Library staff members Lesley Conway and Pia Butcher run a radio show each Wednesday 12:05pm-12:45pm on Eastern FM 98.1 called The Eastern Regional Library Show. Tune in next Wednesday for a great show.
On 13th May show
Barry Barker was our guest today, co-author with Gavin Brown and Terry Burke of Police as Peace Keepers : the history of the Australian and New Zealand Police serving with the United Nations Force in Cyprus, 1964-1984. The book was self-published in 1984 on behalf of UNCIVPOL (United Nations Civilian Police) with Barry doing most of the leg work in finding printer, editor, funding and more. Our conversation explored both his time in Cyprus in 1966-67 and the process of writing and publishing the book.
Barry admits he didn't know much about Cyprus when he applied, and that what seemed at first a chance to see the world, became a life changing experience. The peacekeeping operation in Cyprus has been claimed as the most successful United Nations policing operation ever. Barry says credit is due to the Irish General in charge, who believed that the policing role was of prime importance, with the military as support, rather than as a military action. The friendships made with locals, and police members from other countries have lasted over time, with Barry making five trips back to Cyprus.
The idea of writing a book grew "like Topsy" from the original concept of a page of history on the back of the menu for the 20th anniversary of the operation, to a 14 page booklet created for that night, to a 240 page book. Like many of the authors we have spoken to over the years, Barry recommends that if you want to do it, take the leap. There are many supportive people in the writing, publishing and printing world and Barry's experience meant that he was an obvious candidate to help put together another book, Away from the divvy van : 50 years of the VPMSC (Victorian Police Motor Sports Club) published in 2006. Barry's continuing interest in racing vintage cars and wonderful network of writers and UN friends will have to wait until another interview.
If you are interested in either of the books mentioned, Police as Peace Keepers is available to read at the State Library of Victoria, or can be requested for borrowing from interstate through Eastern Regional Libraries branches; and Away from the divvy van is available at the State Library of Victoria, and Barry has kindly donated a copy to add to Eastern Regional Libraries collection, so check our catalogue in a months time. The podcast of this interview should be available in a couple of weeks, so watch this space.
If you would like to sound out resources and support for writing and publishing, contact the Victorian Writers' Centre.
Cheers, Maryanne
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