Maggi Barnard

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

Our Bloke – Ian Wade-Parker

July 27, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Ian Wade-Parker

How long have you lived in Parkes and what do you like about living here? My wife and I arrived in Parkes in November last year. After 21 years on the Gold Coast, the most pleasing aspect of living in Parkes is less road traffic and no traffic lights.

Where do you work and what do you enjoy about your work? My wife, Karyn, and I are the managers of the Station Motel. We are fortunate to meet and chat with many people who are travelling through Parkes or are regular visitors.

What do you do to unwind after work or on weekends? We work an eight week roster which means we are on call 24/7 during this time. I do enjoy getting out into the gardens at the Station, which my gardener Kevin and I are slowly redesigning.

What are you really good at? Problem solving would be one of my greatest attributes. In my 40 years of working in the Hospitality Industry you have to think fast on your feet when issues arise.

If you could have a super power, what would it be? I have a really bad memory for names and faces so I would love to have the mind power to solve this.

What is your pet hate? Smoking, really hate to see cigarette butts on the ground and not placed in bins.

Tell us about your best holiday ever. We had a four week gourmet tour of Japan, which included dining in some fantastic restaurants and a visit to the Tokyo Fish Market. The food we were served was incredible and everywhere we went we were treated like royalty.

Just a Short Drive to Narromine…

July 27, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Aviation Stories In A Truly Historic Aerodrome

The aerodrome at Narromine, 40km west of Dubbo, has recently been upgraded and greatly expanded. A new 500m2 wing has been added, which includes several aircraft, innovative lighting and a large screen for audiovisuals.
The museum, housed in one of Australia’s most historic aerodromes, tells the centurylong story of aviation in the region through memorabilia, photographs and documents.

The story starts in 1919, when the Great Air Race from England to Australia was won by the Smith brothers in their Vickers Vimy. The Department of Defence looked for suitable refuelling places between Darwin and the finishing line in Melbourne, and Narromine was originally the only site selected in NSW. Thousands of spectators turned up at what was then a paddock to see the aircraft land, and the town was instantly on the world aviation map.

Displayed in the museum’s new wing are three aircraft believed to be unique in the world: the only flyable replica of the 1907 Wright Flyer Model A (2005); an original Corben Super Ace homebuilt (1938), and an original Hawkridge Venture glider (1953). Some other exhibits include: 1916-39: The time of the ‘barnstormers’. What is now Australia’s oldest regional aero club hosted such visitors as Sir Charles Kingsford Smith, Jean Batten and Arthur Butler, as well as some of the country’s best-known air pageants.

1939-45: War brought flying training units and a top-secret British bomber squadron to town. Of nearly 3,000 pilots trained here, some 30% did not return from the war. 1945-present: The post-war period has seen Qantas pilot training, world-class gliding, a vibrant aero club, and ultra light flying.

You can also see interesting artefacts and collections, including the Narromine Aero Club’s 1930s scrapbook that has survived war and flood. The Vic Hall collection: thanks to Narromine Post Office worker Vic Hall who had a passion for aviation, photography and drawing during the ‘barnstorming’ era of the 1920s and 30s, a rich record of the air visits and pageants of that time were preserved.

The museum is open six days a week from 10am to 4pm (closed Tuesday). Entry is $7 adult, $5 child/pensioner. Contact number 6889 7131 (Museum), or 0407 459 581 Beryl Hartley.

Education Week 2017

July 27, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

New Principal For Parkes Christian School

The Board of Parkes Christian School (PCS) announced the appointment of Parkes local Glen Westcott as the school’s sixth principal. Glen, who was deputy principal of PCS, was one of a considerable field of applicants for the position. The School Board outsourced the recruitment program to Resolve Consulting, who has a long and successful record in the recruitment of senior executives for many large Christian schools.

“We thank our outgoing Principal Graham Hope who has set the school up well for a seamless transition,” the board said in a statement. It was the board’s initial plan for the incoming principal to start at the beginning of the 2018 school year, “however with the success of Glen’s application the position will now take effect immediately.”

Middleton Celebrations
Middleton Public School in Parkes will celebrate Education Week on Tuesday, 1st August. The day’s program include open classrooms from 10:45 to 11:30am when parents and caregivers are welcome to visit classrooms. From 11:30am to 12:20pm they can enjoy a picnic lunch with their children. The program ends with a concert from 12:30pm featuring all classes. The library will also be open during the day where book donations will be welcome.

