Parkes Phoenix Editor

The Dancers from Kristen’s Dance School brought Templar and Rankins Streets to a stand still with their stand-out performance.

Last Friday saw Rankin and Templar Streets absolutely packed with activities, market stalls, food and entertainment for the Find It In Amazing Forbes Christmas Carnival. The Forbes town centre was buzzing with crowds of people who had come from near and far to take part in festivities. Numbers of participants, both vendors and carnival attendees, had significantly increased since last year’s carnival and there was something to delight the young and young at heart.

With ice cream and food vans, an animal nursery, mechanical bull riding, jumping castles, stilt walkers, craft stalls, live music and a licenced bar, Forbes residents’ main challenge was choosing what to do first and how to fit everything in.

Highway Patrol Officers; Senior Constable Kelvin Jubb, Senior Constable Melanie Maguire, Senior Constable Nicholas White, Senior Constable Katherine Ellis, Senior Constable Nadia Batten and Sergeant Martin Ling want you to stay safe on the road this Christmas.

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils want to remind motorists to drive safely over the Christmas and New Year holiday period. Double demerits will be in place for 13 days beginning from Friday, 20th December 2019 through to New Year’s Day. Demerits for speeding, not wearing a seatbelt and not wearing a motorcycle helmet will be doubled during this time. In addition, drivers caught using their phones during a double demerit period can expect to be hit with a hefty fine as well as up to 10 demerits.

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor said, “Road safety is everyone’s responsibility. We all have a part to play in driving down the road toll. The message is clear: Don’t drive tired. Don’t text while driving. Don’t drive while under the influence of drugs/alcohol and please wear your seatbelt no matter what.”

NSW Police’s Central West Highway Patrol Sergeant Martin Ling said that double demerit points did work as a deterrent for motorists’ bad behaviour. Sergeant Ling also said, “The road toll usually makes the headlines for all the wrong reasons at this time of year. Let’s get it in print for the right reason this year by recording a fatality free holiday period.”

For further information please contact Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, on (02) 6861 2364.

The 50th year of Carols By Candlelight was an entertaining evening for all.

The 50th Carols by Candlelight was held last Saturday and, as anticipated, drew large crowds for a spectacular evening of singing and entertainment.

Forbes residents both young and old arrived at Victoria Park with picnic blankets, camping chairs, food and drink and settled in for a wonderfully vibrant line up of guest singers.

Once again, MC Judy Prior quite literally lit up the stage and the atmosphere with her delightful festival costume that featured real Christmas lights, tinsel and baubles. Judy’s enthusiasm and quick wit ensured laughter and joy between each performance which contributed to a seamless procession of guest singers and speakers.

Council’s very own Kimberly Ryan astounded all with her beautiful rendition of ‘Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” and as she sang, children danced and played in front of the large screen beside the stage with their light up candles and flashing flower hair wreaths.

As the sun went down the park was illuminated by decorative Christmas lighting that hung from trees, was a true visual feast to behold.

Mayor Phyllis Miller gave the official welcome where she gave a heartfelt Acknowledgement of Country before urging residents to be safe on the roads over the holidays and wished the town of Forbes a prosperous year in 2020.

It was the Forbes Town and District Band who not only hosted the Carols with the support of the council, but also played through the evening, providing music for the song and maintaining a joyous and festive atmosphere for all to enjoy.