Maggi Barnard

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

Mayor And Hodge Pocket Summer Competition

February 23, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

The Parkes Mayor proved he could lead on the golf course too with his victory in the BWR Accountants and Advisors Summer Competition last Saturday.

A very good field contested the 5th and final round of the Summer Competition and Ken Keith won with an impressive 42 Stableford points.

In the overall competition, that saw players able to discard their worst two rounds, it was a clear 4-shot victory for the club’s most consistent golfer Jake Hodge. He returned scores of 43, 42 and 36 for 121 to finish ahead of Robert Hey with rounds of 40, 39 and 38 finished on 117 in the Stableford-based competition.

Ball winners went to 40 Steve Simpson and Ian Hendry, 38 Dub Rodgers, Cathy Kelly, Chris Goodie and Col Barker, 37 Wayne Parker, Ron Hetherington, Justin Sutton, Rod Kiley, Peter Picker and Rod Luyt, 36 David Whitfield, Michael Lynch, Jake Hodge and Reg Davison and surviv- ing the countback on 35 was Tim Lasserre. In the Nearest the Pin, Ian Hendry dominated as he took out both the Idlerite Tyre- power 1st hole at 611cm and the tough Westlime sponsored 15th hole 551cm from the flag.

The major jackpot on the Idlerite Tyre-power 1st hole was won by Mark Francis last week after it was revealed his tee shot finished just 20cm from the flag and not the reported 200cms.

In other awards Ian Phipps won the Griffins Leading Edge 4th hole at 483cm, which also earned him victory in the money hole award. The Dirt Doctor Landscaping 6th saw Bob Barter victorious at 570cm and David Whitfield’s 207cm won him the Harvey Norman 11th hole award.

The final two Nearest the Pins awards on the Parkes Ready Mixed Concrete 9th hole and the PJL Groups 18th hole, saw Ron Hetherington blast his 6 iron approach shot to within birdie range of 282cm of the flag on the Par 4, 9th hole. On the short 18th hole it was Tim Lasserre who claimed the win with just 15cm off the flag.
Members are reminded that effective immediately any golf ball won during Satur- day competitions must be collected from the Pro Shop operated by Daniel Newton.

Tomorrow’s competition is an 18-hole Stableford for the Sportspower of Parkes trophy, and on Sunday Parkes hosts the Round 4 matches of the Central West Pen- nants with the course closed from 7.30am to 1pm.

By Paul Thomas

Mayoral Notes

February 23, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

I would firstly like to thank our wonderful Rural Fire Service (RFS) for keeping watch this summer. While the Parkes Shire has avoided any major fires during this period of extreme heat, it is timely to thank all our volunteer fire fighters who make themselves available. Their services have been called upon on several occasions this sum- mer with early intervention limiting damage.

Parkes is gearing up to host the Local Government Touch Carnival at Cheney Park tomorrow. Celebrating 25 years, the Carnival attracts teams from across the state, comprising of Australian and Local Government employees, allied organisations and their families. I encourage everyone to get along to Cheney Park and cheer on the players from 9am.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to explore the quirky depictions of the Austral- ian landscapes, when Parkes Shire Library hosts an exhibition by contemporary artist and ABC journalist, Gavin Coote dur- ing March. Gavin’s surreal paintings go on exhibition at the Library on 1st March, with an official opening on Friday, 3rd March at 6pm. If you would like to meet Gavin at the official opening, please RSVP on 6861 2309.

The Parkes 2030 campaign has continued its tour of the Shire, visiting the township of Trundle this week. This round of community consultation has seen a tremen- dous response from residents keen to join the conversation about what Council has planned for the future. Next week we will head out to Tullamore and Parkes. If you would like to join the conversation, register by calling 6861 2333. For those who cannot attend the workshops, complete the survey on Council’s website – www.parkes.nsw. com.au.
Be safe and enjoy your weekend.

Yours Faithfully, Cr Ken Keith OAM Mayor of Parkes Shire.

Historic Birthday For Len!

February 23, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

The initiator of the Henry Parkes Museum is celebrating a milestone birthday on Monday. Len Unger is turning 100 on 27th February, and the Museum will be celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

“The Parkes Historical Society would like to pay tribute to one of our oldest members, Len Unger,” said Yvonne Hutton, President of the Parkes Historial Society. “Len is the only member of our Society left who had the forethought to start Henry Parkes Museum 50 years ago in 1967. “We first opened in the Salvation Army Citadel but we were only there for a short time.” Yvonne said Len lent the society the money to purchase their sec- ond home, the Masonic Hall.