I Learn, We Learn
Education Week is a state-wide, annual event to celebrate public education in NSW. This year it will be held from 31st July to 4th August and the theme is I Learn, We Learn. For the first time, Education Week will be launched via a simulcast from both Sydney (Glenmore Park High School) and Tamworth (Tamworth High School) on Monday, 31st July from 10 to 11am. The two sites will be integrated virtually and livestreamed to schools right around the state, demonstrating how learning communities across NSW are overcoming distance through the use of technology.

French Doors Are An Interesting Option

July 27, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

French doors create a sense of luxury in any home. Their lavish styling is complimented by their practicality, with a variety of options available to open up your living area and allow wide access to a courtyard.

At the Glassplace hinged French doors are available as double or single doors, and come in either aluminium or Western Red Cedar with a full range of matching windows available in either material.

If interior wall space is limited, French doors are a great option. Available as both an open in or open out application, French doors have the ability to be a stunning 2400mm high. French doors can be fitted with toughened or laminated glass or with Low E glass for energy savings and more comfortable living.

Full locking options are available for security, safety and peace of mind. You can view various French doors and single hinged door options on display at the Glassplace show room. You can also see for yourself how Low E Glass can make your home more comfortable and energy efficient.

Visit the Glassplace showroom in Clarke St Parkes, the website www.glassplace.com.au or contact them on 6862 2346 to learn more about the range of French and single hinged doors.

Palliative Care In The Spotlight

July 27, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

About 20 volunteers, clinicians, pastoral care staff and supporters of palliative care met in Parkes last Friday to talk about existential suffering and care. ‘Pain is more than Pills’ was hosted by the Parkes Palliative Care Volunteer Service through Parkes’ Neighbourhood Central.

Attendees travelled from Orange, Dubbo and Sydney to hear speakers on total pain, spirituality and care of the spirit, caring for the ‘whole’, personal experiences of caring, end of life planning and the importance of connecting.

Attendees also reflected on and shared about their practice of care.

Being Bold In The Bedroom

July 27, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Bedrooms are no longer just a place to lay your head after a long day of toiling. Our bedroom can be of great importance to our wellbeing. It can be a private sanctuary to retreat and withdraw to when needed. A beautiful bedroom allows us to relax and unwind, taking pleasure in the fact that we are safe and secure in a tranquil space we have created.

By surrounding yourself with items you love and cherish, your bedroom can become a reflection of your personality. Because it is a private space you can really express your style in a dramatic way. A bedroom is not on show to the world so decorating choices can be bolder. Get daring and express yourself with colour, prints and patterns.

When choosing your bedding and curtains, don’t be afraid to mix patterns, prints and different textures. Purchasing a quality mattress and bed will ensure a sensational night’s sleep. But for an instant update just change the bedding.

A new quilt cover can work miracles in changing the overall look. Throws and cushions add texture, warmth and bring the theme together. In my opinion the more cushions you pile on the bed the better the effect. This is a design rule that I follow to the letter.

Remember to decorate with pieces you love and that hold special significance, and incorporate photos of loved ones to create the story of your life. I love groups of photos arranged in block formations with the same frames to give
our everyday photos a designer look. A well-placed rug will give your private space a really luxurious feel. Imagine placing your feet on a soft shag rug each morning when you step out of bed.

Making sure you have enough storage is also critical. There will be no solace in the space if it is cluttered. If space allows, use artificial flowers or textural sticks in urns or pots, or add an indoor plant for a natural wow factor. Lamps and soft lighting will create an intimate feel, add an armchair and your room is ready to go.

By Karen Creith

Let Pictures Tell Your Wedding Story

July 27, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Holly Bradford is an award-winning photographer who loves being part of her client’s special day as there are so many beautiful moments for her to capture! Be it the proud look on a father’s face, the nervous but excited anticipation of the groom, the cheeky flower girl or of course the joy of a couple who are deeply in love.

These are the important moments that tell the story of a wedding day and you want to have full trust in your photographer that they will capture the memories for you. Holly is all about giving her clients confidence to relax, have fun and enjoy every minute!

Throughout the day she aims to be as unobtrusive as possible during the important moments like the ceremony and speeches as there is nothing worse than a photographer who steals the focus. She also likes to have a bit of fun with her bridal parties and often asks lots of silly questions, as the best images are often captured when you’re having a good old laugh!

