Parkes Phoenix Editor

Maggi Barnard has been with the Forbes Phoenix since 2021 and loves writing about her community.

Netball News

February 28, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Autumn Night Competition
The Autumn Night competition for both mixed and ladies’ teams will play the grading game this week. Any teams wanting to play in the competition and not yet entered should email the team entry to Secretary Monica email secretary.forbesnetball@gmail.com, or take it to the office on Wednesday night. Teams must be entered by this weekend to be able to play in the competition.

Draw For Grading Games 26 February
Ladies Competition
6pm court 9 Gundamaine v Post Office Hotel (Kally Molloy/Robyn Kenny). Bye-Hodders

Mixed Competition
7pm court 9 Gundamaine v Easy Win (Jack Piercy/Ally Walsh). 7pm court 10 Swampies v Van Hotel (Marg Spackman/Robyn Kenny) Office duty-FNA committee

Adjourned AGM
The adjourned AGM of the Forbes Netball Association will be held on Thursday, 19th March at 7 pm at the Forbes Services Memorial Club. The planned February AGM could not be held due to a lack of a quorum.

Low Scores In Par Event

February 28, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

John Boyle watches his tee shot intently.

The Saturday Men’s competition was a 4BBB Par event, sponsored by Highlands Design and played by 56 players. Conditions really helped good scoring and the pairing of Les Little and Barry Parker won with a score of +9, ahead of runners-up Mark Watts and Doug Churchill on +7 and getting the count back nod ahead of Dan Bayley and John Boyle.

The ball sweep went to +4 on count back: +7 – D Bayley/ J Boyle; +5 – D Rhodes/J Zannes, R Borger/P Barnes; +4 – G Webb/R Besgrove, A Currey/C Hurford, D Kenendy/G Falvey, R Scott/B Slack-Smith.

The Sunday Stableford Medley was played by a good field. Barb Drabsch finished on top with her 34 points, but closely followed by Ray Taylor on 33 points.

On Sunday the Club’s Pennants teams played at Cowra GC. The course brought some variable results for our guys. Our Division 1 team lost to Bathurst 4-1. Shane Sallaway (2 up) was the only Forbes player to manage a win, but the others were close. The Division 2 team lost 3-2 to Wellington. Winners were T West (19th) and C Dwyer (3-2). The Division 3 team were winners over Wellington by 3-2. R Borger (2 up) and I Brown (4-2) had returns to form while B Hodges powered to a 4-3 win.

The Summer Super 6’s comp is now in its final two weeks of general play before the Finals series begin. Teams are to note that under the 2-Pool system the top-5 will participate in the Finals series. Do not forget to pick up your copy of the Programme book from the Pro Shop.

This weekend the Men have an Individual Stroke, sponsored by Ian Simpson Real Estate, with 18-hole Stableford Medley on Sunday. The Pennants for Divisions 1-4 are at Wellington.

– By Short Putt

Croquet News And Results

February 28, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Golf Croquet 18th February
A total of 34 players turned up for Golf Croquet and the club welcomed two new players, Kevin and Judy Girot. Anne Stewart played as Judy’s partner in one game and was very impressed with her first effort. The ladies were only beaten 7-6 by two seasoned players, Tony Thomson and Veva MacCullagh. Judy managed to hit the ball through four hoops, a big effort for her first game. The council put on a morning tea after croquet had finished which was very much appreciated.

Visitors on the day were Doreen Whitworth, Helen Spry and Peter Mahlo.

The winners of three matches were: Colleen Liebich, Joan Littlejohn, Dorelle Scott and Lorraine Todd.

Aussie Croquet 22nd February
It was a mild morning with 26 participants for the Saturday Aussie Croquet. The club welcomed one visitor, Robyn Liebich, who enjoyed her day especially partnering her mum Colleen Liebich.

The only winners of three games were Veva MacCullagh and Tony Thomson.

A reminder to all members that March birthdays will be celebrated on Tuesday, 3rd March at 12pm in the Golf Club.

Celebrating Catholic Education

February 28, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Catholic Schools Week is being celebrated across the Diocese of Bathurst and Catholic schools will be offering a variety of activities and educational initiatives to showcase their values to members of the community. There are 33 schools in the Bathurst Diocese contributing to the long and rich tradition of quality Catholic schooling in this country.

Having contributed to the fabric of Australian society in the past, Catholic schools continue to strive to partner with families and their local community to provide a holistic, quality education for students.

Founded on the view that each human being is unique, possessing their individual gifts and talents, catholic schools are professional learning communities, relentlessly focused on calling forth and developing each student’s potential.

What is your fondest memory of school?

February 28, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Bev Green: Only sport, that’s all I went for. I played all sports and was especially good at swimming.

Peter West: A bit like Bev, I was there for the sport but otherwise couldn’t wait to get out.

Alison Lockhart: I liked maths class the most, but I liked it all.

Forbes Shire Recreation Fnd Open Space Strategy Underway

February 28, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

If residents of the Forbes Shire are visiting a park or sport facility over the coming weeks, don’t be surprised if you see people wandering around facilities taking photos and notes. Council has engaged consultants to undertake and assist development of a Recreation and Open Space Strategy for the Shire.

“If you are approached by one of the ROSS Planning team for a quick chat please take the time to get to know more about the project and share your thoughts, ideas and experiences as your input will help lead to better outcomes for the project,” said Forbes Shire Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM.

“The Recreation and Open Space Strategy will investigate the current organisations, services and sport and active recreation facilities in the Shire, community demographics and population projections, the recreation needs of the community and actions required to provide a diverse range of sustainable active recreation and sporting opportunities for the community into the future,” Mayor Miller said.

