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Forbes Phoenix

Our Bloke – Phillip (Phil) Wells

December 22, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

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How long have you lived in or around Forbes? I have lived here most of my life… but not all of it yet. I first moved to Forbes as a Red Bend Boarder in 1965. Red Bend was my Forbes home for six years. I moved back again in 1976 to open my business.

Where do you work? I opened my optometry practice in 1976 – was 40 years ago in July! My practice is now located at 67 Rankin Street, Forbes. I sought higher ground from my Cross Street practice after being flooded out in 1990.

What do you enjoy most about your work? I really enjoy meeting a wide variety of people and hopefully sending them back out to see the world more clearly.

How do you start your day? Nothing beats a dense shot flat white with Girra Girra Sourdough and their free range eggs.

What makes your day? Anything that makes me laugh, or being with friendly, happy people.

Who would you most like to have dinner with? Any or all of my wonderful friends.

Where would you like to go on your dream holiday? Santorini and the Greek Islands – just to relax.

Question of the Week?

December 22, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

What does Christmas mean to you?

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Jean Sweeney: Mostly family. My first child was born on Christmas Day which was a lovely present as the baby wasn’t due until January

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Karen Wright: Spending time with family. This year we are having ham and salad which will be less fuss and give us all more time to relax.

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Tara Mann: Family, friends and Jesus’ birthday.

Question of the Week?

December 15, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

What was your favourite performance at the annual concert of Kristen’s Dance Studio?

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Hannah Stewart: That is a hard question. I really loved Rock around the Clock. It was upbeat and the costumes were amazing.

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Mary Everson: The whole show was wonderful. I have been watching Kristen’s dance concerts for years and always love them. I am so proud of my granddaughter, Stephanie Everson who performed Bang Bang. Stephanie was the Scholarship Winner in 2015, which is a great honour.

beth-dickens-attended-the-concert-with-other-family-members

Beth Dickens: My Girl performed by Beginners Jazz, however I am a little biased as my granddaughter performed in this dance. However, I
really enjoyed the whole show.

Our Gal – Sue-Anne Nixon

December 15, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

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Sue-Anne Nixon

How long have you lived in or around Forbes? I moved to Yarrabandai in 1979 to commence teaching at Condobolin Public School.

Where do you work? I work as a teacher at Forbes North Public School.

What do you enjoy most about your work? I really enjoy making a difference each day to a young person’s educational journey.

How do you start your day? I start my day by watering the school’s vegetable garden and feeding the chickens before the morning bell!

How do you like your coffee? I prefer tea to coffee. I like my tea super milky.

What makes your day? Being able to play my Euphonium with friends and family. A Euphonium is a brass instrument that is smaller than a tuba but is more melodious.

Who would you most like to have dinner with? Family and friends.

Where would you like to go on your dream holiday? Pompeii in southern Italy.

Question of the Week?

December 8, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

What is one of your favourite memories about Christmas, and one of your favourite presents?

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Sally Spence: As a child going to the Forbes Town Hall for the Carnival, listening to Christmas Carols and then to collect the lollies that Santa threw off the balcony. My favourite present was a book of baby Jesus and the Christmas story… now you have made we want to get it out again.

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Barbara Cowled: Sharing Christmas with all my great grandchildren – Christmas is not the same without children. My doll named Joy that my grandparents gave me for Christmas when I was two. I still have her and she is one of my pride possessions to this day.

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Dot Male: At the age of 12 I really wanted a camera. We lived on a farm and each Thursday my Dad went into town. I went with him close to Christmas and told him I wanted a camera. He bought me a Kodak ‘Box Brownie’ camera, which was the best camera at the time. When we got home and told Mum she said she had already bought me a camera… My favourite present was a gold cross.

Our Bloke – Shane Percy

December 8, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

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Shane Percy

How long have you lived in or around Forbes?
All my life, I love Forbes!

Where do you work?
Forbes Small Engines
Helping people out and our fun work environment.

How do you start your day?
With a shower.

How do you like your coffee?
Hot, two sugars and milk.

What makes your day?
Being with my three girls, Lauren, Ava and Ebony.

Who would you most like to have dinner with?
Family.

Where would you like to go on your dream holiday?
Disneyland!

Our Gal – Sabrina Calvani

December 1, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

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Sabrina Calvani

How long have you lived in or around Forbes? Six years.

Where do you work? Café Aglio e Olio.

What do you enjoy the most about your work? Meeting people and seeing our regulars.

How do you start your day? Green tea, coffee, then the gym, if I have time!

How do you like your coffee? Hot and little froth.

What makes your day? Friendly people who like to chat.

Who would you most like to have dinner with? My family.

Where would you like to go on your dream holiday? Disneyland with the kids.

Question of the Week?

December 1, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

Why did you take part in the White Ribbon Day March?

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Tom Boyd, Forbes High School: To take a stand against violence against women and to help to stop it. My contribution will be to respect all women.

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Latarsha Johnson, Forbes High School: To represent all people who suffer from domestic violence and to let them know we are here for them and to help stop abuse.

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Rohan Webb, Forbes North Public School: To support the no violence against women campaign to ensure all women in Australia are safe and free.

Question of the Week?

November 24, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

What do you think of the Spring Flood Recovery Cup race meeting?

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Dane Millerd with Amy: A marvelous spectacle supporting an important cause.

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Toni Hanns: A great community outing, run and organised by volunteers. Hard work certainly pays off. If everyone gives a little – the community gains a lot.

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Michele Morley: I think it is great. It is a wonderful family day and an excellent opportunity and venue to hold a Christmas Party. Michele (left) is with Heidi Nicholson.

Our Bloke – Steve Walker

November 24, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

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Steve Walker

How long have you lived in or around Forbes? 32 years.

Where do you work? Walkers AGnVET.

What do you enjoy the most about your work? Helping customers with their daily challenges and staff interaction.

How do you start your day? Shower, get dressed and straight to work.

How do you like your coffee? Cappuccino with one sugar.

What makes your day? Having a good day at work.

Who would you most like to have dinner with? Steve Waugh, Tim Brasher and Beth!

Where would you like to go on your dream holiday? New York.

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