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Forbes Phoenix

Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

SNIPPETS…

February 1, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

Rising Star… Kate Small won 1st place in the senior category at the Narromine USMC Summer 2017/2018 Karaoke & Talent Quest Grand Final that was held at the club on Australia Day.

Aussie Kids At A Standstill: Too many Australian children are not doing enough physical activity to maintain good health, a new report reveals. Leading health experts are urging parents and schools to help children become more physically active. Over 70% of Australia’s children and 91% of young people are not meeting sixty minutes physical activity every day. Lack of sufficient physical activity places children and young people at significant risk of developing diseases such as diabetes, cancer and heart disease. It also contributes to higher body weight. To read The Active Travel: pathways to a healthy future reportgo to https://www.vu.edu.au/australianhealth-policy-collaboration/publications.

Important Golf News: There is a golf interest development programme being started for kids, titled “Get into Golf”. It is aimed at children between the ages of 5 and 12 years old. It commences on 6th February and runs for 8 weeks, with sessions being held at 4:30pm to 5:30pm. Contact Simon at the Pro Shop on 6851 1554 or 0403 871 700.

Forbes Junior Cricket: Junior Cricket starts again this weekend. There is also still the opportunity to sign up for the mid season registration for any child interested in taking part in the Stage 1 or T20 Blast competition. The competition resumes Saturday, 3rd February and runs for 8 weeks. Registration is available for the following groups: T20 Blast; 7 to 8 age group and Stage 1; 9 to 12 age group. T20 cost $99, includes T20 Blast kit. Stage 1 Sportspower T20 Super league cost $40, includes club Shirt. For more information contact Anthony Gordon on 0458 561 156 or Andrew Glasson on 0428 542 972.

Debutants Fundraiser for Ronald Mc- Donald House: Eight young ladies from Forbes High School are making their debut on the 24th March 2018. These ladies have decided to raise funds towards the Ronald McDonald House. A fundraiser event will be held on the 17th February at the Forbes Golf Club Hotel upstairs. It will be a fun night of games and dancing. The theme is sporting, so come dressed up as a football, softball, cricket player etc. You could even dress up as a Disney character, anything you like. Book a table of 10 people with your friends. Tickets are only $25 and bring your own nibbles. Contact Tami Stewart on 0427 552 243 to RSVP.

 

Caravans Head To Tassie

February 1, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

The Lachlan Valley Caravan Club had a very successful 2017 and enjoyed their annual Christmas party at the Bedgerebong Showground under the guidance of Jenny Currey and her team of helpers. Now, after a long break the club is alive and ready to hit the road for 2018.

The first meeting for the New Year was held on Sunday, 21st January at Eugowra. Despite the extreme heat the members were made to feel very welcome at the Eugowra Bowling and Recreation Club. Approximately sixty club members enjoyed a Chinese buffet prior to the commencement of the meeting in the comfort of the club house.

President John Apps welcomed everyone and once the official business was over Rally Coordinator, Bruce Seddon presented the rally program for 2018. The first rally will be leaving for Tasmania in February with six caravans making the journey for approximately six weeks.

Other rallies planned are for North East Victoria, Blackheath, Moruya Heads, Corryong, Young/ Coolamon/Temora and Hawks Nest.

If you would like to know more about the friendly club and caravanning life visit http://www.lachlanvalleycaravanclub.org.au/ or contact Pat Barnes on 0423 083 152.

By Pat Barne

Weekend Full Of Golf

February 1, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

The weekend’s golf featured the fourth running of the Australian 2-Person 2-Club Medley Championship, sponsored by Cahill’s Footwear. This is an 18-Hole Stroke event in which four clubs are shared between each pair, and makes for a challenging experience.

The winners were John Betland and Craig Barrett who combined their efforts to finish with a nett 62. Their 32/34-66 scratch was a combined effort. Runners-up were Brian Doyle and Greg Webb.

The ball sweep went to 681/2, going to: J Betland/C Barrett, B Doyle/G Webb, C Alley/B Slack-Smith, D McAuliffe/R Nixon, A Dukes/M Spice and Alf Davies/P Barnes.

The NTP’s went to: 9th – Ladies: Bess Shields, Men: Paul Pymont; 18th – Ladies: Brianna Duncan, Men: Greg Webb. Marty Cahill, sponsor for the event, presented the Trophy to John and Craig, along with their ‘Golden Boot’ individual personal award.

To start the weekend Friday, 26th January had a Stableford Medley. Players meshed their golf game in between Australia Day activities.

The winner was Digit McAuliffe, with 39 points. He got there on count back from Andrew Dukes, who but for an untimely bogey on the 17th would have been king.

