Maggi Barnard

Maggi Barnard has been with the Parkes Phoenix since it was established in March 2016 and loves writing about her community.

Too Industrious To Collect Dust

November 16, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

We are all collectors, but Ian and Judy Chambers have set themselves apart over 50 years of working together as professional treasurers. They have not only owned a collection of businesses, but Ian the hobbyist has amassed an amazing treasure trove of old Australian comics, corner shop items and tin toys.

The entrepreneurial and industrious couple was recently recognised for their life’s work by being awarded the Ken Birch Memorial trophy at The Henrys business awards. “We have lived in Parkes all our lives, and we both started work at the then Central West County Council in 1966.”

In 1978 they bought Coulston’s Jewellers, changed the name to Reflection Jewellers, and nine years later installed the first onehour photo lab in Parkes. In 1997 they sold the jewellery shop, only to get back into business about 15 months later purchasing the Video Ezy stores in Parkes and Forbes, which Ian said had been the most enjoyable business to run.

“People always came into the shop in a happy mood.” In 2000 their son Dave and his partner Tracey took over the management of the two stores and incorporated both stores shortly after as Discount Tobacconists. The sad news is that the video part of the shop is closing down, but the good news is the business is moving back full circle to
where the jeweller shop used to be at 225- 227 Clarinda street, and will be expanded to include a men’s gift ware section. Next door is Dad and Daves – father and son’s collection hobbies turned into business.

Ian and Judy continue to fill in as required, while also being very active in the community. Ian served as a Councillor for 12 years among other things, has a keen interest in the history of Parkes photographing the shops and businesses for the past 40 years and published a book in 1988.

“We feel pretty privileged and lucky with what we have done in Parkes.” They have not only preserved history but
have accumulated a treasure trove of stories too as every item in their vast collection has a wonderful tale attached to it.

By Maggi Barnard

Mayoral Notes…

November 16, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

This week I was fortunate enough to meet the amazing Pricilla Presley at the Elvis and Me: An Evening with Pricilla Presley gala event in Sydney. Joined by Parkes Festival Director, Cathy Treasure, we gained insight into Priscilla’s life and shared the successes of the festival with her.

The Volunteer Induction Night this week attracted over 30 attendees. For those interested in helping, the next induction night is on 4th December at 6pm in the Coventry Room.

Congratulations to our wonderful Engineering Cadet, Cate Fennell on being awarded the G A Taylor medal for best paper at the IPWEA NSW State Conference for her presentation ‘What makes an Engineer today?’ Cate now goes on to represent the State at the National IPWEA Conference in 2019.

Nominations for the Australia Day Community and Cultural Awards close on Monday, 20th November. Nomination forms are available at Council’s Administration Building, Parkes Shire Libraries, or can be downloaded from www.parkes.nsw.gov.au.

With December around the corner, residents and visitors are encouraged to fill their Christmas stockings locally and stand a chance to win a $5,000 travel package as part of the Shop Parkes and WIN campaign. Make a purchase at any participating store until 31st December and fill out an entry form. The lucky winner will be chosen on 5th January 2018.

Yours Faithfully,
Cr Ken Keith OAM
Mayor of Parkes Shire

Question of the Week?

November 9, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

What is at the top of your bucket list?

Rod Smith: A holiday in the Top End and the Bungle Bungle Range in Western Australia – there’s nowhere else like it in the world.

Shannon Wright with 10-week-old Pippa: I would love to visit Disneyland, firstly for myself as I am a big Disney fan (I even have Disney tattoos on my arm), but also for my kids. I would love to experience the whole atmosphere of Disneyland).

Amie Nelson: I want to swim with dolphins, especially bottlenose dolphins. The best place to do it is probably at Sea World.

Kath’s Creation Tells Story Of Everlasting Friendship

November 9, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Eating cake is one of life’s pleasures many of us enjoy, but have you ever thought of reading a cake? Parkes’ exceptional sugarcraft artist Kath Swansbra has created one of the most interesting projects of her 30-year life as a cake decorator by telling a remarkable story of French-Australian relations.

Based on Derek Guille’s book, ‘The Promise’, the cake tells the story of the World War 1 battle of Villers-Brettenoux where 1,200 Australians died saving the village. The French have never forgotten the sacrifice – the Australian flag still flies over Villers-Bretonneux and a plaque tells the story of 1918. After the war, money donated from Victoria students paid for the rebuilding of the village school which was renamed ‘Victoria School’.

