Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

Bayley And Dawson Dominate

January 26, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Dan Bayley and Peter Dawson won the postponed Deacon Dwyer Day last Saturday, contested by 37 pairings.

The jointly sponsored event by Forbes Catering & Packaging Supplies, and Shead & Nicholson was played as a 4BBB Medley.

The winning pair won with a score of 48 points: their scratch card was 8-under, with five birdies in a row on the back. Runners- up were Ken Sanderson and Garry Collits. They had consistency and teamwork to use their handicaps well, compiling 46 points.

The ball sweep went to 43 points on countback, including those above plus: 46 – P Pymont/P Kay; 45 – B Shine/J Fletcher, P Nixon/A McDonald, B Squires/F Dono- hue; 44 – Tony Cogswell/T Morgan; 43 – P Duke/L O’Connor, T Howe/G Betland, T Callaghan/M Collits.

The NTP’s went to: 1st – G Betland, 18th – B Parker, neither of whom got their 2’s.

Continuing the flavour of aiming for the hole, Dan Bayley helped their winning score along with a chip-in, and a putt-in. Also in that pool was Andrew House, whose chip- in on the 9th for 5 points really helped the team score.

On Sunday, the Stableford Medley field was a healthy 25 players, with many wanting to avail themselves of the good conditions.

The final result saw Andrew Dukes take the win with 41 points, on count back from John Zannes. Both were well ahead of the rest of the field.

The ball sweep went to 32 points, distrib- utedto:41–ADukes,JZannes;35–P Maher; 34 – J Haley, L Grierson; 33 – R Besgrove, S Bell; 32 – R Rhodes, M Haley.

The NTP’s went to: 9th – P Dixon (Pks); 18th – M Haley. There were quite a few visitors, with S Bell, R Bell, R Bell and W Bell from Peak Hill, P Dixon (Parkes), and W Dawson (Goulburn). The trip home to Peak Hill would have been noisome (look that up).

A reminder that the trial of the Play the Lie rule continues throughout the month of February. This will apply to Men’s Competitions, and for the Sunday Stableford Medley. The Sixes competition will retain its Preferred Lie through the Green rule, while the Ladies and Vets will make their own ruling.

The Pennants 2017 season starts on 5th February with the first round being played at Duntryleague.

The second running of the Cahill Footwear sponsored Australian 2-club 2-person Ambrose, one of the most highly prestigious events on the national calendar, will be played tomorrow. Get your name on the sheet.

By Short Putt

Bloke of the Week

January 25, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Greg Howell

How long have you lived in Forbes and what do you like about living here? My wife and I have lived in Forbes for 13 years. We think Forbes is a beautiful town and consider ourselves so lucky to have the lake in the centre of town. We also love the friendly community.

Where do you work and what do you enjoy about your work? I own Forbes Bowen Therapy and Wellness at 19 Bridge Street. I really enjoy helping people get relief from pain and seeing them recover.

What do you do to unwind after work or on weekends? I restore old furniture. I received an antique cabinet in pieces that I sanded and put back together, and I also restored my desk and some chairs. I also enjoy catching up with friends and having a coffee.

What are you really good at? People tell me that I am good at gently encouraging people. I help people to understand what they are experiencing is a learning curve which assists the healing process.

If you could have a super power, what would it be? To take away peoples’ pain and past hurts.

What is your pet hate? I cannot abide injustice. I feel passionately about it.

Keeping Resolutions Is Achievable

January 25, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

If you love food, here’s a little guide to shaping up, minus the dieting.

Make friends with food: Think healthy, moderate eating!
Make your own food: Know your ingredients and influence what ends up on your plate.
Focus on the experience: If you enjoy what you eat, you’re less likely to fall into the restrict and binge cycle.
Reinvent your favourite naughty dishes: If you like ice cream, try making it with coconut milk and stevia instead.
Keep it social: Invite your friends to bring a dish.
If you are struggling to stick to your resolutions – try these tips:

• Make one change at a time.

• Break it up into smaller goals.

• Lift your Spirits.

• Give your willpower some wiggle room: avoid making 100% resolutions.

• Write down things you’re proud of, right down to ‘I get out of bed when I don’t want to.’

• Draw on the strength of images: put up a photo of a thinner you on the fridge, or a picture of a Caribbean beach in your wallet to remind yourself of the holiday you’re saving for.

(From WebMD and other internet sources)

Our Gal – Monica Wren

January 19, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Monica Wren

How long have you lived in Forbes and what do you like about living here? I grew up in Forbes, but left when I was 16. I returned when I was 40; and have loved every minute of living back in Forbes. I love the people, the community and especially being around my family and my mother again. It’s a wonderful place to live.

Where do you work and what do you enjoy most about your work? I work for Neighbourhood Central. I organise Community Transport and Social Support for my clients. I love coming to work, meeting people and helping them manage their needs.

What do you do to unwind after work and on weekends? I am the least stressed I’ve ever been – so I don’t need to unwind! But if there is one place that I am truly peaceful, that would be working in my garden with the dogs at my side.

