Mesmerising Musical Mystery Mausoleum Meande
Echoes of the past accompanied by music resonated through Forbes Cemetery on Sunday.More than 50 people were delighted by the Musical Mystery Mausoleum Meander event of the Forbes Heritage week as Rob and Olya Willis lead the group to six gravesides of people connected with the collec- tions of The National Library of Australia. They had either been recorded for the oral history and folklore section or have manu- scripts or images in the collection.
“Today is part history lesson and part folk parade,” said Rob. “There are many important and relevant people in Australian music, and we have some of the most important buried here in Forbes.
“Back in the late 1800s many musicians couldn’t read music. It was like they learned the tunes by osmosis. Music then was like a game of Chinese whispers, so it was hard to capture,” said Rob.
Ebb Wren was “a musician and singer who could also spin a yarn about his life as a bushman and steam loco driver”. He played the piano and loved repairing and tuning them. Luckily Ebb had an amazing memory for the words of songs that he learnt from older performers so today they are preserved for future generations.
Rob and Olya performed one of Ben Hall’s ballads, which according to noted folklor- ist and bushranging authority, Professor Graham Seal, is among the best outlaw ballads in Australia. Olya shared a poem about Kate Foster (Kelly) that sent chills down everyone’s spines about the ‘Cold, cold water,’ written by Lady Cutty of Canowindra.
“Kate Foster (Kelly) is buried only 25m from Ben Hall in the Forbes Cemetery. Where else in Australia would you find two of the best-known bushranging dynasties so close?” mused Rob.
Harry Schaefer’s grave had been re-vamped for the day by his family. “Harry was the ultimate musician who had the ability to play both by ear and by sheet mu- sic. He was instrumental in ensuring that tunes from his era were preserved as he would go home and write them down.” Rob and Olya played the Schaefers waltz, and then broke into a polka which got everyone’s toes tapping.
Dave Mathias may have been legally blind but “he was the master of the ditty and the Dad and Dave yarn,” said Rob. In addition, he was “a champion accordion and mouth organ player and fixer of everything”. Interestingly his song, ‘He played his ukulele as the ship went down,’ was banned after the Titanic sank.
Paddy Godden was in his hundredth year when he passed on. “Paddy could pull people’s legs no end,” laughed Rob. “Paddy also went back to the era of many of the old forgotten dances and had the tunes for mazurkas, polkas and the quadrilles. These would all have been lost but for Paddy.”
All Rob’s stories were enthralling and brought to life when he and Olya sang and played the concertina and piano accordion. “We sometimes don’t realise the history we have here in our town of Forbes,” said Rob.
By Dianne Collie
Author Brings 21 Stories To Forbes Library
A group of 13 community members from Forbes and Parkes were treated to an engaging and thought-provoking discussion with Blue Mountains-based author Julie Ankers at the Forbes Library on Tuesday.
Julie is currently touring New South Wales promoting her first book, Feisty, Fabulous and 50+. It is a collection of candid and compelling autobiographical stories of Australian women.
This was Julie’s first visit to Forbes and in opening she spoke of her journey to be- coming a self-published author after facing feelings of loss and isolation in semi-retirement.
Julie read moving excerpts from the book to the group, including verses from Young’s Rhonda Daly, recounting her exposure to toxic farm chemicals as a child and the resultant health battles. Another passage came from a woman who left her unfulfilling inner-city life and now offers garden maintenance services, driving a ute and wielding chainsaws, whipper snippers and secateurs.
The book took two years to complete and features diverse, down-to-earth, fabulous women. “It is an honour to be the curator of their stories,” Julie said. “These are ordinary women, just like you and I”.
Travelling with Julie is the book’s editor, Kerry Chater, whose story is one of the 21 featured in the book.
“These events give a rare opportunity to hear about a book from the author themselves,” said one guest, while others enjoyed the opportunity to make new connections in the community.
On the back of the success of this book, Julie is now working on the companion piece, the much-anticipated untold stories of men, which is set to be released in early 2018.
