Maggi Barnard

In 1918 the very first upright bulk wheat silo was built in Peak Hill, and today the community will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the silos. What was a single 50,000 concrete bushel bin, is now a 35,000 tonne storage complex.

“Peak Hill’s central location within the state’s wheat belt made it the ideal site for the silo,” said Councillor Louise O’Leary. “Agricultural production is one of the largest contributors to our local economy, with cereal crops accounting for 51.3% of the Parkes Shire’s total agricultural output in value terms.

“Furthermore, Peak Hill’s positive lifestyle is underpinned by the agricultural sector, so it’s important that we celebrate the success of Peak Hill Silos over the past 100 years.”

Built by John Howie and Sons in 1918, it was two years before the silo was filled as the region had very dry conditions in 1918 and 1919. The silo filled for the first time in 1920 with a bumper year.

Since that time the complex has grown significantly to include a six-bin Metcalf, a weighbridge, additional storage sheds and bunkers. The complex is now owned and operated by GrainCorp.

The community are invited to attend a commemorative ceremony today (Friday) at 10am at the GrainCorp Silos.

There are so many options to spoil our fathers. Here are some ideas to splash out locally.

With Spring just around the corner Greenparkes Garden Centre is just the place to get the Dad with green fingers a gift. Summer seedlings have arrived, as well as lots of Spring plants that will help the garden get back its green shine for Summer.

Parkes Bricks, Paver & Tile Supplies has interesting options for Dad this Father’s Day including wine barrels. There
are plenty of ideas you can use wine barrels for. These include garden beds, keeping drinks cold at events, turn it into a display cabinet or table, or use it as a feature fountain. Pop in at 94-98 Forbes Road to check out the displays and discuss your ideas.

If Dad is keen to get fit this summer, why not head over to Kinsela to look at the wide range of bicycles and other gear. If he is more a fan of motorised transport, Kinsela has over the past 50 years been providing motorcycles, bicycles, power equipment and so much more to Parkes and the Central West. Whether you’re looking for a new lawnmower or buying that dream motorcycle… go and have a look.

Is it perhaps time for Dad to renew his glasses? Hansen Optometrists Parkes has gift vouchers on offer, as well as a
Spring range for a new look. The colour green is synonymous with Spring as it represents growth, renewal and rebirth. It’s a sanctuary away from the stresses of modern living, restoring us back to a sense of well-being.

End Father’s Day with a lovely dinner at the Parkes Services Club. Take the whole family to enjoy a special dinner prepared for Father’s day including a mouthwatering mixed grill or lamb shanks for only $25! Remember to reserve your table by calling 6862 1966.

Whether due to trauma or degenerative changes, a torn meniscus will often present with pain and swelling in the knee joint and difficulty straightening the knee. Sometimes there may also be a history of painful clicking or locking. Manual testing and MRI can confirm the diagnosis of a meniscus tear.

Whenever possible, physiotherapy is considered the first line of treatment when there are symptoms of a meniscal tear. This involves strengthening exercises, icing to reduce swelling and avoiding activities that put pressure on the joint such as pivoting, squatting or repetitive bending of the knee.

One of the main functions of the knee joint meniscus is to absorb shock. Luckily, the muscles around the knee also function as shock absorbers. Research has shown that as muscle strength around the knee increases bone stress decreases and therefore pain and dynamic stability improve.

If, after a few weeks of conservative management, pain and dysfunction are still present your doctor may recommend surgery. This is usually day surgery and involves arthroscopic repair or removal of the torn piece of cartilage. As part of the recovery process the muscles around the knee must be strengthened in order to minimise secondary degenerative changes.

If osteoarthritis is also present in the affected knee, as is often the case with degenerative meniscus tears, surgical treatment may not provide the pain relief or return to optimal function normally expected of arthroscopic repair. In fact, the research indicates that arthroscopic surgery for this population offers no advantage over physiotherapy for relief of symptoms or improvement in function.

For the fitness of you.
Linda Reilly