What are you really good at? Painting in a straight line! At the moment I am painting our house so I’ve become really good at cutting in.

If you could have a super power, what would it be? Not sure – maybe the power to help people; but that’s not a super power – we all have that ability.

What is your pet hate? People being rude or nasty.

Tell us about your best holiday ever: Cruising with my husband and two boys to the Pacific Islands. It was our last family holiday before the boys moved out of home. Lots of great memories but I now look forward to future holidays with my wonderful husband as we plan to travel around Australia together.

For The Love Of Elvis

January 19, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Whilst a record-breaking 25,000 fans congregated in Parkes for the 25th Elvis Festival, Forbes also hosted events to complement the festivities. Forbes Shire Council provided a bus service between Forbes and Parkes, run by Cenwestours, for residents and visitors to
attend the festival. Over five days almost 1,000 people were transported in two buses in more than 56 trips covering more than 2,600km.

When the Phoenix caught up with the 1.00 pm shuttle service on Saturday there were no spare seats and the atmosphere was certainly electric. Forbes Shire Council’s Director of Tourism, Community and Cultural Development, Richard Morgan, said the Parkes Elvis Festival had a very positive impact on Forbes. “During the Elvis Festival just about every bed available was occupied.” Bill and Kirsten of Kosmik Country Duo hosted Elvis Karoake at the Forbes Services Memorial Club where a crowd of nearly 60 sang their hearts out to their
favourite Elvis songs including ‘All Shook Up’, ‘Suspicious Minds’, and nobody could ask ‘Are you Lonesome Tonight?’

The Forbes Youth & Community Centre joined the fun and Spectacular Screening showed the theme movie of the Parkes Elvis Festival, the 1964 Elvis film Viva Las Vegas to mostly Forbes locals. The Phoenix caught up with Ray Beacroft who is Ray of Elvis after his final show at the Forbes Golf and Sportsman Club. “Forbes is close to my heart,” said Ray, “My wife and I lived here from 1988 to 1992 and our daughter was born here.” As a child Ray dreamed of singing Elvis songs and being a tribute artist. As he got older he enjoyed attending the Elvis Festival in Parkes and it was there he was encouraged to take the plunge so to speak….and the rest is history. “I really want to pay tribute to Elvis,” said Ray and the crowd all agreed that he most certainly did.

By Dianne Collie

New MP Will Be In Forbes Every Month

January 19, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

The irresistible smell of a barbeque on Wednesday led to the Forbes Town Hall where recently elected Orange MP, Philip Donato, alternated between being chef and chatting with Forbes locals. “I want my constituents to know I am accessible and approachable,” said Philip of the Shooters, Fishers, and Farmers party. “I definitely don’t want anyone to think I am aloof or that I don’t listen. Basically, what
you see is what you get.”

Philip plans to visit constituents in Forbes on a monthly basis and invite anyone wishing to meet with him to organise an appointment. He will be back in Forbes on Tuesday 14th March, 16th May, 6th June, 15th August, 3rd October, 7th November and 5th December at the Forbes Shire Council. To make an appointment contact his office on 6362 5199. Philip told the Phoenix that life was very different as an MP as opposed to being a police prosecutor, which he recently resigned from. “I organise my own timetable. It is important for me to allocate time to listen to my constituents’ ideas and concerns,” he said.

Philip was in Orange yesterday and will meet constituents in Parkes today.

By Dianne Collie

Miraculous Scores In Men’s Golf Stroke Event

January 19, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

The Men’s Golf Stroke event last Saturday saw 56 players making miraculous scores with Scott Kirkman winning the A-Division with 66 net. Runner-up was Dave Mylecharane on 68. The B-Division saw Alby Callaghan, one of Forbes golfing’s true gentlemen, take the win with 66 nett. Close behind, was Geoff Drane on 67 nett.

The ball sweep went to 71 nett on count back. The visitors included Ray Beacroft (The Grange), making a welcome return, and Marty Woods (Orange). The NTP’s went to: 1st – A Dukes, 18th – A Davies. Alf managed three 2’s in total. The golfing gods helped Andrew House,
who chipped in twice and later holed a monster putt on the 16th,to get a good score. There was also a magician golfer playing the 7th hole. He had three tee shots but finished the hole with a birdie 4, because his first two tee shots struck the wires, so he got to replay them.

The Sunday Stableford Medley field was small due to the hot weather. Ray Taylor won the day with 35 points. There was no ball sweep, but the NTP’s were snaffled easily. The 9th went to B Carpenter (for the 2nd week running), while the 18th went to R Taylor. The condition of the course has improved over recent months and held its own through the summer. We will be trialling a “Play the Lie” rule for the month of February, to be applied to all men’s competitions, and likely for the Sunday Stableford Medley. The Sixes competition will retain its ‘Preferred Lie through the Green’ rule, while the ladies and vets will make their own ruling.

