LEO Pietsch was just 12 years old when he rst saw Joyce Bell - and he couldn’t take his eyes o her. He never has.
This month the couple celebrates a remarkable 75 years of marriage, and their love and respect for one another is evident as they share stories of their decades together with smiles on their faces and a ection in their voices.
The day they met remains oh-soclear in Leo’s mind as he tells of the events that led to that meeting - their lives and their legacy.
Joyce’s father was Roy Bell of boxing tent fame but these were the war years, and the shows were closed down.
The family was needed for essential work for the government and came to Tullamore in search of land heavy with trees they could fell and burn down to charcoal that was burned to fuel the cars in those years of petrol shortages.
Young Leo was on the farm when his brother-in-law asked if he’d like to come for a drive.
Leo didn’t really need to go see Roy Bell, bootmaker, but fate would have he went along that day.
They travelled about 10 miles out of town into the scrub, and Frank disappeared into a little tin hut.
“I’m in the motorbike sitting up in the sidecar there,” Leo recalls, admitting he was getting a bit impatient on his own there - until the family started to emerge from the hut.
“At the tail end here’s this beautiful long-haired girl, 12 years old,” Leo says, and the memory still makes him smile.
“I couldn’t take my eyes o her.”
Their romance blossomed rst through snippets shared through Leo’s sister and then through their own letters as the war ended; the
Bells went back on the road and Joyce went to live with her grandparents in Hurstville.
Young Leo took work on his brother’s farm and then in his engineering business in Forbes, while Joyce secured a job in a chemist shop in the city.
Busy, Joyce began to think it was unfair on Leo to have her at such a distance.
“She wrote me a beautiful letter
giving me the opportunity to forget about her and get another girl,” Leo says.
“I thought ... it must be hard for him up in little Tullamore, I gave him the opportunity to take his freedom,” Joyce explains.
His freedom was the last thing Leo wanted, but he hadn’t written back by the time Joyce’s mother returned home the show circuit and enquired a er her daughter’s young man.
Most unimpressed with her Joyce’s response, Amy pressed money into her hands and ordered her to the phone booth down the road to immediately reach out to Leo.
Joyce still remembers the big black phone, and the long, painful wait for connection.
Leo, at work at RL Pietsch and Co, says he was summonsed up to the ofce to take the call.
■ Continued pages 6-7
Australia Day - worth celebrating
Australia Day and its approaching national holiday weekend will see a new Australian of the Year recipient announced by the Prime Minister, along with Senior Australian, Junior Australian, and Local Hero of Australia awards.
Closer to home regional and local Australia Day Awards will be featured by our council to recognise and celebrate a range of local community contributors.
For all this Australia Day has in recent years been questioned as a day of celebration.
Federal, state and some councils have been ambivalent, tending to side with minority groups’ sentiments around the debate.
This is not just a rejection of the date but a lack of recognition of what has been achieved, a foundation from which set a course based on colonisation, but with democracy and the rule of law, and shaped by
immigration and opportunity.
Some councils have sought compensation from the federal government for citizenship ceremonies, citing extreme heat and irregular working hours as justification, prompting the Opposition leader to come up with a plan to make the ceremonies mandatory.
While the date of Australia Day January 26 continues to be debated, the question of citizenship ceremonies on the day can be separated from the issue of whether it is the best date to recognise our nationhood.
For those councils who continue the long-standing tradition of awarding citizenship on Australia Day, it marks a recognition and respect for our national ceremonies.
As with the indigenously inspired Welcome to Country, our new countrymen and women who have chosen to embrace Australia by becoming citizens, are
welcomed, and embraced into an increasingly multicultural country.
A recent survey by the Institute of Public Affairs has shown that 69 per cent of Australians say Australia Day should be celebrated on January 26, which is up from 63 per cent 12 months ago; a majority of age groups also support the day.
Of the world’s approximate 200 countries, only a few do not have a national day; many have undergone tortuous journeys of war and revolution in their national days becoming integral to their culture.
Without denying the special place for our Indigenous First Peoples, their culture and future wellbeing, Australia’s national day whatever the date, needs to be more collectively celebrated for the country’s cultural, geographical and historical threads and achievements, that offers common values and a future worth preserving and living.
Honours, citizenship ceremony and party in the park this weekend
By FORBES MAYOR PHYLLIS MILLER OAM
Celebrating the Forbes community will begin on Saturday January 25 with the Citizen of the Year Gala Din ner where the Young, Senior and Citizen of the Year will be announced.
There has been an amazing line up of nominees this year, so thank you to everyone who has formally recognised some of these extraordinary people.
It is actually very humbling to nd out about the wonder ful contributions these pillars in our community make.
The Gala Dinner is so much fun, celebrating and acknowl edging the amazing commu nity members we have here in Forbes.
Australia Day celebrations will continue on Sunday 26 January with the traditional Community Breakfast at Lions Park from 8am – 10am, hosted by Forbes Rotary Club.
It is a great way to start the day, down at the lake.
Come down and enjoy the festivities and meet our Aus-
WHAT’S ON in and around Forbes
COME ‘N’ TRY BASKETBALL
January 23
Dreamed of trying basketball? Now’s your chance! Join this action-packed holiday of hoops fun. Join Our Mob Our Game, where everyone is welcome. Jump into the world of basketball, where you’ll enjoy fun games while developing fundamental and basketball movements. It’s free, registrations online https://bnsw.info/OMOG-Try
There’s a morning session for girls aged ve to 13 years, register online at https:// bnsw.info/IAAG-Try
It’s all on at Red Bend Catholic College on Thursday, January 23.
COMMUNITY BREAKFAST
Sunday, January 26
The annual Australia Day community breakfast will be held from 8am to 10am located on the picturesque Lake Forbes at Lions Park. This event includes the Rotary Citizenship Awards and will kick o the community celebrations on Australia Day. The ofcial ceremony will be at 9:15am. Gold coin donations to Rotary Forbes are welcomed.
AUSTRALIA DAY FIREWORKS
Sunday, January 26
tralia Day Ambassador Ange Clarke.
Ms Clarke is an advocate for disability and inclusion and is the founder of Where There’s a Will – a wonderful business that repurposes cricket bats into art.
The o cial proceedings will begin at 9.15am.
