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Forbes Phoenix

Forbes Croquet Open Day On 4 March

February 20, 2025 by Elvy Quirk

Tania, Vince and Sandra Roberts.

On Saturday 15 February, Aussie Croquet was played on a much cooler morning with 29 players in attendance.

Some good scores were recorded. There were many 14/10, 14/9 and a 14/7 score also recorded. On the day three games were won by two players, Kevin Rubie and John Browne, congratulations to those players.

On Tuesday 18 February Golf Croquet was played with 37 players in attendance on a much cooler morning. We also made welcome Ann Mackay who has come to join the Club. A huge welcome to Ann and we hope she enjoys the game and the friendship and fellowship of the Club.

We also had two very welcome visitors, Sandra Roberts and Tania Roberts. Sandra hails from New Zealand and is visiting her Dad Vince Roberts. Hopeful they both en­joyed their games.

Some variations of scores were record­ed from 11/2, 9/4, 8/5 and many 7/6: 9/4 scores as well. Three games were won on the day by Russell Anderson, Frank Dono­hoe, Bruce Field, Kevin Rubie, Neville Spry and Kevin Wenning. Congratulations to those players.

A reminder of Seniors week, which com­mences on 3 March. Forbes Croquet Club will again be hosting an Open Day on 4 March whereby we are inviting locals to come and try a game. Visitors will be placed with an experienced player to get to know the ropes of the game. Croquet of­fers a very interesting challenge, requiring hand and eye co-ordination, whilst provid­ing gentle exercise and valuable social in­teraction. Morning tea will be served on the day.

A very special thank you to employees of Forbes Shire Council for attention to detail in mowing and marking our Croquet Lawns.

By Elvy Quirk

Springvale Cup Returns To Forbes In 2025

February 20, 2025 by Roxane Manley

In 2023 The Springvale Cup raised a grand total of $12,840.00 for local charity from the Forbes 2023 tourna­ment! The proceeds were presented to the Forbes Rugby Union Club at their annual President’s Club Luncheon on Saturday, 23rd March 2023.

Forbes is thrilled to announce that we’ll be hosting the Springvale Cup again in 2025.

The Springvale Cup is a not-for-profit tour­nament and it’s aim is to support regional rugby for all ages, and the clubs, charities and towns where they play.

The Springvale Cup has previously been hosted successfully in Forbes, so it is so great that the tournament is coming back to Forbes again. This is a fantastic opportu­nity for all, from old boys to current players, to come together for a day full of fun and camaraderie.

The Springvale Cup was first held in Crookwell in 2019, and has been run each year since. The tournament has grown every year and in 2023 became a “roving tournament” where each year a different regional town and associated Club host the Cup.

Each year the Springvale Cup supports worthy charities within the town and region hosting the Cup. Over $100,000 dollars has been raised to date for flood and fire relief, cancer treatments, the homeless and those in need. In addition to supporting local charities, a portion of proceeds from the Springvale Cup tournament is fed back into local rugby development through the hosting club. The Cup also brings signifi­cant revenue to the hosting town.

The Springvale Cup is all about reminisc­ing, sharing laughs, and celebrating the rugby spirit while supporting a local cause.

So, register a team, dust off your boots and get down to Spooners Oval in Forbes on Saturday 8 March, or come along to watch some great rugby. For more details go to www.springvalecup.com.au or the Spring­vale Cup Facebook Page

The Trundle Testicle Festival Gives The Finger To Cancer

February 20, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Team Doug: Doug, front left, and the Blue Team from Trundle’s AGnVET in a water trough that was donated by Bush­mans Tanks.

Trundle’s Testicle Festival was the brainchild of customer service officers at Trundle’s AGnVET, Sharon MacDonald and Paula Wright, when one of their close co-workers, Doug, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in February 2018.

“We asked if we could do anything? And although he said that he was fine, we de­cided to create a fundraiser to help raise awareness. The girls in our town host a very successful pink night to raise funds for women’s cancers, so we decided to do a blue night for the fellas, and with awareness as our moto, we started the Trundle Testicle Festival to give Prostate Cancer the finger,” said Sharon.

It’s not a well known fact, but more men die of prostate cancer than women die of breast cancer, so raising awareness hope­fully is key to getting men diagnosed early.

“Our town is quite proactive in getting be­hind a worthwhile cause. As soon as you ask for something, people get back to you and say, ‘How can I help?’. Everyone gets involved. The footy team choreographed a Full Monty for us one year, and it was on the night before the grand final.

“The blue night was popular, but with COVID, we decided to do something else, and Paula, one of the organisers, said we should play cricket on Boxing Day! “We named it the Trundle Testicle Festival to get men talking about their health and en­courage people to get their PSA checked,” said Sharon.

“We host a BBQ, everyone enjoys a beer, and it’s just a lovely way to get together and raise awareness for a really important cause,” she added.

Sharon said it was eye-opening to find out how many people were impacted by pros­tate cancer in the region. “People don’t like to talk about prostate cancer, unfortunately.

We sadly lost Doug in 2022 at the age of 67.”