“There will be plenty of opportunity for residents to be involved in shaping this important Recreation Open Space Strategy to benefit residents and visitors,” Mayor Miller concluded.

Champagne And Celebrations For International Women’s Day

February 28, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Come down to Lions Park to hear inspiring guest speakers whilst enjoying a champagne breakfast for International Women’s Day.

International Women’s Day, is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women in the community. Forbes Shire Council will host this celebration with a champagne breakfast at Lions Park on Sunday 8 March.

“We will be joined once again by some of our ‘legendary local ladies’, telling their unique and wonderful stories,” says Forbes Shire Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM. “Start the day balanced after a mindfulness meditation session and feel nourished with a gourmet breakfast on offer including hot and cold options.

“You will be able to spice up your morning by visiting our ‘Make Your Own Mimosa Bar’ complete with juice, fresh fruit and more!”

This year’s theme is ‘Each for Equal’ which encourages women to challenge the stereotypes, fight bias and broaden perceptions, because equality is essential for economies and communities to survive.

The morning starts with a mindfulness session at 6.30am. Bring your own mat or towel and stay on for the breakfast, entertainment and guest speakers. The ticket includes a delicious breakfast, a hot drink and a glass of sparkling wine. Tickets are $10 and available through 123tix.com.au.

Additional glasses of sparkling wine will be available for a gold coin donation, with all proceeds to be donated to Breast Cancer Support.

Mayoral Notes

February 28, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

This week I attended the State Memorial Service in Sydney to pay my respects to those lost in the fires, and to honour service men and women for their bravery in fighting the horrendous fires. It was a great opportunity to show our appreciation to the amazing fire fighters who have worked tirelessly over many months to protect lives and property. I cannot thank Rural Fire Service Commissioner, Shane Fitzsimmons, and his people enough for the leadership he has shown throughout this very difficult time.

You may have noticed people with clip- boards wandering around our sporting fields and parks this week. They have started surveying our recreation and open space areas to help us plan for the future. ROSS Planning are conducting the survey and will be leading the consultations with the public. Please take the time to answer their questions if you are asked to participate, as this will provide Council with valuable information in planning out these areas and form part of our Strategy moving forward.

This week senior Council staff and I attended an Enterprise Risk Management workshop to help our business build on our already comprehensive risk management practices. It is good for us to recognise this is an integral component of good management and governance.

Until next week, God Bless.
Your Mayor,

Phyllis Miller

Snippets…

February 28, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

Hilda McPherson, Ros Edwards, John Rogers and Marion McIntyre.

Generosity from The Coast: The Bogan Gate CWA President, Marion McIntyre, welcomed everyone including visitor Kelly Thomas and her daughter Anna to their morning meeting on Thursday 20th February as well as John and Sue Rogers from the Central Coast Freemasons. CWA members were overwhelmed with a very generous donation of $10,000 to the Bogan Gate Community. John and Sue were very pleased to be able to meet some of the members and find out about Bogan Gate and the drought, its effects on local farmers and the small community. The Central Coast visitors and Bogan Gate residents shared stories of their experiences with disasters, with Sue and John sharing their own experience with the smoke and fires.

Seniors Sundowner: There was a friendly and intimate gathering of people at the Forbes Sport and Recreation Club on Sunday which allowed Forbes Senior residents to catch up with old friends and to mingle and make new friends. There were drinks and nibbles provided which complimented to flow of conversation. It was a peaceful and enjoyable end to the eventful 10 day affair that was the Give It A Go Festival, part of NSW Seniors Week 2020, which saw a large variety of events, workshops and activities put on daily from Sunday, 16th February to Sunday, 23rd February. The attendees of these events were vocal in their appreciation and praise for Forbes Shire Council for not only offering such a fantastic program, but for all of the events they hold throughout the year.

Join international best-selling author Kelly Rimmer at Forbes Library next Tuesday, 2nd March at 2pm as she launches Truths I Never Told You, a heart-wrenching story of family secrets, motherhood and marriage. Tickets are free, please book your place online via eventbrite or call the Library on 6852 1463.

Kelly Rimmer is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author of ten novels, including The Secret Daughter and The Things We Cannot Say. She’s sold more than one million books, and her novels have been translated into more than 20 languages. Kelly lives in the Central West of New South Wales with her family and fantastically naughty dogs, Sully and Basil. Truths I Never Told You is the unputdownable, unforgettable story of motherhood and marriage.

Don’t miss Kelly Rimmer, who will be at Forbes Library on Tuesday, 2nd March at 2pm.

Our Gal – Krissy Munasinghaarachchige

February 28, 2020 by Maggi Barnard

How long have you lived in or around Forbes and what do you like about living here? About two and a half years in Forbes and I love the lake, It is the best part of Forbes.

What was you first job? I was a receptionist in Sri Lanka at a clothing company.

What makes you laugh the most? Friends.

If money were no object, what would you do with your time? I’d definitely go to Paris and England. I want to go and see the sights and eat good food.

Describe your dream holiday? Walking the cobblestoned streets of Paris, window shopping in narrow streets lined with beautiful old buildings.

What is a favourite childhood memory of yours? Climbing the wall to play with the kids next door in their treehouse. I remember my mum took me to the police station to try and scare me into not climbing the wall in between our neighbours’ yard.

If you could live in any time or place, where and when would that be? I really enjoy being in Forbes but I’d love to be in Sri Lanka when I was young again, although I don’t miss how strict my parents were then.

If you could share a meal with any three people, past or present, who would they be? My Mum, Dad and my childhood friend.

Parkes Phoenix Editor

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