Three local community organisations have received a total of $8,168 in the latest round of the Community Chest Raffle program run by the Forbes Services Memorial Club.

The Raffle program was set up by the Board of Directors and Club CEO David Fitzgerald in November 2015 as a way of giving back to the community. The club donates prizes for the raffle, and tickets are sold at the club on Wednesday and Friday nights. Since the start of the program, a total of $48,140 has been gifted to 18 local community groups to help them run their respective organisations and support their work in the community.

“We haven’t repeated a group yet,” said Club CEO David Fitzgerald. “It has grown beyond our expectations.

“The Club is the conduit, making it possible for local people to support their commu- nity groups. It makes me proud,” David said.

The latest three recipients are the Forbes Men’s Shed, Forbes Rodeo Inc and Forbes Eisteddfod, who received their Community Chest Raffle funds at a presentation last Friday.

The Men’s Shed received $2,830. President Norm Haley welcomed the funds. “This money will go towards furnishings and equipment for the new shed. We chase donations where we can, but it’s nice to have a bit of extra money to help us out,” he said.

Forbes Rodeo Inc. received $2,738, which will go towards the fund for a home ground in Forbes.

“We might also be able to buy a rope dummy to take to our demonstrations at schools and fetes,” said Troy Read.

Jan Facey accepted $2,600 for Forbes Eisteddfod. The money will help them run their annual event.

If you are part of a community group and would like to be involved in the program, contact David Fitzgerald at the Club.

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.

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

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!

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

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