You can meet Captain Pete at: Border Community Market Junction Square Wodonga Sunday 2nd Feb 8-12pm, March 1st, April 5th, May 3rd, June 7th 9-1pm.
2020 Man from Snowy River Festival: Friday 3rd April 2-3pm, Saturday 4th of April 3-4pm for an interactive Kids Show (5-9yo) at the Entertainment Marquee.
Exciting News... our 4th book, 'Mudpoo and the Secret of the Rainforest' is now at the graphic design stage. It's our most exciting Mudpoo adventure ever and it contains 20 incredible new illustrations from Leon. Stay posted, Captain Pete will be offering limited pre-publishing book orders soon.
Captain put on a little show at the opening of Village Education Child Care Centre at Beechworth rd Wodonga. If you are looking for a child care centre and live in the area, go and check it out. It looks amazing.
Pssst..."SCROLL TO RIGHT DOWN THE PAGE TO FIND CAPTAIN PETE'S PICTURE GALLERY"
I've written the story and Leon completed the illustrations before he passed away; and in his memory the book is now in the process of getting ready. I'm hoping to self publish by Mid 2019.
'The story is based in Bethanga where a mysterious old rusty treasure chest is found on Captain Pete's farm. It contains clues which leads our heroes to the Melbourne Zoo and the Sumatran rain forest. Can Mudpoo, Gus, Harry, Captain Pete and several new characters stop the crazy misguided pirates Snot, Grot, Bones and Pong from bulldozing down a beautiful pristine rain forest in Sumatra to plant an oil palm plantation???
Just who is their dastardly evil leader 'Sneaky' and why is he so determined to destroy the rain forest!
And...is there anything you can you do to stop them?
YES, YOU CAN HELP....
Stay tuned by checking this website because you can help to stop rain forest destruction. More information will be revealed before Christmas....
Yours in mysterious Mudpoo Adventures
Captain Pete
Captain Pete visited four libraries with assistance from the happy hard working Isabella. We performed to a packed library in Wodonga and a created lovely little show at Mt Beauty; and then we went to beautiful Bright where we entertained the locals and the tourists. We had a terrific welcome at Mrytleford. A great time was had by all. Captain Pete sang songs from the Fungus Mystery musical and more... he had everyone singing along. Thanks to everyone who came along and thank you to the Alpine library staff for helping everyone to have such a great time.
The 160 students from 'St.Francis of Assisi Primary School, Baranduda, Victoria, Australia were sensational. On both nights there were over 260 audience members in a packed to venue. Students had made this play their own!.The props and backdrops and costumes made by the students, staff and parents were sensational. Many thanks to everyone who gave their time to make this a wonderful crazy and real success. The smiles and joy 'Mudpoo and the Fungus Mystery' gave to the audience and everyone made it all so memorable. Thanks to the Kombi crew who created such a buzz outside the hall. The students sang, acted, drummed, danced and even out-pirated each other to the generous applause of the audience. For me (Captain Pete) it was extra special as it was the first time a 'Mudpoo' story became 'alive!' A special thanks to all the students cast and crew at St.Francis and their teachers and ES staff... and to our guest musician the amazing Mr. Rowan Brown; Sound and Lighting crew Jack and Liz Jensen; and to Ron and Will (who issued the challenge) who popped in to assist with rehearsals. Wow...what a show!
TWO SHOWS ONLY:
I hope to see you there!
Captain Pete
My wonderful friend and extraordinary illustrator Leon deMontignie died suddenly (13.4.16) after a short illness. He will always be remembered for his incredible paintings and beautiful, amazing ink pen illustrations that could bring the Mudpoo characters to life.
He has drawn all of the pictures you see on this website and illustrated all the wonderful pictures in the Mudpoo books. Leon has always been a modest artist with a keen eye and powerful empathy for his surroundings. He preferred to remain in the background and let his pictures talk for him!
Leon completed all the drawings for Mudpoo and the Secret of the Rainforest' ("shhh that's a secret") and they look really amazing. The next book will now be completed in his honour! We know his memory will live on forever in the beautiful art-work and Mudpoo adventure books illustrations he left behind.
Best wishes to you all,Captain PeteCaptain Pete appeared at the ripper Myrtleford Festival and performed for some kids and adults at their beautiful Cotter's Market. Thanks to everyone who came and enjoyed the songs and stories! Captain Pete also set up a stall at the magnificent Yackandandah folk festival. A cheery 'Hello' to all at Yack, see you there again next year!
Wow, you can now catch Captain Pete books and the CD in lots of stores around Albury/Wodonga.
You can go to:
'Dymocks Books' in Centre-point Albury
'Chalk and Chat' in Albury
'Who, What, Why' in Dean Street Albury
'Beechworth Books' in Ford Str Beechworth
'Reign of Pearls' Tea Room in Myrtleford
'Ausmentos' 15 High Str Yackandandah
'Gigs Gallery' Lincoln Causeway Albury-Wodonga
or you can purchase books from Captain Pete on this website!
