Maggi Barnard

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

Heart Health

May 12, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

Parkes Pharmacy are encouraging all those who wish to learn more about their risk of heart disease to go to the pharmacy on 23^rd May. Three pharmacists will be available to answer any questions and assess your risks, just turn up or call to make a booking.

The good news is that heart disease is largely preventable. There is no single cause for heart disease, but there are risk factors that increase your chance of developing it.

What is my risk of heart disease?

Sometimes a heart attack will be the first sign that something is wrong. This is why it’s important to know your chance of having a heart attack or stroke- so you can take the steps to prevent one. It’s recommended that your overall risk be assessed to determine your personal heart and stroke risk score. Our Health Heart Check will look at some of your risk factors and give you your own risk score which you can share with your doctor.

What’s involved in the health heart check?

Our Health Heart Check involves a sit down consult with your pharmacist to check your absolute risk of getting cardiovascular disease. Your absolute risk is your chance, as an individual, of getting cardiovascular disease which includes all heart disease, stroke and heart failure.

To assess your risk our pharmacist will conduct the following tests and measurements:

Total cholesterol
Blood pressure measurement
Assess your smoking and diabetes status
Calculate your cardiovascular disease risk score

All results can be provided in a report for you to share with your doctor. Many of these tests and measurements can be provided as an ongoing service to our patients and results recorded and tracked over time. Be sure to make the most of the 3 pharmacists who will be available on the 23^rd May!

Our Bloke…Don Jewell

May 12, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

Don Jewell

How long have you lived in Parkes?

I am originally from Wellington, met my wife Jenny, who was born in Parkes, at university and moved here in 1980.

Where do you work?

We were involved in the fuel industry for many years, running service stations but decided to retire from that and bought the Greenparkes Garden Centre.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I enjoy propagating and growing plants. It has always been an interest of mine and I can do it full time now! It is also good meeting customers.
What do you do in your spare time?

Rotary – I’ve always been involved in community organisations, but my focus is now Rotary. I have been involved for 25 years. I enjoy serving on committees as I;m a big picture person who enjoys knowing how things are run and how to improve them.
How do you like your coffee?

I can’t drink coffee so I enjoy a cup of tea (not green tea!) and hot chocolate. The best part of a cuppa is sitting down and talking to people.
What makes your day?

Just being with happy and positive people, and hearing from the three grand kids – a new one will arrive in six weeks’ time!

Space News 13th May

May 12, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

Space News

The Spacecat ladies started the day against Macquarie strong, with Emma Bailey quickly scoring beside the posts followed by a kick from Claire Barber. The next set saw strong runs from Demi Winter, Codie Wakefield, Emma Bailey, Sam Cox and on the last Katie Caldwell kicked and chased to tag Macquarie in goal. Pressure from Parkes created an opening for Emma Bailey to get her second with another successful kick from Claire Barber.

Macquarie restarted with a kick to Elisha Naqua and a catch on the full followed by a great run by Sarah McAneney. Quick hands got the ball to Katie Caldwell who scored the Spacecats’ third and Claire Barbers third conversion. Again Macquarie started with a kick straight into Elisha Naqua’s hands, passed to Katie Caldwell who dashed 45m to score her fourth with a fourth kick from Claire. Codie Wakefield worked hard not to allow Macquarie any ground, tagging 5 girls in a row from marker position. Demi Winter scored another try for Parkes which took the half time score to Parkes 28 Macquarie 0.

The second half saw Emma Bailey score a quick try with Claire adding 2. Macquarie get the ball in the next set and are hungry for a try but excellent defence from Parkes deny them. An overzealous kick from Macquarie allows Emma Bailey to run and score her fourth try with an on form Claire adding the 2. Captain Hannah Kelly worked hard all game and scored out wide through a sleeping Macquarie defence. The final try of the game went to Demi Winter taking the final score to an impressive Parkes 56 Macquarie 0.