By Carrie Olsen
Amy Shines At Regional Business Awards
Amy Shine, director of Forbes Preschool has won the Business Leader Award at the 2017 Western Regional Awards. Amy is now a finalist in the 2017 State Awards.
“This was totally unexpected, I didn’t have one thought of winning,” said Amy. “Unfortu- nately, I did not attend the presentation held at Taronga Western Plains Zoo last Friday due to other commitments, but I will most definitely be heading to Sydney in Novem- ber for the state award presentation.”
The Business Leader award recognises the positive contribution made to business by those who demonstrate outstanding en- trepreneurial spirit, strategic business direction and innovative ideas, whilst providing inspiration to a new generation of upcoming business leaders.
Forbes Preschool is a community-based service, which ensures all children aged three to five years of age have access to affordable, high quality, early childhood education.
Amy’s goal is to inspire others to see the importance of early childhood education and realise the impact it will have on the com- munity for years to come. The preschool also provides pre-kindy children access to an occupational therapist and speech thera- pist free of charge. All this has been made possible through Amy’s vision, lobbying to secure around $1.5 million in funding an development of partnerships within the community.
Beck Cheney, Simone Newell, Carly Keane and Sally Male, four of the 17 em- ployees at Forbes Preschool were unani- mous in describing Amy as being “very approachable, an inclusive leader and outstanding communicator”. They also said that Amy was “very passionate about providing free flow indoor/outdoor play, and through her coaching and encouragement to attend professional development, we support her to achieve this vision for all Forbes children”.
“It’s about thinking outside the square, constant reflection and continuous improvement but most of all loving your work,” said Amy.
By Dianne Collie
Buddy Bench Bring Friends Together
Forbes North Public School (FNPS) is now the proud owner of a buddy bench helping to make its playground a friendlier place for students.
FNPS is one of ten schools in Forbes and Parkes to benefit from the Buddy Bench Initiative of the Currajong Autism & Special Needs Group.
Angela Wilson, facilitator of Currajong Au- tism & Special Needs Group, visited Forbes North last Friday for the official handover of the bench. She was invited to explain to stu- dents at the school assembly what a buddy bench is.
It is a place where students can sit and send out a visual signal to other students that they would like friendship, or somebody to play with.
According to Michele Morley, Principal of FNPS students who have started using the bench have been included into games and activities in the playground that helped them to connect with friends.
The Buddy Bench Initiative started last year as a dream of Angela and her colleague Deb Collier to provide a buddy bench for every primary school in and around Parkes. The John Holland Group came on board and found local businesses and suppliers to donate benches. The FNPS bench was donated by Millcon Engineering.
70 Players In Monthly Medal
The Monthly Medal 18-hole stroke sponsored by Luke Hurford Painting was con- tested by 70 players last Saturday.
Visitor Daryl ‘Digit’ McAuliffee won the A- grade with a nett 70. Only two shots behind was Tim West, who got the runner-up prize on countback from a group of four others. He also got the medal for the best Forbes golfer.
The B-grade went to Warwick Judge, who compiled a tidy 69 nett. Finishing in second spot was Paul Kay, with 70 nett. The C- grade was a family affair. Don Ridley took the honours with 70 nett, ahead of John Ridley with his 73 nett.
The ball sweep went to 73 nett on count back, going to: 69 – W Judge; 70 – D McAu- liffe, D Ridley, P Kay; 71 – D Rhodes; 72 – T West, J Betland, P Dawson, T Callaghan, T Cogswell, B Everest; 73 – M Collits, S Betland, J Ridley, S Kirkman, B Collie, C Dwyer, B Shine and M Haley. The NTP’s went to: 9th – M Collits; 18th – S Betland.
Unfortunately Ray Taylor’s game was ruined early in his round. His 9 on the 4th hole comprised a few trips to the water, a bung chip and an errant putter. Thankfully his driving was okay – driving of his cart that is.
A group of golfers ventured to the Young Open on Sunday. Our boys did not fare too well, however Dan Bayley got the NTP on the 5th, only to have his prize stolen by Kim Herbert.
