Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

Book Now For 2018

November 2, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Always wanted to go to the Melbourne Cup? Why not arrive in style and cruise to Melbourne for the cup in 2018.

Prices start from $799.00 per person quad share. Included in the cruise fare is six nights accommodation onboard the P&O Pacific Explorer, all meals on board, transfers and general admission to Flemington Racecourse.

For all bookings made between the 5th – 12th November 2017, you will receive a $50 per cabin on-board credit and a reduced deposit of only $100 to secure the booking.

Call us on 6852 2344 or call in store to make a booking.

P&O’s Premium Drinks package is back, available to the first two guests in the room on selected cruises seven nights or more. This is a fantastic bonus so now is the time to book that cruise you have always wanted to do.

SNIPPETS… QUESTION

November 2, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Christmas Showcase Ball: Stan and Stela Alexander and their local Dance Sports students Suzette Sheiles and Jade McGovern, will head the list of Forbes performers at the Christmas Showcase Ball, a Royal Far West authorized fundraiser. On 7th December from 7pm at Forbes Golf & Sportsmans Hotel. For any information or enquiries, please call Stela on 0411 796 323.

Forbes Branch Can Assist: Will once again be doing the cleaning at this year’s Vanfest on the 1st and 2nd December. We will be looking for volunteers to boost our numbers to help our members do the job. If you can donate some time and give us a hand it would be much appreciated. We will be looking for helpers Friday late afternoon and night, Saturday and Saturday night and the final clean up on Sunday. Contact John on 0404 155 247 if you would like to volunteer.

Letter of Appreciation: The Forbes Rotary Club would like to thank all the sponsors for their generous donations to the charity golf day held on 29th October. All funds raised will be donated to the Forbes High School Wellness Hub. Thanks also go to Alan Rees, Lyn and Beryl Roberts from the Golf Club for their help. A special thanks to all who played and hope that everyone enjoyed the day.

Forbes White Ribbon Day: Annual community march in support of Australia’s campaign to stop men’s violence against women. Meet at Cross Street in front of Carpet Court on 24th November at 10am and finish in Victoria Park. Youth will share their thoughts on why it is important to stand up and speak out against violence and how together we can make Forbes a safer community. All of Forbes community are invited. A free sausage sizzle will be provided for all participants.

Winners of the Close the Loop Competition are: 1st prize Alison Haley – a $100 Woolworths gift voucher. 2nd prize Kathy Bray – a $70 Woolworths gift voucher. 3rd prize Lyn Goodwin – a $30 Woolworths gift voucher. CONGRATULATIONS, we hope you enjoy your shopping!

Forbes Racecourse Receives Funding: The Forbes Racecourse was awarded a $100,000 NSW Government heritage grant to go towards a renewal of the Forbes Racecourse, Parliamentary Secretary for Western NSW, Rick Colless announced on Monday.

Golfers Enjoy The Weekend

November 2, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Last Saturday the competition was an 18- hole Stableford event. Even though there had been a multitude of golf over the past few weekends, many players were still keen to enjoy the fresh air and good fellowship.

The A-division was won by Scott Kirkman who seemed to be a tree height or two above everybody else. Runner-up was Niel Duncan on 37 points, on count back from a tight group of players.

The B-division went to Graham Newport with a finely composed 38 points. The ‘starting with a par on the 1st usually leads to calamity’ curse did not affect him. Runner- up was Bruce Squires with 37 points.

The ball sweep went to 36 points on count back, going to: 40 – S Kirkman; 38 – G Newport; 37 – B Quires, F Donohoe, N Duncan, P Grayson, F Hanns, N McMillan;

36 – P Barnes, P Cowhan, A Dukes and C Barrett.

The NTP’s went to: 9th – B Carpenter; 18th – T Morgan. Neither got their 2’s.

Sunday was a busy day with the Rotary Charity Golf Day commencing in the morning and a Stableford Medley run in the afternoon.

The Rotary Charity Stableford Medley, saw 55 players participating.

A big thank you to all sponsors and helpers and especially to Evolution mining for their support. All participants can be proud to have provided nearly $1,000 to the Forbes High School Wellness Hub.

Later on Sunday a Stableford Medley was played, with a small number of participating players. The winner was Andy Cogswell. There was no ball sweep.

The Nissan Classic will be held on 11th and 12th November. On Saturday there will be a Stableford Medley. Sunday will be the 18-hole Stroke Nissan Classic and good scores are expected. The tee time sheet is quite full for this day, but give the Pro Shop a ring to ensure you get your name down.

By Short Putt

Under The Hammer

October 26, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

The Ian Simpson & Co team kept themselves occupied last weekend with property auctions held on Friday at the Forbes Services Memorial Club and on site auctions on Saturday.

On Friday there were eight properties under the hammer which were a mixture of rural and residential options from Forbes, Parkes and Eugowra.

The auction room had more than 100 people in attendance with more than 20 registered bidders across the eight properties.

Two properties were successfully sold under the hammer. The remaining properties were passed in on vendor bids, proving the market to be more challenging on the day.

