have a try at growing different vegetables like capsicum, rhubarb and silverbeet which we share with the kitchen and among the residents,” Pamela said.

At 83, she is grateful that the edible garden is raised so that it makes it easier for her.

“That is what I love about this place, they understand what older people need and want, and nothing is too much trouble,” Pamela said.

Her newly found love of gardening takes her back to her career as a home economics teacher in technical schools, and growing up on a market garden at Keysborough.

“I love cooking, and experimenting with recipes,” Pamela said.

A recent try-out was making a strong brandy syrup to go with cumquats which she grows outside her back door. She has not yet tried them but hopes to soon, with some ice cream.

One of her career highlights was the chance to go to the Netherlands where she was involved on sabbatical with the International Agriculture Centre.

“I was among 100 people from all over the world who came to learn more about home economics. It was a fascinating experience, and one which I remember very well,” Pamela said.

Since then, she has gone on to complete a Bachelor of Theology and rekindle her love of story telling through poetry. Before the pandemic started, Pamela started a poetry group at Braeside Park which gained the interest of many residents.

“I look forward to starting it again, and perhaps include music. Anything which lifts the soul is good for the heart,” she said.