Forbes Phoenix

Letter to the Editor

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Once again 25 April, Anzac Day has come and gone. For the past 48 years I have attended both the Dawn Service and Mid-Morning Service with my Dad (WWII), until he passed away in 1996, and my brother Terry (Vietnam).

For circumstances beyond everyone’s control, Anzac Day this year was to be somewhat different. No one really had any idea how the day would play out, but the people of Forbes and district rose to the occasion and made the day most memorable. Aaron Parry once again turned up at 5.30am to play the Last Post, our Mayor Phyllis Miller and I laid wreaths, and the Ode was recited at the Cenotaph in Victoria Park. Very different from past years but just as moving.

At 6am I stood out the front of my house with a candle and lowered the flag to half-mast. I looked down the street and couldn’t believe my eyes, candles, torches, lights on phones all the way down the street. And from a lot of reports most streets in Forbes all doing the same thing.

Sunday morning, I went to the Cenotaph and counted 43 wreaths that had been laid around the Cenotaph from Individuals, families, service organisations, charity organisations, and all Forbes Schools. What a wonderful gesture from the people of Forbes and district, to honour and remember the 153 men from Forbes and district who lost their lives, and the other 1,439 men and women who gave service to our country, and also to those who are still serving.

Although there was not an organised ceremony of Remembrance the people of Forbes still remembered those service men and women.

A day of Remembrance and a day to Remember.

Lest we Forget.
Forbes RSL Sub-Branch.
Michael Walker President

Editor’s Notes

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This holiday period is all about spending quality time with our loved ones. It is a time for good food and even better company. A time of great stress for some as well as much rest, I hope.

I’d like to say a special thank you to the many people who contribute to our paper, whether it is weekly or a one off, you are appreciated.

I’d like to wish each of our readers a very Merry Christmas and an even happier New Year. Please stay safe, hydrated and happy. We will see you in the New Year.

Alexandria Irvine

Letter to the Editor

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Dear Editor,
For many years now Forbes local and passionate environmentalist, Dianne Decker, has been providing a little tree to every new baby born at the Forbes District Hospital as part of the Trees for Babies initiative.

This initiative has been so successful, that Dianne Decker had recently been made aware that they had run out of cards at Forbes Hospital and has since delivered another batch of locally printed Trees for Babies cards to Forbes Hospital.

The card reads “This tree is presented to ——————– in the interest of preserving and improving our beautiful country, and especially so you can enjoy playing under this tree’s shade as you both grow up.”

The new mother simply has to take the card up to the Nursery on the Parkes Road and they will provide the card holder with a little tree of their choice. Yes, it may only be a little tree, but this has proven to be the most successful way to grow trees in our local area.

If you want to see a collection of some of the trees, go for a little drive past Dianne’s previous little farm that she has just sold on the corner of Greens Road and the West Wyalong Newell Highway.

All of the wonderful trees on her old little farm were planted as tube stock. Now you can see the amazing bottle trees in the front yard and look at the wonderful River Red Gums in the outside paddock, and all the amazing dwarf Sugar Gums. This is living proof that from little things big things grow.

The Trees for Babies initiative of giving a free tree also applies to any little Parkes baby that is to be born at Forbes District Hospital.

Dianne Decker

LETTER To The Editor

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Dear Editor,

Sport played in Forbes throughout 2018 confirmed to me that it remains an important aspect of life and community.

It provides that all important nucleus to assist us in becoming more rounded and tolerant individuals.

The recent SOYA Awards night was again very well attended and an enjoyable event.

A diverse group of people came together to share their common interest in and love of sport.

Despite the very tough time in rural NSW and retail in general, our local sponsors have continued to support SOYA. For this we are very grateful.

The judges this year once again were diligent with their task and made some very tough decisions. The number of nominations was up a little as was the diversity of sports represented. This is very positive.

Forbes Council continues to provide wonderful facilities throughout the town. This is not only beneficial to our local sportspeople but encourages bigger events to be staged in Forbes which in turn helps the entire community.

The backbone of SOYA is of course the committee. To this small but very hard working and supportive group I give my biggest thanks. You have made my current role of President relatively easy and certainly very enjoyable.

The plaudits and acknowledgements of the SOYA concept after the presentation night are always plentiful, but I believe the sporting community of Forbes needs to become more involved if they want it to continue.

With this in mind, it is with very mixed feelings that I have decided not to stand for the Presidents role or for the committee of SOYA for the upcoming year.

I have been involved for over 20 years and have certainly enjoyed the experience. I now believe new ideas, fresh eyes and ears are needed to bring this organisation more into the life of this sports active community.

Many thanks,

Andrew Norton-Knight

Letter To The Editor

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Dear Editor,

I am pleased to inform you that we were successful in forming a Christian Democratic Party (Fred Nile Group) branch in Parkes. The meeting was held at the Pink Orchid in Parkes last Tuesday and we thank the coffee shop for their generosity in allowing us to use the space to hold our meeting. The food was great and the venue was warm and friendly.