VARIETY NIGHT
Saturday, February 8
From 6pm food vendors will be at Lions Park on Australia with the event concluding with the annual reworks display o Battyes Bridge at 9pm. Come down to Lions Park with your family and friends and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and plenty of food options to choose from! BYO chair and picnic blanket.
HAVE YOUR SAY ON FORBES FUTURE
January 30
Time is running out to contribute to Forbes Shire Council’s community strategic plan! Forbes Shire council wants to hear your ideas and feedback on issues that are important to you. Drop into Forbes Town Hall between 11am and 1pm on January 30 if you’d like assistance completing their survey or go online to yoursay.forbes.nsw.gov.au
Michele Quigley and Leigh Bartholomaeus are preparing for the Abel Tasman Trek for Vision in New Zealand this year, and raising funds with what promises to be an evening full of fun, laughs and entertainment from local performers. Tickets from The Book Dispensary.
BEDGERABONG PICNIC RACES
Saturday, February 15
It’s on again! The best little race meeting in the west. Get your tickets online now for Bedgerabong Picnic Race Day. The fashions on the eld, the fun, the entertainment and of course the racing all returns to this picturesque club in 2025. Tickets 123tix.com.au
WIRRINYA AQUATIC CLUB COCKTAIL
EVENING
March 1
Experience an incredible evening by the scenic Wirrinya ski dam! Savour delicious wood- red pizza from Povey’s Pizza and enjoy live music by the talented Gracey Den-
JOURNALISTS
Renee Powell 0448 238 023
rpowell@midwestmedia.com.au
Brendan McCool 0448 238 254
bmccool@midwestmedia.com.au
CLASSIFIEDS 02 6342 1044
mbrown@midwestmedia.com.au
ADVERTISING
Courtney Gambrill 0448 248 080
www.forbesadvocate.com.au
Later in the day there will be a citizenship ceremony in Council Chambers. I love the Australia Day citizenship ceremonies, they are always such a special ceremony for friends and families to celebrate.
Then beginning at 6pm, the Community Australia Day event will be on. Head down to Lions Park to enjoy the buskers, food vans and reworks at 9pm.
+ + +
Don’t forget our Community Strategic Plan Survey is open until Friday January 31. We need as many residents as possible to complete this survey so we know what the community wants for the future of Forbes.
Survey responses will be the basis for the council’s next 10 year Strategic Plan. The survey only takes 10 minutes and is on the front page of the Forbes Shire Council website in the Have Your Say link https://yoursay. forbes.nsw.gov.au/forbescommunity-strategic-planreview
ham Jones. A return bus service from Forbes will be available - be sure to purchase your bus ticket when booking, camping onsite is also welcome. Tickets 123tix.com.au
EUGOWRA BOOTS AND BOWTIES BALL
Saturday, April 5
This is a fundraiser ball not to be missed presented by the Eugowra Public School P and C at the Eugowra Showground Pavilion. Think hay bales, festoon lights, warm tones, plenty of seating and the country night air. Roving canapes by Smoking Brothers Catering and music from Foxxy Cleopatra. There will be buses from Forbes, Parkes, Canowindra and Gooloogong. Ticket details to come.
AMAZING MOTOR FESTIVAL
Saturday, April 5
Save the date for a celebration of historic machinery, cars, trucks, bikes and more.
To be hosted by the Forbes District Historic Machinery Association, this event will bring together enthusiasts at the Multipurpose Equestrian Centre and Showground for a day packed with excitement.
cgambrill@midwestmedia.com.au
Welcome Ange Clarke, Forbes’ 2025 Australia Day ambassador
Forbes will welcome Ange Clarke, founder of Where There’s a Will and a Fred Hollows Humanitarian recipient as our Australia Day ambassador.
For 28 years, Ange has championed causes close to her heart, inspired by her son, Will Clarke, who lives with autism.
As the founder and CEO of the groundbreaking charity Where There’s a Will, Angela has empowered countless individuals by advocating for inclusion and building programs in sports, music, and the arts.
Forbes’ Australia Day events commence Saturday night, with our Citizen of the Year awards to be presented at a dinner at Town Hall.
Sunday will see the hosting of the traditional Australia Day breakfast at Lions Park on picturesque Lake Forbes from 8am to 10am.
Bring your picnic chairs and blankets down to Lions Park in the evening, when there will be food vendors open from 6pm.
The night will be capped with the now established, spectacular fireworks display off Bates Bridge from 9pm.
Ms Clarke will take part in Forbes Shire Council’s o cial Australia Day proceedings at the Citizen of the Year Gala Dinner on Saturday and the Community Breakfast at Lions Park on Sunday as well as enjoying all that Forbes has to offer during her stay.
Ms Clarke is no stranger to Forbes, having grown up in nearby Orange. She said it was a privilege to return to Forbes in an o cial capacity as an Australia Day Ambassador.
“I’m very keen to share my story and passions with the Forbes community and I can’t wait to get involved in the events over the weekend to celebrate Australia Day,” she said.
“It’s an honour to be an Australia Day Ambassador. You get the privilege of meeting inspiring people who have achieved great things in their community and inspired others around
them to be better.”
Determined to break the stigma around people with disabilities and be a champion for inclusion, Ms Clarke has spent the last 28 years creating opportunities and programs for people of all abilities to thrive.
Will is an avid cricket fan, so Ms Clarke created Where There’s a Will in his name –a business that re-purposes donated cricket bats into works of art and symbols for inclusion and kindness. It has been so successful some bats now appear at celebrity’s homes in Hollywood and Australia House in London.
What’s on this Australia Day in Eugowra
All Cabonne towns and villages will host Australia Day activities this year, with free entry to all of the pools in Cabonne for the day. In Eugowra, the official party will be at the Bowling and Recreation Club from 2pm for the presentation of awards as well as the Eugowra appreciation awards.
The club will have live entertainment into the evening as well.
Cabonne’s Australia Day Ambassador is Mr. Warren Potent, who has competed in five Olympic Games.
He earned a bronze medal in Beijing 2008, and has been ranked the world’s number one prone rifle shooter six times.
His accolades include multiple gold medals at World Championships and Commonwealth Games, making him Australia’s most successful rifle shooter in history.
But Warren’s contributions extend far beyond his extraordinary sporting achievements.
