Maggi Barnard

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

‘I Can’t Help Falling In Love’ (Again)…

January 19, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Las Vegas is infamous for eloping couples, where fools rush in to be married by an Elvis, but the Parkes Renewal of Vows has a more romantic take on this tradition.

On Sunday 39 couples declared their un-dying love at the popular ceremony before wedding celebrant Andrew ‘Elvis’ Appleby, and a massive public audience. Tribute artist Jake Rowley serenaded the loving couples, and they cut a wedding cake crafted by Kath Swansbra.

Parkes couple Lorraine and Kim Cham- bers were the only local couple to renew their vows this year. They have five chil- dren, and nine grandchildren, and are celebrating their 40th Anniversary. They were married in 1977, the year Elvis left the building, so Elvis is very special to them. They also wanted to share the special moment with their dear friends Colleen and Peter Blair-Hickman, who are celebrating 24 years of marriage this year. This is the second renewal of vows for the Blair-Hick- mans; who were the first couple to renew their vows at the Parkes Elvis festival 11 years ago.

Phil and Gail Voss came all the way from Perth, and renewed their vows as a celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary. Hearts were all a-flutter when Phil greeted his wife on bended knee. The trip was a gift from their daughter and son-in-law for Phil’s 70th birthday, and included seats on the Elvis Express. Phil is an Elvis Tribute Artist, performing in nursing homes and retirement villages in WA. “The dementia patients’ eyes just light up when they see him in costume,” Gail said. “They just love it.” This year was the couple’s first time at the festival and they were blown away. “I never met Elvis in the flesh,” Phil said, “but this week I got as close as I was ever going to get.”

By Raen Fraser

Day Ambassador

Question of the week

January 19, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

What did you love about the Parkes Elvis Festival?

Ian Thomas: Sydney: It is my first time at the festival and it is really good. The big group of Priscillas in the parade were something. I want to come back next year with my big Harley Davidson and take part in the parade.

Rupert King: New Zealand: It is my first time here and I took part in the busking competition as well as the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest. The parade was just wonderful– so very, very awe- some. It is hard to pick a favourite. I will definitely be back next year. I love the nostalgia.

Dawn Dunning, Gail Pickles and Ailsa Grant: sisters from Newcastle and Kiama: This has been fantastic, but we’re all absolutely exhausted. The Gospel Service was the stand-out event. It’s so hard to do that well, and it was just superb. We came two years ago, and if we’re still alive next year we’ll definitely come again. We’ll have to start planning our outfits.

Garry and Trisha Packham: Ballina NSW: This is our first year. We love the music, obviously. The festival is just so well organised – there’s so much good food, and the atmosphere is great. We’ve been married 46 years. We’ve always wanted to go to Las Vegas to renew our vows there for our 40th anniversary but life just got in the way, so it was wonderful to do it in Parkes.

Alfred Vas: Denistone NSW (aka The Raja or Bollywood Elvis): I had a blast, it was extraordi- nary, just so full of love and peace. Parkes was so welcoming. It’s great to see everyone just getting out and having fun. This is not just the best Elvis festival in the world, it’s the best in the Universe! I’ve been to the festival six times, but this is my first time dressing up. I’m definitely coming back next year – it’s become a part of me now.

Andy Swinfield: Gold Coast QLD:This was our first time at the festival. It exceeded our expecta- tions. The train was a bonus, it really made the trip. The Ultimate Elvis was a highlight – those guys were fantastic, and I’ve also loved seeing the Mayor getting into it. I’m not a very big Elvis fan, but have become a bit of a convert. we’ve already booked in for next year!

Be Seen

January 19, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

GOLDEN GIRLS… The Parkes Shire Council’s staff worked tirelessly and could be seen at every event making sure it runs smoothly, answering questions from fans and keeping people happy. They could not be missed in their golden outfits in the crowd welcoming the Elvis Express. They are l – r Anna Charlton, Emily Brotherton, Katrina Dwyer, Beth Link, Jodi McIntyre and Natalie Caldwell.

Children in Parkes love dressing up for Elvis. These brothers were at the station to welcome the Elvis Express. They are (L-R) Ahston, Campbell, Tomas and Xavier Scally.

Miss Priscilla, Jackie Batt managed to look cool and beau- tiful at the Dish when the heat wave struck last Friday. She is with the two international feature artists Pete Storm from the UK (left) and Jake Rowley from the US.

Elvis’ Mystery Train’ Is Now A Party Train

January 19, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

As a local I have heard lots of stories about the Elvis Express or party train. Arriving at Central Station, camera and strong coffee in hand I was overwhelmed to see the masses of people to watch the performances and take photos of the outfits. “This is the best day of the year,” one UK photographer said to me. I was swept up in the vibe of music, costumes and everyone ready to board.

Once on the train I met people from all around the world and I sang along with the Elvis tribute artists. Everyone was happy to pose for photos. I even received hugs from some friendly travellers after offering them some local advice on places to eat and visit.