Ian Simpson was not deterred by this outcome and said: “The interest that we’ve had throughout our auction campaign gives us the confidence that we will have good results going forward.”

Unanticipated success awaited the onsite auctions of two residential properties in Forbes held on the Saturday. The sale of 37 Bathurst Street for $280,000 and 18 Clement Street which went for an incredible $278,000 surpassed all expectation.

Clement Street had 60 people in attendance with 15 registered bidders and saw active bidding well above market value. An original family home and a block from the lake an explanation for its alluring appeal.

By Gizell van Wyk

Hay Fever Help

October 26, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Spring has well and truly sprung, leading to a great number of us suffering from Allergic Rhinitis – also known as hay fever.

Hay fever can occur seasonally or year round and symptoms differ from person to person. It’s estimated that 20% of people will suffer from hay fever at any given time.

Interestingly hay fever is not caused by hay and doesn’t result in fever! Instead it is caused by allergens such as pollens, dust mites, mould and animal hair.

Signs and symptoms of hay fever include a runny nose, rubbing of the nose, itchy nose, itchy watery eyes or sneezing.

Here are some general preventative steps that might help: avoid cutting grass, playing or walking in grassy areas, and camping; wear wraparound sunglasses; change yourclothes and take a shower after being outdoors to remove the pollen on your body; keep the windows closed at home and in the car, and use recirculating air-conditioning in the car; try to stay indoors when the pollen index or count is high (refer to Weather zone www.weatherzone.com.au), or the pollen forecast and if possible, avoid drying clothes outside. This will help prevent bringing pollen into your house.

There are several treatment options for hay fever, so call in and speak to one of the friendly pharmacists or team members at Flannery’s or Life Pharmacy to tailor an effective solution for you.

Treatment options include but are not limited to: Antihistamine tablets, eye drops and nasal sprays (non-sedating) to help reduce symptoms such as sneezing, itchy and irritated eyes. These only need to be taken when you have the symptoms.

Nasal Corticosteroid sprays, a potent anti-inflammatory action when used regularly. Perfect for those who suffer regular/seasonal allergies.

SNIPPETS…

October 26, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Best All Rounder Award: Forbes High School has announced Year 12 student, Nicholas Mulligan as the school’s recipient of the 2017 Caltex Best All Rounder Award, one of Australia’s most prestigious secondary school prizes. Nicholas receives this award for excellence in studies, on the sports field and for work in the community. He has been the recipient of this award for two years in a row.

Spring Photo Competition: The Forbes Phoenix has teamed up with Aerial Antix to launch a spring photo competition. With Spring all around us, you can 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 picture donated by Aerial Antix! The competition will run until the end of 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.

Service Providers Information Day: Presented by The Forbes Interagency Group on 31st October at Victoria Park from 10am to 2pm. Please come along to find out more about the multitude of services in the community. BBQ and giveaways on the day. Services available: Meals on Wheels, Community Transport, Centacare and many more. The Australian Government Mobile Service Centre will be on location to help rural families, older Australians, students, job seekers etc.

#Montefamousreview: Diana Anaid – My Queen. Dedicated to all the strong woman in her life, each of the 11 tracks brings a message of empowerment and determination. Diana’s vocal range on the album demonstrates how versatile she is. At times sounding like Kate Bush mixed with Alanis Morissette with a sprinkling of Kate Ceberano and Kasey Chambers, you are in for a journey of music euphoria. The feel of the “My Queen” is one of homage to the great female rock albums of the 90’s dragged dazzlingly into 2017. The album will get you dancing, humming and motivated and wanting to play it on repeat all day. It is the #Montefamous must have album for November!

Forbes open for business: The Forbes Shire has set a new record with the value of development applications in September reaching almost $22 million. In total 10 development applications and 1 modified development application were lodged, with the 11 applications totalling $21,735,946. Over the past decade, the yearly average for development application value sits at $23.3 million dollars.

The Red Bend Catholic College League Tag teams playing in Grenfell on Wednesday.

John Betland Crowned Champion

October 26, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

The 3rd and 4th rounds of the Men’s Championships, sponsored by Lachlan Commodities, were held last weekend. For many in the field of 71, Saturday was ‘moving day’ but Sunday was ‘oh what might have been’.

In the A-Grade John Betland continued his dominance with a 68 scratch score on Saturday and 76 on Sunday. This was enough to win by 11 shots from Dan Bayley (70, 75) ahead of an out of luck Steve Betland (78, 80).

The A-Reserve Grade saw Terry Griffiths hold his lead with well composed scores of 87, 88. Finishing like a greyhound was Doug Churchill (89, 83), who got there on count back from Bruce Carpenter.

The B-Grade saw runaway leader Robb Webb stumble a bit but going on to win with his 84, 92 finish. Runner-up was Scott Kirkman who flew under the radar with 92, 88 to finish three shots back.

The C-Grade had leader Rod Besgrove (96, 100) finish as the winner. Runner-up was Craig Barrett (93, 93) only one shot back.

