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Forbes Phoenix

Our Bloke

December 10, 2015 by Maggi Barnard

Tim Westcott (2)

Tim Westcott

How long have you lived in Forbes? I have lived in Forbes for 20 years on and off, I always seem to come back.

What do you love most about Forbes? I love the people of Forbes. The countryside in and around Forbes is great and the river is its biggest asset. The forest areas gives variety and interest to the area as well.

What are your hobbies or interests? My interests are riding motorbikes out in the bush, skiing and playing squash. I also enjoy having a beer with friends and family.

If you could have dinner with anyone in the world who would it be? I would love to have dinner with Rihanna because she is a good sort.

What would be your dream holiday? My dream holiday would be one that lasts forever but failing that I aim to travel the world.

What is the biggest change you would like to see in the world? The biggest change I would like to see in the world is that everyone lives in peace with each other.

Question of the Week?

December 10, 2015 by Maggi Barnard

Christmas music and caroling are a big part of Christmas – what do you think about the music being played in the CBD in the lead up to Christmas this year?

Sue Cunningham (2)

SUE CUNNINGHAM – I think the music playing down the street is a great idea but I would love it if they would play more carols, traditional or modern, and less advertising.

Daffyd Thomas (2)

DAFFYD THOMAS – I really like the carols and music being played. It creates a great atmosphere in the street.

Denise Howell (2)

DENISE HOWELL – I love the music, it puts everyone in the Christmas Spirit and reminds you that Christmas is nearly here and encourages me to do my Christmas shopping

Question of the Week?

December 3, 2015 by Maggi Barnard

 

 

Christmas traditions, such as putting up decorations after the 1st December, are very important to many people. Do you or your family maintain any Christmas traditions?

richard nixon

“Our family do not stick to any hard traditions, although we usually put up our decoration in the first week of December. We probably thought about it more when our children were young, we have a granddaughter now so I think things will change next year when she is a bit older.” – Richard Nixon

maree hodges

“When I was growing up we always had a real Christmas tree which we would get from the back of the farm Christmas Eve and decorate with our grandparents. As we all got older and moved away, this tradition stopped. My husband’s father always set a rabbit trap to catch Santa’s boot when he came to leave presents at Christmas.” – Maree Hodges

 

Our Gal – Emily Bass

December 3, 2015 by Maggi Barnard

our gal

Emily Bass

How long have you lived in Forbes? For two years, I came here after I got a job teaching at Forbes High School.

What do you love about Forbes? Forbes is a friendly community. I love to walk around the lake – it is a great asset to Forbes.

Do you have any hobbies or passions? I love being active and going to the gym, cross fit training and dancing.

Who would you love to have dinner with if you could have it with anyone? My grandfather who passed away. I was really close to him and would love the chance to have a final goodbye.

Describe your dream holiday: Bora Bora in an over-the-water bungalow.

What is the biggest change you would like to see in the world? An end to terrorism and a land where humans are compassionate and empathetic towards one another.

Question of the Week?

November 26, 2015 by Maggi Barnard

With just four weeks until Christmas, have you started your shopping yet and what would you like Santa to bring you this year?

kristy hartwig

“I would have to say no – all I have is a few stocking fillers but nothing major. I would love a swimming pool for Christmas but don’t like my chances.” – Kristy Hartwig

erika bourke

“Yes, I have started my Christmas shopping but I haven’t finished. I need a new vacuum cleaner if Santa is reading but I want a holiday in Fiji.” – Erika Bourke

andrew hubbard

“Yes I have started my shopping and am not far off finishing. I don’t really know what I want for Christmas but I wish for good health and happiness for all my family and friends.” – Andrew Hubbard

Our MO Bloke

November 26, 2015 by Maggi Barnard

our bloke

Greg Neems

Why did you sign up for Movember? Because it is a very worthwhile cause. Either my family or every second person you know has been affected by cancer in some way or another so it is a great cause to support.

Have you ever done Movember before? No, never.

Do the ladies love the facial fur? Let’s just say my wife is very excited to see the mo go!

Describe your dream holiday: Going somewhere up the coast with family and I’ve always wanted to go and see Canada.

Do you have any hobbies or passions? I enjoy photography, recreational shooting and I own a Labrador.

What is the biggest change you would like to see in the world? Number one would be no terrorism. I would love to see people working together more within communities and getting along and doing community work.

Question of the Week?

November 19, 2015 by Maggi Barnard

Have you or someone you know set themselves a challenge in support of Movember?

bradley lemon

“Yes, I am growing the mo (doing pretty well from the look of it) because I think it is important to create awareness for mens health issues and in particular bowel cancer. I am also supporting Movember games at Forbes High School.” – Bradley Lemon

richard claney

“Yes and no. I have always got a mo so there was no challenge there. I happily support Movember but think that everyone’s (men and women) health issues are important. They all need to be recognised and everyone should undergo regular health checks as early detection is the key”. – Richard Claney

michael james

“No I didn’t set myself a challenge this year and even though I have not contributed to Movember as an individual I make donations to a variety of charities throughout the year. Men’s Health is extremely important as many men don’t have their health checked as often as they should. I will definitely support Movember in the future.” – Michael James

Our Gal – Nikki Patten

November 19, 2015 by Maggi Barnard

our gal

Nikki Patten

What do you love about Forbes? The biggest asset is the lake. It’s always a hive of activity with walkers, skiers and everyone you meet there is friendly.

What are your hobbies? I love sport and play netball, basketball and touch. I am passionate about all children having access to a loving, happy and caring environment, stimulating learning opportunities and education.

Who inspires you? Pinky Mckay or Petrea King. Pinky Mckay is an author of gentle parenting advice books. Petrea is the CEO and founder of the Quest for Life Foundation and inspires cancer sufferers.

Describe your dream holiday: As the children get older I would like to trek through Nepal, and possibly climb Mount Everest as a family.

What is the biggest change you would like to see in the world? Peace, peace, peace – starting with treating your neighbours with respect and kindness with the hope that it will cause a ripple effect.

Question of the Week?

November 12, 2015 by Maggi Barnard

What does Remembrance Day mean to you?

oliver carlisle

“It is a chance to reflect on the hardships faced by people during war time and to let everyone know they have not been forgotten. It is because of them that Australia is what it is today.” – Oliver Carlisle

susan hodges

“It is a chance to remember and pay respect to the men and women who died protecting our freedom and rights during the war.” – Susan Hodges

 

 

 

 

 

jacqueline flannery

“It is one of the most significant days for all Australians. It gives us time to pause and recognise all of the people who were impacted by the war – not only soldiers but the families left behind. They all made sacrifices so we could enjoy the high quality of life today.” – Jacqueline Flannery

 

Our Bloke

November 12, 2015 by Maggi Barnard

barry merritt

Barry Merritt

How long have you lived in Forbes? I was born here and moved about a bit as a child but I’ve been here permanently for the past 35 years.

What do you love about Forbes? The community; knowing everyone personally, families support one another and sporting facilities are excellent.

What are your hobbies? Coaching Rugby League, I’m passionate about my current job as Aboriginal Education Officer, I love seeing Aboriginal children do well and I will continue dance.

Who inspires you the most? Ray Price – he is an absolute soldier on the Rugby League field and gives everything for his team mates.

Describe your dream holiday: Travelling the world with my beautiful wife, see the memorial of the Twin Towers, visit Vanuatu and stop off at the Antarctic on the way home.

What is the biggest change you wish to see in the world? Everyone to get along better and work together for the greater good.

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