He has dedicated himself to mentoring young Australians, sharing his skills and values to inspire the next generation.
Through his volunteer work with the Beacon Foundation, Warren helps underprivileged high school students gain the knowledge and confidence they need to succeed.
His journey is a testament to the power of hard work, resilience, and community spirit.
Smaller blocks to be an option in development
Council endorses Forbesview planning proposal
The door remains open for a North Forbes residential development to include lots ranging from 250 square metres to two hectares in size, with council’s endorsement of the Forbesview planning proposal.
The proposal to rezone 95 hectares of land from rural to residential with the potential to develop blocks in a whole range of sizes has been on public exhibition and came back to councillors at the Forbes shire’s December meeting.
The land extends west from Farnell Street to Edward Street on the southern side of School Road.
The proposal did receive some objections that the blocks at the lower end of the proposal - one section allowing minimum lots of 250 square metres and another 400 square metres - were too small.
But as council met they also heard the importance of having smaller blocks of land available in Forbes.
“The proposed rezoning to allow the development of Forbes View development is a high contrast to this area’s neighbourhood character which can generally be described as country lifestyle with one dwelling on a large block with lots of open space,” one resident wrote in objection.
“There is a community expectation (both existing and new residents) that the area will remain rural in feel with large blocks, much vegetation and generous open space (both public and private).”
Deputy Mayor Chris Roylance and Cr Marg Duggan raised that when feedback came back to councillors for consideration.
“It really does change the nature of our residential
a minimum lot size of 250 square metres, but actual blocks will be in response to market demand.
areas, we’re not in a metropolitan area where we’re landlocked or anything,” Cr Duggan said.
“I think in the years to come it will overpopulate that area and that leads to a lot of other strains on our infrastructure.”
Another submission raised concerns about additional tra c.
“The transport impact assessment identi ed the volume of tra c at speci c intersections during the development of this estate and the increase of vehicle tra c past my property during the peak hours is staggering,” they wrote, asking what measures would be put in place to ensure residents would be able to safely enter and exit existing properties.
A letter prepared by Allera Planning Pty Ltd on behalf of Forbesview Pty Ltd in response to the submissions says the Forbes Housing Strategy has identi ed a need for 1819 new dwellings to accommodate projected growth.
It explains the master plan is indicative - future residential developments will strive to o er a broader range of lot sizes to respond to market
demand. An environmental management area is proposed to preserve the majority of the trees in the northwest portion of the site, the masterplan aims to balance proposed residential development with recreational and environmental areas.
Cr Michele Herbert and Mayor Phyllis Miller said at the meeting it was important to o er smaller blocks for both lifestyle and a ordability.
Mayor Phyllis Miller also added any future subdivision into lots would still have to come back before the council.
“It doesn’t mean they’re going to get people that take up a lot of 250,” she said.
“But there might be a rst home owner who can build themselves a small home on a small lot a ordably. Land prices are growing in this town.”
Director Planning and Growth Mat Teale said the plan proposed smaller lots around a small scale commercial hub that was also part of the plans.
“It’s reasonable when you consider they’re creating a small scale commercial hub that you would have smaller lot sizes associated with that,” he said.
Mr Teale added the Forbesview proposal was a 50-year plan, and that o ering a range of housing blocks reected council’s strategy. Forbesview adds to a number of residential developments on that side of town, including Estate, Boganvilla Estate, Halls Run estate in addition to State Government development.
The council is also working on a servicing strategy for North Forbes to ensure water, sewer, storm water and other services can cater for future development.
Forbes’ Australia Day ambassador Ange Clark with her son Will. PHOTO: Supplied
Congratulations, Australia Day nominees
Forbes Shire residents who have made significant contributions or outstanding achievements to the community over the last 12 months have been recognised by being nominated for the Forbes Shire Council 2025 Australia Day Awards.
There are three award categories with the winners to be announced at the Citizen of the Year Gala Dinner at Forbes Town Hall on Saturday January 25.
Forbes Shire Council
Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM, said each nominee should be proud of the contribution they have made to the community.
“We received so many great nominations for this year’s awards, and it’s always a very hard decision when deciding who should receive this recognition,” she said.
“From volunteer work to fundraising, and academic achievements to tourism initiatives, these members of our community have contributed to the growth of our shire, and I thank them for their hard work making it a better place.”
The nominees for each of the categories are:
YOUNG CITIZEN
Sam Mackay
Sam is a 23-year-old local stock and station agent who is heavily involved in the Forbes community. He spent countless hours planning and executing the Nedd Brockman Gala Ball, raising $30,000 in support of Nedd Brockman and “We are Mobilise”.
Freya Hooper
Freya is an 18-year-old local who achieved equal first place in NSW for Primary Industries in the Forbes Shire CouncilHSC last year. She volunteers at many Council run events and in 2023 and 2024 was the Club Captain of the Forbes Pony Club.
Grace Barbary
Grace has achieved academic success at Forbes High School, Aurora College and the NSW School of Languages. She was the Vice Captain of Forbes High School, being a role model for other students. Grace also participated in community events and performing arts and is a true all-rounder.
Isabella Brown
Isabella is an 18-year-old student who was awarded Dux of Forbes High School in 2024, achieving an ATAR score of 92.75. She was School Captain in 2024 and has proved to be a fantastic community leader, supporting local events and being involved in the Forbes community.
Annika Dukes
Annika has worked at Life Pharmacy over the last two years, studying and showing exceptional customer service skills and a passion for healthcare. Annika volunteered on the Forbes Youth Action Team for four years, volunteering for Forbes Hockey Inc and Forbes Show. She received a 2024 Forbes CWA evening group scholarship and a 2024 CWA NSW Irene Ashton Memorial Education Grant. She also has volunteered for three years at the Dubbo Taronga Zoo.
Indrie O’Connell
Indrie, 12 years old, was elected as the first Youth Chairperson of the Forbes Youth Action Team, showing her leadership skills and commitment to the community. She was MC at the 2024 Teddy Bears’ Picnic and loves helping out at Youth and Community Events. She won the Outstanding Academic class award for Year 6 at St Laurence’s School, the Father Dalwood Citizen Award, and Most Improved in Netball.
