“The top of his head was hot,” says Dickins, “and at first I thought he just had a fever. But he looked quite benign, as if he was glad to leave Reservoir. Which most people are.” http://m.theage.com.au/entertainment/books/best-and-worst-of-times-in-a-bleak-house-20120325-1vs7k.html. With classic pathos and humour, Barry was talking here about discovering his father’s still warm body earlier this year. Oh I can so relate, Barry! Five years in Reservoir was plenty for me…
This evening I was blessed to hear Barry Dickins read from his recently released psuedo autobiographical book Barry and The Fairies of Miller Street (Co-written with Jenny Lee) set in Reservoir and Preston in 1957 when Barry was six and a half years old and staying with his Nan and Pop at their Miller Street house while “the stork” was hard at work delivering his new baby brother. This is the year Barry discoveries, with the help and total conviction of his nan, the existence of fairies. What a treat to be regaled by this fabulous story teller, artist, and local legend.
Thanks Barry!
Julie Twohig 
I hope Barry enjoyed the Wheeler even tho’ he missed the reading. he looks like an interesting character, I’ll bet his book is terrific.
Hi Kate, it was a fun night and Pete read really well. Meanwhile, the first few chapters of Barry’s book have me hooked. There are similarities between Peter and Barry’s books – both set in Melbourne (Richmond/Preston) in the 1950’s, and both written from a boy’s points of view – plus the priceless Ozzy vernacular.