You are invited to meet two fantastic authors, Pamela Cook and Penelope Janu, when they launch their latest book, A Country Vet Christma at Forbes Library on Wednesday 25th October at 2pm.

Pamela Cook is an author, podcaster and teacher who writes page-turning contemporary women’s fiction, delving deep into the psychology of her characters and the complexity of relationships in all their forms. She has had four novels published traditionally and two independent titles.

Pamela writes women’s fiction set in locations you’ll want to escape to, and stories that will keep you turning the page. Her novels feature tangled family relationships, the ups and downs of friendship, and explore issues like grief and loss, belonging and love. They aim to tug at your heart-strings so if you cry while you’re reading Pamela’s books, her goal is achieved! But don’t worry – there will also be a hopeful ending.

And author Penelope Janu writes stories about clever and adventurous women who don’t mean to fall in love, but do.

Penelope Janu has a passion for creating stories that explore social and environmental issues, but her novels are fundamentally a celebration of Australian characters and communities. Her first novel, In at the Deep End, came out with HarperCollins/ HQ in 2017. Since then, she’s had a novella and six novels published, the most recent being her January 2023 release, Shelter from the Storm.

Penelope enjoys riding horses, exploring the Australian countryside and dreaming up challenging hiking adventures. Nothing makes her happier as a writer than readers falling in love with her clever, complex and adventurous characters.

Their latest project is A Country Vet Christmas – a heartwarming collection of five brand-new festive stories from favourite Australian authors about country vets, love and small-town Christmas charm.
Come to meet these fascinating women supported by The Book Dispensary, Forbes.

ABBA fans from all over the world are set to pack their dancing shoes, sparkly outfits and head to the worlds one and only ABBA Festival in Trundle this Saturday, 14th October 2023.

We hope you’re in the mood for a dance, as returning to headline the festival is the world’s number one ABBA tribute band, Bjorn Again. These super troupers put on a fantastic show at the Parkes Leagues Club last year following the cancellation of the festival and we’re keen to see them have the time of their lives as they perform on this year’s festival stage.

Three fabulous bands will support Bjorn Again and ensure Trundle’s Berryman Oval is full of Dancing Queens throughout the day. The hottest live disco show on the circuit, Disco Revolution is set to have the crowd dancing to classic hits from the 70’s and 80’s.

For those who prefer to shake their tailfeather, the fun-loving Blues Brothers Re-Booted will entertain with their soul, rhythm and blues set.

Trundle ABBA Festival also continues to showcase local talent, with Parkes trio, Amitie, back by popular demand to harmonise with sweet sounds from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s.

Mayor of Parkes Shire, Councillor Niel Westcott, said “We are delighted to finally be hosting the Trundle ABBA Festival again this year. We have secured some of the best acts in live music and are thrilled to have Bjorn Again headlining.”

“Trundle is the home of the ABBA Festival, and we can’t wait to light up the streets with music and glitter once again,” he added.

It’s time to dance and jive and have the time of your lives at the Trundle ABBA Festival. Tickets go on sale Monday 3rd July, with youth and group discounts available. For more information, visit www.trundleabbafestival.com.au

The Forbes Garden Club will be hosting open gardens this weekend 14th and 15th October, with eight magnificent gardens on display.

The wristbands and maps needed for entry to all gardens will be available at Forbes Riverside Community Gardens 59/71 Reymond Street from 9.30am each day. The cost is $20 to visit all gardens or should you wish to just visit an individual garden, the cost will be $5. All gardens are open from 10am to 4pm on both days. 

Riverside Community Gardens will be serving a delicious morning tea for a gold coin donation. The Forbes Men’s shed will be catering for lunch at garden number 5 from 11am onwards and will also have fresh cake and slices for sale made by Garden club members.

Beautiful weather is expected, so take advantage of the opportunity to get out and about and support the charities of the garden owners choice.

Parkes QUE members look forward to your company this Sunday, 8th October, 10am-4pm at the Parkes Racecourse and in the five open gardens. Money raised stays in our local community, supporting hearing, speech, and wellbeing. 

291 Back Yamma Road

Two years ago this property was a cow paddock! Last November the nearby creek flooded the garden and the house, and during this last winter the garden has endured severe frosts! This garden was chosen for our Open Gardens event to show people how quickly a garden can be established, and what plants will survive the “sometimes

harsh” weather conditions. We anticipate opening this garden again in a year or two so that viewers can measure progress.

5 Arana Place

The drought-tolerant front garden is easy care and sustainable. The back garden provides the visitor with a totally different perspective and includes a Balinese hut, decorative items such as water fountains, plants, shade, and garden art – all providing a calming and relaxing atmosphere.

1 Jubilee Street

This is a plant lovers haven, especially under the back deck where the owner has a huge variety of very loved indoor and outdoor plants and hanging baskets. Screening trees surround the house and provide a wonderful forum for the collection of artworks, sculptures, mirrors etc.

35-37 Thomas Street

With over a hundred different species, these extensive surrounding gardens have been

through quite the makeover in the last two years! Featuring a broad range of unique Australian natives alongside a careful selection of exotic plants, this garden abounds with vibrancy and colour.

Cnr Reymond and Jones Street 

This is a wanderer’s paradise with lavender, pink jade, a vibrant Loropetalum with its unique tussle flowers, and a wonderful Bohemia Butterfly Tree, all with a magnificent view to the east of Parkes. (best parking in Jones Street)

We have some exciting news to share, after the disappointment of being postponed due to the flooding which affected the entire region in late 2022, the Forbes Learning Ladder and Forbes Community OSHC Fun Fair is finally set to go ahead, and we would love for the entire Forbes community to come along and join us in the fun.

A massive thank you to the generosity of Forbes North Public School, for allowing us the use of their school grounds, we will be holding the Fun Fair on Saturday 28th October, from 10am – 12.30pm, we will be utilising the hall and the surroundings, with entry from York Street.

There will be lots of fun and interactive activities the whole family can enjoy, including a jumping castle, crazy hair, face painting, tattoos, various games and more.

We will also be selling tickets on the day for our Christmas Raffle, which will be drawn in December. Prizes on offer include, a BBQ smoker and accessories, double hammock, Essjay Photography voucher, family pass to Western Plains Zoo Dubbo, and a gift pack from Little Extras. In addition to vouchers for the following stores and businesses: Kmart, Euphoria Road, Loomzy’s Fish N Fix, Gunns Menswear, Graces Hair Studio On Templar, Odeon 5, Ten Pin Bowling Orange.

There will be plenty of food options available on the day to cater for everyone, so bring your appetite and enjoy the many delights on offer including a cake stall, fairy floss, popcorn, BBQ and drinks. 

Organise your friends and family and come along to a great event.