Join writer and historian Susan Ackroyd for an entertaining talk and presentation as she uncovers the hidden origins of some of our most familiar nursery rhymes.

Centuries ago someone felt irked by the unfairness of farm labour and whispered about black sheep.

Later people were so incensed by the antics of a bloke called Henry they made up a rhyme calling him a poor little doggie.

Later still a siege machine was christened Humpty Dumpty, mocking a royal army's attempts to fight.

The crooked man was a much admired Scottish general, trying to protect the Scottish protestant church.

And Susan's personal favourite rhyme- the baby in a treetop- a bloodless revolution giving birth to constitutional monarchy.

For centuries these so called nursery rhymes were repeated, until their origins as political satire are forgotten but the rhymes lived on.

Susan will present her talk using magnificent illustrations by artist, Nicol Reid.

Books will be available on the day for purchase.

About the speaker:

Susan Ackroyd has had a diverse and accomplished career spanning education, vocational training, and law. She began as a high school English and History teacher before working with adult migrants and refugees in Sydney, supporting their settlement and career pathways. She later pursued law, working in the vocational education sector on quality assurance initiatives across industries including cookery, aviation, and aged care. After six years practicing elder law, she returned to training oversight, investigating safety and standards in sectors such as security, equestrian work, and early childhood education. Now retired, Susan is the author of Rhyme and Reason (Austin Macauley, 2025), which explores the political and historical origins of nursery rhymes from the 13th to the 18th centuries, revealing the satirical and often turbulent social commentary hidden in verses still recited today.

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Contact the host of End of Year Seniors Morning Tea: 'Rhyme & Reason' with Susan Ackroyd

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