December 2015
Did you catch Captain Pete at Dymocks book shop in Albury? Happy Christmas and wishing you all a fantastic New Year in 2016. Captain Pete, Harry, Gus and MudpooWow what a busy month Captain Pete is working hard with Leon to create the new Mudpoo book. All of the illustrations are almost ready and Captain Pete is investigating a few more clues to try to solve the mystery before he can finish the book. One of the clues has lead him to the Melbourne Zoo and the Zoo might appear in the story…more on this later.
Did you catch Captain Pete at the Albury Twilight Markets. If you did (or even if you didn't) send him a message and say hello.
Captain Pete visited the Culcairn Memorial Hall/Library and worked together with students from Culcairn Public and St Josephs schools with all students from K-6. They shared stories from all the Mudpoo books and acted out roles to recreate the stories. Well done Culcairn schools I loved your welcome and would love to return again one day!
Captain Pete had a fantastic time visiting Henty Public School and St Paul's Lutheran School as well as the Holbrook schools at the wonderful Holbrook library. All of the students were amazing sharing the Mudpoo adventure stories by singing and acting out their roles. Thank you to everyone who made me feel welcome. I'd love to come back again some time in the future.
Send me a message and say 'G'day'. Happy to answer your questions about writing stories and getting published, Mudpoo's adventures or anything else. Talk to you soon.
Hi everyone...I've just completed my 4 day tour...fabulous! Thanks to Narelle and Martin who helped to get me to the venues and with setting up. Bella for her assistance on stage and Meldi who is fantastic with promotions and to everyone who came to my events, a heartfelt thank you.
On Saturday 12th of April in the afternoon I visited the amazing Bookoccino book shop in Avalon (37A Old Barrenjoey Road, Northern Beaches)! What a magnificent bookshop. Great books, friendly people and great coffee. There was standing room only as the small space at the back of the shop was filled to the brim with excited children (and mums, dads and grandparents) who helped Captain Pete perform, songs, poetry and drama. Children performed a story from each Mudpoo book and performed in Captain Pete's band!
If you're in Sydney or visiting the area it's well worth the trip to the fantastic Bookoccino book shop in the picturesque area of Avalon Beach.
I held a special performance at the Mosman library on Friday 12th of April. Thanks to all who came to meet Captain Pete. What a wonderful venue and fun event!
Thursday evening I arrived at Epping public school. Wow, what an amazing P&C they have! Lots of Yummy cakes and children dressed up as characters. Thanks for making me feel so welcome. A special thank you to Dishni and Elissa who organised my visit and my fantastic driver and assistant Martin! See you again soon!
Thanks to Velly and the Sydney Home Education Network (SHEN) for a great day with the children and young people at West Ryde. We all had fun and I loved sharing my experiences with everyone in creative writing.
Captain Pete has just won the "Champion Victorian Bush Poet" at the recent "Man from Snowy River Bush Festival". What an amazing weekend where many of the top bush poets in Australia were competing.
The mighty VW show at Noreil Park Albury-Wodonga, (April 2014)
Sydney Home Education Network - West Ryde Sydney NSW
Mosman Library - Sydney NSW
Epping Public School - Sydney NSW
Bookoccino book shop - Avalon Beach Sydney -NSW
Jerilderie Primary School - Jerilderie NSW
Wodonga Primary School - Victoria
Yackandandah Folk Festival - Yackandandah - Victoria
Beechworth WRAP Festival - Beechworth - Victoria
Dymocks Book Shop Albury - NSW
Victory College Wodonga - Victoria
Victorian Bush Poetry Championships Benella - Victoria
Wodonga's Amazing Children's Fair - Wodonga - Victoria
Greenvale Primary School - Greenvale - Victoria
Bandiana Primary School - Bandiana -Victoria
Bethanga Hotel Book Launch - Bethanga - Victoria
Charles Sturt University - Special Event for International Guests - Rutherglen - Victoria
Man From Snowy River Festival - Corryong - Victoria
Myrtleford Festival - Myrtleford - Victoria
Tabletop Primary School - Tabletop - NSW
Mount Beauty Music Festival - Mt Beauty - Victoria
Catholic College, year 7-8, Wodonga - Victoria
Creativity Literacy/Music workshops for CRT Teachers - Wodonga, Shepparton-Wangaratta
Guthrie Street Childcare Centre- Shepparton - Victoria
Camp Quality - Lake Hume Resort - Lake Hume Village - NSW
Bethanga and Talgarno Primary School - Bethanga - Victoria
Dymocks Camberwell Bookshop - shop 114- 793 Burke Rd - Camberwell - Melbourne - Victoria
Edenvale Farm - 30 Gastons Rd - Eltham - edendale.vic.gov.au/lists/events - Melbourne - Victoria
Eltham bookshop - 03 9439 8700 or elthambookshop@bigpond.com - Melbourne - Victoria
Chiltern Primary School - Chiltern - Victoria
Howlong Library Opening - Howlong - NSW
Albury Market QE2 square - Albury - NSW
St Oliver Plunket Primary School - Melbourne Victoria
Chum Creek Primary School - Victoria
Kinross Woolshed Thurgoona for Cancer hospital Albury fund raiser
Bright Alpine Library
Wodonga Library
Myrtleford Library
Mt Beauty Library
Country hope Borambola 2018 Kids camp
Sunshine Week Albury/Wodonga Reg. 2018 Cancer Centre Concert
Write Around the Murray 2018 MAMA's Art Gallery Performance
'Dust of the Drought' special fund raising concert at Omeo to support the local community!
