Enjoying The Biggest Morning Tea celebrations at Forbes North Public School on Friday were Hayley Crump (Office of Regional Youth), school captains Benji Hodges and Ruby Dumbrell and Schools Community Centre coordinator Maree Yapp.

Through the simple act of sharing morning tea, 240 Forbes North Public School students and their families have raised over $1,000 for the Australian Cancer Council. Inclement weather didn’t deter students, staff and their families from gathering to taste sweet success with their Biggest Morning Tea fundraiser. 

Schools as Community Centre coordinator, Maree Yapp praised the Forbes North community for their efforts in the Cancer Council’s 30th year of Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea. 

“People are so generous,” Maree said. “The floods come and go, and the mice come and go, but cancer is always there.” 

According to the Australian Cancer Council, one in every two people are diagnosed with cancer before the age of 85. This year’s effort follows on from the school’s outstanding result last year, which saw $1,300 raised by the school community. 

The biggest morning tea cakes and slices were donated by staff, parents and the school canteen. Ten raffle prizes – also donated by staff – were up for grabs during the fundraiser, and ranged from chinaware to assorted comfort foods. Students brought a small plate of morning tea to share with their classmates and friends. 

This year marks the second consecutive year of Forbes North Public School being recognised as a Royal Tea Club member with the Australian Cancer Council Biggest Morning Tea fundraiser. 

The Beautiful Lake Forbes will soon feature a beach at Lions Park

Lake Forbes is about to add another feather to its bow this month as yet another exciting phase of its development plan takes shape. 

A beach is currently being built at the water’s edge of Lions Park to allow for watercraft access to the popular Lake Forbes under the Lake Forbes Activation Plan and funded by the State Government. 

Forbes Mayor Phyllis Miller said the use of the lake by watercraft like paddle boats, canoes and dragon boats was yet another drawcard for everyone, and now with beach access using watercraft on the lake will be even easier. 

“It is so exciting to see this next phase of development for our beautiful Lake Forbes – it supports our community’s love of the outdoors and physical activity,” Mayor Miller said. 

“The lake is already an amazing place to be, after several stages of the extensive development plan have already been completed –the new footbridge and fishing platform, solar lighting, and redeveloped BMX track for example. 

“Lake Forbes is a focal part of town and is of a great benefit emotionally, physically and economically. It is a vital community asset and is home to many of our most loved and recreational facilities, including Lions Park. 

“Council has been working on a long-term plan for the development of the lake and its surrounds for some time, catering for Forbes’ needs now and well into the future,” Mayor Miller said. 

The $2 million Lake Forbes Activation Plan, funded under the NSW Public Spaces Program, has been created following extensive consultation with the community and is being completed in stages. 

Pedestrians can still walk around the lake using a detour whilst the beach is being constructed

Head along and score yourself a bargain as Forbes Better Home Living prepares to close its doors.

After 21 years of serving the local community, Forbes Betta Home Living are closing their doors for the final time on Friday, 9th June. With an impending retirement near, owners Ian and Mandy Westcott have decided to close the business.

Family owned and operated, Ian and Mandy Westcott are the second generation in their family to run the Forbes store. For the past 21 years, the Forbes store has been a one-stop shop, helping the local community find the right appliances and furniture for their home, with the store stocking a huge range of Kitchen, Laundry, Small Appliances, IT products and Bedding.

To mark its closure, the team at Forbes Betta Home Living are offering the community mark-downs and reductions across a range of home appliances and consumer electrical goods. For a limited time until the final operating date of Friday 9th June, Forbes Betta Home Living are offering bargains including:

• Up to 25% off Fridges
• Up to 30% off Washing Machines
• Up to 50% off Small Appliances
• Up to 30% off Floorcare
• Up to 20% off Dishwashers

The Forbes Betta Home Living Closing Down Sale will run until Friday 9th June 2023, while stocks last.

Despite the closure of the Forbes store, Parkes Betta Home Living will continue to service the Forbes local community, which is only a 25-minute drive north of the Forbes location. Customers can still receive amazing service, deals, and exceptional local advice on all your fridge and freezer, kitchen and cooking appliances, air conditioning, furniture, bedding, TV and audio requirements.

Parkes Betta Home Living are located at 11 Saleyards Road Parkes and you can contact them on 6862 2237. Opening hours may vary, please call or check the Betta website for more information.

Some members of the Parkes Garden Club joined the coach trip, looking forward to a pleasant day out in the glorious autumn weather

The Forbes Garden Club members and friends enjoyed an entertaining coach trip to Dubbo recently on the invitation from the Dubbo Garden Club to view three gardens 

Our first garden to visit was at the home of Rosalie Peppermann and a delightful Devonshire morning tea was served. Her garden featured many hedges expertly trimmed with borders of coloured plants seen from the verge and beautiful pots of flowering geraniums. 

Our next garden at the home of Narelle Stonestreet was situated in natural bushland with a modern home built with timber and iron features wonderfully designed. Her garden of native plants and succulents with stone paths leading to outdoor areas was just delightful! She and her husband have worked hard to maintain their lovely home. 

The third garden visit was the home of Fay Woods a large area with tennis court, swimming pool and spacious garden of shrubs trees and flowers. We were joined by their garden club members with tables and chairs set on the lawns for our lunch. Soup was served, also quiches, salads and slices. A walk around the garden saw many hours of love and care to create this lovely garden. 

Our President Elvy Quirk thanked the hosts for a wonderful lunch and day out. Upon leaving Dubbo, a stop was made to view the Waste to Art exhibition at a local gallery. 

By Green Thumb