“Len was also a founding member of our Pioneer Antique Machinery Museum in 1970, and we are still here on Peak Hill Road 47 years later.” According to Yvonne, Len and several other members scoured the Parkes district for many of the Museum’s very valuable machinery itmes. “Len and all those early members worked so hard to preserve our town and agricultural history,” said Yvonne.

Len is a resident at Rosedurnate these days. “Happy 100th Birthday Len from all the members!”

Art Program A Big Plus for Young Artists

February 16, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

A beautiful thing is never perfect, at least that’s one message from the latest exhibition on the Community Cultural Wall.

A raging duck, tranquil sea creatures, and an elaborate space-scape are juxtaposed in the installation on the corner of Clarinda and Church Streets. The vibrant and engaging artworks represent the political and lyrical perspectives of a new generation of artists.

Twelve local youths participated in the art program, Journey into Mystery – Horror, Science Fiction and Fantasy Art, which was hosted by Parkes Shire Library.

Parkes Shire Council’s Manager of Cul- tural Education and Library Services, Shellie Buckle said the artworks captured what young people were thinking and worrying about.

The participants’ inspiration was wide- ranging; from international politics, the

Parkes Radio Telescope, to the concept of inner-beauty as portrayed in popular culture.

Art teacher and art therapist, Maralyn Nash said one of the objectives of the art classes was to connect with young people. “We had many discussions about their vision for the future and these ideas were used to create the art,” she said. “They’re very talented artists. They were a super intelligent group, and they were all very skilled drawers.”

Dozens of art lovers of all ages attended the unveiling on Wednesday, which was officially opened by Mayor Ken Keith OAM.

The Community Art Wall is a temporary exhibition space, which features community artists, and is part of Council’s Public Art Program, bringing vibrancy to our main street.

Mayoral Notes

February 16, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

This week our Community Wall was trans- formed with 12 new artworks by local students. The vibrant pieces, created during an art program, Journey into Mystery – Horror, Science Fiction and Fantasy Art, host- ed by Parkes Shire Library, was officially launched on Wednesday. I congratulate the young artists for their contributions to our public art scene and encourage everyone to stop at the Community Wall on the corner of Clarinda and Church Streets.

Lovers of literature were invited on a blind date this week when Parkes Shire Library hosted Library Lovers’ Day on 14th Febru- ary. Residents were treated to a selection of new books covered in brown paper with only a few details of the story on the front – a fantastic initiative to reconnect with the library and share the love of books.

Council has seen tremendous results from the 20 Million Trees Project, with thousands of native seedlings embracing the heat and germinating. We thank the community members who volunteered their time last year to plant the seedlings as part of an initiative to transform the previously farmed land into an ecological woodland complex to host our native flora and fauna.

The first of the Parkes 2030 Community Workshops took place this week, with a wonderful turn out at both Alectown and Peak Hill. Thank you to the residents who joined the conversation about the projects that we will develop and deliver over the next 12 years. Next week we will head to Trundle. To register your attendance at any of the workshops, call 6861 2333. If you cannot attend, join the conversation by completing the survey on www.parkes. nsw.com.au.

Keep cool and enjoy your weekend. Yours Faithfully,

Cr Ken Keith OAM Mayor of Parkes Shire

Editor’s Note…

February 16, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

We have something in common this week: we survived the hottest day on record in Parkes! According to the Weatherzone website the temperature reached 45.9 degrees Celsius on Saturday. The previous highest temperature was in 2004 with 44.

And just to confuse our internal thermostats, Sunday night almost recorded the lowest temperature for February with 8.8 degrees Celsius – the lowest temperature was recorded in 1998 with 6 degrees Celsius.

There has been reports that similar conditions and hot temperatures were experienced in 1939. If anyone has a story from that period, please let us know.

We hope everybody took care to look after elderly neighbours and relatives, as well as animals during the heat. It is not yet over – we are getting close to 40 again today. So please stay vigilant, especially when work- ing with machinery that can spark a bush fire.

We start our new Bush Telegraph column on page 7 today for the communities of Trundle, Tullamore, Tottenham and Bogan Gate. Thank you to everyone who sent us contributions.

We hope you felt some love on Valentine’s Day. Take time this weekend to feel grateful for the love you have in your life and how it makes you feel truly alive.

I received a special gift from my garden on Valentine’s Day – a cactus (Echinopsis oxygona) that blooms only for one day, once a year!

Enjoy Issue 50! Maggi Barnard

Parkes Women’s Bowling Club Notes

February 16, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Club Championship Singles: Gwenda Carty def Cherie Frame and Liz Byrne def Pat Cooney.

