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Forbes Phoenix

Forbes Croquet

August 17, 2023 by Through The Hoop

There was a very special occasion to celebrate at croquet on Tuesday this week, with Geoff Coles turning the magnificent age of 90! It was great to have members of his family join him for 3 games of Croquet. Congratulations Geoff from all the croquet members.

AUSSIE CROQUET 

On Saturday 12th August there were 29 players who took to the courts on a beautiful sunny morning. There were five players who won three games: M. Jones, J. Browne, N. Jolliffe, C. Liebich and N. Spry. Big wins on the day went to: 

• N. Spry and J. Farah 14-7

• M. Jones and R. Anderson 14-7

• E. Quirk and J. Browne 14-8

• N. Spry and B. Scott 14-9

• J. Browne and A. Todd, J. Browne and N.Jolliffe 14-9.

14-11 winners and runner-ups were:

• L. Todd, C. Liebich – A. Todd,R. Toole.

• J. Cole, N. Jolliffe – M. Spry, R. Burridge.

• S. Hepburn – V. Roberts.

• J. Littlejohn, N. Jolliffe – M. Spry, B. White.

• E. Quirk – F. Picker.

• C. Liebich, D. Scott – L. Todd, R. Pols.

• K. Rubie, S. Hepburn – J. Allegri, A. Jones.

14-12 winners and runner-ups were:

• N. Spry, J. Littlejohn – D. Scott, R. Toole.

• J. Farah – J. Allegri, B. Scott.

• C. Liebich, R. Toole – A. Jones, L. Todd.

• B. Scott, L. Simmons – R. Burridge, M.Spry. 

14-13 winners and runner-ups were:

• F. Picker, M. Jones – R. Anderson, L. Simmons.

• R. Pols – R. Anderson, J. Allegri.

GOLF CROQUET

A total of 31 players enjoyed a great morning in the sunshine playing croquet. There were four players who won three games: J. Browne, J. Job, S. Perry and R. Pols. The big winners were 10-3 J. Job and P. West, 9-4 S.Hepburn and P. West, D. Scott andF.Picker, S. Hepburn and R. Pols, R. Tooland J. Job.

By Through The Hoop 

Spacemen Reserve Grade Secure The Win

August 17, 2023 by Roxane Manley

It was a tough effort by Parkes Reserve grade who only had 13 players and and empty bench.

Last Sunday four grades of footy were played at Spooner Oval Forbes, between Parkes and Forbes. Reserve Grade brought home the win for Parkes. 

Centre for Parkes, Bill Simpson said, “It was a good hit out, from both ends, a real physical game that was all played through the middle”.

Coach Jimmy Clyburn was proud of the boys efforts, saying, “It was a tough effort, we did well considering we had no bench for the whole game, the boys really dug in”.

Reserve grade now sit in fourth position and play St Pats in Bathurst this weekend.

Be Seen @ Forbes Country Music Muster

August 17, 2023 by Roxane Manley

The August muster was held on Sunday 13th August.

 

Thanks to each and every person who braved the weather to join in.

 

The afternoon was very enjoyable with a wide variety of talent from a number of walk-up entertainers

 

Forbes Garden Club Report

August 17, 2023 by Green Thumb

Elvy Quirk Helenie Carmody and Kaylene Bailey at the Garden Club meeting.

Thirty three members made their way out to Calarie Hall for our last Garden Club meeting.

Elvy Quirk presided over the business meeting, where volunteers for the Open Gardens in October listed their offers of help. The Mens Shed will be providing a barbecue lunch for both days and members are asked to provide slices that can be sold to support them.

The Orange Garden Club are organising a trip to Thailand to view gardens and anyone who may be interested is to let Secretary Robin know for details.

Helenie Carmody and Jan Richards were our guests from the Young Garden Club. Helenie is a zone Councillor and gave us an interesting talk on the history of Garden Clubs Australia, which started 73 years ago with a vision by Margaret Davis who visited the Chelsea Flower Show in England and then started in Sydney. There are now 718 affiliated Clubs. Kaylene Bailey moved a vote of thanks.

The three raffle prizes were won by Robyn Mattiske, Ann Nelson and Robin Pols.

prizes were donated by Acheson’s Mitre 10 and Helenie Carmody.

Flower of the month winners were: First place Margaret West with a Helebore , second to Meg Scholefield with a Begonia and third to John Browne with a Chrysantheum.

The next meeting will be held at David and Leonie Todd’s home 62 Union Street, Forbes on 24th August at 2pm please bring a chair and cup. See you there. The usual flower of the month and trading table and guest speaker.

Open Gardens are scheduled for 14th and 15th October with a line up of eight gardens that will be well worth a visit. On 11th November we are having a luncheon to celebrate 70 years of Forbes Garden Club. This will be held at the beautiful old historical Town Hall.

By Green Thumb

Ken Keith To Serve His Final Term As Mayor Of Parkes

August 17, 2023 by Cr Ken Keith OAM

One of the most familiar faces in Parkes would have to be long serving Mayor Ken Keith OAM.

