Maggi Barnard

For the second year in a row the annual Parkes Show had to be cancelled because of COVID-19.

The Parkes PA&H Association Inc announced the cancellation of this year’s show on Wednesday after the committee made to the difficult decision at a meeting on Monday following the “unacceptable degree of risk to the community currently posed by the COVID situation in the east of our state”.

“Following the cancellation of the 2020 Parkes Show, the committee had high hopes for a spectacular 140th celebration and show, but it has become increasingly apparent in recent days that there is no guarantee that the show would be able to proceed in the first instance and certainly no way of knowing the conditions and limitations that may yet be imposed,” the committee said in its press release.

Show president Peter Unger said: “I feel for the community of Parkes, another event cancelled. I believe there was great anticipation for the 2021 Parkes Show to help bring some normality back.”

The 2021 Parkes Showgirl competition is still set to go ahead with the judging and dinner planned for Saturday, 14th August at the Parkes Services Club.

Young women aged 18-25 are encouraged to enter the competition for the chance to gain training, win great prizes, and represent Parkes at the Zone Judging in Condobolin for the chance to move forward to the Sydney Royal Easter Showgirl Competition.

Rebekah Auld, Parkes 2019 Showgirl highly recommends the experience. “It’s a great way to meet people, as well as to proudly represent Parkes.”

For entry forms and dinner tickets, contact Liz at the Parkes Show Office on 6862 2580.

The garden will offer a space to rekindle happy memories; a place to visit, reflect and remember.

Miss Lindy’s Garden was officially unveiled at the Parkes Early Childhood Centre (PECC) earlier this month in memory of the centre’s beloved director Lindy Farrant who passed away last year.

“We are here to celebrate an amazing garden space that has been created as a living memorial for our much-loved Miss Lindy,” said PECC’s Director Colette Genet-Marks.

“Lindy adored enchanting natural landscapes and artistic and colourful spaces. This garden is a melding of all these elements, with a child-like sense of fun.

“It will remind us of the power that can come from the planting of a small seed and the joy of watching that seed grow and blossom.

“Like adoring the beauty that a garden can bring to the world, Lindy celebrated the beauty of the people around her. She made people feel valued and heard, and we will always treasure the love and guidance that Lindy shared with her community,” said Colette.

“What Lindy has sown in our community; we will all continue to reap. Although Lindy cannot personally experience this garden, I truly believe in spirit Lindy will always be amongst us, continuing to support, guide, treasure and celebrate all that we are and all that we do.”

Lindy’s husband Bill Jayet said one of the last things he and Lindy did together during last year’s COVID lockdown, prior to her condition deteriorating, was to create a new garden at the front of their home.

“So, it was fitting that this beautiful space at PECC be dedicated as a garden to Lindy with all its quirky art bits and pieces by our three talented artists Deb Jones, Elsie Mahon and Pol Cruz.

“These three artists were all friends of Lindy’s: a friendship that especially flourished throughout a memorable couple of
decades of art and craft exhibitions that not only raised tens of thousands of dollars for PECC but also became one of the great social events of the Parkes calendar.

“Elsie, Deb and Pol – you really are treasures – again your artistic skills have come to the fore.

“We are absolutely delighted with what you have created and produced. Our heartfelt thanks go to all who were responsible
for making Lindy’s Garden a reality,” said Bill.