The results for the Daily Comps sponsored by Pool Magic were: Saturday in the A-division Dan Bayley (66 nett) from John Betland (69 nett). In the B-division it was Dave Rhodes (70 nett) from Michael Browne (71). On Sunday in the A-division D Churchill (71 nett) on count back from P Dawson. In the B-division, the winner was C Alley (nett 71) ahead of A Alley (71).

The best shot all weekend was that of Neil McMillan on the 9th. His tee shot finished only 5cm’s from the cup and that much short of a hole in one.

Presentations will be held on 18th November after the day’s golf, which is the ‘Medal of the Medallists’.

The Rotary Charity Day is on this Sunday. Group play with a 10am shot gun start. Contact the Pro Shop for details.

By Short Putt

Junior Cricket Scores And Draw

October 26, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Results of games played 21st October

Under 17’s: Borders 6/75 (best fielders: C. Smith and T. Hurford) defeated Adept Plumbing 8/69 (best fielders: Cody Crisp and James Ellery). McGraths 3/77 (best fielder: M. Read) defeated Condobolin 9/75 (best fielders: Josh Drabsch and Zayne Ehsman). Gunns Mensland had a bye.

Under 14’s: Lillees 105 (best fielders: Tom Maslin and Lachlan Barnes) defeated Hazell & Field 72 (best fielders: Cody Kirk and Brody Clarke). Chappells 4/142 (best fielders: Henry Hodges and Thomas Brindle) defeated Frank Spice 10/73 (best fielders: Calvin Matthews and Hunter Hawke).

Under 12’s: Waughs 4/77 (best fielders: Matt Higgins and Fyn Harrison) defeated Bernardis IGA 5/69 (best fielders: Flynn Thompson and Harry Jones). Forbes Livestock 5/87 (best fielders: Holly Duncan and Richard Gut) defeated Pontings 3/73 (best fielders: Reg Murray and Liam Toole). Auswest 67 (best fielders: Liam Freeman and Danilo Bottaro-Porter) defeated Gilchrists 64.

Draw for 28th October

Under 17’s: Adept Plumbing V Condobolin at Hugh Wilson Oval, Forbes. Borders V Gunns Mensland at Northparkes Oval. McGraths have a bye.

Under 14’s: Lillees V Frank Spice at Spicer Oval. Hazell & Field V Chappells at Gaggin Oval, Forbes.

Under 12’s: Forbes Livestock V Bernardis IGA at Botanical Gardens, Forbes. Pontings V Gilchrists at Keast 2. Auswest V Waughs at Stephan Field, Forbes.

Band Inspires Future Musicians

October 26, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Children of Forbes Public School had a different type of school activity last Thursday.

One of Australia’s most renowned street and stage performing brass bands, Hot Potato, transported the children into a New Orleans street parade right in their own

school hall.

This was done during an interactive music workshop and concert offered by the Mitchell Conservatorium.

In partnership with regional conservatoriums, Hot potato is offering these workshops to regional schools across NSW.

The aim is to achieve greater enthusiasm and motivation for playing a musical instrument following attendance of a Hot Potato workshop.

Regional Coordinator at Mitchell Conservatorium James Whalan said: “It’s really great that the band is getting to regional areas. State-wide through the regional conservatoriums there is a noticeable decline in children taking on brass and woodwind instruments like the trumpet, tuba and saxophone.”

The 12 piece band’s approach is to involve children and teachers in their high energy, fun performances and engaging creative activities.

The band has no electrified instruments and popular and upbeat songs are played in a variety of arrangements using a gigantic sousaphone, saxophone, trumpet, drums and many more, along with catchy chorus lines.

“The music we play is timeless. We can incorporate all ages and dance and have a good time. It’s positive uplifting music for everyone and we need more of that,” said Hot Potato drummer Simon Ghali.

It was evident from the children’s level of excitement that there would be many wanting to take up a musical instrument after having been to their very own Hot Potato show, which performs across Australia in front of thousands of people at a time.

By Gizell van Wyk

OUR Gal

October 26, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Michele Herbert-Morley

How long have you lived in Forbes and what do you like about living here? I have lived in Forbes since I was four years old. I love country life and the supportive community in which we reside.

Where do you work and what do you enjoy about your work? I have worked at Forbes North Public School since 1995 but have been teaching for over 31 years. At the moment I am Relieving Principal which I love. I enjoy connecting with my students and wider community. I am also a Councillor on Forbes Shire Council which is both challenging and rewarding.

What do you do to unwind after work or on weekends? I enjoy waterskiing, gardening, playing golf, watching movies and most importantly spending time with family.

What are you really good at? I am really good at saying “yes”. I often agree to help in a lot of areas when I am time poor but always get the job completed.

If you could have a super power, what would it be? My super power would be to communicate with family who have passed away. There are so many questions I wished I had asked.

What is your pet hate? I dislike people who yell at children.

Tell us about your best holiday ever. The best holiday I had was a family trip to New Zealand with my blended family and meeting family we hadn’t met.

Parkes Phoenix Editor

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