The Ball sweep went to 37 points, distributed to those above plus Peter Nixon, Scott Kirkman, Greg Webb and Peter Sinclair (Nelson Bay). The NTP’s went to: 9th – Ron Morris; 18th – Peter Nixon.

Then on Sunday, 28th January the regular Stableford Medley was played. The winner was Ron Morris with 41 points. Runner-up was Brianna Duncan who scored 40 points.

The Ball Sweep went to 39 points, going to those above plus John Betland (39). The NTP’s went to: 9th – Peter Dawson; 18th –Ray Taylor.

It is with sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Ron Hurst. Ron fell very ill last week, and was transported to Sydney where he passed away on Monday. Margaret was by his side.

By Short Putt

MAYORAL NOTES

February 1, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

Congratulations Forbes! What a fantastic long weekend of celebrations. Everything at the Australia Day breakfast, swim and celebrations were well organised, well attended and very worthwhile events.

I am sure you will all agree our ambassador James Pittar was an absolute delight to host. He is an elite athlete and an outstanding human being.

I think the new site worked very well for the Australia Day events and people have been very complimentary of the festivities.

I personally thought the fireworks were spectacular, the best I’ve seen at one of our events.

Then on Monday, Forbes had the world’s attention when we hosted the Queen’s Baton Relay. I think we performed very well on the international stage with two very unique baton journeys, in a dragon boat and on a skateboard. I was very, very proud. We hosted such a fantastic event and stood out from the crowd. My sincere thanks to the Forbes Shire Council staff for organising the event and to the many people who attended and supported it.

Next week will be busy, with the Vanfest public meeting on Tuesday night. We would like everyone to come along for drinks and refreshments at 5.30pm with the meeting to start at 6.00pm and aiming to finish at 7.30pm.

On Wednesday, the Director of Engineering and Technical services, John Zannes and I will be attending the Newell Highway Taskforce in Gilgandra.

Then on Thursday, 8th February I will be in Orange for the CENTROC meeting.

Mayor Graeme Miller

Croquet News And Results

February 1, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

Week ending 27th January

It’s almost the end of the first month of 2018 and what a shocker weather wise it’s been.

Yet, the intrepid members of the Forbes Croquet Club soldier on twice each week.

Such is our dedication to this gentle sport.

A warm welcome to Zandra Blake, who was part of the winning team on Tuesday and gained two wins.

Congratulations to Ken Styles, Libby Smart, Robin Pols and John H. Browne (not to be confused with John Brown) for winning all three games.

Saturday was interesting with searing heat tempered by a warm wind ending the morning with black clouds and an eerie stillness as a thunderstorm rolled in. Thankful for the resulting rain.

We were visited by Anne and Harley Stewarts’ nephew Paul, his wife Jenna and their son Hayden who came along as spectators for one game before leaving for Canberra.

Clean sweepers on the day were Bob Murray, Elvy Quirk, Libby Smart and Bruce Field. Well done everyone and congratulations Elvy on your first ever clean sweep.

By Anne Stewart

Making Maintenance Easier

February 1, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

No one ever said maintenance had to be fun. But can’t it be just a little bit easier? Here are some home hacks to take a bit of the drudgery out of your to-do list:

• Tuck chalk in your toolbox to stop rust: You can keep the metal tools and hardware in your toolbox rust-free with blackboard chalk. Chalk is a moisture-sucking material that traps dampness. Place several pieces throughout your toolbox.

• Spray your mower’s blades to keep clippings from sticking: If you have a lawn, mowing is one of those must-do drudgeries. Fortunately, cooking spray can make the chore problemfree. When applied to a mower’s undercarriage and blades, it can help prevent grass clippings from sticking.

• Toss in a tennis ball to clean your pool water: Suntan lotions, moisturizers, and body oils will leave a greasy slick on pool water. To clean, toss in a fresh tennis ball. Its fuzzy surface will soak up the oils your guests left behind.

• Grab a makeup sponge to repair drywall holes: Typically mesh or paper tape is used to fill small holes in drywall. But a cosmetic sponge will get the job done, too. Just stuff it into the hole and spackle.

To read the full article, go to the houselogic website (source).

Elvis An American Trilogy

February 1, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

The legendary Elvis Presley has been celebrated worldwide, and especially in Parkes every year! He was one of the biggest and most important stars of the 20th century pop culture.

A cultural icon who was often referred to as the ‘King of Rock and Roll’ and now direct from the US comes the ultimate return Australian concert tour 2018 of ‘Elvis – An American Trilogy’ – the complete story that takes three of the world’s leading Elvis tribute artists starring in one of the most spectacular live concert productions that takes you on a journey through the music of ‘The King’ in the history of entertainment.

