General Interest Archives - Page 259 of 317

Hot And Spicy Snags A Winner

June 22, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

He’s done it again! Local butcher Shannon Bermingham’s hot and spicy sausages took out the top prize in the continental category at the regional Sausage King competition last week.

Shannon, well known to locals, also placed third in the continental category with German bratwurst, and third in the Traditional Australian Beef category with his Aussie beef snags.

Shannon has been a butcher for 23 years. “The Sausage King competition is great for small business to showcase our produce. We are very proud of our success in the event over the past several years,” he said.

The judges described Shannon’s hot and spicy sausages as having great taste and appearance. The good news is that they are available at Forbes Central Butchery for people to buy and try themselves!

Drop in and see Shannon and his team between 7.30am and 5pm Monday to Fri- day.

Sharing Culture And Community Over A Meal

June 22, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

The exotic spices and light, fresh flavours of traditional Cambodian foods were available for all to enjoy last Friday night at this year’s first multicultural event. Forbes Council hosted the event, which was held at the Golf and Sportsman’s Hotel, and included a cooking lesson, dinner and entertainment.

Locals from all backgrounds and cultures came along to enjoy the dinner. Guests were encouraged to bring a plate of food to share, to add to the Cambodian meals prepared by Nin McKenzie and Navy Yem.

While guests watched, Nin and Navy shared the secrets to putting together two fragrant and delicious chicken dishes, which were later enjoyed with steamed rice, spring rolls, pastries and other treats brought by guests.

During dinner, the function room was abuzz with the sound of conversation and laughter and the sharing of stories. As they finished eating, kids of all ages left the tables to play with new friends, while their parents enjoyed relaxing over a meal they neither had to prepare or clean up after!

After the meal, eleven-year-old Hannah Dun-Cayo treated the audience to some music. She sang three songs, including a solid rendition of the Amy Winehouse tune, Valerie.

Blake Nicholson, Council’s Community Relations Officer, said the event aimed to contribute to an inclusive and welcoming Forbes shire, bringing together residents from all cultures to help make everyone feel welcomed and included.

“We’re extremely happy with the success of last Friday’s dinner, and we’d like to make it a regular event. At this stage we are thinking once a quarter,” he said.

Any local groups or individuals who would like to be involved can contact Blake on 6850 2355 or via blake.nicholson@forbes. nsw.gov.au

By Rochelle Bright

There’s No Ducking April’s Chickens

June 22, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Eight-year old April Bermingham has been making an impact at competitions across the Central West with her prize-winning chickens and ducks. She has already won more awards than her Sausage King dad, Shannon, and has no plans to stop.

April shows Polish, Modern Game, Silkie and Ancona chickens, as well as Mallard, Crested and Indian Runner ducks.

This year she has attended four shows so far, winning 10 first prizes at Dubbo and Yeoval, seven first prizes at Wellington, and four at Orange. She also received prizes for a champion chicken and champion duck at Wellington and Yeoval, and won a number of second and third prizes at all four events.

April says that her favourite thing about showing the birds is having fun and spending time with the chickens and ducks. Her favourites are a rooster called Rocky, and a duck called Waddles.

From Sheep To Gold To Cherries

June 22, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Situated just over an hour from Forbes, the Young region is probably best known for its National Cherry Festival in December. The undulating countryside, fresh produce and fascinating pioneering history are some other reasons to visit.

James White ventured into the area in 1826 and settled at Burrangong Station. The site where Young now stands consisted of a well sheltered valley with good water. It was here that White built sheep yards and a shepherds’ hut.

The area was reserved for lambing ewes, and was given the name of Lambing Flat. The beautiful valley remained as such for 34 years until 1860 when White’s nephew Dennis Regan and Alexander ‘the Yankee’ found gold at the spot in the creek at the rear of the current Lambing Flat Folk Museum. Within 12 months some 20,000 miners were busy extracting the precious metal from the earth.

Cherry trees appear to have first been planted in Young in 1847 at the home or- chard of Edward Taylor. In 1878, the first commercial cherry orchard was planted by Croatian migrant Nikola Jasprica (often known by anglicised form of his name Nicolas Jasprizza). Using some of the original stock from Taylor’s Kentish varieties, Jasprica conducted grafting experiments to produce a suitable variety.

