Parkes author Beth Thomas was invited by Bathurst City Library to give an author talk on her historical fiction novel, Remember Oradour. Almost thirty people attended to hear Beth speak about her inspirations for her successful
debut novel, which was launched in Parkes in March. “It was a lovely, informal gathering with a really warm group of people,” said Beth. “They were very attentive and genuinely interested. Bathurst is a very cultural rural city and I felt honoured that they had invited me.”

Beth spoke about her feelings for Oradour, its people and its history. She tells the gripping story of a village in war-torn France. “My book brings the town back to life with characters from all generations with multifaceted relationships. From generations of adults to babies being born…just as in reality.” From readers’ comments it is obvious Beth has brought Oradour back to life in its beautiful setting, with its authentic historical background, and with very real characters.

Beth’s readers have been profoundly touched by her passionate retelling of the true events of Oradour. As one reader said: “That was the most beautifully written book!” Another talented person in Parkes we can be proud of.

The Parkes Show once again features an action-packed entertainment program. Headlined by Rooftop Express Spectacular, an amazing family friendly arena show that encourages crowd involvement. It features hilarious Australiana comedy and electrifying stunts sponsored by McPhersons.

The Young Farmer Challenge is a crowd favourite and returns with a new set of tasks for participants. The Northparkes Kidzone will have free activities like kite making, face painting and balloon sculpting, while more
free activities will be on offer at the children’s activity centre in the Blatch pavilion.

Whether you love adrenaline pumping excitement, locals in novelty events, Westlime’s fireworks display or free activities, there is something for everyone this year.

Mention the name Kittie Dwyer around the Parkes Shire and comments such as “dedicated, passionate and determined” are often the response. Kittie has always possessed a can-do attitude and it is that mindset that saw her
former neighbour and current Currajong Disability Services (CDS) Chairman Neil Unger ask her to get involved.
“I knew little about Currajong but I was prepared to give it a go,” said Kittie. “Working with people like Neil who are
enthusiastic, want to improve and have worthwhile goals made the decision about 12 years ago so much easier.

“Currajong are doing great things and undergoing major changes, and I am pleased to have been a part of that,” she said. While Kittie may be stepping back she certainly won’t be lost to the organisation vowing to remain an interested observer and contributor when and where she can. Kittie believes the biggest challenge facing CDS remains the same challenge when she arrived – to provide the best care and options for clients. She believes CDS is meeting it head on and going in the right direction.

“Not all participants have the same challenges nor are they the same people just because they share a common disability,” said Kittie. “It is the same challenge across the industry but I think we do it better and are getting better.” Kittie has a lot of empathy for carers in the industry. “We need lots of support for carers as well as clients as they go through a lot too,” she said. “We have to keep encouraging them and new people into the industry. It was one of
the reasons the Currajong Carers Support Group was started – to assist families and those who care for people with a disability,” Kittie said.

Kittie Dwyer is a former chair of the Currajong Carers Support Group and CDS board member. CDS acknowledge and appreciate all the work she has done and her positive contribution. All the best Kittie and thank you from everyone at CDS!

By Dane Millerd

Benjamin Franklin might have said: “Wine is constant proof that God loves us and loves to see us happy,” but for the owners of Twisted River Wines outside Parkes a very special trophy for their Shiraz has put them in high spirits.

“When we bought the vineyard in 2007, I had a vision of us picking grapes to the sound of Vivaldi. It is in fact very hard work,” said Michelle Davies, who handles sales and marketing. She and Helen Armstrong, the vigneron, not only have day time jobs, but do everything by hand, including pruning and picking, on their 14 acre property
about 40km outside Parkes. That was why winning the trophy for the best Shiraz at the 2017 Australian New Zealand Boutique Wine Show with their 2016 Shiraz Viognier was a very big deal for them.

“We are really excited as there were 196 entries. It is so good to see our hard work come to fruition,” said Michelle. She was also relieved winning the prestigious prize, as the same wine won the trophy for the best red blend at the recent Cowra Wine Show. “This shows consistency, and that our win was not a flash in the pan.” According to Michelle the main motivation for them to enter wine shows are to get feedback on their wines, and to know they are on the right track. She said credit was also due to their winemakers, Chris Derrez and Lucy Maddox from Orange, who have been with them since 2010 when they first started making wine.

If you would like to share in the happiness of the Shiraz, you’d have to hurry as only 300 cases were produced. Visit the cellar door on weekends, or join the Twisted River Wine Club.

By Maggi Barnard

Three day passes for the Parkes Show are now available from Cunningham’s IGA, Byrnes Clothing and the Show Office in Welcome Street. The passes are only available until Sunday, 27th August. Once the Show commences on Monday, 28th August, a single entry at the gate will be $15.

A three day pass offers you unlimited entries over the three days of the show for just $5 for Schoolies (anyone attending school), $15 for Adults, and kids not yet attending school are free. This amazing deal offers one of the cheapest show tickets in the Central West! Concession tickets are only available from the Show Office and are $10 each.

If you buy tickets before the Show you can also go into the draw to win a $500 open order from Cunningham’s IGA or Byrnes Clothing, or one of two packs of 20 show ride tickets.