Tomorrow is the 4BBB, sponsored by Forbes Livestock Agency, and on Sunday is the Forbes Open, sponsored by Golfie Hotel and Dan Newton Pro-Par Golf.
The Legends Pro-Am is on Friday, 19th May. Ladies, men and juniors are encouraged to participate with some legends pro- fessional golfers. We still need as many club players as we can.
A Winter Three’s competition will com- mence on 22nd May and run to 28th August. Pick up a team nomination form from the Pro Shop. The Wallace Cup will start soon, ensure you have your name there.
By Short Putt
Celebrations At Croquet
A few showers of rain could not dampen the spirits of the Forbes Croquet Club members as they celebrated World Croquet Day last Saturday.
A sausage sizzle and beautiful nibbles added to the festivities, as well as a cake made by Kath Swansbra from Parkes.
Records are made to be broken and Forbes Croquet Club is no exception. This is exactly what happened last Tuesday when 36 people took to the courts. We welcomed Port Stephens members Jim and Susan Timbs, as well as local Janene Whitfield. Janene said she enjoyed playing and would come again when work commitments allowed.
A beautiful morning of croquet in the great outdoors was followed by the celebration of member’s birthdays at the Vandenberg Ho- tel. The special birthday girl was Ilma Davis who attained her OBE Award.
Libby Smart was bestowed with Honorary Life Membership for her dedication and continued support to the club.
By Anne Stewart
Our Gal
Maureen Miller
How long have you lived in Forbes and what do you like about living here?
I was born in Forbes and have always lived here. I like that I know a lot of people and the history of our town.
Where do you work and what do you enjoy most about your work?
I work in the accounts department of Catering and Packaging in Lachlan Street. I have worked there since my brothers Rod and John purchased the business over 20 years ago.
What do you do to unwind after work and on weekends?
Graeme and I have four beautiful grandsons, Campbell (10), Max (7), Oliver (5) and Will (8 months) who we love to spend time with as much as possible. We also enjoy catching up with our friends socially. In addition, I like to read in my spare time.
What are you really good at?
I am really good at enjoying the company of our friends and people that I meet.
If you could have a super power, what would it be?
I would like to combat my dislike of travelling in planes on long flights so Graeme and I could visit exotic places.
What is your pet hate?
I don’t really have a pet hate but I do not like it when people are not truthful.
Tell us about your best holiday ever.
We have had many lovely holidays travelling in our old car. I also certainly loved our holiday travelling around New Zealand with some good friends and would really love go back one day. Tasmania is also a very beautiful and scenic place.
Alison Is 2017 Minor Singles Champ
The final game for the much-coveted minor singles champion’s trophy in memory of late bowling member Noreen Coggan was played last week. It was a hard fought final game between Kay Toohey and Alison Cut- cliffe resulting in a win for Alison Cutcliffe 25-19. Congratulations!
Free Quad Bike Training For Farmers
Farmers in NSW will now receive free quad bike training to help reduce the number of deaths on rural properties across the state.
The NSW Government expanded a multi-million dollar education program that includes a free helmet for farmers who complete an approved training course. The helmet is worth around $120, and suitable for use while riding a quad bike. The changes represent a further saving to farmers of up to $230.
From 8th May, free training has been available through authorised Registered Training Organisations. SafeWork NSW has part- nered with Tocal College to deliver up to 100 training events in regional and remote areas across NSW. Previously, farmers attending an approved training course (costing up to $510) received a rebate of $310.
It comes in addition to existing safety rebates, which were doubled in March this year for farmers who want to buy a safer side-by-side farm vehicle, retrofit safety equipment to existing quad bikes, and/or buy an approved helmet.
Minister for Innovation and Better Regu- lation, Matthew Kean, said boosting training opportunities was vital. Over 200 people have taken up the training course to date.
“That’s why we’re rolling out a free train- ing package and a free helmet for those who access the training package, saving farmers up to $230 and making sure that they’re safe in the workplace,” said Minister for Innova- tion and Better Regulation, Matthew Kean.
Four people have been killed in quad bike accidents across the state so far this year, including a six-year-old girl.
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