Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

SNIPPETS…

October 4, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

CONGRATULATIONS… Elise Dukes of Forbes High School was awarded the prestigious Central West Young Volunteer of the Year award at the NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards held in September.

Catch of the Week Winners: Thank you for sending your great fishing pics and please keep it coming! Luke Nealon was our September winner. Please claim your $25 voucher prize for Loomzy’s Fish ‘n’ Fix in Forbes, by contacting Linda van Coller on 0477 309 807 to arrange for collection.

Snakes and Snakebites: While 57 percent of snakebites happen in regional and rural areas – the majority happen near homes or buildings. Here are some basic precautions you can take to reduce your chances of being bitten: (1) Be careful where you put your hands and feet. Snakes like to hide where they can’t be seen, which includes holes in the ground, rock crevices, fallen logs or long grass. Use a torch if walking at night as many snakes are active after dark. (2) Wear protective clothing. Thick clothing like jeans and boots offer an extra layer of protection against bites. (3) Don’t pick them up or interfere with them. If you see a snake, give it space to move away, or go around it. (4) Let them know you’re there. Snakes can’t hear very well, but can sense vibrations in the ground. When walking in the bush, make noise and stomp your feet to scare off any nearby snakes.

Managing Your Crops: Finding it hard to make decisions about how to salvage crops affected by drought and/or frost conditions? NSW Department of Primary Industries have developed a calculator that helps to compare various management options. Check it out online at https://bit.ly/2IvBgf2.

Spring Photo Competition: The Forbes Phoenix has teamed up with Farmer From Down Under Photography to launch a spring photo competition. Point your camera just about anywhere to get a scenic shot. We would love to see the great photos our readers can come up with. A wonderful prize is up for grabs – a framed picture donated by Farmer From Down Under Photography! The competition will run until October, with entries to be submitted to The Forbes Phoenix by Tuesday, 31st October. Entries can be sent to sales@forbesphoenix.com.au or via our Facebook page.

Daylight Savings Time: As the sun shines later into the day, it’s the start of Daylight Saving Time this Sunday. Six months later at 2am on Sunday, 7th April next year – it will be time to wind the clocks back an hour.

Croquet News And Results

September 27, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

Croquet week ending 22nd September

It was a good turnout for our golf croquet on Tuesday, 18th September. There were some very close games. Only two players managed to win their three games. They were Bruce Field and Barry White.

Ruth Cheney was accidently left off our birthday list for September. Apologies for that Ruth! There was a special celebration morning tea on Tuesday where all ladies brought a plate. Thank you for your contributions.

There will be an AGM meeting to be held on the 16th October. All members should attend if possible.

There was also a surprise at Saturday’s Aussie croquet. Veva MacCullagh returned to the courts after being absent since June with health problems. Welcome back!

She has definitely not lost her sparkle after winning two games with no effort.

Other winners of three games were Dorothea Croker, Elizabeth McLean, Roslyn Rennick, Kevin Rubie and Libby Smart.

Well done to you all!

By Harley Stewart

Bedgerabong Country Music Campout Celebrates A Decade

September 27, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

Caravans, mobile homes, travellers and countless visitors will once again converge at Bedgerabong this October for the 10th anniversary of the Bedgerabong Country Music Campout. The event will take place from the 9th to 16th October in what is said to be the biggest and best one yet!

The 10th anniversary welcomes a few changes to celebrate the momentous occasion and to showcase just how the event has grown over the past decade. One of the main changes being the introduction of purchasing tickets on the internet. This new feature has already proven to be a success with many getting in early to secure a discounted gate price.

Another change will be a selection of more artists featured on the Friday. This will consist of Paul Crowder, Tina Podger, Kate Daniel and Bob Gregory, Charmaine Pout, Melissa Robertson, Rick Llambias, Rustic Charm & Co. plus many more.

There will be more Sunday markets, food, coffee and even a display from the Historical Vintage Machinery Club. This year will also see the return of Country Keys & Strings.

Other professional guests appearing this year on the Saturday and Sunday are Amos Morris, Laura Downing, Bill Gray, Emma Jene, Sandi Dodd, Jo and Pamela Reeves, John Smith, Ged and Trudy Hintz and the Blazing Saddles Showband. There will also be the Sports Day, Poetry and Walk-Up competitions, Poets Session and Best of the Walk Up’s. The walk up’s are invited from Tuesday night till Thursday night.

