Parkes Phoenix Editor

Within the normal knee joint are two C- shaped discs of cartilage called the medial and lateral menisci. They have a unique wedged kidney shape, and a blood supply only to their outer third which decreases as you age. Almost 70% of each meniscus is made up of water. These unique properties allow the knee to function as well as it does but they are also the reason why meniscus tears are one of the most common knee joint injuries.

The wedge shape of your meniscus as- sists with the rotational stability that is cre- ated by the anterior cruciate ligament espe- cially during pivoting movements. The large water content allows them act like a shock absorber. As you walk, jump or run the knee absorbs large forces with the amount of force increasing exponentially as the speed of movement increases. Your meniscus helps to disperse these compressive forces over the whole knee therefore minimizing the damage to the cartilage that lines the bone surfaces.

Meniscal tears are often classified as either traumatic or degenerative. In the younger population, meniscus tears are usually due to trauma by twisting on a slightly bent knee. The traumatic type of meniscal injuries is most often sports re- lated. Commonly there is pain and a ‘pop’ is heard. The knee joint swells and occa- sionally the athlete will report a locking or painful clicking sensation. Degenerative tears occur in the older population due to natural age-related degeneration and often the person is unaware of the cause of pain and swelling.

Stay tuned for my next column which will address the management and rehabilitation for the torn meniscus.

For the fitness of you,

Linda Reilly

Six riders from Forbes Pony Club will com- pete in the State championships starting tomorrow at the Australian Equine and Live- stock Event Centre in Tamworth. The annual event showcases skills in showriding, dressage, and showjumping.

For most of the competitors, this isn’t their first state competition. Brooke (aged 10) will compete in showriding and dressage for her fifth state competition, and Kate (15) will contest her fourth showjumping event. Ellie Glasson, (aged 11), will compete in showjumping for the first time this year, but has competed before in other categories.

Holly and Lottie Jacobson will both com- pete in showriding and dressage, and Eliza- beth in showriding.

All of the girls began riding between the ages of 2 and 5 years, love their horses, and want competitive riding to be part of their future. Holly also wants to be a busi- ness woman, “I want to own a horse shop and sponsor my sister if she keeps riding,” she said.

“It is hard work, though,” said Kate. And one of the hardest things, along with early morning starts, is “understanding that the horses have bad days, too.”

We hope they all have good days next week! By Rochelle Bright

Families, friends, and judges, were treated to some wonderful performances at the Town Hall in the first half of the annual Forbes Eisteddfod last week. Now in its 24th year, the program comprises seven days of music, speech and drama performances at the Town Hall, and nine full days of dance competition.

Performers of all ages from Forbes and surrounding areas took part in the competition, which has become known to all involved as the Friendly Eisteddfod.

Committee Treasurer, Karyn Glennan, said that local organisers aim to create a positive, encouraging environment in which people can compete while having a good time.

“A lot of Eisteddfods are quite strict and rigid in how they do things,” she said. “And while we are known for being professional, and we have qualified adjudicators giving wonderful feedback, behind the scenes we try to keep things friendly and fun.”

And it isn’t just for kids. This year, com- petitors range from 5-year-olds involved in dance, to musicians in their sixties.

“We want all the kids to have the oppor- tunity to perform. It builds their self-esteem and their confidence. And by seeing older people performing, they learn that they can play music as they get older, and keep improving.

“People come to us and say, we’ve been told to start our kids here because this is a much more relaxed atmosphere for them,” said Karyn.

There is also a section in the instrumental section that is judged on the basis of whether the performance is entertaining, rather than technical perfection.

“We had one group this year that got people up bush dancing,” Karyn said.

The dance category of this year’s Eisteddfod will be held at the Forbes High School. It will start on 8 July and run over nine days.

“Dance is very strong,” said Karyn. “We’d love to see more people entering in other categories next year, especially in piano and vocal.”

Entries for the 2018 Eisteddfod will open next February. For information about performing or volunteering call Karyn Glennan on 0427 512 112.

By Rochelle Bright

Three local community organisations have received a total of $8,168 in the latest round of the Community Chest Raffle program run by the Forbes Services Memorial Club.

The Raffle program was set up by the Board of Directors and Club CEO David Fitzgerald in November 2015 as a way of giving back to the community. The club donates prizes for the raffle, and tickets are sold at the club on Wednesday and Friday nights. Since the start of the program, a total of $48,140 has been gifted to 18 local community groups to help them run their respective organisations and support their work in the community.

“We haven’t repeated a group yet,” said Club CEO David Fitzgerald. “It has grown beyond our expectations.

“The Club is the conduit, making it possible for local people to support their commu- nity groups. It makes me proud,” David said.

The latest three recipients are the Forbes Men’s Shed, Forbes Rodeo Inc and Forbes Eisteddfod, who received their Community Chest Raffle funds at a presentation last Friday.

The Men’s Shed received $2,830. President Norm Haley welcomed the funds. “This money will go towards furnishings and equipment for the new shed. We chase donations where we can, but it’s nice to have a bit of extra money to help us out,” he said.

Forbes Rodeo Inc. received $2,738, which will go towards the fund for a home ground in Forbes.

“We might also be able to buy a rope dummy to take to our demonstrations at schools and fetes,” said Troy Read.

Jan Facey accepted $2,600 for Forbes Eisteddfod. The money will help them run their annual event.

If you are part of a community group and would like to be involved in the program, contact David Fitzgerald at the Club.