Alice in Cambodia: Alice Maier, Year 11 Parkes High School student, was the guest speaker at the last Parkes Action Club din- ner meeting. She is raising funds to partici- pate in a Projects Abroad program in Cam- bodia for two weeks in July. She will be working with preschool to primary school students with an emphasis on hygiene, art and English, and will learn basic Cambo- dian before she goes. Alice is looking to raise $3,000 to cover flights and accommodation in Phnom Penh. The Action Club gave Alice a donation and is challenging other clubs to support her too. Alice has agreed to address the Action Club on her return.
Queen’s Baton in Parkes: Do you want to be a baton bearer? Parkes will be one of eight overnight stops in NSW in the Queen’s Baton Relay for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games. The Queen’s Baton will travel through Australia for 100 days from 25th December, visiting Parkes on Monday 29th January next year. “Our community can expect an exciting line up of events to celebrate this monumental occasion,” said Parkes Mayor, Ken Keith. The Queen’s Baton Relay (QBR) sets off from London next week on an extraordi- nary journey through the entire Commonwealth. Nominations are now open for Australians to take part in this historic journey. Australia needs 3,800 baton bearers and Parkes Shire residents are encouraged to nominate locals that inspire them with their passion and commitment to sport and community. You can nominate until 15th May at gc2018.com/qbr
Phoenix takes off: Remember The Parkes Phoenix is available for free in Trundle, Tul- lamore, Tottenham and Bogan Gate every Friday. You are also welcome to send us your news, photos and snippets to editor@ parkesphoenix.com.au.
Book review: Remember Oradour – Sou- viens Toi by Parkes author, Beth Thomas: At the onset of World War ll, the villagers of Oradour believe they are immune from the surrounding conflict. Sadly however, it transpires that no one is safe from the rav- ages of war. This beautifully crafted story captures through clever characterisation, the rich tapestry of daily life in rural France in the 1940’s. A commendable first novel for Elizabeth Therese Thomas. Review by Jenny on Angus & Robertson website. Beth will be launching her book tomorrow at The Little Theatre at 4pm.