“I had visited Villers Brettenoux but I didn’t know… that 100 years later the children and families of Victoria school in Villers-Brettenoux raised about $20,000 and donated it to Strathaven in Victoria following the 2009 bushfires,” said Kath.

When the Telopea Park School in Canberra asked Kath to make a raffle cake for their annual La Grande Fête, Kath’s research inspired her to make something more. “This story is so important to be taught to children as it promotes goodwill and friendship and the give and takes in society—something that I think we are losing in modern society.

After three months of research, planning and creating, the masterpiece telling the story in both English and French, was not raffled at last week’s fete, but will be kept in the school library.

By Maggi Barnard

Snippets…

November 9, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Hannah Cayo-Dun (12) and Loic Monfret from Parkes: participated in the Australian National Busking Championships in Cooma last weekend. With over 50 contestants Hannah and Loic came fourth and third in their respective categories. Congratulations!

Safe Roads During Harvest: Agricultural machinery owners and operators are invited to get road ready for the 2017 harvest season, by picking up a free information kit from all agricultural machinery retailers in the Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shires, as well as the Councils’ Administration Offices. The Moving Harvest Machinery information kit contains the most relevant notices and information required by agricultural machinery operators to legally and safely move their equipment on local roads. Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor said: “Fines and penalties can be severe for noncompliance and if there is a crash, insurance companies may not accept liability if the vehicle is non-compliant.”

Oversize Vehicles: With the grain harvest getting underway there will be a lot of extra trucks and agricultural machinery on the local roads. Drivers are reminded to share the road safely at this time. “When approaching an oversize vehicle you should: be patient, reduce your speed and wait for a safe opportunity to pass. Don’t drive right
behind the agricultural equipment because the farmer can’t see you,” said Melanie. Please take care this harvest and share the road safely.

Shop Parkes And Win: Fill your stockings locally this Christmas for a chance to win a $5,000 travel package. Parkes Shire Council and Parkes Chamber of Commerce have joined forces again for the annual Christmas Shop Parkes campaign. Parkes Council’s Economic & Business Development Manager, Anna Wyllie said: “This year we’ve made the campaign more accessible by going digital.” Participating businesses and shoppable content will be showcased via the Council website and social media pages. Shoppers will spot participating businesses with Shop Parkes posters displayed in stores. Simply Shop in Parkes at any participating store until Sunday, 31st December
and fill out an entry form. The lucky winner will be announced on Friday, 5th January 2018.

Australia Day Awards: Nominations are open for the 2017 Parkes Shire Council Community Awards, recognising outstanding service to the community. There are various categories and nomination forms are available from Council, one of the libraries, or at the Parkes Visitor Information Centre. You can also download nomination forms from www.parkes.nsw.gov.au. For further information contact the Events Officer on 6861 2333.

Poppies For The Great War

November 9, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

The Parkes College for Seniors joined knitters from around Australia to help create 60,000 poppies to mark the centenary of the end of World War I in November next year. About 20 members and guests held a special session last week to create the poppies to be sent to Canberra. The group has done close to 500 poppies to contribute to the centenary that will see a carpet of poppies at the Australian War Memorial. Each poppy knitted will represent an Australian life lost in World War I – the costliest conflict to Australia in terms of deaths. Out of the 416,809 men who enlisted, 60,000 were killed and 156,000 were wounded, gassed or taken prisoner.

Women’s Bowling On Melbourne Cup Day

November 9, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Members of the Parkes Women’s Bowling Club were all dressed up for Melbourne Cup Day, but still enjoyed playing bowls. In two pairs games, Valmai Westcott and Betsy Johnstone defeated Merilyn Rodgers and Robyn Morgan. Francis Charlton and Audrey Jones beat Lorraine Baker and Marja Iffland.

In a triples game Chris Curteis, Flo Riseborough and Kim Evans were the winners over Maureen Miller, Minnie Riordan and Brenda Davies. Winners on the day were Valmai and Betsy.

The Christmas trading table will be held on 14th November with pick-a-box prizes. Bring a friend along to play bowls, bring lunch and ring table selectors for friends to play. Christmas shirts and bling to be worn. The Presentation Day and lunch at a cost of $20 is on 12th December – please put your name on the board.

The minor pairs commence on 21st November with Eileen Bradley and Isabel Svendsen versus Lorraine Baker and Kim Evans; Marja Iffland and Maureen Miller versus Frances Charlton and Chris Curteis. To play social bowls please ring table selectors Kim Evans and Rosemary Mitchell between 8.30am and 9am. Social roster Flo Riseborough.