The three stages in the success of ‘Elvis – The King’ stars Vic Trevino Jnr, who embodies the rockabilly sound of the young Elvis; Gino Monopoli recreates the sophisticatedsound of the Elvis movie years with tracks from iconic films ‘GI Blues’, ‘Kid Gallahad’, ‘Speedway’ and many more. He is magnificent as he recreates the 1968 comeback TV special.

The third artist is Greg Miller who channels Elvis in the famous white eagle jumpsuit. He recreates the 70s with ‘An American Trilogy’ featuring the moves, the songs and the nuances that made Elvis the most recognisable figure in the history of world music.

‘Elvis – An American Trilogy’ is touring Australia by popular demand in February/ March 2018, proudly presented by Abstract Entertainment. (See details below.)

 

 

Local Heroes Help To Deliver Queen’s Message

February 1, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

The Queen’s baton was warmly welcomed in Forbes on Monday, marking 35 days since arriving in Australia and its epic journey to arrive at the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast in April 2018.

Mixing things up from traditional relay mode, the baton travelled by unique modes of transport in Forbes.

Of 40 countries, Forbes was the only place that had the Queen’s baton set off on a dragon boat. It glided down Lake Forbes with baton bearer Wendy Green on board.

The unique modes of transport continued with Ethan Markwort holding the baton whilst doing a skateboard demonstration at the Forbes Skate Park.

Australian Commonwealth Games sporting royalty Phil Adams OAM, who shares the record for the most medals collected by an athlete at the Commonwealth Games with 18 medals, was one of the 14 people nominated to carry the baton in Forbes.

Lauren Neilsen from Forbes, also carried the Queen’s baton in Parkes.

It’s Back To School Time – Remember Road Safety

January 24, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

The new school year is set to resume for thousands of local students next week and Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils are reminding local drivers and parents about children’s safety around schools.

The Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said that road crashes account for over half of all accidental deaths among children aged 5 – 14 years old.

“Children are vulnerable road users. They are at risk in the traffic environment because of their size, their difficulty in judging speed and distance, as well as the fact that they may behave unpredictably. “Drivers will need to pay extra attention and be patient with schools reopening as there are more cars, buses and cyclists on the roads and young pedestrians crossing the streets.

“It is important that drivers slow down in school zones so they are in a better position to react to the unpredictable behaviour of school children as well as the busy traffic environment,” said Melanie.

There are 40km/h school speed zones in existence around all schools in NSW. School zones are operational between 8 – 9.30am and 2.30 – 4pm on school days.

Police will be targeting school zones to ensure drivers obey the 40km/h speed limit when school returns.

“Parents and carers can help students remain safe by regularly reinforcing important road safety behaviours with their children and following the below tips,” said Melanie.

Parents and carers should:

• Always make sure your children wear a seatbelt or use a child restraint when travelling in a car.

• Always drop-off and pick-up your chil dren on the school side of the road.

• Make sure children use the footpathside door when getting in and out of a car.

• Never call your children across the road to you.

• Use a pedestrian crossing where possible and avoid being distracted.

• Children aged up to 10 years old should always be supervised when near traffic.

• Children aged up to eight years old should always hold an adult’s hand when crossing the road or walking near traffic.

• Make sure your children always wear a helmet when riding a bike.

• If your children catch a bus, always walk with them to the bus stop.

For further information please contact Melanie

Suitor on (02) 6861 2364.

Quit Smoking Now

January 24, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

 

Want to quit smoking? Have you tried before with little or no success?

If this sounds familiar you might like to take advantage of the offer of free nicotine replacement therapy and extra support to help you quit.

Tobacco Treatment Specialist, Maria Willis, from the Forbes Health Service will be instore at Flannery’s and Life Pharmacies during February and March to help people to quit smoking. Maria is a Nurse Practitioner who assists community members who have diabetes, respiratory and heart conditions.

Community members can make an appointment to see Maria at either pharmacy.

During the appointment smoking habits will be assessed and free nicotine replacement therapy will be offered. Maria will also be able to assess the patients concerns and provide helpful information and advice on how to quit smoking.

“It is also important to remember your GP, pharmacists and QuitLine can provide support to quit,” said Maria.

“Smoking is more addictive than heroin and cocaine so understandably it is not easy to quit,” said Maria. “However, quitting smoking is one of the most important things you can do for your health and it is never too late to quit, increase your life expectancy and improve your quality of life.”

“There is no safe level of smoking. Even the occasional cigarette is doing you harm.”

To book an appointment to begin your journey to quit smoking, call Flannery’s Pharmacy on 6852 1111 or Life Pharmacy on 6852 2001.

Don’t miss this great opportunity to get all the help you need to quit for life!

 

 

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