Tickets at $70 for camping and $15 for day admission can be purchased online at https://www.123tix.com.au/events/1240/ bedgerabong-country-music-campout.

Gate prices will be $5 extra for both camping and day admission. Free for children 15 years and under. Dogs MUST be kept on a leash at all times. Gates open at 9.00am.

For more info find us on Facebook at Forbes Country Music Club Inc.

Our Bloke -Tim Redfern

September 27, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

How long have you lived in Forbes and what do you like about living here? I have lived in Forbes all my life. I enjoy the people and easy lifestyle. I also like the feel of the town with the lake running through it.

Where do you work and what do you enjoy about your work? I work at Lachlan Readymix. I enjoy a sense of accomplishment, working with great staff and good customers.

What do you do to unwind after work or on weekends? I try to relax and enjoy spending time with my family and grandkids.

What are you really good at? I’m really good at cooking (ask my wife).

If you could have a super power, what would it be? The power to cure cancer.

What is your pet hate? Don’t hate anything, but don’t like Queensland beating NSW.

Tell us about your best holiday ever. A trip to Europe. London, Ireland, Scotland, Paris and Venice was brilliant. The history and scale of everything puts things into perspective.

CWA Life Membership For Esther

September 27, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

The Bogan Gate CWA recently held their International Day, with Poland being CWA’s country of study for this year. International Officer, Heather Veal hosted a delicious Polish lunch for members and her guest speaker was Mick Harris from Parkes.

The highlight of the day and a very big surprise for one of the members, Esther Moore, was when she was presented with Life Membership by another Life Member, Ida McIntyre.

Bogan Gate CWA President, Marion McIntyre said: “Esther has been a loyal member of Bogan Gate since the transfer of her membership when the Yarrabandi branch closed. She consistently attends meetings even though age and distance can be tiring.

She is our quiet and reliable worker. Always willing to help where necessary, always assists with caterings and can usually be found with a tea-towel in her hands.”

Esther first attended CWA as a child, accompanying her mother to meetings and joined as a full member at the age of 21.

She held the position of Yarrabandi treasurer for at least 21 years as well as being a vice-president and a councillor or delegate to group functions. She has also represented Bogan Gate as a councillor and delegate to group.

Breast Cancer Survivors Endeavour To Paddle

September 27, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

Last Sunday was a perfect day for a group of breast cancer survivors and their supporters to experience the beauty and calming effect of a paddle on Lake Endeavour outside Parkes.

Scientists say that feeling a sense of calm when we are around water has a positive effect on our brains. This was evident on Sunday with plenty of smiles and positive vibes floating around when Parkes Dragon Boat Club members stayed behind after their regular Sunday morning training session to entertain their guests to a paddle, slice, sausage sizzle and socialising. Patti Smith from the Forbes Dragon Boat Club also joined in to give a hand.

As the beaming paddlers stepped off the boat, they all agreed they had a fantastic time. “It is just wonderful, I’ll definitely do it again,” said Sandy Perceval. “It is a pretty spot and just great being out on the water,” said Jenny McDonald.

Lachlan Health Service McGrath Breast Care Nurse, Dianne Green organised a group of more than 20 breast cancer survivors, including their families and friends, from Forbes, Condobolin, Trundle, Parkes and Alectown.

“It is wonderful of the Parkes Dragon Boat Club to invite us out here,” said Dianne. “It is so nice to get them all together with their loved ones to share their common bond.”

According to Dianne the recurrence of breast cancer can be reduced by 25% by doing exercise. She said the opportunity to combine exercise and socialising as a group was fantastic. “It was lovely of the club members to stay behind to help us, it made us feel really safe on the boat.”

By Maggi Barnard

MAYORAL NOTES

September 27, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

I am so excited to be back as Mayor for the next two years and I look forward to working closely with the Councillors and the community.

It has been a very busy but amazing week in Forbes, with lots of people visiting our beautiful town for Grazing Down the Lachlan and other events. Forbes was abuzz with activity on Saturday with the Farmer’s Markets on in Victoria Park and the Grazing buses leaving from this area out to the site along the Lachlan River. Over 850 people enjoyed local produce and wine from a menu curated by renowned chef, Mark Olive.