Time ticked away as I watched the conga line travel through the carriages, the performer’s passion and speaking with die- hard Elvis fans. I even found myself shoe- less standing on a chair bopping along while trying to take photos.

As the train pulled into the Parkes station my excitement built. Being around so many Elvis fans had rubbed off. During the rest of the weekend, I was approached many more times by people from the train saying hello. It was an overwhelming experience which far outweighed my expectations!

By Sylvie Maloney

Elvis Snippets

January 19, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Winners:

• 2017 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest was won by Brendon Chase from New Zealand, followed by Sean Spiteri from Sydney and Matt Birse from Adelaide in third. Brendon will travel to Memphis, USA, to represent Parkes at the Contest Semi -Final during Elvis Week in August.

• The 2017 Miss Priscilla, Face of the Festival, was awarded to Jackie Batt of Parkes.

Star of Parkes Shire: The Parkes Shire Council presented Bob and Ann Steel with the Star of Parkes Shire in recognition of their dedication and the sacrifices they made to initiate and grow the Parkes Elvis Festival. A Binary star in the Orion Belt will be known as the Bob Steel and Anne Steel Star.

Providing high quality education and care for children from birth
to 6 years!

Poets’ Breakfast: The Poets’ Breakfast has become a legend of its own. More than 200 poetry lovers shared breakfast and some laughs at the Parkes Bowling and Sports Club. The MC was Barry “Elvis” Green, who entertained the rather crowded crowd with Elvis songs,. The competition was fierce – and funny. Parkes’ Amy Butler won the Best Novice Poet for her poem ‘The Elvis Train’ – a jaunty verse about the Elvis Express featuring Mayor Ken Keith. Jane Ferrari’s hilarious poem ‘Hooked Up In Parkes’ took out both the Open Contender and People’s Choice awards.

Outback Elvis: Around 60 people rocked up to the Parkes Shire Library for the launch of the Outback Elvis book. Authors, John Connell and Chris Gibson – both academics and well-seasoned festival fans – compiled a collection of anecdotes and personal stories that detail the evolution of the festival from its humble beginnings to the event that has quite literally put Parkes on the international map. Parkes Shire Librarian Shelly Buckle said it had been her dream to launch a book during the Elvis Festival.

Miniature Elvis Express: A group of repeat festival-goers from Sydney loved the Elvis Express so much that they made their own. Vivian Cronin, Graham Gardiner, Elizabeth

Bromhead and Mort Hansen kept the party going when they disembarked for the Elvis Festival. The novice train engineers scavenged an old box from a stall holder, and decorated it to recreate the Elvis Express, which they drove in the street parade. They eventually departed the train in Cooke Park, but various other Elvis revellers caught the cardboard train over the weekend, with one group riding it up and down Clarinda Street, before it was finally derailed.

Susie Elelman Is Australia Day Ambassador

January 19, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Media personality Susie Elelman is Parkes Shire Council’s Australia Day Ambassador for 2017. “We are honoured to have Susie attend our special Australia Day activities across the Shire, as well as present the Citizenship Awards,” said Parkes Shire Mayor, Cnr Ken Keith OAM.

“Australia Day is an opportunity for our community to come together in the spirit of friendship and harmony, showcasing the unique and diverse culture that makes us Australian.”

Susie’s media career has spanned four decades and currently she can be seen in a weekly editorial segment on Seven’s The Morning Show. She also forms part of the Sydney 2GB Talkback Team. While she is most renowned for her work in the media, Susie is also an award-winning, best-selling author – voted Australia’s Most Dynamic Author in 2006 for her first book Half My Size.

Susie’s the first and only woman ever to voice The Ode in RSL and Services Clubs Australia-wide. In the 2015 Susie was awarded an AM – becoming a Member of the Order of Australia for her services to charity, the not-for-profit sector and media. Everyone is encouraged to join the celebrations across the Parkes Shire. Activities are being planned for Parkes, Bogan Gate, Peak Hill, Trundle and Tullamore.

For infor- mation visit www.visitparkes.com.au.

Harness Racing For The King

January 19, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Elvis might have been a race car driver in Viva Las Vegas, but last Wednesday the Parkes Harness Racing Club Elvis event drew a crowd of almost 700 people all dressed up in their best Elvis costumes.

“We are very pleased with the attendance,” said Tony Dumesny, Secretary of the club.

The event featured eight races with the feature race the TAB.com.au Elvis Series Final. The race was won by Amanda Turnbull on Greengold, a horse she has trained. Amanda won four races on the night with her cousins Nathan and Emma Turnbull winning two and one respectively. Emma drove a local horse trained in Forbes and owned in Trundle. Bernie Hewitt from Bathurst took out the other race on the night.

There was great live entertainment by Rick Charles as Elvis, and spectators came dressed in their Elvis best. The photo booth proved very popular. Linda Taylor from Parkes was the winner of the lucky gate prize – a travel voucher valued at $4,000. Many people attended for the first time, even though they had been coming to Parkes for many years to attend the Festival.