He had arrived in Lambing Flat in search of gold but after six months started a garden and later an orchard. By 1893 he had 100 acres under cherries with 7,000 full-grown and 300 young trees and 60 acres under vines. Today Young is known as the Cherry Capital of Australia, and boasts many other stone fruit orchards.

It was during Jasprica’s life time that Young became the first town in the southern hemisphere to install electricity into homes of the township. Young is also acknowledged as the first township to institute a rural school bus system in New South Wales.

Young is now considered to be one of the fastest growing towns in regional NSW.

Just a Short Drive to Young

June 22, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

The Tess Touch

Tess Clothing is a new exclusive business in Young for women’s clothing. The staff are highly experienced and has a flair for fashion. Pop in to see the latest arrivals and use the staff’s knowledge to find a special piece that could bring you lots of joy for years to come.

Over 100 Pieces Of Art

Finishing Touch Décor is a magical mix of beautiful art, home décor, classy gifts, fine furniture and hard-to-find pieces. Visit them in store and see the wonderful collection of over 100 pieces of art to choose from on display in their gallery shop, including eclectic pieces of furniture. A great place to go for a browse.

Healthy Choices For Your Life

Marchant’s Nutritional Therapies is a holistic company that encompasses diet, lifestyle and nutrition to provide support to anyone with a health condition, or simply for anyone who would like to achieve optimal health.

Often making simple adjustments to your lifestyle and diet can help with improving associated symptoms for many health conditions including allergies, cold and flu, digestive discomfort, arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, weight loss or gain, high blood pressure and diabetes.

Visit the store and learn how to implement healthy choices into all aspects of life.

Nurture Your Soul

Take time to nurture your soul and well being at Your Soul Space – a holistic beauty studio. Discover their unique range of Heritage Healers holistic products that works from the inside out with the ancient heal- ing of native Austrlaian wildflowers. The essences work to reduce stress, naturally improving inner well-being that is reflected in healthy, beautiful skin. Take time to make time for you!

Trevor’s Tunes Touch The Heart

June 22, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

There’s nothing like hearing an old favourite song to put a smile on your face and make you want to tap your toes. For Trevor Wren, playing music that makes people smile and feel good is one of his greatest joys.

At a Neighbourhood Central social lunch on Tuesday, Trevor entertained a packed audience in the function room at the Vandenberg Hotel. Singing a wide repertoire of old songs, and playing his piano, he filled the room with smiles and memories while the members enjoyed a delicious meal.

Trevor discovered he could pick out a tune at age 10 when he visited an aunt and uncle who had a piano. At 13, he had three lessons, but decided he’d rather play football.

He later taught himself to read music and play piano.

For the past 28 years, Trevor has vol- unteered his musical talents across Parkes and Forbes. He was also involved for a few years with the Parkes Music and Drama Society.

He loves the positive affect music can have on people. “I enjoy seeing the look on some of the older people’s faces when they hear a song they know,” he said.

Trevor plays regularly for Neighbourhood Central events.

By Rochelle Bright

Not Your Average Showgirl

June 22, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Local women between the ages of 18 and 24 who make a difference in the community are being encouraged to get involved in the annual The Land Sydney Royal Showgirl competition.

The 2017 Forbes Showgirl committee had its first meeting last week. They have three entrants so far and are looking for more. The committee includes Susan Earl, Kathy Sweeney, and former Bedegerabong Showgirl, Casey Mcquire, who won the local title in 2013.

Susan Earl has returned as an organiser of the local competition after a seven-year break, prior to which she managed the event for 13 years. “It’s a great way for young women to meet like-minded new friends, and get out of their comfort zone,” she said.

“Contestants are judged on general knowledge and knowledge of their local community, personality, life goals, speaking skills, personal grooming and presentation.

“The experience helps to improve interview skills, looks good on a resume, and is a great way to build confidence. There are also some beautiful prizes,” she said.

