Maggi Barnard

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

Letter to the Editor

March 4, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Dear Editor

Parkes turned back the clock on Sunday to present in a brilliant way two very different but compelling sporting events which served to showcase the importance of sport and tourism to our local economy.

The time honoured Woodward park, host to the cricketing greats of Fiji, South Africa and England in years past, took centre stage for a classic contest between the might of the reborn and reconfigured Bogan Gate Rabbits and the Parkes first eleven.

The Rabbits pinched the Chocolates by five runs in an epic encounter, the best Grinsted cup match in years watched by hundreds of ardent fans aged three to 96.

A kilometre away on the Jock Colley Field and the Pioneer Oval precinct, which have served Parkes and the region for almost 70 years, some of the most promising league players from Western and Monaro combined to showcase the best of young rugby league talent. The Monaro team also stayed overnight and contributed greatly to our sports tourism economy.

Congratulations to Parkes Cricket and the Spacemen Rugby League Club on reaffirming the high profile enjoyed by Parkes in delivering special sporting moments for the benefit of a very wide audience

Sincerely
Michael Greenwood

World Glaucoma Week 6-12 March

March 4, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

World Glaucoma Week aims to raise awareness of glaucoma, a disease that irreversibly takes away your peripheral vision and if left untreated can cause blindness.

The Silent Thief of Sight

If you currently have glaucoma, you may not know it. In fact, half of all people who have developed glaucoma are unaware they have the condition, there is no pain, discomfort and your central vision is unaffected in the early stages of the disease. It is not until significant peripheral vision loss has occurred that people notice they have glaucoma, which by then is too late.

Who Gets Glaucoma?

Two out of every 100 Australians will develop glaucoma, however you are ten times more likely if you have a direct relative that suffers from it.

Other risk factors include diabetes, migraines, over 50 years of age, a strong glasses prescription and a history of high or low blood pressure.

Treatment for Glaucoma

Treatment is mainly aimed at reducing the pressure inside the eye. This is commonly achieved with eye drops but can also be done with the use of lasers and surgery.

Treatment does not cure glaucoma or reverse any vision loss, however it does significantly slow the disease process down. For this reason, in order to reduce permanent vision loss, early detection and treatment for glaucoma is vital.

Everyone over 40 years of age should have a comprehensive eye examination to rule out glaucoma, particularly if you have a greater risk for the disease.

For more information visit our website at www.hansenoptom.com.au or www.glaucoma.org.au

The ‘Arty’ Side Of Elvis

March 4, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Elvis portrait by Joan Ash.

The Parkes Painting Group will be adding an artistic spin to this year’s Elvis Festival with a special Elvis Art Exhibition showcasing the work of artists from all over the central west.

Centrally located in the Uniting Church youth centre at 17 Court Street, the exhibition will be featuring artwork with an Elvis theme, whether it is a portrait of the King himself, or an artwork depicting one of his songs.

Parkes Painting Group President Kerry Davies said the exhibition was a great opportunity to celebrate the skills and diversity of artists in the region.

She invited artists to submit three pieces with the closing date for entry forms Friday, 25th March. Artworks need to be delivered to the Parkes Uniting Church on Thursday, 14th April by 5pm.

The exhibition will run from Wednesday, 20th April to Sunday, 24th April, and the public will be able to vote for their favourite artist. There will be six prizes for the works with the most votes to be announced on the last day of the festival.

If you would like to submit your work, contact Kim Chambers on 0418 314 066.

Our Gal – Judy Kross

February 25, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Where were you born? I am a Parkes local – I attended Parkes East Public School and Parkes High School.

Were you named after anyone? No, my dad picked my name – my daughter and I share Maree as our middle names.

Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? I am proud of what my family and I have achieved through the squash centre. Personally, completing my uni degree via distance and of course my three kids make me extremely proud.

What’s the single best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Don’t worry about it until it happens.

What’s the greatest risk you’ve ever taken? Leaving a job after 10 years to run a squash centre!

What are the three things you would take to a deserted island? Tent, fishing rod and good book. I think I could quite enjoy myself!