Line up for the second round to be played on or before 21st February: Rhona Went v Gwenda Carty, marker Cherie Frame; Liz Byrne v Robyn Morgan; marker Pat Coon- ey; Umpire Keith MacRae.

Nominations for the CWD Singles are now open and close 3rd March. They will be played at our club on 3rd, 4th and 5th April.

A new monthly point scoring competition will commence next week.

Bush Telegraph

February 16, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

BOGAN GATE CWA DONATES TO DIABETES NSW

People travelled from all over to attend the Diabetes Awareness Morning Tea held by CWA members at the Bogan Gate Hall last week.

President Marion McIntyre welcomed the 30 visitors from Parkes, Forbes, Trundle and Bogan Gate, and extended a special welcome to Dr Madhu Velagala from Dubbo and Esther Krizmancic from Sydney repre- senting Diabetes NSW.

Dr Madhu gave an interesting and thought

provoking talk about diabetes, and Esther spoke about the role Diabetes NSW can play in helping people.

Dr Madhu and her assistant Emma Dar- gin did some blood glucose tests on willing people. The visitors enjoyed a delicious morning tea after getting good glucose results. CWA Bogan Gate was pleased
to make a generous donation to Diabetes NSW from the morning tea and Christmas party.

By Gail McKay

MORE THAN 70 YEARS IN TRUNDLE COMMUNITY

The Trundle Royal Far West (RFW) Sun- shine Club has offered a vital service to the community for 77 years.

The Trundle Op Shop supports Trundle Central School in providing the Come & See speech and language programs for students with speech problems.

After students have been individually as- sessed at the RFW Head Office in Manly, they can utilise the programs in Trundle with trained staff to save parents the long trip to Sydney for treatment.

The Trundle branch also support other functions and events support of the Royal

Far West. All money raised goes directly to the children’s services.

The club meets on the second Tuesday of each month in the Op Shop at 1pm. New members are welcome, or if you would like to support them the Old Time Dance is on Sunday, 5th March at the Memorial Hall from 2 to 6pm.

By Robyn Whitson

GREASE AND OIL

CHANGE #2

The second Grease and Oil Change Work- shop will be held in Trundle on Thursday, 9th March with a variety of inspiring speakers covering all things related to health and well being, specifically geared towards small farming communities.

Everyone is welcome for breakfast from 7.30am at the Trundle Golf Club. This year’s speakers are from Dubbo, Wantabadgery, Condobolin, Forbes and Parkes.

It is a fantastic chance to take time to give yourself a once over health check, catch up with friends and learn some new tips and tricks to keep on top of your game. To RSVP, contact Cherie Stitt on 0411 057 745 or cheriequade@hotmail.com

Trash & Treasure Trails

February 16, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Autumn is the perfect time to hold a garage sale, and The Parkes Phoenix is here to help. With the kids settled back into school there’s time to sort through all that stuff that has accumulated over the year. Outgrown toys and bikes, upgraded appliances, un- needed furniture and random bric-a-brac clutters up the house. So take the oppor- tunity to streamline while the year is still young.

Garage sales are an easy way to trans- form trash into treasure. For the seller, it’s a great way to convert clutter into cash. For

the bargain hunters, it’s a treasure trove of hidden gems. Garage sales have other benefits too. Selling unwanted items eases the burden on the environment, allowing people to reuse and recycle goods, keeping them out of landfill.

What to do? First collect all the unwant- ed items from your house, and figure out a price. A general guide is to ask 25 to 35% of what it cost new. Clothes generally sell for about 5 to 10% of the original cost. Place any free items towards the back, so buyers see your priced items first. Make sure you have enough change and plastic bags to give to buyers.

The most important step in planning is to advertise. Handmade signs and flyers can be distributed around town, but a more ef- ficient way is to advertise in the Phoenix Trash & Treasure Trails, letting our more than 2, 000 readers know where to bag a bargain. You can advertise garage sales, or just a few items.

For more information or a quote contact Sylvie Maloney on 0490 517 590 or email sales@parkesphoenix.com.au

Be Seen

February 16, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Tony Fisher of Parkes has retired and is happy to be do- ing his stained glass designs full time – a hobby he’s been doing for 30 years, and teaching for 16 years. He is in the process of changing his business name to Ynot Fiisher Glass. He is also working on a commission for the new village chapel at Southern Cross Village.

The Ikon provided the perfect setting for a quiet Valentine’s dinner for Denver Leongson and Sheridyn Bicket

Angelique and Scott Thomson celebrated Valentine’s Day with a romantic meal at the Ikon.

Cammay Hall and Duncan Thorpe enjoyed a sunset meal at the Ikon Bar for Valentine’s Day.

Maggi Barnard

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