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Maggi Barnard has been with the Forbes Phoenix since 2021 and loves writing about her community.
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Jess Dawes, Administration Marketing and Events Co-ordinator for the Forbes Business Chamber was very pleased with the attendance and participation by all who turned up on Saturday morning for the Find it in Forbes Christmas Festival. With over 400 people turning up throughout the day and wandering around the shops, stalls and even participating in events, and with the weather being on our side, it was a great day.
Jess said,“ she was delighted with the way things ran and it was a great festive atmosphere throughout the whole day.’ Retailers commented that they had all benefitted and it was great to see so many visitors shopping in our local community. Stall holders also enjoyed a great day and were pleased that they had attended the event.”
Everybody loved listening to Cath Adams who provided entertainment from 11.30. The kids loved seeing Santa and telling him what they would like for Christmas. Kristen’s Dance Studio gave some fabulous performances and are to be congratulated for some of their moves on what was a very warm surface. Jess would like to say a big thank you
to the sponsors, who have generously supported the event, and without whom the Find it in Forbes Christmas promotion and festival would not take place. These sponsors included John David Motors, Green Homes Australia, Forbes Phoenix, Forbes Advocate, Knights Steel Fabrications, and Bunnings.
Moes for Movember fundraising organized by McClintocks of Forbes raised $2594.50. The winner of the raffle was drawn by Cr Liz McGlynn of the Bland Shire Council. The lucky winner was Brian Greenwood of Yass. What a great effort by the team at McClintocks.
Generous support by local fishermen. The Forbes Services Memorial Fishing Club generously donated the proceeds of the fundraising efforts to local organisations last Friday evening with a cheque presentation at the Forbes Services Memorial Club.
CanAssist Forbes Branch, Forbes Breast Cancer Support Group, Forbes Women’s Refuge, Forbes State Emergency Services, Forbes Central Rural Fire Brigade, Havannah House Ministries, Leukaemia Foundation, Forbes Sunshine Club, Salvation Army and the Forbes Torchbearers for Legacy were are beneficiaries and were
extremely grateful of the support afforded to them. The funds raised came directly from the weekly raffles held at the Services Club every Wednesday and Friday night. The raffles are part of the Club’s Community Chest program with a different organisation receiving the profits of the raffles each month. CanAssist Forbes branch have been named for the month of November followed by Torch Bearers for Legacy for December. Community organisations are welcome
to apply for their opportunity to benefit from the program and can call into the club during business hours for further information or to submit an application.
FHS held Purple Day for PBL where staff and students dressed in purple to promote the PBL Draw which will occur next week after the end of year presentation assembly. Christine Crawford and Robyne Cowhan, the canteen ladies, won the best dressed for the staff while Erin Turner was the best dressed female student on the day. PBL stands for Positive Behaviour for Learning which is a reward program for students who display good behaviour
and display the PBL values of Respect, Responsibility, Honesty and Doing your Best. Students are given a purple slip by teachers and staff when they are practicing these values. The slips go into the draw to win a major prize twice a year. The PBL committee with assistance from the Student Representative Committee provided everyone with a free sausage sizzle and ice cream at lunch on Purple Day.
So guess who we found serving drinks on Friday night at Vanfest, none other than our local mayor Phyllis Miller who volunteered to help out.
The Forbes dragon Boat Club, which began in 2011 has been steadily been growing their membership, currently 38 members from both Forbes and Parkes. This will give them good access to the lake and protect the boat for the elements and vandalism.
The club were very excited about winning the grant and Andrew Gee congratulated the club and told members that this was the third largest grant given out. This money will be used to build a shed to house their two boats on the western end of the Sport & Rec Club bowling green. This will give the Club very good access to the lake and
protect the boat from the elements and also from vandalism. Mr.Gee said,”he was excited that this grant will help the Club achieve even greater deeds on the water.’
Australia Day on Tuesday, January 26 will have a completely new format with a family barbecue and picnic afternoon planned from 4pm at Colin McKenzie Park (also known as Frog Hollow) on Lake Forbes behind the Forbes Sports and Recreation Club.
The inaugural Ben Hall Gift, Forbes’ own version of the famous Stawell Gift, will be a feature of the afternoon with $3000 in prize money to be awarded. Sponsored by the Forbes Sports and Recreation Club and Walkers Ag n Vet, there will be 100m sprint races from 5pm in the categories of men, women, juniors, celebrity and league vs union.
The final of the Ben Hall Gift will take place at 7pm. The official ceremony is to be held at 6pm with live music to follow and a fireworks display from Bates Bridge will light the night sky at the end of the evening at 9pm. Throughout the afternoon there will also be free children’s rides, the CWA Damper Cooking Competition, a range of food stalls and a bar.