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? Our family dream is to watch a professional squash match in Egypt. Squash is their national sport and the courts are made completely of glass right in front of the pyramids – so a holiday to Egypt would be on the cards.

When are you happiest? We travel a lot for squash, and as much as we love it, it is nice when we have a weekend at home with nowhere to be. It makes me happy to let the kids experience things I loved as a kid growing up in Parkes – fishing and yabbying are favourites at the moment.

Furniture One Closes Doors With Massive Sale

February 25, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Furniture One has been in Parkes for 55 years, but owners John and Karen Creith will be starting a new chapter in their lives soon and have decided to close down the store. A massive celebration/closing down sale starts today with 25% -75% off storewide.

It’s been part of the Parkes business landscape for 55 years, but Furniture One’s owners Johan and Karen Creith have decided it’s time to retire and close down the store.

A massive celebration/closing down sale starts today with 25% -75% off storewide. All rugs, giftware, cushions and artworks are 50% off, while a power recliner is selling for as little as $599! “We will stay open until the stock has been sold, but our aim is to hopefully wrap it up by Easter,” said Karen.

“The sale is also our way of saying thank you to the public for their support and patronage of our second-generation business over the last 55 years. We want them to know that we will miss all our customers but are very excited for the next chapter in our lives.”

Karen said she would love for people to come to the sale not only to perhaps buy something, but also to reminisce and say goodbye.

Furniture One was started by John’s parents, Jim and Inez Creith in the bottleshop of the Parkes Cambridge Hotel in August 1966.

As the business grew it moved to 141 Clarinda Street in 1968. In 1976 the property was modernised and renovated and operated from this location for well over 38 years until its last move to its final home in Saleyards Road.

Jim’s sons John and Peter took over the reins of the family business during the 1990s with Peter only leaving the business six years ago. This left John and Karen at the helm.

John, Karen and Peter were instrumental in building the current home of Parkes Furniture One over 17 years ago with its grand opening sale launched on the 9th of July 2005.

This modern store has been regarded as the flagship store of the Furniture One buying group due to its impressive displays and merchandising of products done by Karen as the instore stylist.

The store has employed many people over the years from Jim’s mother, Maggie as the original bookkeeper to eventually handing the role over to her other son John, to Leigh Somers working in admin and eventually Jim’s two sons, John and Peter taking over as managers.

Lots of employees have remained as dear family friends while many young nephews spent time in the delivery truck during school holidays. John and Karen’s children played many roles from childhood radio stars doing ads for the fee of a lunchtime treat at KFC to Jack featuring on TV commercials.

“We have been blessed to have had the opportunity to have such a long lasting and positive relationship with the community and have developed such special relationships with many of our customers whom we now consider more as friends,” said Karen.

By Maggi Barnard

Women’s Bowls

February 25, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Twenty or so gals dressed in various shades of yellow graced the greens on Tuesday.

The colour yellow symbolises optimism, and is full of hope and positivity – that’s us, for sure!

The green was perfect thanks to Ground Control volunteers – you guys truly know your job.

In Club Singles matches, Maree Grant chalked up a win against an unlucky Maureen Miller; Cherie Frame wore a smiley face after Maria Willcockson conceded their game. Thanks to markers Lea and Marja, and umpire Gwenda.

The semi-finals of the Major Club Singles will be played next Tuesday: M Grant vs L Byrne; C Frame vs B Johnstone.

Betsy has enjoyed an unchallenged run to the finals; perhaps Cherie will put up an amber light to stall that. Should be two spectator-worthy matches.

In social games, Valmai Westcott/Frances Charlton/Kim Evans/Elaine Miller looked like the cats that had caught the canary after snatching a win on the last end against Eileen Bradley/Carol Reed/Joan Simpson.

Scoring a 4 on one end may be called a fluke, but scoring three 4’s, plus a 5, was just a “yolk”! Needless to say, Chris Cox and Betsy Johnstone looked like butter wouldn’t melt in their mouths as they put paid to Merilyn Rodgers/Jan McPhee on rink 11.

