Parkes Phoenix Editor

Claudia Glasson and Barbara Thomas during their skit.

On Tuesday, 15th October, 58 people attended the social afternoon at the Uniting Church Hall for the Forbes College for Seniors members.

The afternoon was emceed by Leo Currin, who introduced an entertaining and varied programme. Our first entertainment came from the Seniors Choir, led by choirmaster and pianist Anne Hodges offering the songs ‘Can you feel the love tonight?’ from the Lion King with beautiful harmonies, ‘North to Alaska’ and a very impressive ‘Hava Nagila’ both in Hebrew and English. The latter two songs set the atmosphere for a fun afternoon.

Bill Looney regaling with poetry.

Bill Looney regaled participants with some Aussie poetry which was well received. Members Claudia Glasson and Barbara Thomas presented a hilarious skit on medical procedures, dressed appropriately in dressing gowns and hospital gear, followed by jokes from Barbara Thomas and Allison Lockhart, all of which were very well received by howls of laughter.

Trivia presented some head-scratching and brain-straining, as Anne Hodges had obviously searched the internet for the 15 most difficult questions she could find. The winning table with 12 correct answers were treated to prizes of Smarties (for smarties).

To round off the afternoon’s entertainment, Neil Gilmore presented a slide collage of photographs from the very many activities members had participated in throughout the year. The afternoon finished with a delicious afternoon tea.

Did you know that hayfever or allergic rhinitis can worsen your asthma symptoms. “Asthma affects 2.7 million Australians, and about 80 per cent of people with asthma also have hayfever,” said Pharmacist, Tracey Edwards. “Asthma and hayfever both involve airway inflammation and sensitivity throughout the respiratory system. This means it is important to treat the nose as well as the lungs to achieve good asthma management,” said Tracey.

Hayfever symptoms can include an itchy nose or eyes, runny nose, sneezing, blocked nose, coughing to clear the throat and feeling like you have a head cold. “You may also experience disturbed sleep, daytime tiredness and poor concentration.”

Research shows treating hayfever can reduce asthma-related emergency department visits and hospitalisations, and may help to improve your asthma symptoms.

“It is important to treat and manage both your asthma and hayfever well,” said Tracey. “Treating your hayfever symptoms can definitely help keep your asthma under control.”

Before starting hay fever treatment tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any other medical conditions, are pregnant, taking other medications, or experience nose bleeds. Asthma suffers should be particularly careful during thunderstorms occurring in October and November. “This is a particularly dangerous time for people with asthma and they should avoid being outside during thunderstorms,” said Tracey.

“Flannery’s and Life Pharmacies have a range of over the counter medications which can help relieve the symptoms of allergic rhinitis including nasal sprays, eye drops and antihistamines. Our Pharmacists and experienced team are available to offer information and advice.”

Members of the Lions Club and Men’s Shed accepting cheques from Mayor Phyllis Miller.

Forbes Shire Council Mayor Phyllis Miller presented cheques to both the Forbes Lions Club and Forbes Men’s Shed recently for their contribution to the inaugural Frost and Fire event earlier this year.

The Lions Club were an integral part of the success of the event, assisting with parking, manning fire buckets for safety and distributing the wish candles to Festival goers. “Ten Lions Club members were there on the night and we couldn’t have pulled off the successful night we had without their help,” says Forbes Shire Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM.

“The unexpected attendance to the event called for more hands on deck to ensure everyone was safe around the amazing fire buckets and displays.”

The Men’s Shed was given the mammoth task of creating the bonfire Effigy, the focal point of the evening before the live entertainment kicked off. As this was to be an integral part of the event, it needed to be a show-stopper and it was. The Club built a metal structure to house the fuel to not only give the fire height, but longevity to burn for several hours while the entertainment performed.

“A big thanks goes to the Men’s Shed who were able to pull this off,” says Mayor Phyllis Miller. “The huge spectacle marked the night, the large size was definitely needed with the amount of visitors in attendance.”

Plans are beginning for Frost and Fire 2020 and it is looking to be bigger and better again. More food and drink vendors and a stellar line up of entertainment are planned.