LANEFIELD farmer - poet Bill Yarrow celebrated his 80th birthday reminiscing about country music, poetry, his time on the farm and the “good old days stopping to have yarn with his mates on the street”.

Bill was born at Nurse Stubbs Hospital in Rosewood on October 14, 1941, as one of four siblings to Katherine and George Yarrow.

He attended Ashwell State School and after finishing went on to run his family farm.

Throughout the years he was also involved in many sports including athletics, ball games and running.

He played cricket for the Rosewood Congregational Church, and has always been heavily involved in country music and poetry festivals through which he has made many friends.

Bill said that his friends refer to him as, “Have a Chat!” because he enjoys stopping to have a chat with the locals to find out all about what has been happening in town.

“Turning 80 is a big achievement to me.

“I do feel okay and I have had a pretty good life.

“I still get out and work on my farm and attend as many country and western shows as I can.

“One of my biggest dreams was to make my own music CD and that has happened, which is fantastic as I really love my music.

“I also received a letter from the Australasian Songwriters Association saying that I have become a member which is a great honour.”

Bill has travelled throughout Queensland over the years saying that Cairns and Green Island were two of the most beautiful destinations that he had visited.

“My birthday was a really special time and my family and friends mean so much to me,” he said.

“I plan to continue working on my farm spending time with my beloved animals and I will put my pen to paper to create new poems and music.

“It is a good life here and I just love the country.”