SENIOR CITIZEN
Bob and Freda Drinkwater
Bob and Freda have cared for their son, Scott, who needs
care and assistance from them 24 hours per day. They have taught Scott how to speak through singing. Bob and Freda also provide care and entertainment to clients of Aruma disability services. They have been heavily involved in the local country music scene through the Forbes Country Music Association and the Country Music Show in Bedgerabong. Bob goes above and beyond as a local bus driver, and Freda served as a registered nurse.
Peter and Elaine Bright
Peter and Elaine are stalwarts of volunteer organisations in Forbes and are driving forces of the Forbes Lions Club. They volunteer in vision screening, flood recovery, organizing conferences, Youth of the Year, markets and barbecues as well as running the Driver Reviver van in Forbes. Elaine has been an active member of the CWA and previously volunteered at the Visitor Information Centre.
Kevin Dwyer
Kevin is best known for his many years volunteering and steering the ship for local community radio station Valley FM. He was a founding member of Lachlan Valley Community radio in 1979.. He has worked in many different roles at the station and is currently its program coordinator. He understands the need for important up-to-date emergency announcements and follows the Bureau of Meteorology and State Emergency Service closely for local flood and storm warnings, keeping the community informed.
Lloyd Gerdes
Lloyd has volunteered with Forbes Probus for an incredible 40 years and currently works as Secretary and News Bulletin Editor. He also serves as the Vice President of the Forbes Hospital Auxiliary and since joining the Auxiliary has helped raise over $20,000 for medical equipment at Forbes
Hospital. He has been a member of the Forbes & District Historical Society for 20 years and played an integral role in renovations at the Forbes Museum. He is also the Treasurer of the Forbes Garden Club.
Helen Smith
Helen has volunteered with St Vincent de Paul in Forbes for the over 20 years, helping locals facing poverty and making herself available day and night to help people in need of food or a place to sleep. From completing administrative tasks to preparing Christmas hampers, Helen makes a significant contribution. She also volunteers with the Catholic Church as a Holy Communion Minister.
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR
Tami Hanley (Stewart) Tami is an integral part of the family business, Michael Hanley Funerals. She shows great compassion and care, assisting families during very emotional times while making arrangements for funerals, burials and cremations and goes above and beyond her professional responsibilities. Tami has had a huge influence on the village of Wirrinya in Forbes Shire through her work with the Wirrinya Progress Association and Wirrinya Ski Dam, organising fundraisers and events.
Rosie Johnston
Rosie’s vision and enthusiasm have shaped the legacy of art and tourism in Forbes. She created the concept for Somewhere Down the Lachlan which has transformed into a sculpture trail that follows the Lachlan River between Forbes and Condobolin. She also created the Amazing concept – the iconic red sign that forms part of the sculpture trail. She is also a long-time volunteer art steward for the Bedgerabong Show and integral member of Jemalong/Forbes Polo.
Jack Buckley Jack is the owner and pharmacist at Life Pharmacy and Flannery’s Pharmacy in Forbes. He was awarded Australian Pharmacist of the Year at the Independent Pharmacies of Australia Excellence Awards in 2024. During the floods Jack flew medical supplies to isolated residents along the Lachlan River, and he works with the Western NSW Primary Health Network to deliver vaccination clinics to remote communities in western NSW. Jack is passionate about providing accessible healthcare to the community.
Donna Bliss
Donna has made a meaningful impact on the Aboriginal community of Forbes in her work at Yoorana Gunya Family Healing Centre and Binaal Billa Family Violence and Prevention Legal Service. Donna is the CEO of Yoorana Gunya and has helped grow the organisation over the last 18 years from employing just a few outreach workers into a multi-disciplinary Aboriginal medical service with various allied health services. In her work at Binaal Billa she has helped victims of domestic violence and sexual assault access legal services.
Tim West
Tim has played a pivotal role in developing programs for vulnerable and disconnected males in our community in his work as the Forbes Location Manager for Boys to the Bush.
Tim also volunteers for Talk to me Bro – a program that focuses on men’s health and suicide prevention. He has also started can collections for CanAssist, cooked barbecues for White Ribbon Day, set up charity golf days and mows lawns for the elderly and those in need.
Maree Yapp
Maree is passionate about young people in the Forbes community, working as the Schools as Community Facilitator at Forbes North Public
School. She started the Birth to Kinder program at the school, which supports reading, talking, singing and listening for children from birth to early literacy learning. She is also involved in the annual Reading Down Town day, Rhyme Time and Story Time and has been a member of the Forbes North Public School P&C for over 20 years. She became an aqua fitness instructor and provides childcare at classes so young mothers can exercise. She volunteers with Central West Lachlan Landcare and was involved in bringing back the Galari Lachlan River Festival.
Kim Muffet
Kim is well known in the local arts scene through his volunteer work with the Forbes Arts society; something he is extremely passionate about. As a member of its board, he has brought many projects to life including the Sculpture Down the Lachlan trail, the reimagined Gum Swamp Bird Hides, and he is actively involved in the current redevelopment of the former Forbes Ambulance Station into the future Galley Forbes. Kim spent many years as a farmer in Wirrinya, volunteering for the NSW Farmers’ Association, Aquatic Club, Forbes Rugby Club and West Wirrinya Fire Brigade. Keith Mullette Keith has had a huge influence on the local art scene and the tourism economy through his dedication to the Forbes Arts Society. He has been a driving force behind art and tourism projects including the Sculpture Down the Lachlan trail, Wiradjuri Sculpture Walk, various sculptures in Forbes CBD, the redevelopment of the former Forbes Ambulance Station into a new art gallery, and the redevelopment of Gum Swamp. He has spent tireless hours preparing grant applications and acquittals. He has also helped drive the success of Grazing Down the Lachlan.
FORBES SHIRE COUNCIL
Council administration office, at the Forbes Council website or by contacting community@forbes.nsw.gov.au. This survey closes on 31 January 2025. For more information please contact Council’s Community and Tourism Team on community@forbes.nsw.gov.au or 02 6850 2300.