Under 18’s

Macquarie kicked to begin the game and Josh Amberge worked hard to make it out of goal. With a lot of ground made Jye Dillon kicked and scored in the opening minutes, James Goonrey with a kick right in front. Jay Slavin made a run in the next set but Macquarie began to make ground until a crash tackle from Jacob Smede. Jye Dillon goes over for his second after a few errors from Macquarie and effort from Billy Porter, Bailey Jones and Stephen Purcell.

A bad bounce from Macquarie sees Jacob Smede make a 30 metre run and Josh Amberge goes over for the spacemen’s 3^rd, resulting in a 16-0 lead for Parkes.

Great chase and a big hits from Bailey Jones, Wilbur Smith, Jye Dillon, Jay Slavin and James Goonrey. Josh Amberge took off down the sideline and managed to stay in with great footwork while Jia Hoe made a run and got hit hard. A penalty was awarded and Ethan Richards pumped his legs to get Zac Gordon within centimetres of the line.

On the last James Goonrey toed the ball to Macquarie and with an error Parkes got it back and out to Jay Slavin and over he went to give James Goonrey a kick in front, taking the half time score to Parkes 22 Macquarie 0.

Macquarie opened the second half with a try and successful conversion. Toby Clarke saved the day with a great tackle after Macquarie intercepted and Ethan Richards and Zac Gordon both make big runs but with no reward. The junior Spacemen begin to tire and Macquarie gain advantage, scoring their third try. On the kick Parkes find some energy and get within 10 metres but fail to get over the line. Ethan Richards gets a loose ball and uses his legs to gain an extra 10. Macquarie strip the ball to give away a penalty right in front and Parkes opt for a kick to end the game, making the final score Parkes 24 Macquarie 16.

Netball

A beautiful Saturday morning was the setting for the first round of junior netball. There is now an extra team in the Super 8’s division, the Butterfly’s will play their first game tomorrow. Just a reminder that NetSetGo will begin on 21^st may for all players aged under 7, if you have not yet registered pleased head down to the courts on Saturday and see Jenny Ryan. Remember that Parkes and District netball association will be holding their annual general meeting next Monday 16^th May at the Parkes Services Club at 7pm. Each team is to send a representative for one bonus competition point.

Space News

May 5, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

Round 2 brought the Nyngan Tigers to Parkes Pioneer Oval for ladies league tag. 18 girls sang Captain Hannah Kelly happy birthday before getting ready for a repeat of the 2015 semi-final, hoping the outcome would be the same. Nyngan kicked to start and nice passes from Ella J Harris, Hannah Kelly and Britt Ryan saw Demi Winter get close but no try.

The ball found its way across the field to Britt Dumesny who ran through Nyngan’s defence but didn’t manage to score. With no points on the board Katie Caldwell and Ella J Harris came on. Ella J Harris took the ball in goal and got it back to the 20 with great stepping and hard running. With great pressure and runs from Nat Gardiner, Nicole Mapperson, Louise McAneney and Codie Wakefield the ball went over for Parkes’ second. Nyngan managed to put some points on the board six minutes before half time.

Emma Bailey retaliated by tagging 3 tigers in a row from marker. Sarah McAneney had a busting run with an off load from Katie Caldwell to score under the posts and a kick by Ella J Harris added the 2. A short kick by Nyngan went out after a bounce that left Parkes with a lot of defending to do before half time, leading to a score of Parkes 14- Nyngan 6 at the half time whistle.

The second half saw Parkes running left to right in what they hoped would be a half empty of tries for Nyngan. Great chase and pressure from the Parkes girls saw Nyngan knock on and Parkes get the ball 20 out. Emma Bailey scored a try followed by a deep kick from Nyngan straight into the hands of Katie Caldwell who dived under the posts for her second. Claire Barber delivered a successful conversion and another great run, racking up another four points for Parkes. With controlled passes Demi Winter upped the pace and scored her first try, conversion by Ella J Harris. Again, Demi received the ball and was over again for her second. Parkes Spacecats were the victors of the day with an end score of Parkes 40- Nyngan 6.