The Parkes Harness Racing Club New Year’s Eve meet was also well attended with eight races on the program, and great fireworks at the end.

The next race meeting will be on Australia Day on 26th January with an eight- race program from 6pm. The feature race is the Joe Dumesny Memorial Race with prize money of $3,500 and a trophy valued at $500. The Keith Thompson Memorial race will also take place. One of the main attractions of the day is the famous yabby races for the kids held in conjunction with Parkes Shire Council with many prizes to be won. There will also be a jumping castle and face painting for the kids.

By Cheryl Newsom

Our Gal

January 19, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Ann Steel

How long have you lived in Parkes and what do you like about living here?
I’ve been here for most of my life, except for a few years during my childhood when I was in Sydney, so I think I’m just about a local. I like the lifestyle and the people. It’s a great place to raise kids.

Where do you work and what do you enjoy about your work?
I’m retired now, but before that I ran Gracelands for 25 years. I now belong to Quota. We do a lot of hard work, but have a lot of fun doing it. Elvis also keeps me busy.

What do you do to unwind after work or on weekends?
We’re very involved with vintage cars and bikes, and we spend a lot of time going to shows and rallies. I also like entertaining friends and family, and still love cooking. Mosaics was also something I did to unwind, I’d spend one night cutting, and another night gluing.

What are you really good at?
I’m not really good at anything, but I’ll have a go at most things.

If you could have a super power, what would it be?
To learn how to sleep! When my first baby was three months old we didn’t sleep much because of a milk allergy. My doctor said you only need two good hours of sleep to survive and I’ve been working on that theory ever since!

Snippets

January 19, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Kite invasion: Parkes will be invaded by kites on Australia Day! The Northparkes Oval will be the place to be for avid and first time kite flyers from 8am on Thursday, 26th January. There will be large demonstration kites and plenty of room to fly your own kite. Kites will be on sale too. There will be a sausage sizzle and drinks. The cost of the day is an Australia Day smile, so bring the family and enjoy the morning before it gets too hot. The wind has been ordered so if nothing else, come up and see the oversized kites!

Earlier deadline: The Parkes Phoenix deadline for next week’s paper is Tuesday, 24th January at 3pm for all content because of the Australia Day public holiday.

Shop Parkes + Win: The winner, drawn by Mayor Ken Keith on Wednesday, is Pauline van der Merwe of Parkes. She is the lucky winner of a trip to fabulous Las Vegas, val- ued at $4,000. Congratulations Pauline!

Elvis Festival photos: Go to The Parkes Phoenix Facebook page for tons of photos taken over the five days. There are plenty of local faces in between the 25,000 visitors.

Elvis Snippets

January 19, 2017 By Maggi Barnard

Winners:

• The 2017 Miss Priscilla, Face of the Festival, was awarded to Jackie Batt of Parkes.

Star of Parkes Shire: The Parkes Shire Council presented Bob and Ann Steel with the Star of Parkes Shire in recognition of their dedication and the sacrifices they made to initiate and grow the Parkes Elvis Festival. A Binary star in the Orion Belt will be known as the Bob Steel and Anne Steel Star.

Providing high quality education and care for children from birth
to 6 years!

Poets’ Breakfast: The Poets’ Breakfast has become a legend of its own. More than 200 poetry lovers shared breakfast and some laughs at the Parkes Bowling and Sports Club. The MC was Barry “Elvis” Green, who entertained the rather crowded crowd with Elvis songs,. The competition was fierce – and funny. Parkes’ Amy But- ler won the Best Novice Poet for her poem ‘The Elvis Train’ – a jaunty verse about the Elvis Express featuring Mayor Ken Keith. Jane Ferrari’s hilarious poem ‘Hooked Up In Parkes’ took out both the Open Contend- er and People’s Choice awards.

Outback Elvis: Around 60 people rocked up to the Parkes Shire Library for the launch of the Outback Elvis book. Authors, John Connell and Chris Gibson – both aca- demics and well-seasoned festival fans – compiled a collection of anecdotes and personal stories that detail the evolution of the festival from its humble beginnings to the event that has quite literally put Parkes on the international map. Parkes Shire Li- brarian Shelly Buckle said it had been her dream to launch a book during the Elvis Festival.

Miniature Elvis Express: A group of repeat festival-goers from Sydney loved the Elvis Express so much that they made their own. Vivian Cronin, Graham Gardiner, Elizabeth

Bromhead and Mort Hansen kept the party going when they disembarked for the Elvis Festival. The novice train engineers scav- enged an old box from a stall holder, and decorated it to recreate the Elvis Express, which they drove in the street parade. They eventually departed the train in Cooke Park, but various other Elvis revellers caught the cardboard train over the weekend, with one group riding it up and down Clarinda Street, before it was finally derailed.

Maggi Barnard

What did you love about the Parkes Elvis Festival?

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