For more information about the Forbes Showgirl competition, contact Casey Mc- quire at casey.maguire@wf.catholic.edu.au, or Susan Earl on 0428445531 or via dsearlx@bigpond.com

Just a Short Drive to Young

June 22, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Irish Drinks At The Cri

The Criterion Hotel at 135 Boorowa Street in Young first opened its doors more than 150 years ago in July 1861. The Irish pub, with Guiness and Kilkenny on tap, has been owned by a father and son team for the past 25 years.

Known for its food and live entertainment, there is also a weekly joker draw and pool competition. Regular visitors to Young rate the Criterion’s food as the best in town with large, well-priced portions.

New Stock All The Time

At Boutique 99 the owner Cynthia Watson offers a wide range of ladies clothing and accessories.

Cynthia has worked in customer service her whole life. She stocks exclusive labels to the region, as something for every occasion – from formal wear, debutante to weddings and special occasions. She has new stock arriving all the time.

Historic Location For Antiques

Gladys and Edna is an amazing antique furniture shop filled with bright and colourful giftware and homewares. Gladys and Edna have a beautiful historic location on the great corner location opposite IGA in Boorowa Street.

800 Local Kids Taste Real Food

June 15, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Joshua Reid, Sam Nicholson, Destiny Pout, Matilda Brakenridge, Joe Bentick-McEwen, Jack Gilchrist and Ella Gilchrist.

Getting kids to like fresh fruit and vegetables may sound like an impossible job for many parents, but the Forbes Food Revolution served up their 800th plate of the good stuff last Thursday.

The Real Food Tasting program, run by food ambassador Lucy Pearce and Maree Yapp from Schools as Community Centres (SaCC), is for children aged three to eight years.

Real Food Tasting is a lesson about healthy eating that invites children to try a plate of eight different fruit and vegies with their friends.

“We try to include familiar and not-so-familiar fruit and vegies for the children,” said Lucy. “Every child is encouraged to at least try something new.”

Lucy and Maree have visited every early childhood centre and primary school in Forbes. They have been thrilled by the response, with Kindy to Year 2 teachers embracing the opportunity to encourage children to taste test everything on their plate.

Parents are excited by the program and the difference it has made to their children’s eating habits.

“A mum thanked me for the work Forbes Food Revolution has done,” said Maree. “Her child would not eat fruit before and she was so excited the first time she could pack a banana in her child’s lunchbox! This is what makes us so excited about providing Real Food Tasting to our community”.

Lucy and Maree are grateful to Woolworths Forbes, which donates fresh fruit and vegies to the program each year.

This is the fourth year of the program, and children are starting to recognise the red Forbes Food Revolution shirts and plates of fruit and vegies.

Though the program ended last week, Lucy and Maree are always thinking of new ideas. If you would like to be involved, contact Maree on 6852 3008.

By Rochelle Bright

Great Honour For Race Caller

June 15, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes local Colin Hodges was awarded an OAM on Monday.

Forbes’ own Colin Hodges has been awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in this year’s Queen’s birthday honours for service to the horse racing industry as a radio broadcaster.

A local all his life, and a shearer until he turned 49, Colin has been calling races for 47 years. He is well known throughout the region but is perplexed by the award and the attention it brings with it.

“Geez, all I did was get up and call out a few horses’ names,” he said with a chuckle.

Growing up on a property in Bogan Gate, the first hint of his future in race calling appeared at school when he was nine years old, when he rounded up kids and had them trotting around a made-up track while he called the race.

But it was the late Bobby Gunn who brought him into the business. “He got me in and had me practice with a tape recorder. At Gooloogong he gave me a call one day, and that’s when I started – in 1970 and I was about 20.”

Now, Colin calls races right across regional NSW. He estimates he’s called the names of over 150,000 horses.

He also spent 14 years calling races in a jungle in Vanuatu to support fundraising for disaster recovery.

What has been most rewarding for him was the wonderful people he’s met, and their resilience when there have been hard times. “They were still willing and found the energy to organise their annual race meeting and bring the community together.

“I feel privileged to have met all those people who have been so resilient and so generous with their time, and the people who train and ride the horses,” he said.

By Rochelle Bright

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