“His son was also diagnosed with pros­tate cancer, and he wasn’t even 40. He’s had treatment, and he’s good now, but it just goes to show how much prostate cancer im­pacts our lives.”

“Over the years, we’ve raised thousands of dollars for PFCA. It’s an important organi­sation for men and their families who need support,” Sharon concluded.

To get involved, contact the Trundle Testi­cle Festival’s Facebook Page or email trun­dletesticlefestival@gmail.com

Have you got the balls to help?

We are seeking donations of items suitable to raffle and auction for our fundraiser. We would love donations of any blue items, bloke items, boy items, any items. Dona­tions of any type are welcome, goods, ser­vices, time, or talent.

In Australia, prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men, and more than 3,700 men dying of prostate can­cer in Australia every year. To quote Doug: it doesn’t matter how “groovy cool gas far out solid and right on chickie babe” you might be, please get checked. Know your PSA. It’s no poke!

Just a few of the awesome teams who played in the 2024 Testy Festy Boxing Day match

Resting up after securing the runners-up spot was ‘Blind Leading the Blind’.

Shout out to the boys in blue from the ‘Yarrabandai Yacht Club’.

Extremely well coordinated on the day with their outfits were ‘The Wrong’uns’.

Congratulations to ‘The Wicket Warriors’ on their win in the grand final against ‘Blind Leading the Blind’.

Scoring High To Win

February 13, 2025 by Short Putt

The field of 67 for Forbes Saturdays men’s golf competition in the Individual Stableford, sponsored by Troy Howe Electrical, players enjoyed milder temperatures on the week­end.

Division 1 was won by a fast developing junior golfer. Archie Quirk scored 42 points in his best round to date of 80 scratch. Run­ner-up was Glendon Hooper with 41 points.

The Division 2 had a similar high score for the winner Sam Jarrett who managed 40 points for the day. Runner-up was Brian Doyle with 37 points. The best Scratch score was a 68 by Steve Betland, helped along by seven birdies alongside three bogies.

The ball sweep went to 35 points on count back, with Neal Herbert missing out. Check in the Pro Shop to see if you were success­ful.

The NTP’s went to: 9th Niel Duncan; 18th Brett Slack-Smith, with both converting for a ‘2’ from ‘tap in’ range. The 3rd hole Su­per Pin went to Todd Callaghan with an out­standing shot to 90cm.

This Saturday, 15 February there will be another Individual Stableford event, spon­sored by Forbes Bus Lines. Sunday will have a Stableford Medley.

By Short Putt

Forbes Croquet Notes

February 13, 2025 by Elvy Quirk

Aussie Croquet was played on 8 February on a very warm morning. There were also many 14/10 and 14/9 scores recorded on the day.

Two games on the day were won by John Allegri, John Browne, Phillip Moran, Harley Stewart an David Williams. Congratulations to those players.

Seniors week is on in March with many celebrating during that week. On 4 March Forbes Croquet will be hosting an open day.

Anyone who would like to try a game of cro­quet is invited to come down at 8.30am on the day and you will be paired with an ex­perienced player to get to know the ropes.

On Tuesday 11 February Golf Croquet was played with 34 players in attendance. It was great to see Peter Mackay come down to join us for a game. There were also many 7/6 scores played on the day.

All three games were won by Russell An­derson, Ray Martin, Kevin Rubie and Bill Scott. Croquet is good fun and has a very social aspect with about 70 members in our Forbes Club.

By Elvy Quirk

Forbes Golf – Low Scores Win Medals

February 6, 2025 by Roxane Manley

On Saturday a field of 68 players participated in the February Monthly Medal event sponsored by Terry Bros Carpets. Scores on the day were low while the temperatures were high.

The A-Grade Winner was Cam McMillan with a nett 68. He has been having good scores of late and capped his game off well.

The B-Grade was won by Sandy Paterson with a nett 66. This was his day when everything fell into place.

The C-Grade was topped by newcomer Anthony Boshoff with 65 nett. He was ecstatic with a par on the 15th but less cheerful to hear that he was ineligible for the Medal.

The ball sweep went to 74 nett on count back. Check in the Pro Shop to see if youwere successful. There was one visitor, being Kyle McGinty from Tally Valley GC in the Gold Coast. He played in company with Anthony and Lachlan Alley. The NTP’s went to: 9th A Dukes; 18th T Cogswell, with only Andy converting for a ‘2’.

The 3rd hole Super Pin went to Cam McMillan with a shot to 275 cm. He did not convert for his ‘2’.

Forbes Croquet Notes

February 6, 2025 by Elvy Quirk

Birthday girls Helen Lupis and Jill Rubie.

On Saturday, 1 February Aussie Croquet was played with 30 in attendance. It was a reasonably warm morning but not nearly as hot as last Tuesday when the tempera­ture soared and exceeded 40. Some good scores were once again recorded.

We have a new player on Saturdays with Sally Perry taking up the challenge and getting to know the ropes of the game.

On Saturday, 1 February all three games were won by John Allegri, May Jones and David West. Congratulations to those play­ers. David West is now a regular player on Saturdays and is fast becoming a master at the game. Of course he has youth on his side.