Planning Proposal - Rezoning
is proposing to amend the Forbes Local Environmental Plan 2013 (LEP) by changing the zoning, minimum lot size and height of buildings restriction on the Community Garden, Reymond Street, Forbes (formally identified as Lot 1618 DP 750158). The Planning Proposal is on public exhibition 4 December 2024 to 24 January 2025 and is available on Council’s website. Any submissions must be made in writing, addressed to the General Manager and detail clearly why you either support or oppose the proposal. Your submission must include your full name, address and phone number. To make a submission you can either: 1. Email forbes@forbes.nsw.gov.au; 2. Post to Forbes Shire Council, PO Box 333, Forbes NSW 2871; or 3. Deliver your submission to Council’s administration office at 2 Court Street, Forbes NSW 2871. Further information and documentation can be sought by contacting Council.
Love and commitment that stand test of time
■ From front page
“I suppose I explained to him why I’d written to him and he said he’d write again - which he did, so that brought us back together again,” Joyce says.
Leo would make the trip to Sydney about once a year, getting to know the Bell family - and learning to box - until they could be married at the age of 21.
The wedding took place in Forbes’ Lutheran Church on January 13, 1950.
By Leo’s side was his brother-in-law Frank Hatter, attending Joyce was her dear friend June Durkin whose father rode the wheel of death in the shows, and her young sister Nita.
Joyce’s beautiful gown was purchased for 10 pounds from another young bride who’d had it made - and while that sum doesn’t sound much her weekly wage was
just 2 pounds 7 shillings and sixpence.
The newlyweds made their home in Forbes with Leo’s mum, who ran a boarding house and had a couple of rooms for them.
It was here they welcomed their rst child Laurence.
Leo had learned many skills in the years since he le school, through his brother’s engineering business and contracting to drill the holes for many of the power poles for the electricity supply network to be extended into rural areas between Forbes and Eugowra.
But he’d never wanted to leave the farm for town, so when he heard of a little farm for sale out on Bogan River country at Tullamore he acted quickly.
Leo picked up the real estate agent in his ute and headed with him out to the
property where he heard the owner of the block, Tommy Ray, was staying.
Arriving there, they found Tommy had le to get the train back to his home in Trundle.
Back in the ute Leo got and headed straight for the railway station to wait for the little motor train to come in.
“I walked along the edge (of the platform) singing out ‘Tommy Ray, Tommy Ray’,” Leo remembers.
Tommy came o the train and Leo introduced himself and his interest in the property.
So keen he was, he encouraged Tommy to come with him to the solicitors then and there to sign up for the sale.
“He said, ‘I can’t do that, I’ve got to get back to Trundle’, but I said, ‘you come and do that bit of business, I’m going back
to Forbes so I’ll drop you right at your front door,” Leo remembers.
In due course Leo and Joyce found themselves the owners of a 1400-acre bush block - completely undeveloped - where they determined to make their
home and their life.
Leo sat at the boundary and thought, “what the hell can I do?”
He’d found the money for the property but didn’t have anything le over to pay anyone to clear the land, build a house or anything else.
Even telling their story today Leo can only say, “I don’t know how we did it,” but the couple agree their commitment to one another and their common cause, with the kindness of those around them, was key.
And although it might have been Joyce’s beauty that caught Leo’s eye, he soon found she’d be his “number one” as they worked to build their lives together - clever, resilient and hard working.
The block had to be cleared and Leo’s little
tractor simply wasn’t big enough, but they allowed workers in the area to keep their machinery on the block and were in turn o ered use of the larger machinery.
Leo’s brother provided a sheet of tin that he propped on a railing between trees to create the roof on their rst little home.
“We had a wooden legged bed mum gave us, but so much rain oated in underneath the legs of the bed went down in the mud,” Leo says.
There was no electricity to the block, and the only water supply was the dam. Their rst stove was retrieved from where the chooks were using it to roost, cleaned up and quickly put back into business.
Joyce’s Uncle Will was a builder and would help them build a house for their growing family, but first Leo had to get the timber.
O he went up the hill to cut logs, but how was one man on his own to get them onto the truck and back to his building site?
“Well I had two other little rails and I’d put them on the top of the tray of the truck out onto the ground – one up the front of the truck and one at the back – and then I’d drop the logs, pull them up with the tractor right at the end of those rails,” he explains.
“Then I had a rope on the truck I’d tie it on, under the rail, back over the top, over the truck out
there on the little tractor, and that’d roll that log up onto the truck.”
He also needed a sawmill.
“I had nothing to build it out of, I’m looking around my scrap heap and I found an old engine lying there,” Leo says.
“I thought I can use that, to put the belt on, then I’ve got to put a tail sha on to hook it on to my little crawler tractor that didn’t have a belt pulley.”
When that was all worked out there was the problem of cutting logs: Leo had never cut logs, but he knew someone who had and quickly worked out an arrangement where his friend could cut timber for himself as well as for the Pietsch family home.
Uncle Will lived in a tent on site while he helped Leo build the young family a home to lock up stage.
Leo put the oorboards in the kitchen rst, so Joyce could prepare their meals, and once he had the house lined it was also Joyce who painted it.
Leo and Joyce welcomed four more children - Judith, Kathryn, Robert and Geo rey - as they expanded their farming to sheep and cropping, Joyce always keeping meticulous books and accounts.
There were good years and lean ones, dust storms, mouse plagues, times when they were cut o from town by wet weather and of course plenty of snake stories.
They had chooks for eggs, a milking cow, and meat
from the chooks and sheep they raised.
In time there was connection to electricity and phone, eventually black and white television.
The children started school and Joyce petitioned for the school bus run to be extended to their area - it would also o en bring out a box of groceries as well as the Pietsch children.
Their life was simple but rich in community.
“There were always neighbours popping in, we had more visitors than you’d expect,” Joyce says.
“People would be calling in, having a cup of tea and a yarn.
“(It was) a lovely community – a beautiful community, Tullamore.”
Neighbours got together and built tennis courts at a spot called Yethera, where many happy a ernoons were spent.
“It was just like one big family,” Joyce said.
Of course, Joyce’s family would take a spell on the property too, rolling in at the end of the show circuit to rest and repair their gear a er travelling the miles back from the Northern Territory via Queensland and the rodeos.
From there they’d launch the whole new show season with the rst event at Tullamore.
Leo’s engineering skills were naturally in demand and one of his other roles was maintaining the phone line - there were 14 on their party line.
He recalls one day the
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phone went out and he set o to nd the fault.
