Another American icon is on show during the Parkes Elvis Festival with the US Consulate bringing a photographic exhibition, commemorating President John F. Kennedy’s life and work.

“American Visionary: John F. Kennedy’s Life and Times” will be on show at Parkes Library until Sunday, and celebrates President Kennedy’s centennial. It is one of the most exhaustively researched collections of Kennedy photos ever assembled, including iconic and rare images.

Parkes Library is the second Australian venue to present this collection. Australia is one of only 12 countries where the exhibition will be shown after its debut at the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington in May last year.

Australia has links with Kennedy of which the most important is probably the fact that his life was saved by an Australian CoastGuard officer, Arthur Evans when his patrol boat PT-109 was torpedoed off the Solomon Islands during World War II. President Kennedy later invited Arthur to the White House.

Kennedy also made a promise at the NASA headquarters in 1961 to put a man on the moon before the end of the decade, and in 1968 the Parkes Radio Telescope played a major role in the first moon landing. Michael Bowerbank, Cultural Affairs Officer of the Embassy of the United States of America in Canberra, said at the opening of the exhibition on Tuesday night President Kennedy achieved so much during his two years, especially in terms of civil rights.

“That is one of the main roles of this exhibition is to inspire the next generation with the values he held in such high esteem.” The exhibition brings together 77 images selected from the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library, the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation, Getty Images, private collections and the Kennedy family archives that capture the dramatic scope of Kennedy’s life.

Former local girl Raechel Whitchurch is returning to the Parkes Elvis Festival for a special one-off show. Raechel and her band will pay tribute to Elvis’ country side with Hillbilly Elvis: A tribute to his country roots.

The show will feature songs from the ’68 Comeback Special and will be played in a hillbilly country style as country music was a key influence in Elvis’ younger years. The show will take place under the stars on Thursday (today) and will be the very first house concert in the history of the Parkes Elvis Festival. Ticket holders will be sent the location upon ticket purchase.

The show includes an American style dinner created by local chef Faith Setiawan. You would need to bring a picnic blanket or lawn chair to sit on. Limited tickets left, contact www.raechelwhitchurch.com or phone 6862 2000.

As Parkes’ one and only Elvis Tribute Artist crooned the first notes of Return to Sender, the Parkes Boppers jumped up and started dancing. This is how the Elvis festivities kicked off in Parkes on Monday with a celebration of The King’s 83rd birthday in Cooke Park.

The Parkes Boppers, a group of local children aged six to 15, showed off more of their rock ‘n roll dancing skills they had rehearsed over the festive holiday, and Barry Green kept the Elvis songs coming with Viva Las Vegas setting the tone for the party.

The event was organised by Elvis Revival Inc, the Parkes Elvis Festival founding committee and a small band of volunteers. It was also the first opportunity for locals to see the new Elvis statue and many took the opportunity to do the pose for a photo.

A big birthday cake was cut and shared among everyone.

By Maggi Barnard

Colouby Creations in Clarinda Street is ready to Rock ‘n Roll at The Parkes Elvis Festival. If you want to go with the ‘68 Comeback Special theme or need anything else Elvis-related, this is the place to pop in to – dresses, skirts, petticoats, wigs, glasses, handbags, head scarves, jumpsuits, memorabilia for guys, gals and kids – it’s all there.

Christmas is a truly magical time of year in Europe. From streets adorned with festive decoration and twinkling lights to delightful views of snow-dusted churches and medieval palaces, there is nothing quite like it. The countries bordering Europe’s iconic Rhine, Main and Danube rivers will enthral cruisers during the festive season, as the picturesque villages transform to include traditional markets that recall the charms of yesteryear.

In late November and early December, spend time exploring the many wonders of the marvellous markets as you journey through one Christmas fairytale after another on a Christmas Markets River Cruise. Rug up and enjoy a piping hot mug of gluhwein, or sample delicious gingerbread and freshly roasted chestnuts as you shop for the perfect handmade decoration to add to your tree at home.

December brings the chance to spend Christmas Day on board a luxury Scenic Space-Ship during our Christmas Wonderland River Cruise. At this special time of year you will have the option to attend Midnight Mass in a centuries-old church, where classic organ music and singing will add another magical layer to your winter wonderland experience. Spend Christmas morning sailing from Wurzburg to Nuremberg, before celebrating a New Year’s Eve unlike any other in beautiful Vienna.