I wish to advise the residents of Parkes Shire, my fellow Councillors and Council staff of my desire to see a succession plan to a smooth transition to a new leadership team.

I thought it was appropriate to give advance notice of my intention to step down as Mayor so that my fellow Councillors have time to properly consider a new Mayor and Deputy Mayor they believe will be best placed to lead our team into the next election and beyond. I express my gratitude to all the dedicated Councillors I have served with over the years and the extremely talented staff that have helped guide our Shire.

In September of this year, it will be my privilege and honour to complete my 40th consecutive year serving the Parkes Shire Council and thus the Parkes Shire communities. I commenced my 17th year as Mayor in July, after serving my mentor and friend, the late Robert Wilson OAM, for 17 years as his Deputy Mayor.

I would like to acknowledge the outstanding leadership and advice of the two General Managers, the late Alan McCormack PSM and Kent Boyd PSM with whom I have worked closely during my term at the helm. As Sir Isaac Newton is credited to have said “I am standing on the shoulders of giants”. I believe as the current Councillors of Parkes Shire we are doing just that, as our predecessors have shown vision and foresight.

Parkes Shire Council is now highly regarded in Local Government circles around the State and has a very exciting future. 

In making this decision I acknowledge the wonderful support of my devoted wife, Sue, who was only engaged to a prospective Councillor way back in 1983. Our three sons, James, Max and Douglas, have accepted sharing their father’s time with his passion for Parkes Shire, for which I am most grateful. It is now time to repay their unwavering support. More time for visiting our beautiful grandchildren and having some holidays and travel without worrying about clashing with a Council meeting! 

I have also appreciated the support of my brother Tim and the many people who have assisted me in my farming operations over the years, this has allowed me to devote the time needed for this role. 

In closing, I have had the pleasure to meet so many kind and compassionate residents, who care deeply about the various communities which comprise the Shire we all call home. I thank you sincerely for your mostly voluntary contributions which I believe is the glue which holds us all together. 

By Cr Ken Keith OAM 

A Win For Grierson And Simmons

August 17, 2023 by Short Putt

Winners Sharon Grierson and Wendy Simmons receive their trophy from Head Pro Will.

Last Saturday the Forbes golfers played a 4BBB Stableford Medley event, contesting for the Bob and Diane Doolin Memorial Trophy. The field comprised 65 men.

The winners were the pairing of Sharon Grierson and Wendy Simmons. They contributed equally to score 48 points, with only one hole where they scored a lonely point. Runners-up were Ted Morgan and Matt Duff with 46 points. While Ted did most of the work, Matt did chime in with a couple of 4-pointers, they were hurt by too many 1-pointers.

The NTP’s went to: 9th Men: N Ryan, Ladies: J Cripps; 18th Men: H Callaghan, Ladies V Lane. The Pro Shop Super-pin went to Adam Hall with a shot to 1.66. The ball sweep went to 43, so check in the Pro Shop.

Visitors included Adam and Jarod Hall (Trundle GC), who found the grass greens difficult in comparison to their sand greens, and Digit McAuliffe (Nelson Bay) who was back for another short visit.

On Sunday, the first of the new format 9-Hole Stableford Medley comps was held. The weather turned many players away but Jake LeBrocque did play and managed 18 points, for no reward.

A good number of Forbes players competed in the Temora Open on Sunday, which was preceded by a 4BBB on Saturday. It was fine weather both days, albeit a little chilly.

John Betland and Peter Dawson won the 4BBB event The Sunday Open was won by a player from Leeton with 71. Steve Betland was Runner-up with a 73, and on count back from John Betland and Shane Sallaway.

The Taylor-Made Equipment day is on Tue 22 August, contact Head Pro Will if you want to book in. This weekend the mens comp is an Individual Stableford event, sponsored by MTA Travel (Forbes).

By Short Putt

Snippets…

August 17, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Big smiles all around for the latest group that completed their Certificate II in Rail Infrastructure training course

Want To Become A Rail Industry Worker? Congratulations to the latest group who completed their Certificate II in Rail Infrastructure training course. A partnership between the Inland Rail Skills Academy, the TIC Training Group in Albury and held at the Ettamogah Rail Hub. The accredited, entry-level course covers all the requirements for a Rail Industry Worker card and opens up a world of potential job opportunities within the rail industry. Learn more about education and scholarship opportunities https://inlandrail.info/3J5laIG 

Pares Country Music Club: Parkes and District Country Music Association August muster will be held Sunday 20th August at 1pm in the Starlight Lounge, Parkes Services Club. Featured performer is Rhonda Tomlinson from Dubbo. Dancing, raffle, competitions, lucky door prizes, lucky members draw. $5.00 adults, children free 

Help the surviving Country Music clubs in regional areas by attending. 

Forbes Family History Group Inc: We are halfway through National Family History Month. Researching family history puts ‘meat on the bones’ of our ancestors. It is so much more than dates and numbers. It is okay to be curious. Take a deep dive into your family history and see where it takes you. The Forbes Family History Group Inc. are here to help. 