Getting to a junction he isolated the line back to Tullamore and the line back to his house, then connected the phone he had to the remaining line.
“I could hear pigs grunting, and I thought there’s only one bloke here that’s got pigs on his farm,” Leo says now.
“So I went down to his house, I opened the back door and could hear the pigs.”
In the owner’s absence the pigs had got out of their yards and into the house where they’d knocked the phone o .
“They’re all lying on the ground, under the table, and the phone’s lying in amongst them,” Leo chuckles, problem solved.
The Pietsch’s capacity for community involvement and advocacy increased with time: they were passionate about keeping services in the town that had been so good to them.
Leo recalls learning there was a plan to shut down and demolish the local aged care home, and immediately taking the protest to then State MP, the late Ian Armstrong.
in Forbes, rst settling at a small acreage on Wandary Lane.
Still in their home together, their many family in this region regulars through it, they are so very grateful for one another and for the many people they’ve called friends and neighbours across their remarkable 75 years together.
As Leo and Joyce re ect on the life they built from the ground up and wonder at how hard it was, each speaks so highly of all the other did to make it happen.
They’re a team.
“We were very committed and very honest too – we were trying our very best every way,” Joyce says, and she’s grateful for the kindness and generosity they were shown.
“Like when we had to put the telephone line up and (our neighbours) all threw their chequebooks in so we’d have a telephone and not be isolated,” she remembers.
“A kind hand at times does a lot, makes a lot of di erence.”
“We were very, very fortunate to have good neighbours and business people, no doubt about that,” Leo adds.
Mr Armstrong met Leo at Parliament and introduced him to the health minister and before Leo returned to Tullamore he had a verbal commitment for a combined health and aged care service.
Tullamore was home until the 1990s when Leo and Joyce retired o their farm and made their home
But his Joyce, she’s number one.
From the Advocate to Leo and Joyce, we o er every congratulations on your diamond wedding anniversary, our gratitude for taking time to share your amazing memories and our very best wishes.
RFDS Medical Services Condobolin has an exciting opportunity for a Registered Nurse to join our team.
What we are looking for:
• Experience in Primary care and chronic disease management is highly recommended.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Proven multi-tasking, problem-solving, and time-management skills.
• Ability to maintain high levels of confidentiality and professionalism.
• Proficient in the use of computers and IT systems - experience in Best Practice medical software will be highly regarded
Our Benefits: We as an Equal Opportunity Employer offer our team members a unique and dynamic work environment with generous salary packaging options.
Our Values:
Reliability, Care, Trust, and Safety shape the way we work as individuals, as team members and with the communities we serve.
For more information or to register your interest please contact Fallon Gray at Fallon.Gray@rfdsse.org.au or 0413 739 193.
Joyce and Leo Pietsch celebrating 75 years of marriage.
PHOTO: Renee Powell
Slow down, take care around schools
We all have a part to play to keep children safe
THE new school year is set to resume for thousands of local students in the coming weeks and Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils are reminding local drivers and parents about children’s safety around schools.
The councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Ofcer, Melanie Suitor, said that road crashes account for over half of all accidental deaths among children aged 5 - 14 years old.
“Children are vulnerable road users,” Ms Suitor said.
“They are at risk in the tra c environment because of their size, their inability to judge speed and distance, as well as the fact that they may behave unpredictably.
“Drivers are reminded to slow down, pay extra attention and be patient when school resumes as there are more cars, buses and cyclists on the road and young pedestrians crossing the streets.
“Over the long summer break it is easy to forget just how busy and congested the streets around schools can get.
“Please obey the parking signs around schools.
“They are there to keep children safe.
“The most common are
‘No Stopping’ and ‘No Parking’.
“You cannot stop in a ‘No Stopping’ zone, however you can drop-o or pick-up passengers in a ‘No Parking’ zone as long as you are only there for two minutes and are no more than three meters away from your vehicle.”
There are 40km/h school speed zones around all schools in NSW.
Most school zones are operational between 8am9.30am and 2.30pm - 4pm on school days, when the lights are ashing.
The school zone in Bushman Street, Parkes, is operational all day from 8am - 4pm.
Police will be targeting school zones to ensure drivers obey the 40km/h speed limit when school returns.
“Parents and carers can help students remain safe by regularly reinforcing important road safety behaviours with their children and following these safety tips,” Ms Suitor said.
Parents and carers should:
* Always make sure your children wear a seatbelt or use a child restraint when travelling in a car. Child restraint laws require children up to seven years old to be
restrained in an approved child restraint. For more information visit www.childcarseats.com.au
* Where possible, drop-o and pick-up your children on the school side of the road.
* Make sure children use the footpath-side door when getting in and out of a car -this is called the ‘safety door’.
* Use a pedestrian crossing where possible and avoid being distracted by friends, mobile phones or listening to music through headphones whilst walking.
* Children aged up to 10 years old should always be supervised when near trafc.
* Children aged up to eight years old should always hold an adult’s hand when crossing the road or walking near tra c.
* Make sure your children always wear a helmet when riding a bike, scooter or skateboard.
* If your children catch a bus, always walk with them to the bus stop.
“Road safety around schools is everybody’s responsibility - students, teachers, parents, carers and drivers,” Ms Suitor said.
“We all have a part to play.”
Road safety and injury prevention o icer Melanie Suitor is urging all road users to take extra care as there will be extra tra ic around schools in coming weeks. PHOTO: Supplied
Eye test questions answered as students prepare for classroom
WHEN should my children have an eye test a er they start school?
Why do some children have di culty learning to read and write, or ongoing problems reading to learn?
Most children do not complain so a full eye test with Catherine or Janine at Young Eyes will help to review their vision.
We like to recommend an eye examination even if they have a preschool or Lions eye screening.
Once the appointment is made a pre-assessment form is emailed to be completed, this is very important for our optometrists to gain information on how your child’s eye work.
Sometimes the children will complain of tired eyes at the end of the school day, loss of interest or concentration in reading and learning to read.
Occasionally children will tell their parents that the words move when reading on the page or they are bothered with the glare.
