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Diggers Swimmers Do Well in Gosford
On Saturday 31st October eighteen “elite” swimmers, from the Forbes Diggers Swimming Club, made their way to Gosford to represent Forbes in the annual Four Ways meet with Nelsons Bay, Cobar and, of course host club, Gosford.
Diggers Swimming Clubs began after World War I. The races were handicapped to allow all returned soldiers to compete and the handicap was determined by the injuries or permanent disabilities of each competitor. The Forbes club was started by returned soldier Thomas E Drane whose descendants have maintained the tradition and are still integral members of the club today. Originally the weekly event was for men only but now is a family affair. The 30m & 50m events are still handicapped and swimmers must swim as close as possible to their nominated time.
The Four Way Swim commenced as the Five Way Swim until the unfortunate closure of the Malibar Club recently. The meet was an opportunity for the men who had served together to keep in contact and maintain the special bonds they had formed during the war.
Although it has developed into a social occasion it is still a time to remember and pay respect to the men and women who made great sacrifices for the freedoms we enjoy today.
The Forbes swimmers competed well with Harry Hayes bringing home the bacon with a win in the 50m Open scratch event with a time of 30.16 along with Mick Prior swimming 0.06 outside of his time for the 30m event. The 10 man 50m relay saw the Forbes team claim 3rd swimming 3.03 faster than their nominated time. Forbes were announced as the hosts for the 2016 Meeting and look forward to welcoming visitors and their guests to Forbes in October next year.
Forbes Diggers meet every Sunday morning at the town pool with events commencing at 10.00am and people of all ages are welcome to attend. The committee are now preparing for the community Australia Day Swim followed by the Western District AIF Carnival and, their major community charity fundraiser, the Pup Cup Family Day on the 28th February.
Spring Fling a Huge Success!
Forbes North Public School held a successful fundraising event on Friday 6th October. Around 85 people attended the Spring Fling Dinner which raised in excess of $3000 which will be used to sustain the school’s Kitchen Program.
The Kitchen Garden Program emerged after grant funding was received through the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation, which enabled the school to build the schools kitchen, employ a cook and establish gardens. The Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden program is designed to help children to form positive food habits for life.
The program provides inspiration, information, professional learning and support for educational institutions to deliver pleasurable food education. Forbes North Public School was the first school to launch the program and staff have witnessed the positive impact that it has had on students and their families. Children have learned how to grow, harvest, prepare and share food, not only improving their food science knowledge but developing essential social skills. The program also explores the origins and history of food and highlights the many cultural influences and flavours available. Many of the successful outcomes of the Kitchen Garden Program can be attributed to the dedication and enthusiasm of the program facilitators, firstly with Julie Bourke and now, qualified chef, Tami Montgomery. Their love of cooking is infectious and the children have enjoyed their experiences. Tami and her team of volunteers are constantly cooking a wide variety of products, including relishes and jams, which are then sold to produce revenue to support the now self-funded program.
Tami was the driving force behind Friday’s event and was responsible for the delicious menu that attendees enjoyed. Mrs Michele Morley, Assistant Principal at Forbes North, commended Tami’s efforts and was grateful for the support shown by local businesses and the Forbes community in general.
Michele would also like to thank the Forbes Golf and Sportsman’s Hotel for being so obliging and helpful with the event.
Golf Course Ready for Classic Experience
On Saturday the golfers vied for the Monthly Medals. The A-grade winner was Todd Callaghan, with 76 scratch and 70 nett. Runner-up was Dan Bayley with nett 72. The B-grade (32) winner was Peter Barnes with a 67 nett. Runner-up was John Zannes with a 68. The C-grade (20) winner was Stuart French with a respectable 70 nett. Runnerup
on count back was Bruce Chandler, also with a 70.
On Sunday a field of 18 players, plus a junior, contested the regular Stableford Medley. Ron Hurst played the best he has in a long time to score 39 points, which included a par on the 16th. Runner-up was Dave Mylecharane with 37 points.
The NTP’s went to: 9th – R Morris; 18th – E Coombs.
The ball sweep went to 35 points and included: 36 – D Rhodes, 35 – R Morris.
The Vets Golf was a 12-hole event played at Parkes on 5th November. The winner was Geoff Collitts (F) with 24
points. Close behind was Max Haley (F) with 23 points. And the Encouraging Award went to Rick Glover (P).