Meet Captain Pete at Dymock's book store in Dean Street Albury soon. Keep an eye on this space! Captain Pete will sign your books and chat to you about his new book 'Mudpoo and the Fungus Mystery'.
Captain Pete appeared at the Myrtleford Festival (Cotters Market) and performed some of his stories/poery and songs with a lot of help from his friends (you)! A big thank you to the organisers. What a fantastic day. It was great to meet so many enthusiastic Mudpoo fans.
Captain Pete launched his new book 'Mudpoo and the Fungus Mystery' at the family friendly Bethanga Hotel. Thanks to everyone who came and made the launch a success. A special thanks to Greg who appeared as the inspiration for 'Fungus Mcphee'. Also a big thank you to Brett and 'Backporch Fridaze' who performed Pete's songs! A big thank you to all of the 'real' Bethanga characters who were at the launch as well as Jo and Barry from JoJo books. Keep an eye out for the books. "Pssst you can purchase 'Mudpoo and the Fungus Mystery' on this website and all good book stores!"
We had a great chat and Macca even played my song '500 years' from the 'On the road with Captain Pete' CD. It was great meeting Macca. Captain Pete and GUS are big fans of the ABC and Macca as they travel to various parts of Australia.
Thanks to all who enquired about my books and Cd. There's plenty of stock of all the books and CD and we're just updating my website shop. If you have any questions just whiz me an email and I'll respond asap!
cheers Captain Pete
'G'day everyone, I had a wonderful time at the Yackandandah Folk Festival where I met many of my friends. It was great to share the Mudpoo Adventure stories with you.
In 2013 Captain Pete competed in the Bush Poetry at 'The Man from Snowy River Festival' and came 3rd overall. It was a real pleasure to perform amongst such fantastic poets. Roderick Williams (the same Rod who appears as himself in 'Mudpoo and the Magic Tree Stump') won all 5 events. Congratulations Rod a feat that will never be equalled.
I love bush poetry and the way it can paint a picture about Australia. Those of you who have my CD 'On the Road with Captain Pete' will understand just how much I love to explore and tell true tales about Australia using stories, songs and bush poetry. You never know you might appear in my next book, song or poem or I might appear at your school or local library!
You'll might find me at Dymocks book shop in Albury from time to time. Watch this space for dates. I'd love to meet you to sign your books and Cd's and say G'day.'
Captain Pete (Peter Klein) lives in the sleepy hillside village of Bethanga on a small hobby farm with his wife Narelle and daughter Isabella. They share their home with a happy cluster of farmyard animals including: horses, chickens, an alpaca, sheep, goat, cat and dog. Pete has performed as a bush poet and a musician in the Albury-Wodonga area for over thirty years.
He is an award winning songwriter/poet and is currently teaching Creative Music at Belvoir Special School. Pete also visits schools as a performer where he shares his enthusiastic creative skills with teachers, parents and students!
Pete was inspired to write 'The (true) Adventures of Mudpoo' after an adventure holiday in Gus the Kombi Van with his (now adult) sons Sam and Todd when they were 5 and 6 years old. Pete published his first book in 2008 and is currently traveling to local schools and libraries and children's fairs presenting his exciting, interactive drama, music, creative writing and teaching workshops.