Looks like Helen Heraghty/Chris Curteis/ Rosemary Mitchell were too busy smelling the roses as they allowed Lorraine Baker and Maureen Baillie to open up a good lead on rink 9. No use asking: “Wattle we do now?” Just play on and face the loss bravely.

The winner’s draw saw Chris Cox and Betsy putting on their best cheesey grins!

Gwenda had the golden touch, winning the fabulous fruit and veg hamper. Thank you Chris Curteis for your generous donation!

Gwenda’s luck continued onto the trading table, joining the happy winners of yellow-themed gifts.

Lea’s birthday pavlovas, complete with passionfruit and banana, were appreciated by everyone.

The Major Club Pairs nominations are now open.

On Tuesday, 1st March there will be a committee meeting after bowls.

To play social bowls, call 6862 1446, between 9 and 9:30am, with play to begin at 10am.

New and visiting players always welcome. Social Roster: Brenda Davies.

By Lea Orr

Make Music And Friends With PSCB

February 25, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

The Parkes Shire Concert Band (PSCB) was excited to start the year with a performance at the Australia Day ceremony at the new Cooke Park Pavilion. How fortunate is our community to have this amazing venue! We are looking forward to be part of Overture on 2nd April It is going to be huge so make sure you come along and enjoy this wonderful night under the stars with the big stars!

A few band members are playing in the next Parkes M&D musical called Big. It is going be a fantastic show, so make sure you see it and support your local theatre.

It does not matter at what level you can play or if you used to play an instrument or would like to learn, please come along and sit in on one of our rehearsals. If you would like to be part of community music, come along too.

Our next community playouts are:
• 19th March Packed Cones 11am-12pm;
• 2nd April Overture 3pm – 4pm;
• 9th April Canowindra Balloon Festival (combining with other bands in the street parade);
• 23rd April Elvis Street Parade;
• 25th April Anzac Day Ceremony.

Our rehearsal time is on Tuesdays from 7 – 9pm during school term above the pool complex in Dalton Street. Contact Duncan Clement, PSCB Music Director on email duncanclement@hotmail.com or call 0405 035 164.

By Ellen Tom

Golden Anniversary For Parkes Potters

February 25, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

PURE GOLD… The Parkes Potters Group at one of their pottery sessions, which take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays and every second Saturday. They are at the back (L-R) visitor, Rex Press, Sally Armstrong, Pol Cruz, Ann Olsen, Karen Thompson and Sue Smeaton. In front are Elizabeth Briton, Di O’Brien, Elsie Mahon, Helen Faint, Nola Reeves, and Elsie Mansley. (Photo: Julie Brown)

The art scene in Parkes will come alive next Friday with the opening of the Parkes Potters Exhibition celebrating their 50th anniversary.

The exhibition, from 4th to 19th March at the Coventry Room, will be a joyous occasion as the group had to cancel this annual event two years in a row because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are delighted to be able to have a social function at last where we can celebrate with friends and art lovers,” said President of the Parkes Potters, Elsie Mahon.

She said they were just as excited to have the internationally known and respected ceramic artist from Cowra, Greg Daly, as the guest artist.

Greg specialises in rich glaze effects, and his work is represented in 24 international book publications, in 80 national and international art galleries and museums (including the National Gallery of Australia and the Victoria & Albert Museum, London), and he has won 36 national and international awards and is the author of three books on glazes.

In addition to a few works by Greg, there will be 60 pieces on exhibition created by 15 Parkes potters. “These works include a variety of garden sculptures, plates, vases and more,” said Elsie. Most of the works will be on sale, and the public can vote for their favourite piece over the two weeks of the exhibition.

None of the founding members of the Parkes Potters are left, but there are still some long-serving members of 40 years, while a new generation of younger potters have joined more recently. The exhibition will be open from 10am to 4pm daily.

