Our Services
Poetry SHows and Tours
The Australian Poetry Hall of Fame in Guyra can tailor an event to suit your group. We offer story telling, bush poetry and contemporary poetry recitations and readings.
If you are a school group, bus tour group or community group then we can offer tours of the Australian Poetry Hall of Fame or if you have a poet or poets that you would like us to highlight we can speak about the life and works of our great Australian poets.
If you have a tour group then we can offer poetry recitations of bush poetry from Banjo Paterson and Henry Lawson to Oodgeroo Noonuccal (Kath Walker) Judith Wright and many more.
From only $5/person for a large tour group for a tour of the hall of fame and a show, extra for tea/coffee and scones. Snacks and meals can also be supplied from our cafe “Seahorse Medicine Cafe”.
Call us to discuss your needs and we can tailor a package to suit your group.
Events, Theatre Hire, Function room hire
The Australian Poetry Hall of Fame is situated in the magnificent Arcadia Theatre in Guyra. Built in 1929, the theatre has brilliant acoustics for un-amplified music as well as a large stage.
If you have a show that you are touring then you’ll find the Guyra audience warm, welcoming and receptive. We offer different models of venue hire from outright hall hire to a 80:20 door split.
Weddings, parties, anything. If you have a function that you would like to hold then don’t hesitate to contact us to find out more.
If you want to hold a workshop we have a choice of 4 different spaces available for hire. Seating and tables are available. Prices begin at $50/hour with discounts for community groups.
Poetry Library and Archive
We have a large collection of Australian poetry books and periodicals and it is growing all the time. Your donations of poetry books are always welcome.
There are so many great Australian and unknown poets who have published books, we welcome all donations of poetry books from Australian authors as well as abroad so that all visitors can share in the “wealth of words.”
The Australian Poetry Library and Archive houses over 2500 Australian and international poetry books including some rare and transient works. The collection os open to the public during business hours.
The Hall of Fame
The Hall of Fame has a selection of portrait murals and posters featuring our wonderful writers.
Oodgeroo Noonuccal, Lionel Fogharty and Kevin Gilbert are some of our great aboriginal poets featured
There are of course Henry Lawson, Banjo Paterson, Judith Wright, Gwen Harwood, Rosemary Dobson and Candy Royale.
You can also checkout our living legends of Australian poetry including Uncle Herb Wharton, Steve Wordsmith, Gladys Wilson and Thundercloud Repairian AKA James Arthur Warren
Book Shop, Art Supplies and Stationary
Looking for something to read? Check out the book shop while you are here with an extensive collection of new and secondhand books.
We are the only stockist of Ironlak street art spray paint in the New England Region.
We also have a range of quality Mont Marte art supplies so that you don’t have to travel to Armidale or Glen Innes and you can get what you require for your project here in Guyra.
Classes and workshops
There are a number of classes and workshops available for groups from homeschoolers to amateur poets and tour groups. Contact us to discuss your requirements.
Some of out workshops include: Poetry writing, slam poetry, poetry performance and poetry techniques.
Each week there are twice weekly Tibetan Breathing and Yoga classes and Healthy Him Circuit training for men. In the Tibetan breathing and yoga classes on Sunday morning 9:30am to 11am, James guides you through a series of breathing exercises designed to strengthen and repair the lungs, this is followed by the Tsalung energy clearing exercises and finishes with the five Tibetan Rites of Rejuvenation. Classes are $18 with discounts for 5 or 10 classes.
Guyra Farmers and Craft Market
Every Saturday Morning sunny summer and snowy winter from 8:30am to 12:30pm
It is the only market that operates every weekend in the whole of New England. It's indoors and happens every Saturday, rain, snow and shine. There are crafts, produce, plants and baked goods. Plus there's poetry, music, good vibes and a great positive atmosphere.
It’s a great time and a fantastic opportunity for producers, artisans and crafts people to get exposure and sell their wares. Call 0423 478 656 to book a stall.
English Classes, Adult Literacy and Digital Literacy
James Warren has 18 years experience teaching English as a Second Language, Adult Literacy and Numeracy and Digital Literacy.
James has taught English in China, international students, as well as migrants and humanitarian refugees in TAFE Queensland. He has a Graduate Certificate of Teaching Second Languages and Master of TESOL from the University of Southern Queensland. He is passionate about the power of reading, writing and educational empowerment and was a digital literacy pioneer and mentor in TAFE Queensland.
If you know someone who wants to learn to read, write or even use their smartphone, drop in and have a chat to discuss a personalised learning pathway and classes.
Seahorse Medicine Cafe
James has a Bachelor of Science in Australian Environmental Studies with a major in Environmental pollution and health. He has spent years studying wellness, healthy lifestyles, nutrition and herbal healing.
The “Seahorse Medicine Cafe” is open and is the only fully vegetarian and vegan cafe in Guyra.
Menu options include a selection of organic teas, Bastion Lane Coffee from the boutique roaster at the Uki Post Office, daily soups, smoothies, breakfast dishes and light meals. Our menu changes regularly due to what ever is in season.
While you are here grab a healthy snack with out all organic fruit and nut bliss balls.
Breakfast options: Paleo Chia cup with almond milk, yellowbox honey and berries or fruit. Fluffy Vegan Almond Milk Pikelets or non vegan pikelets with home made jam.
A.B. (Banjo) Paterson Portrait and Mural