Our monthly luncheon was held on Tues­day, 4 February at the Post Office Ho­tel with many celebrating their birthdays, namely Jill Rubie, Helen Lupis, Pam Thom­son, Sue Waden and Kevin Wenning. Best wishes were extended to all those mem­bers.

Golf Croquet was played on Tuesday, 4 February with 35 players in attendance. It was a very warm morning and John Farah came to the rescue for many players who didn’t bring their water. John came with an esky with many bottles of water. Many thanks John.

All three games were won by Kevin Rubie, Bill Scott, Peter West and Wayne Wright. Wayne is a relatively new player and is now joining the ranks of the winners.

Well done Wayne.

Dominic Williams joined us for a game as he was in town for the launching of a book he has recently written. Best wishes on the launch of your book Dom. Croquet is played Tuesday and Saturday each week.

By Elvy Quirk

Close Scores In Golf

January 30, 2025 by Short Putt

Alf Davies, Laurie O’Connor and Dave Mylecharane enjoying the sun during their round.

The Long Weekend and the forecast hot weather contributed to the field for Satur­days men’s golf being a little down at 51.

But the competition in the Individual Sta­bleford, sponsored by Rob Allen Livestock Transport, matched the temperature with some very hot scores.

The Division 1 required a count back to decide the Winner when Andrew Dukes and Harry Callaghan both finished on 41 points.Harry had the steadier score of them both but Andrew had too many high points and consequently was declared the winner.

The Division 2 was an easy decision due to a runaway win by Cooper Byrnes. His 40 points was well ahead of runner-up Nick Morrison on 35 points. Both had a steady start but Cooper was well ahead on the back-9.

The best Scratch score was a 69 by Caleb Hanrahan, helped along by four bird­ies and only one bogey.

The ball sweep went to 35 points on count back, with those on 34 points lament­ing those short putts missed. Check in the Pro Shop to see if you were successful.

There were two visitors – Sam Vaughan (Charlestown GC) and Cooper Nielson (Bathurst GC), both of whom seemed to enjoy the course.

The NTP’s went to: 9th D Rhodes; 18th P Dawson, with both converting for a ‘2’.

The 3rd hole Super Pin went to Nick Mor­rison, for the second week running, with a shot to 231 cm. Alas he missed his ‘2’.

This Saturday, 1 February will be the Monthly Medal, an 18-Hole Stroke event, sponsored by Terry Bros Carpets. Sunday will have a Stableford Medley.

By Short Putt

Forbes Croquet Club Notes

January 30, 2025 by Elvy Quirk

On Saturday 25 January Aussie Croquet was played with 27 in attendance. Many good scores were recorded. Including one runaway score – May Jones (Solo) def Ros Rennick and Robin Pols, 14/13.

It was lovely to see Joan Littlejohn and Ros Rennick back playing after a break away.

Cherylin Cole still remains hospitalised, as she has been for some weeks however there is better news on the horizon as she is able to have some gate leave and hopefully her operation early. February will see a big improvement so that she can get back to a normal way of life. Best wishes Cherylin.

On Tuesday 28 January Golf Croquet was played with only 27 in attendance and it was thought due to the very hot day.

There were only a couple of runaway scores recorded. 10/3 John Farah and John Allegri def Helen Lupis and Sue Jolliffe, Kevin Rubie and Peter West def Marie Spry and Bruce Field.

It was lovely to see Sally Perry grace the croquet lawns again after a hip replacement which went really well. Well done Sally and so pleased to see you back playing.

By Elvy Quirk

Spooner Oval Works Reach Milestone

January 23, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Concrete pouring being completed. Inset: The design concept of the new grandstand

The new grandstand project at Spooner Oval is starting to take shape after the pro­ject reached a significant milestone this week with the concrete pour for the foun­dation.

Part of stage 1 of the Spooner Oval Mas­terplan, the project is set to deliver a stateof-the-art grandstand that will feature 210 seats, two levels with lift access to the up­per level, dressing rooms, a club room, bar and a canteen.

The project began after extensive com­munity consultation, with the first sod turned in December 2023.

Works complet­ed so far include:

• New water and sewer connections to the grandstand;

• Connections from the grandstand to the NBN, electricity and gas network;

• Earth and concrete works for the water tanks that will be constructed;

• Formwork and reinforcement of grand­stand foundations.

Forbes Shire Council Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM, said the new grandstand would be a game-changer for sport in Forbes. “This will give us a modern facility that will be able to attract and host larger, regional events andboost the local economy,” she said.

“The existing facilities are outdated and not at a true usable standard, so this up­grade will ensure Spooner Oval can be used by sporting groups for many years to come.”

Works commencing in 2025 include:

• Structural steel erection;

• Lift shaft installation;

• Roof and walls to be installed;

• Perimeter concrete and concrete stairs installed;

• Internal linings and fit out.

The project is being funded through the Australian Government Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program and the NSW Government Stronger Country Com­munities Fund and Regional Sport Facility Fund.

It is expected that the project will be com­pleted in, or around September 2025.

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