The traditional Rotary Community Breakfast will start the Australia Day activities from 7am at Apex Park and the Diggers Family Swim will be at the Forbes Town Pool from 11am. Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said she was looking forward to the celebrations. “While the format is different to previous years for the afternoon activities, the Ben Hall Gift is going to be a lot of fun and there is a great prize pool up for grabs,” Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said.
“A barbecue or picnic with family and friends is what Australia Day is all about and we are also encouraging you to bring down your own barbecues (fire ban permitting) shade shelters and eskies to have an enjoyable afternoon out by Lake Forbes.” Council is also reminding community members that nominations are now open for the 2016 Forbes Citizen of the Year and Junior Citizen of the Year awards, which will be presented at the official ceremony.
Nomination forms are available online at www.forbes.nsw.gov.au or you can pick up a form from Council’s administration office at 2 Court Street.
Tim Westcott
How long have you lived in Forbes? I have lived in Forbes for 20 years on and off, I always seem to come back.
What do you love most about Forbes? I love the people of Forbes. The countryside in and around Forbes is great and the river is its biggest asset. The forest areas gives variety and interest to the area as well.
What are your hobbies or interests? My interests are riding motorbikes out in the bush, skiing and playing squash. I also enjoy having a beer with friends and family.
If you could have dinner with anyone in the world who would it be? I would love to have dinner with Rihanna because she is a good sort.
What would be your dream holiday? My dream holiday would be one that lasts forever but failing that I aim to travel the world.
What is the biggest change you would like to see in the world? The biggest change I would like to see in the world is that everyone lives in peace with each other.
Christmas music and caroling are a big part of Christmas – what do you think about the music being played in the CBD in the lead up to Christmas this year?
SUE CUNNINGHAM – I think the music playing down the street is a great idea but I would love it if they would play more carols, traditional or modern, and less advertising.
DAFFYD THOMAS – I really like the carols and music being played. It creates a great atmosphere in the street.
DENISE HOWELL – I love the music, it puts everyone in the Christmas Spirit and reminds you that Christmas is nearly here and encourages me to do my Christmas shopping
Saturday’s play was the Monthly Medal, sponsored by Central West Diesel. Once again Peter Dawson played exceptional golf to finish on 70 nett. His front-9 was 2-over, courtesy of a ‘7’ on the second, but his back-9 was 1-under, helped by a couple of birdies. Close behind was Barry Parker, with a fine 71 nett.
The B-grade (24) culminated in a nailbiting finish. An early player, Jeff House was 3-over after 15, but then it went wrong and he dropped 8 shots on the last holes finishing with 68 nett. At the end of the field, Adam Borger came home in par figures for his 68 nett. This ensured he won on count back from Jeff.
The C-grade was a triumph for consistency when Frank Hanns came in with a nett 69. Close behind was Stuart French with 70 nett. Sunday was the regular Stableford Medley. Many players were out early, among the ‘Sixes’ players to beat the heat. Dave Rhodes fired home with 39 points.
He had a comfortable lead over Stuart French (37), who is truly enjoying his golf, until of course the handicapper catches him. The Vets Golf, played on Thursday Dec 3rd, included the Single Stableford and Xmas Hamper comp played over 18 holes, and the Yearly results as compiled for both Parkes and Forbes players. Now for the Mick Miller Shield Results, tabulated over the year:
Points Comp: Winner – M Cartwright (F) 100; R/up – D Rogers (P) 90.
Stableford comp: Winner – T Edols (F) 576;
R/up J O’Shannessy (P) 564.
And there are a few stories. Local history was made when a group of five players each scored a birdie on the 1st hole. Luckily they did not par the first, or else their scores would have crumbled, as folk lore indicates.
Victoria Park came to life on Sunday night when the Forbes Town Band and Forbes Shire Council presented the Annual Carols by Candlelight event to the delight of the Forbes Community.
The event was well attended by people of all ages and regular attendees said it was the largest crowd they have seen in many years. The standard and quality of the featured artists was top notch and the Forbes Town Band did an amazing job accompanying the vocalists.
Mayor Phyllis Miller welcomed everyone to the perfect evening and wished everyone a safe and happy Christmas. Special guest, Emily Pavey led some of the community carols along with many of our local talents including, James Whalan, new singing teacher with the Mitchell Conservatorium of Music, Emily Ragg and the
delightful trio of Maddison Collits, Paige Ellison and Chelsea Turner. The Youth Band also performed some upbeat numbers which really got the crowd involved.
The inclusion of the Spectacular Screenings inflatable screen which displayed the carol words was a great edition to the event and enabled attendees to see the words even when it is normally too dark to see.
Events such as this are not possible without the assistance provide by council and the hard work of our volunteer organisations, the Forbes Town Band and the Forbes Lions Club who provided hot food, refreshments and battery operated candles.
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