Your local TravelManagers, Anita Medcalf, Maria Miller or Louise Gillogly, have a wealth of first hand knowledge and experience of these magnificent Scenic Spaceships, that cruise the waterways of Europe, and have the 2018 Magical Wonders Of Christmas brochure available now.

In 2017, one of Parkes’ local treasures celebrated a very special milestone. Baroness Gardner of Parkes marked her 90th birthday in July.

Born in “Sunrise” Parkes in 1927, Rachel “Trixie” Anne Gardner (nee McGirr) was one of nine children to former leader of the NSW Labor Party, the late Hon Gregory McGirr and Rachel McGirr OBE.

The McGirr’s were a strong political family, with Gregory’s younger brother, James McGirr, elected NSW Premier in 1947. In 1981 she was created a life peeress of the United Kingdom as Baroness Gardner of Parkes, and in the State of New South Wales and Commonwealth of Australia – to date, the only Australian woman to be elevated to the peerage.

Parkes Shire Mayor, Cr Ken Keith OAM said “Parkes continues to celebrate its rich political history, with Rensaw McGirr Way named in honour of two former Premiers of New South Wales.”

The 3rd Parkes Scout Group celebrated a big year of adventure and learning last Tuesday evening at their Christmas Party which was well attended by Scout and Cub families. Member for Orange, Mr Philip Donato joined the group for a pizza dinner and took the opportunity to congratulate the group on their achievements and encouraged them and their leaders, Barry Read and Raiechell Giles.

As part of the evening’s festivities, a Cub, Thomas Barker, was accepted into Scouts. This involved the Scouts building a temporary bridge structure from Stringybark and Thomas skilfully walking the bridge to be welcomed by Scouts.

This year Thomas achieved his Grey Wolfe Award, which is the highest achievement that a Cub can obtain. This is the second year in a row that a Cub from the 3rd Parkes Scouts has received this Award, with Charlie Zannes receiving his when he graduated to the Scout Troop in 2016.

Mr Donato congratulated Thomas and presented him with his Grey Wolfe Certificate and badge. He then distributed Subway encouragement certificates to the group. Mr Donato said “It is great to see such a keen group of Cubs and Scouts getting out and having a go, learning new skills and contributing back to their community”.

By Marg Applebee

Northparkes Mines staff had an experience with a difference last Thursday when organiser Stacey Kelly arranged a dragon boat paddle for seventeen of her staff. Club President, Bill Thomas, was happy to skipper the boat as sweep, while Bev Williams took on the important role of stroke, the pace-setter and Beth Thomas drummed and coached the team of novices.

They paddled amazingly well for firstmtimers and had a huge amount of fun. “It’s such a fabulous idea for staff bonding,” stated President, Bill Thomas.

The crew realised, with some surprise, what a true workout a dragon-boat paddle can be, and some even stated they’d be interested in having another go. And of course the Lachlan Dragons would warmly welcome them. “We all really enjoyed the experience, it was great fun,” said Stacey Kelly.

If you’re looking for a unique experience for your workplace, why not give dragonboat paddling a go! Just call Bill on 0418 616 500 or Chris on 0414 762 775.

Determined to do their bit to reduce drink driving in Parkes, pubs, clubs and bottle shops have joined forces to promote the Plan B campaign.

Plan B is a statewide initiative encouraging punters to think about an alternative to driving home after a night out. Drink driving is one of the biggest causes of death and injury on NSW roads. Country people are at particular risk given the lack of public transport or other options for getting home.

In the Western Region over the last five years, 2012 to 2016, there were 362 casualty crashes where alcohol was a contributing factor. This resulted in 34 people being killed, 209 seriously injured and 222 with moderate or minor injuries.

During December, patrons at participating pubs, clubs and bottle shops will be invited to enter a competition to nominate a Plan B for getting home.

“Catch a cab, walk home or throw a swag out on a mate’s floor – We don’t mind what your Plan B is, so long as it’s not driving home” said A Liquor Accord Spokesperson. “Every entry puts patrons in the running to win a Swag valued at over $250”.

The promotion coincides with an increase in Police RBTs across the state making it even more likely that anyone drink driving will get caught. Local punters are being asked to not ignore the message to leave their car at home.

In NSW, drink-driving is a criminal offence, which can result in hefty fines, licence disqualification and/or custodial sentences.