By Rosemary Mitchell

Mayoral Notes…

November 9, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Residents are invited to make their ’68 Comeback to the 2018 Parkes Elvis Festival as a volunteer. The first Volunteer Induction Night is on Monday, 13th November, 6pm at Council. For more information contact 6862 6000.

Nominations for the Australia Day Community and Cultural Awards close on Monday, 20th November and recognise
outstanding service to the community. Nomination forms are available at Council’s Administration Building, Parkes Shire Libraries, or at www.parkes.nsw.gov.au. November marks Asbestos Awareness Month, with Council’s Planning and Environment team launching a campaign on the dangers of asbestos. There is information on Council’s website on how to protect yourself from exposure during renovations and home maintenance.

Council staff installed a new public art work in Mingelo Street, Peak Hill this week. It features a postage stamp of Melvin the Ram, and reflects the town’s golden heritage, the district’s strong agricultural background and more prided claim to fame, their prized Merino sheep.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to fill their Christmas stockings locally this festive season, with the Shop Parkes campaign. Make a purchase at any of the participating stores until 31st December and fill out an entry form to win a $5,000 travel package to a destination of your choice.

Yours Faithfully, Cr Ken Keith OAM
Mayor of Parkes Shire

Lachlan Dragons Race In First Canobolas Regatta

November 9, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

The very first dragon boat regatta at Lake Canobolas in Orange organised by the local Western Region teams proved to be a great success last weekend. The Lachlan Dragons had a wonderful day with a first in one women’s heat and
getting into the finals with the mixed team. There were some very memorable racing moments and much fun and camaraderie throughout the day.

Coaches, Carmen Stephens and Warren Edwards were very happy with the results. “I’m super proud of all of you,” said Carmen. “You’ve raced brilliantly and really concentrated on the techniques we’ve been practising.” The team welcomed regatta rookie, Margaret Lambert, to her first taste of racing. “I had a great day, and enjoyed it immensely,” said Marg.

The Lachlan Dragons are grateful to Deb Abela, the regatta co-ordinator, and the four volunteers who helped the day to run smoothly: Bev Pengilly, Rosemary Facey, Doug Churchill and Vicki Mathew. A big thank you was also extended to Bill and Beth Thomas, representatives on the Western Region committee who organised the event.

The next regatta will be at Wagga Wagga later this month. New members are always welcome. Find us on Facebook or call Bill Thomas, club president, on 0418 616 500.

By Beth Thomas

WHAT’S ON @ The Library

November 9, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Embroiderers’ Guild Exhibition – 6 to 30 November, Parkes Library
It has become a tradition that an Embroiders Guild NSW, Parkes Branch, exhibition is on display at Parkes Library during November. This year the exhibition is going to feature Parkes Branch founding member Margaret Lewis’ amazing range of embroidery works.

Kate Kelly: Sister Of An Outlaw Exhibition – 7 – 18 November, Coventry Room
Rebecca Wilson’s exhibition retells a visual story of events and folklore inspired by the life and times of Kate Kelly, re-interpreted by the artist to include a collection of portraits and event-based imagery based on photos and extensive research.

Rebecca Wilson artist talk on Thursday, 16th November, 6pm – 7pm
RSVP essential on 6861 2309 or parkes.library@parkes.nsw.gov.au New Online Collection – Talking Books
Parkes Shire Library is proud to launch a new online collection – eAudio, talking books. Talking books can be downloaded and listened to on your own device via the Parkes Shire Library eCollection website parkesshirelibrary.wheelers.co/. You can borrow three eAudio titles at a time, for up to four weeks. Parkes Library is inviting those interested in talking books to help select titles for the new collection. Please email your name and contact details to parkes.library@parkes.nsw.gov.au

Jane Austen High Tea – Wednesday 29 November at 3pm, or Thursday 30 November, 6pm.
This November the Parkes Book Club will be hosting a very special Jane Austen book club event. This year is the 200th Anniversary of Jane Austen’s death and yet she is still a much-loved author of the English language. The Parkes Book Club will take the form of an open mic event with everyone encouraged to share their favourite Jane Austen quote and explain what they like about it. There will also be a high tea and plenty of laughs as Elizabeth Bennett says, “I dearly love to laugh”. Book Club regulars, prospective new members and Jane Austen lovers are all welcome!

Maggi Barnard

Subscribe