Screen NSW – Opportunity Alert! Expressions of interest are now open for Screenworks’ Set For Success. The initiative is designed to build the capacity of skilled, below-the-line practitioners in regional Australia through an on-set training program that taps into the skills and industry knowledge of accomplished senior crew and heads of department, engaging them as mentors for crew that are training into more senior roles. Find out more https://screenworks.com.au/learn/set-for-success/ 

Forbes Show Working Bee: A working beewill be held this Sunday at the Forbes Showground from 10am – 12pm. With the show just around the corner it’s time to get the pavilions all set up ready for all the entries to come in. If you can help please come along, many hands make light work. 

Isabel’s girls pretty in Pink: The team got together and pinked it up to watch the Barbie movie together. It was a great way to get all the girls together to be able to bond outside of work. Team bonding is important in any workplace, so hats off to the owners and management of Isabel’s Place in Forbes. 

The amazing team from Isabel’s place enjoyed the new Barbie movie.

FPS Show Their True Colours

August 17, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Soccer fever has hit Australia with 2023 FIFA World Cup. Forbes Public School Principal Megan Staples and FPS teacher Katie Stitt showed their passion for women’s soccer when they both showed up to school on Tuesday sporting just a touch of green and gold to show support for the Mighty Matildas. 

The Matildas have captivated the nation with their 2023 World Cup campaign, unfortunately just missing a finals spot, going down to England, three to one in the semi final on Wednesday night. 

Well done to FPS for showing your support. Go to the Matildas and women in sport!

Nominate A Local Dad For “Community Sports Dad Of The Year” Ahead Of Father’s Day

August 17, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Bradley Benjamin from Lightning Ridge was Community Sport Dad of the Year 2022.

Nominations are now open for the tenth annual Philips Community Sports Dad of the Year award, acknowledging the contributions and positive impact that Australian dads have made both on and off the sporting field. 

Celebrating ten years of this prestigious award, dads across Australia have been acknowledged for their commitment to community sport – from coaching duties, painting lines on the pitch to raising funds for new equipment. 

Damien Cook, Rabbitohs and NSW origin star who won the 2022 Celebrity Sports Dad of the Year award, knows first-hand the support he received from his own dad growing up and aspires to do the same with his kids, Willow and Jagger. 

“Speaking from experience with my own dad when I was younger, community dads are so important with the roles they cover – from being a coach, setting up fields, refereeing and driving us to and from training and on game days. 

“My dad did this all while working full time and then worked overtime just to earn the extra time off to be able to get me to and from my commitments and be there to support me.” 

Every athlete, no matter grassroots or professional, has their story of who has supported them over the years. 

Nominations are now open and close midnight AEST on 22 August 2023. To nominate a community sports dad, submit 100 words on why they should win via www.sportsdads.com.au/community. The winner will be notified prior to Father’s Day, Sunday, 3 September, with the prize pack including a Philips male grooming pack valued at over $1,000 RRP, as well as a $5,000 Rebel Sports voucher to purchase clothing or sporting equipment for the community sports club of choice. 

To submit a dad who deserves to be recognised, visit www.sportsdads.com.au

Boars Too Good For Dubbo Rhinos In Elimination Final

August 17, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Ben Ryan forcing his way through the defence, with plenty of Boars to back him up.

Last Saturday, Dubbo Rhinos kicked off – straight into the arms of Soropepeli Soqe “Zorro” who ran the ball right back to the 15m, bowling the defence before him. With four players hanging off him he executed a neat pass onto the chest of Will Bevan. Bevan scored and added the extras.

Rhinos took a penalty goal to put their first points on the board. Parkes 7 – Dubbo 3. Boars mounted a push forward, spinning the ball out to Callum Reed who schored. Parkes 12 – Dubbo 3. Dubbo put the ball over the try line and convert Pares 12 – Dubbo 10.

Luke Bevan was next to score after the Boars scrum monstered the Rhinos pack. Parkes 17 – Dubbo 10. Mahe Fangupo crossed and Luke Bevan converted taking the score to Parkes 24 – Dubbo 10. Then with minutes to go in the first half, Zorro had the ball again – this time he holds it and crosses. Luke Bevan converts and at half time the score is Parkes 31 – Dubbo 10.

The Boars returned to the field, Luke Bevan added a penalty goal in the first five minutes. The rhinos rally to find the line Parkes 34 – Dubbo 15. A handling error from Parkes let Dubbo through again Pares 34 – Dubbo 20.

Tupou Vereti “Freddy” intercepted to score for the Boars. Luke Bevan added the extras. The score Parkes 41 – Dubbo 20 at the halfway mark.

The Rhinos put another two tries on with one conversion to bring their score to 32. Not to be outdone, Boars scored twice more with Luke Bevan, Bevan then converting his own Pares 48 – Dubbo 32. A penalty goal from the sideline added another three to the Parkes tally Parkes 51 – Dubbo 32 then to finish out the game the flying flanker Chris Parker finds the line out wide. The final score on the whistle, Boars 56 – Rhinos 32.

The Boars now make their way to Mudgee for their fourth finals match in as many years.

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