The Playoff for the AAA Cup was completed on Sunday. This is a points competition held throughout the year with points awarded to place-getters for each of the main competition games. Andrew Dukes finished in top spot showing the value of consistently high performances with a sprinkling of wins. The top- 12 points scorers competed in an 18-hole playoff. Phil Maher was 3rd on count back from
Lee Grierson, Peter Dawson finished in 2nd spot (bridesmaid for the second year), and Andrew Dukes took top honours. The prize for the Best Overall Points Average went to Steven Betland (110.38) ahead of Andrew Dukes (103.31). And the prize for the Most Games Played went to Scott Kirkman (33) ahead of Bruce Squires (31).

By Short Putt

Question of the Week?

January 19, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

What is your favourite Elvis song and why?

Deb Churchill: ‘In the Ghetto’ because although it is a sad story it has a lot of meaning.

Cath Wilton: ‘Too much’, as it has great lyrics and it makes me feel good. I hadn’t heard it before this week.

Todd Callaghan: ‘Viva Las Vegas’ because it makes me want to go to Las Vegas and be the next Elvis!

Mayoral Notes…

January 19, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

From all reports the Parkes Elvis Festival was a great success and our accommodation providers were fully booked giving Forbes a great economic boost during the festival. The shuttle bus service Council provided through Cenwestours was very popular with almost 1,000 people using the service over 56 trips, two buses and more than 2,600km driven. Forbes also had some wonderful Elvis events for residents
and visitors with the screening of Viva Las Vegas at the Youth and Community Centre, Elvis karaoke at the Forbes Services Memorial Club and Elvis tribute artist Ray of Elvis at the Forbes Golf and Sportsman’s Hotel.

Last Thursday, Minister for Justice and Police Troy Grant, announced $128,430 in funding for the Forbes SES Unit for a new shed and hard-stand area to support sandbagging operations and training. During times of flood, this will mean sandbagging can continue during wet weather and into the night. Already the SES do such a wonderful job along with the community members who volunteer to help sandbag in times of emergencies, but this funding will help our community be even more prepared.

Australia Day is on Thursday and I am looking forward to welcoming our Ambassador, Sandra Bates, to Forbes. We have received a number of nominations for the Forbes Shire Citizen of the Year and Forbes Shire Young Citizen of the Year and the recipients will be announced during the official ceremony from 7pm at Frogs Hollow. I look forward to seeing you all at the various Australia Day celebrations.

Mayor Graeme Miller

Snippets…

January 19, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

#Montefamousreview: Revive by Emily Dawn: Emily Dawn has created an ep that is filled with stunning, emotion filled music. Emily has a voice that is as powerful as any instrument played on Revive, it is pure and captivating, allowing you to be swept up in the lyrics and the melody will cradle you as you go on this amazing musical journey. Revive is a chilled out ep that has some powerful lyrics. Perfect for those
afternoons of reflection.

Earlier deadline: The Forbes Phoenix deadline for next week’s paper is Tuesday, 24th January at 3pm for all content (editorial and advertisements) because of the Australia Day public holiday.

Australia Day: Celebrations on Thursday, 26th January will start at 7am with the traditional Rotary Community Breakfast at Apex Park. Rotary’s community awards will be presented, the Forbes Town Band will perform and this year’s Ambassador, Sandra Bates, will do a welcome. From 10am, the Diggers Family Swim takes place at the Forbes Olympic Pool with a barbecue lunch. The afternoon activities kick off at 4pm at Colin McKenzie Park (Frogs Hollow) on Lake Forbes. Highlights include local entertainment, free children’s rides, the CWA
Damper Competition, pedal boat rides, an antique machinery display and fireworks. There will food stalls, a bar, games and displays from community organisations including the SES, Dragon Boats, Fire Brigade and Rural Fire Service. The Forbes Shire Citizen of the Year and the Forbes Shire Young Citizen of the Year will be presented at the official ceremony at 6.30pm.

Handicraft Centre Market Day: Tomorrow at the front of the shop in Lachlan Street, from 9am to 1pm. Fresh farm produce,
in season fruit and vegetables, fresh farm eggs will be in good supply, plus a variety of plants, an abundance of home cooking including cakes, slices, biscuits, jams, relish and preserves. For the hot weather there will be homemade milk ice blocks in different flavours and a new line of homemade ice cream in four different flavours.

Results of Christmas Super Raffle: 1st prize Rylee Nickolic; 2nd prize Judy Lynton and 3rd prize Sharon Aerts.

Public gardens: Following a thumbs down about the state of the gardens at the entrance to the swimming pool the Council has advised the following: “We are busy with a master plan or CBD study for the town and gardens, which considers streetscape, traffic, pedestrians, footpaths, gardens and connectivities. This will include a review of the gardens, type of planting, watering and maintenance needs,” said General Manager, Danny Green. “That is why there are two poor garden plots near the pool and the very hot and dry weather is making it look worse. We will be considering these as we progress the CBD study.”

Parkes Phoenix Editor

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