The NTP’s were: 4th – A-grade P Bishop (P), B-grade ‘nil’; 11th – A-grade J Davies (P), B-grade ‘nil’. The ball sweep went down to 20 points, being distributed to Parkes – R Hamilton, P Harris, L Sunderland, R Bell, S Bell, R Luyts, and to Forbes – G Coles. The Mick Miller Shield (best six scores) went to Parkes with 126 points against Forbes 122.
The Ping Golf Equipment Demonstration day will be held on Tuesday 17 November. See Daniel to book a spot to try the gear any time between 3 and 6 pm. The 2015 Presentation Night will be held at the Sportsman’s and Golfie Hotel on 21 November, following the day’s play.
Question of the Week?
What does Remembrance Day mean to you?
“It is a chance to reflect on the hardships faced by people during war time and to let everyone know they have not been forgotten. It is because of them that Australia is what it is today.” – Oliver Carlisle
“It is a chance to remember and pay respect to the men and women who died protecting our freedom and rights during the war.” – Susan Hodges
“It is one of the most significant days for all Australians. It gives us time to pause and recognise all of the people who were impacted by the war – not only soldiers but the families left behind. They all made sacrifices so we could enjoy the high quality of life today.” – Jacqueline Flannery
Snippets…
Forbes Neighbourhood Watch volunteers have been out and about, giving assistance where needed at various community functions. This group is very community minded and happy to assist any school or organisation. Since their highly successful Home Security Expo night, they have been working with Crime Prevention Office Constable Daniel Greef, coordinating free home security assessments. Call Neighbourhood Watch on 6851 2716 or Daniel on 6862 9936 for more info.
Movember is back for the 13th year this month, flying the flag for men’s health and recruiting Mo Bros and Mo Sistas to join the good fight. If you or someone you know is taking part in Movember 2015, let us know at editor@forbesphoenix.com.au today!
The Friends of the Hospital were pleased to welcome a new member to their last meeting for the year. “We wish to thank the community for their contributions at the hospital opening day towards our fundraising for future medical equipment. We will be holding a generous monetary raffle at Woolworths during this month which will
be drawn in good time to purchase goodies for Christmas. Our Christmas luncheon is on 4 December after which we will be in recess until the first Friday in February. New members would be most welcome. A Happy Christmas to all.”
Unite to Light the Night on Sunday 22 November in Victoria Park from 5:30pm to raise money for the Leukaemia Foundation. Register today at www.lightthenight.org.au
The fifth Rotary Ipomoea Christmas Tree Festival is coming up and Forbes Rotary Ipomoea is inviting everyone to enter with a Christmas tree or Nativity scene. Your tree can be made and decorated using bought or recycled materials. Register your entry by Friday 27 November by contacting the Festival Committee on 6851 5197, 6851 4930 or by emailing sueanne.nixon@hotmail.com
The Remembrance Day Service was well attended by the Forbes community on Wednesday at Victoria Park. Michael Walker conducted the ceremony which included the unveiling of two new war memorials. The World War II Memorial was donated to the community by the Walker Family, who were present to perform the unveiling. The 2016 School Captains from Forbes High School and Red Bend Catholic College read out the names of fallen soldiers before Aaron Parry performed the last post at 11 o’clock.
And the Winners Are?
Forbes Dancing with the Stars Couple no 6, Susan Earl and Hare Laveka, may have been crowned the inaugural winners of the trophy on Saturday night but the real winner on the night was CanAssist.
Eight months ago two local women, Terese Gunn and Cassandra Tyack, decided to organise a fundraiser to benefit CanAssist after seeing firsthand the assistance they provide to local cancer patients. Dancing With The Stars Forbes was the chosen theme and the pair were hopeful that they could raise at least $10,000.00. Months of careful planning and coordination saw their dream a reality on Saturday night with nine dance couples, four prominent judges, two entertaining comperes and 353 community members attending and supporting the spectacular event.
Once again, the Forbes community has risen to the challenge and exceeded all fundraising expectations. The ladies were overwhelmed by the generosity of local businesses and the community and became quite emotional when they had well and truly exceeded their original goal.