Snippets…

February 25, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Sally Armstrong creates a piece on the wheel for the 50th anniversary exhibition of the Parkes Potters Group opening next Friday, 4th March at the Coventry Room. (Photo: Julie Brown)

Extra Help To Phase Out Single-Use Plastics: More than 40,000 businesses across NSW will be supported to phase-out single-use plastics in line with the NSW Government’s recently announced Plastics Reduction and Circular Economy Act 2021. The NSW Government is partnering with the National Retail Association (NRA) to co-design and deliver a campaign to help businesses transition away from single-use plastics. Almost every piece of plastic ever made is still with us. More than 2.7 billion plastic items end up in NSW waterways each year – wreaking havoc on the environment and endangering wildlife. Over the next nine months the NRA will visit more than 650 retail precincts providing factsheets, signage and advice. The supply of lightweight plastic shopping bags will cease from 1st June, with the supply of single-use plastic cutlery, straws, stirrers, plates and bowls, cotton buds, expanded polystyrene food containers, and products containing plastic microbeads ending from 1st November. The program will also focus on supporting distributors, importers, manufacturers and not-for profit organisations. The NRA has launched a free hotline 1800 844 946 to offer businesses, community organisations and consumers advice on the single-use plastic bans. For more information visit www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/plastics-ban

Representative Sport Returns: School representative sports events returned this week, allowing students to travel to compete after an almost year long hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The return of school representative sport provides much-needed stimulus to regional communities with statewide championships and trials adding up to almost $20 million for local communities annually. More than 100 statewide championships and trials involving 28 sports are held across NSW each year.

Record Number Of Scholarships: A record number of scholarships have been awarded to early childhood educators in NSW to boost the availability, accessibility, and quality of early learning and care. More than 100 educators across the state will receive up to $20,000 each to support their study of a Bachelor-level Early Childhood Teaching qualification. The scholarship program is part of the NSW Government’s commitment to increase the number of early childhood teachers working in the sector in NSW. Further details are available on the department’s website 2021- 22 Aboriginal Early Childhood Education Scholarships and Early Childhood Education Scholarships Program (nsw.gov.au)

Upgrades For Men’s Sheds: The NSW Government will contribute $1.62 million to upgrading a significant number of Men’s Sheds across the state. The funding from the NSW Government’s COVID-19 stimulus program will provide improvements to more than 20 Men’s Sheds in Sydney and regional areas. A study by Beyond Blue found Men’s Shed members can fare better with general health, vitality and mental health. Australian Men’s Shed Association NSW President John Sharples said the upgrades would empower men and create renewed interest in the initiative. “We have 377 sheds in NSW with about 20,000 members.”

Mindfulness Morning To Celebrate International Women’s Day

February 25, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Celebrate International Women’s Day on Sunday, 6th March at Cooke Park from 8:30am with a free yogalates session, live music, and a market.

Women in the Parkes Shire are invited to celebrate International Women’s Day on Sunday, 6th March at Cooke Park from 8:30am for a morning of mindfulness.

“International Women’s Day gives us the chance to raise awareness of issues around gender bias and celebrate the achievements of women at a local level,” said Parkes Shire Councillor Marg Applebee. “It is important that we come together as a community to show our support for women and help uplift them to break the bias as a collective.”

The morning will consist of a selection of social activities including a group Yogalates session, live music, pop-up stalls, gelato and free coffee.

Led by Jenz Yogalates, the yoga and pilates fusion session will leave you feeling refreshed and energised. Following the Yogalates session, participants are encouraged to stick around to grab a free coffee from Coffee Fix by Larz, enjoy the live music by Gracey Denham-Jones and support local small businesses by checking out the pop-up stalls in the Cooke Park Pavilion.

“These markets will give us the chance to recognise the creativity, innovation and talents of women in our local community by providing a space for them to network with others and create an environment where everyone is valued,” said Marg.

If you are a local pop-up stall holder who would like to get involved in this event, please contact the team at Council by emailing comms@parkes.nsw.gov.au or by calling 6861 2333.

The crew from female-owned local business, Packed Cones, will be hanging around in Cooke Park from 9:30am to 12pm. All activities are free to attend. Bring your own yoga mat and water bottle for the yogalates class. This event is open to the whole community in the spirit of equality and inclusivity.

Maggi Barnard

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