The Parkes Spacemen executive along with the league tag team would like to thank their major Guernsey sponsor Parkes Services Club and Sleeve sponsors.
1. Simply Bellissima by Kim, 2. Cunninghams IGA Parkes, 3. Nicko’s Bricklaying, 4. Parkes GP, 5. Bunnamagoo Wines, 6. BMJC (The Moran boy’s), 7. La Bella, 8. Dippin Dots, 9. Parkes Mensland, 10. Thd studio, 11. Parkes Railway Bowling Club, 12. Parkes Services Club, 13. Nangar Gems.

Everybody Cut Footloose!

May 5, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

Parkes Musical and Dramatic Society are currently in final rehearsals for the smash hit musical, Footloose! Based on the 1989 movie starring Kevin Bacon and Lori Singer, this high energy show will be sure to get feet tapping and hips wiggling. Footloose is a musical of layers, with a wonderful combination of catchy dance tunes, beautiful ballads and a deep and meaningful storyline sure to resonate with every audience member. When Ren (Morgan Flynn) and his mother (Christa Radley) move from Chicago to the small country town of Bomont, Ren is prepared for the inevitable adjustment period at his new high school.

What he isn’t prepared for are the rigorous local laws, including a ban on dancing instituted by a local preacher determined to exercise control over the town’s youth. When the reverend’s rebellious daughter, Ariel, sets her sights on Ren, her roughneck boyfriend Chuck becomes determined to keep them apart at any cost. Many of the locals are eager to believe the worst about the new kid as he tries to bring some light-hearted fun back into Bomont.

The heartfelt story that emerges is one of a father longing for the son he lost and a young man aching for the father who walked out on him. Footloose will be showing at the Little Theatre on Bogan Street throughout May and June. Tickets are available from Parkes Stationery and Office Furniture or online at the Parkes M & D website. So in the words of Kenny Loggins, ‘kick off your Sunday shoes… everybody cut Footloose!’

Why Autumn’s The Best Season To Sell Your Home

May 5, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

Spring is traditionally known as a bustling, busy time where everything and everyone gets a new lease of life, so surely it’s the best time of year for a house sell? Well, apparently not. According to real estate agents autumn is the season in which you’re far more likely to sell your property.

While it’s true that people become more active as the weather begins to warm, potentially leading to a larger amount of buyers, a lot of other sellers have the same idea and the market can become flooded with listings, drowning yours out in the process.

Real estate agents are often more successful at converting a listing into a sale in autumn rather than spring thanks to quality over quantity, fewer listings mean more chance of a sale. December and January are the months where people take holidays and have time to research the market so by the time they’re ready to make a decision autumn is upon them. It’s a good idea to prepare you property advertising in the lead up to this season and don’t forget to play up to your outdoor assets if you have an outdoor yard or garden. Autumn is a beautiful season with lots of colour so a few trees with changing leaves and well placed ornaments can really make your house stand out from the rest.

Our Gal – Amanda Corcoran

May 5, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

Amanda Corcoran

How long have you lived in Parkes? 15 years.

Where do you work? I am the Aboriginal Project Officer at Parkes Neighbourhood Central. My position is funded by Northparkes Mines and Parkes Shire Council.

What do you enjoy most about your work? My work entails closing the gap in the areas of health, education, early childhood, economic development, transport and housing so I enjoy working with the community and getting positive outcomes, as well as sharing information with new people in town.

How do you like your coffee? I don’t drink coffee but still like a cold shot of caffeine by drinking Coke Zero.

What makes your day? Going home knowing I’ve had successful outcomes and having my children greet me.

What is your favourite food? Greek food. I enjoy the Greek restaurants in Sydney.

What is your worst habit? I can’t leave my house when my bed is not made! It really stresses me out.

