Delightful autumn weather encouraged over 80 motorcyclists to participate in this year’s annual Ironbark Dice Run held by the Midstate Motorcycle Club on Saturday 18th May 2019.

The ride, which this year benefited the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, attracted riders from all over the Central West of NSW including Parkes, Bathurst, Orange, Molong, Forbes, Goulburn and Canowindra.

Such was the success of the day that the club will be donating $1,730 to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

The Midstate Motorcycle Club would like to thank all those who attended for their and also the Parkes SES for supplying tea and coffee at the start of the ride.

Australia’s greatest soul voice Doug Parkinson presents the ultimate tribute to Joe Cocker on Saturday 22nd June at the Dubbo Regional Theatre.

A night of soul and rock classics, the electric current runs high, generated from the very talented 8 piece band and of course the powerful and unique voice of Doug Parkinson.

Joe Cocker was an irresistible force that combined a love of American soul music with standout interpretations and depth of feeling, terms often used to describe the soulful smoky voice of

Australian singing legend Doug Parkinson. Cocker is most famous for what he did  other people’s songs Hitchcock Railway, Delta Lady, You Can Leave Your Hat On, She Came in through the Bathroom Window, The Letter, You Are So Beautiful, Up Where We Belong and Cry Me A River.

Just a few of the songs Doug Parkinson has included in this new show that rolls along and leaves the audience spellbound.

Cocker chose well. He had hit records with songs from the Beatles, Ray Charles, Billy Preston, the Animals and Traffic among others – and then he magically reworked them.

Add in his famous gritty vocals and Cocker’s interpretations often surpassed the celebrated originals.

There couldn’t be a more appropriate singer in Australia to showcase the ultimate tribute to Joe Cocker than the gravelly soulful voice of Australian singing legend Doug Parkinson, often described as exciting and impassioned and also a master of interpreting others’ songs.

Parkinson is not only an entertainer but an amazing vocalist. One example that brings the house down night after night is the huge hit for Doug, and probably the best version to date; the Beatles’ Dear Prudence.

The Next Stage Growth Program (NSGP) is a six-month program for existing businesses wanting to accelerate and grow in sales, revenue, people, skills, knowledge, capacity, markets and more.

Led by experienced leaders in entrepreneurship, marketing and managing the growth process, business owners will assess their core business strategies and growth expectations, conduct competitive analysis with real data, develop market strategies to target profitable growth opportunities, and learn how to exploit digital and social media to build and manage customer relationships.

Come along to a free one hour presentation on Tuesday, 4th June at the Forbes Concourse (Town Hall). This event is open to businesses in the Parkes and Forbes region.

You can register for the event through: eventbrite.com.au/e/61411619808.

Forbes Shire Council is holding the first New Residents Welcome to Forbes Reception at the Forbes Sports and Recreation Club on 31st May. It will be a fun night for new residents to get to know a little bit more about the community as well as meet the Councillors and local organisations from the Shire.

The event will be a casual get together with drinks and light refreshments and a casual game of barefoot bowls.

“Many of those burning questions can be answered. It will also give people an opportunity to talk with others who are in the same boat,” said Forbes Mayor, Phyllis Miller.

This will be a biannual event. Call Jolene Jones by Wednesday, 29th May on 6850 2300 or email community@forbes.nsw.gov.au to book your spot.

Nic Jones with his dad Jason, caught this Cod in the Lachlan River.

In recent times, local IT shop Steele Technology has seen a surge in the number of scam victims of home users as well as businesses.

They are urging people to really think before acting, especially when you receive a call wanting access to your computer or regarding your internet.

If it doesn’t sound right, ask for a case number, tell them you will call them back, but do not call the number they provide. Look up the number on your last invoice or Google it.

The same principle applies to emails, or more recently a letter with a call back number on it. Ensure the sender is who they say they are. Never click on an invoice or link without being 100 percent sure it is correct. If you do click on a link and it takes you to a website, never enter any details!

Be sure that you have working, anti-virus protection or seek help to ensure your device is not corrupted. If you have provided your bank details, inform your bank. If you have provided someone with your password, change that password as well as for anything else you use the same password for.

Report any such incidents to scamwatch.gov.au

Direct from the USA and after sell out shows in North America, Abstract Entertainment is proud to announce the return of The Kings of Country tour – playing across the east coast of Australia from May 2019 and bringing back the music of Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson and John Denver.

Phillip Bauer as Johnny Cash has been recreating the sound and the look since 1985. This with Phillip’s uncanny natural resemblance and his stage presence leaves his audiences spellbound as he recreates the era of Jackson, Folsom Prison Blues and all the songs that made Johnny Cash the King of Country music.

Michael Moore as the outlaw, Willie Nelson, is the world’s leading Willie Tribute artist. Identifying with his music and style from an early age, Michael developed an affinity with Willie that has led to a lifelong career as a tribute performer and has seen him travel the world performing songs such as On The Road Again, Always On My Mind and To All The Girls I’ve Loved Before.

Ted Vigil as John Denver, has just been awarded the Rising Legend award by the American Country Music Association. He is an accomplished drummer and singer but has made a career performing as John Denver. He has been asked to perform at John Denver’s own Windstar Foundation on two occasions – a unique honour for the Denver fan and tribute artist. Audiences will hear the songs we most remember – Take Me Home, Country Road, Annie’s Song, Thank God I’m A Country Boy and also many more.

The Kings of Country show is a unique opportunity to experience the music of three amazing artists in one night.

Get your tickets by going to www.abstractentertainment.net. Tickets on sale now!