Even though the final total has not been released it is anticipated that it will be more than $30,000. The dance routines performed on the night were of a very high standard and judges had a difficult task to come up with the overall winner with just one point separating 1st and 3rd positions. After their performances, dancers had five minutes to collect as much money as possible with the couple collecting the most money taking
out the people’s choice award.
Crowd favourites Stavros (Brian King) and Mareka (Michele Quigley) took out this coveted title with a routine that had everyone crying with laughter. CanAssist, formally known as The Cancer Patient Assistance Fund, was established in 1955 in response to concerns about country cancer patients accessing treatment in Sydney and the lack of suitably priced accommodation. Forbes began the first country branch in NSW in 1956 and provided assistance in a number of ways including transport, home visits, housework and much more. The Country branches grew and became more organised and there are currently fifty two branches in NSW.
Forbes CanAssist does not receive any government assistance and relies on fundraising and community support to provide $60,000.00 in support to local cancer patients each year. The funds raised from this event is invaluable to this organisation and will benefit many Forbes cancer patients and their families.
Our Bloke
Barry Merritt
How long have you lived in Forbes? I was born here and moved about a bit as a child but I’ve been here permanently for the past 35 years.
What do you love about Forbes? The community; knowing everyone personally, families support one another and sporting facilities are excellent.
What are your hobbies? Coaching Rugby League, I’m passionate about my current job as Aboriginal Education Officer, I love seeing Aboriginal children do well and I will continue dance.
Who inspires you the most? Ray Price – he is an absolute soldier on the Rugby League field and gives everything for his team mates.
Describe your dream holiday: Travelling the world with my beautiful wife, see the memorial of the Twin Towers, visit Vanuatu and stop off at the Antarctic on the way home.
What is the biggest change you wish to see in the world? Everyone to get along better and work together for the greater good.
Junior Cricket Thank Local Sponsors
The Forbes Junior Cricket Committee took time from their busy schedules to thank their local sponsors at a cheque presentation at the Forbes Services Memorial Club late last week.
The Forbes Services Club presented the committee with a cheque as major sponsor for the junior competition. Club manager, David Fitzgerald, was pleased to be supporting the community organisation and sees it as an opportunity to promote Sun Safety through the purchase of wide brim hats and long sleeve shirts. David was also happy to see junior cricket back on track in Forbes and was glad that the club was able to assist.
Along with the major sponsor, representatives of teams sponsors were also present including, Nathan Murphy from Gunn’s Menswear, Matt Hazell from Hazell & Field Chartered Accounts, Selwyn Bale from Bernardi’s Marketplace and Ian Bown from Sportspower. Sportspower have also donated two cricket bats which will be used at a Trivia Night hosted by both Junior and Senior Cricket later in the season.
Committee spokesperson, Wayne O’Neill, expressed his gratitude for the generous support of local businesses and commended the hard working committee on their efforts over the past three years. Three years ago junior cricket in both Forbes and Parkes was in real danger of folding until Tim Mackay took on the role of President. He formed
a partnership with Parkes junior cricket which has been very successful with registrations tripling during this period of time.
Cup Day for Forbes Toy Library
This year, the Forbes Toy Library held their annual Melbourne Cup Luncheon at the Forbes Racecourse for a fun afternoon of horses, hats and hilarity. All of the ladies in attendance enjoyed a complementary glass of champagne on the lawn before heading upstairs to the Jockey Club. There the guests sat down for a delicious three course meal, with guest speaker Wendy Muffet – founder of Girra Girra Retreat – entertaining the crowd, engaging them with her accounts of making sour dough bread in Forbes.
This year’s theme was “Shimmer and Shine”, so there was a delicate sprinkle of bling over the crowd! Heather Mackinnon won a prize for the best themed outfit, while Muz Easton won Best Headwear and Jackie Wright was
awarded Best Dressed. A silent bottle auction unveiled before the big race, providing plenty of laughs.
The Forbes Toy Library holds their Melbourne Cup Luncheon as their major fundraiser each year. Fundraising is necessary in order to keep membership costs at a minimum, ensuring that access is available to all.
Forbes Toy Library is a not-for-profit organisation run entirely by volunteers who know the importance of play in real life learning. For more information, check out Forbes Toy Library on Facebook, or contact forbestoylibrary@gmail.com.
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