Following Amazing Grazing was the community breakfast in Templar Street which was fantastic with Em Pavey entertaining the crowd.

On Sunday we also welcomed the National Veteran Cars Rally with a reception at our Town Hall. It was a pleasure to see them line the streets on Wednesday to show everyone their cars and do a gaslight parade through town in conjunction with the Forbes Business Chamber, Forbes Veteran Car Gaslight Parade and Carnival.

Also on Monday, Council was joined by Senator Wacka Williams for an informal meeting to discuss various matters including the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator and improvement notice at the Central West Livestock Exchange as well as the $1 million dollars of drought relief funding we are to receive. We are still waiting on the guidelines on how we can spend the money.

Have a great week! God Bless.

Mayor Phyllis Miller

Small Business Month In Forbes

September 27, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

As part of Small Business Month, Forbes Shire Council is hosting a ‘Taking Care of Your Business’ seminar and Trade Night.

The seminar will be presented by Glen Leet from Inspired Trades Business Coaching who is also on the board of the HIA. Glen will offer advice that will be invaluable for the direction and success of trade businesses. The Trade Night will be a great networking opportunity and will showcase various government agencies and local businesses.

This free seminar will be held at Forbes Town Hall on Tuesday, 16th October from 5:30pm and it will provide helpful information on operating and working in your trade industry.

A follow-up workshop held on Wednesday, 17th October at the Forbes Town Hall from 8am to 2pm is also available. This will concentrate on optimising profit, workflow and cashflow for the trade industry. Workshop fee is $39.

To register go to www.takingcareofyourbusiness.floktu.com by 9th October.

Forbes And District Lions Club News

September 27, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

Local Lions Club member and Vice-District Governor for the area, Peter Bright was awarded a Melvin Jones Fellow award at the District Changeover function held in Bathurst recently.

It is the highest award a Lion can achieve and is awarded for dedicated service to the Lions Club and the community.

Peter was stunned to receive the award and during his acceptance speech noted that it really belonged to the Forbes and District Lions Club, to Elaine, his long suffering wife and perhaps in there somewhere a little bit belonged to him.

Peter spoke about his time as a Lion and of the rewarding experience in meeting a young mother a few months after the Lions had a hearing loop installed in a classroom at a local primary school.

She had just come from the school and had seen her hearing impaired son participate in the classroom for the first time. This was a truly rewarding experience for him.

Peter is looking forward to next year when he will assume the role of Governor of District 201 N4, which covers about half of NSW.

The Forbes and District Lions Club is well represented on the District Cabinet this year with Gayle Williams as District Environment Chairperson and Neil Lambert as District Peace Poster Contest Chairperson.

A “Pulled Calf” Is A Muscle Tear

September 27, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

The calf muscles are commonly injured in sports that involve quick acceleration, deceleration or sudden changes in direction.

Many people describe a sudden sensation of being struck on the back of the leg. A calf muscle tear is often referred to as a strain or a “pulled muscle”.

The calf comprises of two large muscles, gastrocnemius and soleus. They both join to form the Achilles tendon which inserts into the heel bone. The gastrocnemius also helps to bend the knee and together they contract to point the toes.

Tears to the calf muscle can range from a small partial tear with little pain and minimal loss of function to a complete rupture which may require surgery. Recovery time and return to sport depends upon the severity of the injury.

The immediate treatment for all calf injuries consists of the RICE protocol – rest, ice compression and elevation. The No HARM protocol should also be applied – no heat, no alcohol, no running and no massage.

This is aimed at reducing bleeding and secondary tissue damage within the muscle. If you are unable to walk without a limp the use of a heel raise or wearing shoes with a small heel will decrease pain without further stressing the muscle. A compression bandage or wearing SKINS over the injured area helps limit bleeding and swelling.

As pain decreases, gentle exercise and stretching can begin in addition to treatment recommended by your friendly Sports Physio. It is important not to ignore a calf strain as return to activity too soon could make the injury worse.

For the fitness of you.

Linda Reilly

Parkes Phoenix Editor

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