Stephen Downes--Writer, Journalist & Teacher

This week's guest speaker was Stephen Downes, a Melbourne writer and freelance journalist.

Stephen entertained us with some wonderful tales over a wide range of subjects.  For many years he has been regular guest columnist to most major newspapers in Australia. 

As an author, Stephen had noteworthy successes with first and predominantly food based "plots" for instance, Advanced Australian Fare, on the history of Australian restaurants-cooking, was named Outstanding Food Book of the Year at the 2003 Australian Food Media Awards.

Showing writing talent in a diverse range of subject matters but always with a wonderful story line, Stephen gained acclaim for Blackie, a book about the life of a cat.  Music was an underlying theme for another success.

Most recently in 2013, his book A Lasting Record is centred on the great but tragically short lived American pianist Kapell and the story of the efforts of Melbourne salesman to sustain records of his last performances.

With such a wide range of interests,  a store of previous research into unlikely subjects plus a wonderful story telling style, Stephen could have talked and held our interest for a long time.   We enjoyed his 20 minute selection.  Thank you.