Bands |
|
|
|
1991 - 1999 |
Performer in "Bridge The Gap" folk-rock, bush band. Guitarist, vocalist, bass player, and bush poet. |
|
|
1999 - 2021 Available for bookings. |
Performer with "The Remnantz" Celtic-Folk-Rock band, available for bookings cafes, pubs, functions. Contact Pete! |
|
|
2005-2006 |
Singer, guitarist with "Celtic Larrikins." Bush Band. |
|
Poetry Awards |
|
|
|
1999
|
Winner traditional bush poetry Man from Snowy River Festival. |
|
|
2006 |
3rd place Man from snowy river traditional bush poetry. |
|
|
2007 |
Jack Riley Heritage Award. Best written poem that emphasises, Jack Riley or the heritage of the Upper Murray region. |
|
|
|
||
|
2011 1st place in the "one minute poem"at the Man from Snowy River Festival. 2012 Winner Traditional bush poem section at the National Bush Poetry Championships including 2nd overall placing in the Victorian Bush Poetry Championship. 2013 Overall 3rd place Bush Poetry at the Man from Snowy River Festival. 3rd place in the original poem 3rd place in the classical poem 2014 Victorian Champion - 'Man from Snowy River Festival' (highest points scored by a Victorian) 2018 2nd Place "WAM' Festival Poetry Slam Albury NSW 2nd Place Wodonga Poetry Slam - Victorian Slam finalist. 2018 Australia Day Award 2018 for Community Participation Berringa area Towong Shire 2019 Mudpoo and the Fungus Mystery performed by Talgarno and Bethanga schools awarded 2019 Australia DayTowong Shire (Berringa) community event of the year. 2020 Winner WAM poetry SLAM Albury, Vic State Finalist |
||
Music Awards |
|
|
|
2002, 2003, 2004, 2007 |
Winner singer songwriter section, Man from Snowy River Festival. |
|
|
2005, 2007 |
Winner Australian song at Man from Snowy River Festival & (2005) Mulwala Murray Muster Festival. |
|
|
2006 |
2nd place original song, 3rd place traditional song. |
|
| 2008 |
Winner singer songwriter section, Man from Snowy River Festival. |
|
|
2011 |
Outstanding musician at the Man from Snowy River Festival. |
|
ROD AND JESSIE'S RIPPER DAMPER!!
Always ask mum, dad or a responsible adult to help you before making your damper. Never light a fire on days of total fire ban and always cook in a safe fire pit (ask an adult). If you can’t cook a damper out in the bush you can use an oven!
In the old days, you couldn't always get self-raising flour, so most Drover's Cooks, Shearer's Cooks, men carrying their swags, homesteads and country homes (as well as many city homes) had plain flour and baking powder. Without the baking powder - the plain flour wouldn't (and still doesn't) rise.
So you see, just because you only have plain flour, it doesn't mean you can't make a damper or Johnny-Cakes - just don't forget to pack the baking powder when you tramp off into the Simpson Desert!
Here's a simple recipe and damper is always best when cooked in a camp-oven or in the coals overnight while you are sleeping (as Drover's cooks always did) BUT BEWARE you must have the correct temperature in the coals before you bury your damper in them and you curl up in your swag (I call my swag "My Willy-Wag") with your beautiful four-legged friend snuggled into your back when it's a cold night.
If the fire is too hot when you go to bed, you will end up with a ball of black charcoal - so it might pay to experiment - but try not to be wasteful and get it almost right the first time.
Rod & Jessie's Ripper Damper Mix.
2 Mugs of self-raising flour - or - 2 mugs of plain flour and four teaspoons of baking powder
Half a teaspoon of salt
One and a half teaspoons of sugar
One cup of milk (if you have it in the desert)
One dessert spoon of butter (if you have it in the desert)
A quarter of a teaspoon of allspice
Half a teaspoon of carraway seeds (not powder)
Note: The addition of allspice and/or carraway seeds is up to you. These are easy to carry in your swag and give your damper a special flavour. You might like to add your own special flavouring!
Mix it well in a bowl, then onto a board or the inside of a piece of bark, Just add water or flour (as the case may be) and knead your Magic Mix thoroughly - but not as much as if you are making bread, just make a nice even dough.
Grease your camp oven with fat, olive oil, butter or marj (or whatever you have) then sprinkle or dust the camp oven with flour and place your nice rounded, oval shaped (flour dusted) dough onto its bottom. Put on the lid and lift the camp oven onto the pile of coals you've raked from the main fire - and also put a shovel full of coals on top of the lid.
Sit back for thirty or thirty-five minutes as you watch the sun set and your "Damper of Life" is cooked.
It will pay to check a couple of times (until you get it right) that it is cooking evenly; you may have to turn the camp oven if the heat is stronger on one side.
Note: If you do not have a camp fire and are cooking this in an oven at home preheat the oven to 200degC and cook the damper (in foil or a baking tray) for 25min at this temp and then reduce the temperature to 180degC and cook for a further 15-20 minutes. Bake until the damper sounds hollow when tapped.
THE USES OF THE DAMPER
Dipping in soups, stews, with butter and Mighty-Mite or Vegemite, Golden Syrup and Honey!! Yum, Yum, I'm coming to your campfire.
Jessie says Bark, Bark, for our Damper.
Rod & Jessie signing off - Happy Dreams Camping!!