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Forbes Phoenix

Our Gal – Anne Norton

September 30, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Anne Norton

Where were you born? At Manly in 1955.

Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? Since leaving teaching, which I still dabble in, working as the coordinator for Project Sprouts with the most dedicated and wonderful group of ladies committed to giving every child the best start they can to schooling.

What historical moment stands out most in your memory? The passing of Princess Diana sits in my memory. She was an outstanding example of generosity, kindness and resilience. Her humanitarian work and inclusivity was to be admired. The way she was treated, pursued and harassed was abominable.

What’s the single best piece of advice you’ve ever received? My late husband once said to me: “That was the past. This is now, move on”. I know he made me a more resilient person.

What’s the greatest risk you’ve ever taken? Moving to Parkes with my late husband for business. But I don’t regret a minute. I have made so many wonderful friends and had so many special opportunities. Parkes is where I live now, and I can’t wait to get back home when I go away.

What are the three things you would take to a deserted island? My cats, some wine and good books.

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? That is the drawn-out saga of my life. I would renovate my whole backyard that at the moment is a construction site.

Our Bloke – Alex Milsom

September 23, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Alex Milsom

Where were you born? Coonabarabran in NSW.

Were you named after anyone? Kind of, my middle names were given to me after relatives in my dad and mum’s family.

Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? My children’s.

What historical moment stands out most in your memory? The Twin Towers on September 11.

What’s the single best piece of advice you’ve ever received? You have to be able to eat dinner with the queen, but also sit in the gutter and make friends with people that want the best for you.

What’s the greatest risk you’ve ever taken? Not sure – I am not much of a risk taker.

What are the three things you would take to a deserted island? Bear Grylls, matches, fishing supplies (and would sneak in a book too).

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? A couple of big Lego sets, some Holden parts, clothes, watches, plants and just go shopping.

When are you happiest? When I am with my family and friends.

Be Seen

September 23, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Que member and social director Wendy Neville showed off her hockey skills when Parkes Hockey Olympian Mariah Williams surprised Que members with a visit at their monthly meeting recently.

 

Aimee Woods on vocals from Forbes and Esther Bruce on saxophone from Parkes combined their talents at Grazing Down the Lachlan last Saturday creating a perfect musical vibe for the event.

 

Parkes Que Club Vice-president Ann-Marie Winter (right) welcomed three new members recently. They are (L-R) Janene Dwyer, Heather Harvey and Joanne Burke.

Our Gal – Robyn Kenny

September 16, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Robyn Kenny

Where were you born? Orange.

Were you named after anyone? Yes, my second name was my Aunty’s name.

Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? Apparently, it is marrying Terry (prompting from my husband), and still being happily married. Also establishing and operating our interstate transport business together for over 40 years, and helping to form the Forbes Netball Association.

What historical moment stands out most in your memory? Probably at the moment 9/11.

What’s the single best piece of advice you’ve ever received? I always think the glass is half full, be determined and work hard and you can succeed.

What’s the greatest risk you’ve ever taken? Apart from marrying Terry (LOL), I am not a very good risk taker!

What are the three things you would take to a deserted island? Some food and water, definitely my knitting and maybe a sat phone so I could get more of the above when I run out.

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? Employ and pay very well, some ‘helpers’, so I can just do all the things I really like to do, and also fill up the cars with fuel.

When are you happiest? Playing and being with grandkids.

How will you remember Queen Elizabeth II?

September 16, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Michele Quigley: She was just always there at everything, and she’s always been a calming force, especially in troublesome times. I was very happy to have seen Prince Charles plant a tree in Victoria Park here in Forbes in 1994. 

 

Judy Kopp: She was well loved by many people, and she came to Australia so many times to meet the people. She was always well dressed and loved her corgis and horses. I also had a corgi for over 14 years called Oscar Arthur William Harry.

 

Leigh Bartholomaeus: Her kindness, compassion and stability for the monarchy. She was a very stylish woman with a beautiful smile. She was an amazing woman. 

Our Bloke – Marty Tighe

September 9, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Marty Tighe

Where were you born? Hay.

Were you named after anyone? Not that I know of…

Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? Mmmm… besides my great tomatoes, spinach and beetroot crop last season, my wife and I are very proud of our children and their own accomplishments!

What historical moment stands out most in your memory? Not so much a ‘moment’, but visiting the Australian war cemeteries in Europe and attending the daily ‘Last Post’ service in Ypres, Belgium are life lasting memories.

What’s the single best piece of advice you’ve ever received? ‘He who hesitates, is lost!’

What’s the greatest risk you’ve ever taken? Jumping out of a plane, hoping to keep calm enough to pull the chute ripcord in time, which I did, just in time!!

What are the three things you would take to a deserted island? Water, a couple of books and my glasses!

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? Fill up both cars with petrol, pay the chemist bill, get some bowls coaching and share what is left over amongst our family.

When are you happiest? Spending time with our granddaughter!

Be Seen

September 9, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

The Forbes community came out in full support of the Magpies for Sunday’s grand final against the Dubbo Cyms.

Little Extras Lifestyle was one of many businesses putting up displays and decorations in their shop windows to show their support.

 

Black and white balloons and signs went up all over town with this group of faithful supporters getting in the spirit early Sunday morning.

 

Students at Forbes North Primary School dressed up to wish their team all the best.

 

Many Forbes businesses showed their support with the Michael Robinson & Co employees dressed up in team colours.

What do you like the most at the Parkes Show?

September 2, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Maurice and May Bates:
Maurice: I like seeing lots of my friends and going on the dodgem cars with them.
May: I like the rides and would like to go on Kamikaze this year. 

 

Jarrad Helm with Heath: It is just a good thing for the kids. 

 

Chelsea Ashford and Lara Brown:
Chelsea: I like watching the motorbikes and eating hot chips.
Lara: The rides are the best, especially Midnight Madness. 

Be Seen

September 2, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Vanessa Edwards and Maleaha Clark (2.5 years old) dressed up for the Paint the Town REad reading day in Cooke Park on Friday.

 

Kane (11), Ivy (7) and Axel (9) Dickerson at the Parkes Show on Tuesday.

 

The Morley family recently moved to Alectown and did a wonderful pantomime rendition of Roald Dahl’s version of Little Red Riding Hood in his book Revolting Rhymes at the reading day. They are (L-R) Anderson, Amelia, Juliette and Chris.

 

Brenda and John Davies enjoyed the sun coming out at the Parkes Show.

Our Gal – Lea Orr

September 2, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Where were you born? Mungindi, Queensland (Go the Blues, however!)

Were you named after anyone? Judy Lea, not after anyone.

Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? Chosen as an exchange teacher to London in 1980. Also our three successful children. 

What historical moment stands out most in your memory? The moon landing watched on a small black and white television by the whole school in the school hall at Tenterfield! 

What’s the single best piece of advice you’ve ever received? My dad’s favourite saying: “Everything in moderation”.

What’s the greatest risk you’ve ever taken? Thinking I was a better snow skier than I actually was, resulting in a terrifying minute sliding uncontrollably on my stomach on a steep icy slope, stopping just short of the chair lift pylon. 

What are the three things you would take to a deserted island? A desalination kit, my handy hubby and a fishing rod. 

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? I would book a tropical holiday.

When are you happiest? Seeing our grandchildren; sharing a drink/cuppa with friends and family. 

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