Although based in the country town of Young in NSW, Holly regularly travels for weddings and has even gone as far as the Kimberley, Fiji and Ireland! Holly takes a great deal of pride and care in her work and after the wedding spends on average 40 plus hours editing behind the scenes to ensure her clients receive the highest level of quality in their final images.

Once the wedding is complete the bride and groom are invited to come into her lovely studio in Young and view all the images on the big screen while enjoying some bubbly and sweet treats. She also has a range of professional products and clients have the option to turn their images into either gorgeous canvases, beautiful prints for the wall or stunning custom designed wedding albums. Contact Holly on 0407 409 277, email holly@hollybradford.com or see her work on facebook and Instagram.

Boars Disappoint In Second Half

July 27, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

A strong start by the Parkes Boars was to no avail as CSU secured a much needed win for the season. Parkes led for most of the first half with tries to Ethan Kosef and Ben Powlay followed by a text book chip and chase by Ash Adams. Unfortunately poor kicking by Parkes and a late try to CSU put the visitors narrowly in the lead at half time: CSU 21 – Parkes 17.

The CSU fullback Robinson did most of the damage to Parkes scoring several long-range tries and providing a solid last line of defence. Parkes was able to make line breaks through Joe Nash, Ben Powlay and Ethan Kosef, but Robinson repeatedly made effective last minute tackles.

At the other end Parkes defended strongly with CSU getting through Parkes out wide, but try saving tackles by Jason
Lowe, Steve Taotua and Jon Rathbone kept Parkes in the game. Ash Adams had a great game and was named Players Player. Although known for his physicality as a loose forward at the breakdown, he added another string to his bow with a perfectly executed chip and chase to beat the CSU full back and score under the posts.

Another player to show his versatility was Dylan Hood. A surprisingly nimble front rower with an awesome side step showed he can also fill in as a very capable half back and is a real asset to the Boars. Once again a disappointing second half saw CSU adding another two unanswered tries bringing the final score to CSU 35 Parkes 17.

By Allan Ryan

A Pain In The Heel

July 27, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

“Each morning I have to hobble to the toilet because of a sharp pain in my heel. It settles after a while and feels like I am walking on a bruise.” Is this you? Plantar Fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain.

According to research, 80% of all cases show spontaneous improvement within 12 months. If you want to be a little more proactive there are a few things you can do. The plantar fascia is a thick fibrous band of tissue that fans from the heel to the base of each toe. It helps to support the arch of the foot. Plantar Fasciitis strikes when degenerative changes occur in the fascia where it attaches to the heel. It is sometimes associated with bony heel spurs however the
spurs themselves do not cause pain.

The cause of Plantar Fasciitis is often multifactorial and may include any combination of stiff ankle joints, low arches, high arches, weak foot muscles, poor footwear or increased load due to weight gain or prolonged periods of standing.

Self-treatment for this problem should involve massage to the foot arch and gentle calf stretches before rising each morning, strengthening exercises for the intrinsic muscles in the foot, a temporary decrease in training and a gradual return to sport when it is no longer painful to walk. In addition any biomechanical issues present in the lower limbs should be addressed to prevent recurrence.

“For the fitness of you”
Linda Reilly

Club Championship Triples Final On Tuesday

July 27, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

The second round of the Club Championship Triples was played on Tuesday. Merilyn Rodgers, Marja Iffland and Maree Grant defeated Lorraine Baker, Maureen Miller and Kim Evans, while Cherie Frame, Gwenda Carty and Rhona Went defeated Minnie Riordan, Audrey Jones and Joan Simpson.

The final will be played next week, between Merilyn Rodgers, Marja Iffland and Maree Grant vs Cherie Frame, Gwenda Carty and Rhona Went.

In social triples Di Greenhalgh, Hilda Pherson and Rosemary Mitchell defeated Di Howell, Eileen Bradley and Brenda Davies.

In a pairs game Chris Cox and Margaret Hawken defeated Jean Kennedy and Flo Riseborough. Winners for the day were Merilyn, Marja and Maree. There will be a committee meeting on Tuesday, 1st August at 1.30pm. New shirts
and jackets must be ordered with Brenda by Tuesday please.

The Classic Triples will be held at the Club on 19th and 20th August. Entries open now. Teams from several towns will be playing with excellent bowls expected, a great day of bowling to watch.

By Rosemary Mitchell

Maggi Barnard

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