E-BLAST - 9 JULY 2017

2017 Panellists' Year has now concluded. The last two groups finished on Friday - the Australians and the Sport - whereas both the Internationals and New Zealand concluded two weeks ago. What a remarkable bunch of people we have who serve as Panellists marking these young writers in the first six months of each year. Their collective marks determine the Basil Sellers Young Writer Awards and each young writer's Best Article. This is a massive undertaking.
photo  -  John Skinner this year was a sport writer panellist and last year an Australian panellist. He has been an Australian Rodeo Judge since the early 80's and welcomed me in 1984 to the professional rodeo where I addressed the ARRA National Board (John was CEO) on professional sport chaplaincy as I was the Australian cricket team chaplain. John now 70, is also the President of the RSL sub-branch of Warwick, a Vietnam Vet and much of his time is now devoted to veteran's ministry.