Tapeworm Trouble

May 5, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

Sheep farmers are being warned to stay alert for the tapeworm Taenina ovis, otherwise known as sheep measles. The worm is a parasite in which the adult stage can be found in the intestines of dogs whilst the intermediate or larval stage can be found in the muscles of sheep. Sheep can be infected by grazing pasture contaminated with eggs that have been shed in dog’s faeces.

The intermediate stage in sheep is characterised by small cysts in the muscle tissue. Lesions can then ooccur in the sheep’s heart and diaphragm usually resulting in the animal being condemned. In general many producers are lax when it comes to worming their farm dogs regularly, meaning they fail to break the lifecycle of the tapeworm. Farmers are advised to treat all dogs on their properties with a tape wormer that contains Praziquantel once a month as the parasites lifecycle is 35 days, which is more frequent than the original recommendation of worming every six weeks.

Economically, sheep measles can cost the industry millions of dollars per year so it’s within those who work in agricultures interests to try and keep this to a minimum. This information was provided by the Department of Agriculture and Food.

Enjoy Mate-Ship At The Men’s Shed

May 5, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

For seven years the Parkes Men’s Shed has become a second home to almost 130 members. “We’re a social club,” said Ron Fewings, President; “The majority of men come in for a cuppa and sit around for a chat.” It’s this set-up that has made the Men’s Shed movement so special. According to the Australian Men’s Shed Association most men have learned from their culture that they don’t talk about feelings and emotions with many not taking an interest in their own health and wellbeing.

This means that they suffer more from isolation, loneliness and depression. Becoming a member of a Men’s Shed provides a safe environment where men can enjoy an atmosphere of old-fashioned mate ship without any pressure. According to Ron, some members have recognized that becoming a member has been a lifesaver, especially those who have lost their wives. One member was so grateful he left $21,000 in his Will to the Parkes shed.

The men have been so proactive they had to extend their shed at the showgrounds two years ago to create extra
workspace. “The community support has been fantastic,” said Ron as he listed the businesses that donated labour, material and expertise. “One of our biggest projects has been building bird boxes for Northparkes Mines and the Roads Authority. Every time a tree is knocked down, the law requires you to put up two bird boxes for nesting.” Ron said they had to start a production line, which enabled them to make more than 20 boxes per day and about 300 in total so far; “We were also asked to make a bee hive, which was fairly complicated, but managed to make it for $750 less to what it was sold for commercially.”

The Parkes Men’s Shed is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8.30am to 12pm.

By Maggi Barnard

McGlashan Off To Good Start

May 5, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

The Parkes Golf Club’s annual Club Championships will resume this Saturday after the course was drenched by 2 inches of rain and with more predicted this weekend officials are hoping the storm will hold off until the end of the golf on Sunday.

Currently McGlashan has a slim four shot lead over his nearest rival Justin Sutton and it’s anticipated that this weekend will be the decider for which contender finishes on top. In the minor grades Paul Morgan has a near insurmountable lead of 9 shots in the B Grade title but the runner up position is still up for grabs with Michael Smith on 143 some two shots clear of Troy Thomson with Tim Lasserre in 3rd place. Other players still in with a chance include Paul Thomas on 173, Peter Picker 175 and Peter Boschman on 176.

A battle for supremacy will rage on in C Grade as some 12 players hope to claim the title which currently sees Steve Cook as the leader on 187. However, Steve is only 1 shot ahead of friend Luke Greenwood with Gary McPhee just five shots from the lead in a division that can see swings of up to 5 shots in one round. Other players in with a chance in C
Grade include Ross Smith, Richard Hamliton and Brien McPhee. The Veterans and Junior title appear to be foregone conclusions with both Robert Hey and Lachlan Buesnell appearing to have mortgages on those respective divisions while the overall handicap section currently sees Paul Morgan some 7 shots clear in another one sided race.

Maggi Barnard

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