There was good attendance from members and supporters and we heard a very comprehensive speech from Craig Hall, State Manager for the Christian Democratic Party (CDP).

Local farmer, Maurice Davey from “Grayeston” Alectown, was elected as President of the Parkes branch. Suzanne Wright was elected Secretary and Elizabeth Naveau was elected as Treasurer. All enquiries can be directed to Craig Hall on 9633 3255.

On the same day, another meeting was held at my own home in Forbes. Well known local farmer, Kevin Rubie was elected President, Margaret Herbert was elected as Secretary and Jeanette Haley was elected as Treasurer.

The CDP (Fred Nile Group) has been around and in Parliament for over 37 years and stands for all aspects of good government. The CDP is Australia’s only registered national Christian political party. The Rev Fred Nile MLC is well known for his stand over many years. The Hon Paul Green MLC (the former Mayor of Shoalhaven) has held the balance of power alongside Rev Fred Nile for the last few years. He is up for re-election in March next year. I hope to stand for the Federal Senate at the next Federal election possibly in March or May next year.

Regards,
Dianne Decker AM

Letter to the Editor

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Letter To The Editor,

Four weeks ago, I had just finished filling my car up with petrol at the Forbes Caltex, when I received a phone call to say that my sister had passed away. I went in to pay for my fuel and explained what had happened.

Zoe, the Manager, immediately offered assistance to me and gave me a seat, offered water and to call someone for me.

She was absolutely wonderful and compassionate and ensured I was ok, as I called someone to collect me.

Such acts of kindness as these are often passed over for the negative things in our world and they should not be let go as insignificant or taken for granted.

The kindness shown to me that day, helped me beyond words and I wish to share with our local community how one
such act of kindness can help someone beyond measure.

Thank you so very much Zoe! Have a lovely day… and keep warm.

Kind regards,
Annie White

LETTER to the Editor

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I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the Tamworth Hall Of Fame committee and Lorraine Pfitzner for their time and support.

Also, a big thank you to the following people. My sisters, Sissie Jelbart and Marlene Harold and my brother in-laws, Barry Jelbart and Greg Harold. My cousin Denyse Roff and her husband Bruce.

My friends Brenda Taylor, Bob Gregory and Kate Daneil and the Gorton family. There are so many more to list…

Also, a big thank you to my Facebook friends for all their wishes and support. I feel very grateful and humble. Last but not least, The Forbes Phoenix for the interest and support.

Your friend,

Nev Molloy

Letter to the Editor

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Neighbourhood Central would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and hope that 2018 brings peace, health and happiness. We would like to thank everyone that has supported our social groups in 2017, our excellent guest speakers, our marvellous volunteers and of course, Forbes Shire Council for allowing us to meet at our beautiful Town Hall. Stay safe and well hydrated over summer, as we are looking forward to doing it all again come February. We would also like to thank the Forbes Library staff and our Housebound Library volunteers for the outstanding effort you demonstrate every month while delivering reading material. Our deep thanks also to the Community Visitor volunteers. Both services provide vital social contact and inclusion for many in the Forbes community. Last thanks go to our exceptional team of Community Transport Drivers and Driver Supports, allowing an ease of access to medical appointments in Orange and Dubbo. All our volunteers are truly the heart-beat of the Forbes community and our heart beats strong! Merry Christmas everyone.

Regards, Monica Wren.

LETTER TO The Editor

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Six months ago, I made a passing remark about shaving my hair for leukaemia. This week, that remark has become a reality as I come to the end of my fundraising efforts for the World’s Greatest Shave. Initially my goal was $2,000 but now that figure stands at over $7,400 and is still rising. From barbeques to raffles, cooking parties and morning teas, there has been a mountain of support at every event.

In the beginning I was inspired by the beautiful Garland family, banding together when their youngest, Ava was diagnosed with leukaemia last year. To see her now, she looks a picture of health, bouncing about like any four year old.

But their journey has been a long one, and it’s still not done. It has involved countless days, weeks and months away from home and family. And unfortunately, the Garlands aren’t alone.

This community continues to be impacted by leukaemia, and to think that I could make a difference to the families who need to be with their children, has been empowering. This is where the Leukaemia Foundation comes in, providing emotional support, accommodation and transport, as well as research and laboratory funding.

I would like to thank the outstanding support of this incredible community of Forbes. I would especially like to make mention of the students, staff and parent community of my school, St Laurence’s who have helped me along the way.

Every donation, every sponsorship, every raffle ticket purchased, is making a real difference to the lives of these families. So from the bottom of my heart, thank you Forbes.

Regards,

Carmen Spry

TO THE EDITOR…

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I would like to sincerely thank and congratulate Mr Murray White for all the years and hard work that he has put into taking care of our pool.

I have had a number of medical issues over the last few years and the pool is vital to me to get my mobility back to a reasonable level. We are so lucky to have this wonderful warm pool. The water is kept at an amazing level and it never stings our eyes. Thank you Mr Murray White your effort for more than 40 years is very much appreciated.

Dianne Decker AM JP

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