Most children who live here in the country we test have very good distance vision. This was considered the normal sight until the last few years.
www.youngeyes.com.au
6.00 Morning Programs. 2.20 Penn & Teller: Fool Us. 3.05 Doctor Who. 4.00 Would I Lie To You? 4.35
Your Problem!”. 8.50 Robot Wars. 9.50 Doctor Who. 10.40 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 Days Of Our Lives. 12.55 The Young And The Restless. 1.50 Keeping Up Appearances. 3.05 Antiques Roadshow. 3.35 MOVIE: Train Of Events. (1949) 5.30 Escape To The Farm With Kate Humble. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 TBA. 8.30 MOVIE: Rocky. (1976) 10.55 The Closer. 11.55 Late Programs. 6.00 Flushed. 7.00 It’s Academic. 8.30 Get Arty. 9.00 Shopping. 10.30 House Rules: High Stakes. 12.00 Big Brother. 1.25 My Kitchen Rules. 3.05 Around The World With Manu. 4.05 Jabba’s Movies. 4.35 Bondi Vet. 5.35 Britain’s
6.00 Morning Programs. 2.00 Escape To The Country. 5.00 Horse Racing. Carrington Stakes Day, Caulfield Australia Day and Sunshine Coast Cup Day. 5.30 Surf Patrol. 6.00 Dog Patrol. 6.30 Bondi Vet. 7.30 The Yorkshire Vet. 8.30 Escape To The Country. 9.30 I Escaped To The Country. 10.30 Australia’s Amazing Homes. 11.30 Late Programs.
6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. 12.00 Horse Racing. Carrington Stakes Day, Caulfield Australia Day and Sunshine Coast Cup Day. 5.00 Seven News At 5. 5.30 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. 6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Cricket. The Women’s Ashes. Twenty20 International Series. Australia v England. Game 3. 10.30 MOVIE: Dracula Untold. (2014) 12.30 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 11.00 Blokesworld. 11.30 Cycling. Santos Tour Down Under. Men’s. Stage 5. 4.00 Desert Collectors. 5.00 Counting Cars. 6.00 Pawn Stars. 7.00 Storage Wars. 7.30 Aussie Salvage Squad. 8.30 Heavy Tow Truckers Down Under. 9.30 Air Crash Inv: Accident Files. 10.30 Deep Water Salvage. 11.30 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 News. 12.30 Beyond Paradise. 1.25 Miriam Margolyes In New Zealand. Final. 2.25 Extraordinary Escapes. 3.10 Croc Watch With Steve Backshall. 3.55 Lucy Worsley: Agatha Christie Mystery Queen. Final. 4.55 Eat The Invaders. 5.30 Dr Karl’s How Things Work. 5.55 Hear Me Out: Australia Day. 6.30 Back Roads. 7.00 ABC News. 7.30 Australian Of The Year 2025. 8.45 Beyond Paradise. 9.45 Vera. 11.15 Late Programs. 6.00 Kids’ Programs. 4.20 Odd Squad. 4.45 Gardening Australia Junior. 5.10 The Snail And The Whale. 6.05 Kiya And The Kimoja Heroes. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.05 Riley Rocket. 7.30 Good Game Spawn Point. 7.55 MOVIE: Gangsta Granny. (2013) 9.00 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.45 Speechless. 10.05 Officially Amazing. 10.35 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 7.00 Weekend Today. 10.00 Today Extra: Saturday. 12.00 Cybershack. 12.30 Destination WA. 1.00 MOVIE: Waiting For The Light. (1990) 3.00 David Attenborough’s Green Planet. 4.00 Australian Open Tennis Pre-Show. 5.00 9News First At Five. 5.30 Country House Hunters Australia. 6.00 9News Saturday. 6.30 Australian Open Tennis Pre-Show. 7.30 Tennis. Australian Open. Night 14. 12.00 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 Australia By Design: Innovations. 12.30 Exploring Off The Grid. 1.30 The Yes Experiment. 2.00 Pat Callinan’s 4x4 Adventures. 3.00 Silvia’s Italian Masterclass. 3.30 Farm To Fork. 4.00 My Market Kitchen. 4.30 Good
6.00 Morning Programs. 2.15 ER. 2.55 Not Going Out. 3.30 Penn & Teller: Fool Us. 4.10 Speechless. 4.35 MythBusters. 5.25 Love Your Garden. 6.10 Amazing Spaces. 7.00 Spicks And Specks. 7.30 QI. 8.00 Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee (NZ) New. 8.45 Live At The Malthouse. 9.55 Ab Fab. 10.55 ER. 11.40 Late Programs. 6.00 Morning Programs. 2.00 Sailing. Grand Prix. H’lights. 3.00 Women’s
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 Landline. 1.00 New Leash On Life. 1.30 Gardening Australia. 2.25 Monty Don’s History Of The British Garden. 3.35 Extraordinary Escapes. 4.20 Magda’s Big National Health Check. Final. 5.20 Hear Me Out: Australia Day. 5.55 Antiques Roadshow. 7.00 ABC News. 7.30 Australia Day Live.
Cosi. 2.30 Better Homes. 3.30 Steam Train Journeys. 4.30 Australia’s Amazing Homes. 5.30 I Escaped To The Country. 6.30 Escape To The Country. 7.30 Rosemary & Thyme. 8.30 Vera. 10.30 The Yorkshire Vet. 11.30 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.30 MOVIE: Chase A Crooked Shadow. (1958) 12.20 MOVIE: Scott Of The Antarctic. (1948) 2.35 MOVIE: The Winslow Boy. (1948) 5.00 MOVIE: The Unforgiven. (1960) 7.30 MOVIE: The Magnificent Seven. (1960) 10.10 MOVIE: Guns Of The Magnificent Seven. (1969) 12.15 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 1.00 Hook, Line And Sinker. 1.30 Al McGlashan’s Fish’n With Mates. 2.00 Merv Hughes Fishing. 2.30 Portland Charter Boat Wars. 3.00 Fishing Addiction. 4.00 Motor MythBusters. 5.00 Nature Gone Wild. 6.00 Border Security: Int. 7.00 Border Security. 8.30 MOVIE: The Patriot. (2000) 11.45 Late Programs.
Junior. 5.10 Kangaroo Beach. 6.05 Kiya And The Kimoja Heroes. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.05 Riley Rocket. 7.35 Moominvalley. 8.00 The Secret Life Of Our Pets. 8.50 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.35
TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Although your keen Bull’s eyes can usually discern what’s fact from what’s faux, an upcoming decision will need really solid data before you can risk a commitment.
GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) As your confidence grows, you should be able to work toward your goals with more enthusiasm. Open your mind to suggestions; some of them might even work for you.
CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Reconnecting with someone from your past stirs up an old sense of adventure. But before you do anything else, be sure to get answers to any lingering questions.
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.30 To Be Advised. 11.30 Maritime Masters: Expedition Antarctica. 12.30 David Attenborough’s Green Planet. 1.30 The Road To The Open: A New Chapter. 2.00 Australian Open Tennis Pre-Show. 3.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Afternoon 15. 5.00 9News First At Five. 5.30 RBT. 6.00 9News Sunday. 6.30 Australian Open Tennis PreShow. 7.30 Tennis. Australian Open. Night 15. 12.00 Late Programs. 6.00 Morning Programs. 8.30 The Incredible Journey. 9.00 Turning Point. 9.30 TV Shop. 10.00 My Favorite Martian. 10.30 Avengers. 11.40 MOVIE: The Siege Of Pinchgut. (1959) 1.50 MOVIE: It Always Rains On Sunday. (1947) 3.45 MOVIE: We Of The Never Never. (1982)
Morning Programs. 12.00 I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! 1.30 Cook With Luke. 2.00 Farm To Fork. 2.30 Basketball. NBL. Round 18. Brisbane Bullets v Melbourne United. 4.30 Good Chef Bad Chef. 5.00 10 News First. 6.00 The Sunday Project. 7.00 I’m A Celebrity… Get
M*A*S*H. 8.30 MOVIE: Australia. (2008) 11.45 Late Programs. 6.00 Morning Programs. 8.30 Get Arty. 9.00 Get Clever. 10.00 Holey Moley Australia. 11.30 Dream Home. 1.05 A Moveable Feast. 1.35 My France With Manu. 2.35 Zumbo’s Just Desserts. 3.50 The Voice. 5.30 Dr Harry’s Animal Encounters. 6.30 Puppy School. 7.30 Law & Order: Criminal Intent. 8.30 Law & Order: S.V.U. 10.30 Bones. 11.30 Late Programs.
LEO (July 23 to August 22) Some people might resent the way you plan to resolve a difficult situation. But your commitment to making tough but fair decisions soon wins you their respect and support.
VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Mixed signals could be causing a vexing workplace problem. Before you choose to leave a project, ask for a meeting where you can get things out in the open.
LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Your good intentions could backfire if you’re not careful with other people’s
Big Summer fun at Forbes Baptist
By FORBES BAPTIST CHURCH Forbes Baptist Church
Christian volunteers ran their sixth Big Summer/ Freeze holiday program.
The program invites children in for four packed days. Our days start with loads of games like dodge ball, red rover and many more.
We then all come together having a time of what we call “Big Group” Each year we have a theme and bible stories. Our leaders encourage the kids to sing and dance to kids gospel songs, we have more games and then we act out a “discussion starter” before the kids head into “small group”.
Our team worked extremely hard while having an absolutely wonderful time showing and telling the kids about king Jesus.
The team were thanked by parents in some very generous ways with kind words, notes of thanks, cupcakes and nancial support to help run the program. This was so encouraging for the team and we all wanted to say a big thankyou to the parents and community for their support.
Our program runs in the July school holidays.
The kids dig into the bible each day and do some art work in smaller groups.
The focus this year was creation of everyone and everything; the fall - sin entered the world through Adam and Eves rebellion against God; Jesus’s life on earth and his death on the cross to take the punishment for all sin; and then day four when Jesus comes back to life beating sin and death for all who put their trust in Jesus.
The kids really enjoy cra each day and have some chill time with a video.
This year we were so encouraged by the parents response to this community program.
To keep up to date follow us on our Facebook page https://www.facebook. com/share/1ETyutZ9pB/?mib extid=wwXIfr
And if anyone has any questions about the bible, Jesus, God or faith please reach out.
We meet each Sunday at Forbes Baptist Church 10am to learn from God’s word the bible, worship and to have community with one another with tea/co ee, morning tea and good conversations. So come do life with FBC, all are welcome.
We o er a wonderful kids program during the school term “FBC Kids” where your children can continue their big summer adventure of getting to know Jesus and seeing friends with the big summer team.
Ryan enjoying the water play day at Big Summer.
Jack on the slip ‘n’ slide.
Water bombs away!
Isabelle and Gracie all smiles, having a great week at the Big Summer program.
Stephanie Hornery enjoying the slip n slide.
A gentleman, dearly missed: Vale Bill Howell
Brian John Howell
April 22, 1932December 11, 2024
Bill’s funeral service was at St John the Baptist Catholic Church, Eugowra on December 20, 2024, and the following tribute read by Therese Welsh.
Brian John Howell, better known as ‘Bill’, was born on April 22, 1932.
The youngest and smallest sibling of 10 - six boys and four girls - to Ab and Alsie Hoswell.
He left school at the age of 15 and started to work for his
Bill would milk the cows and get the calves in at night, before doing the milk run with his old horse ‘Stumpy’
At the age of 16, Bill started wheat carting with John Raw-
Noel Langford and Bill would armstrong the bags of wheat up on to John on the truck.
They would take the bags to ‘the silo’ in Eugowra, get on the back of the truck and tip them
In the words of Bill, “it was pretty hard work being 9 stone 9 wringing wet”.
After harvest time, Bill’s brother Hilton gave him a job driving a tractor at “Island View” until he was aged 17, when Jack Mallick gave him a full time job on the farm.
Bill stayed with Hilton and his wife Coleen until he started his shearing career for over 30 years. He was a character around the shearing sheds, often playing tricks on his work mates, but most importantly a hard and dedicated worker.
There would not be a local shearing shed that Bill didn’t work in during his career.
He met his lifelong partner Shirley at the dances in the Parkes hall at the age of 18.
Shirley said that the boys would often camp at the Billabong Creek to ‘catch’ the girls as they left from church.
They were married in 1953 and welcomed their firstborn, Julie, in 1954.
Brian came shortly after in 1956, before Jeff in 1958. The family was completed when Ian was born in 1962.
In 1985, Bill and Shirley built their forever home at “Clifton” where they watched their family grow, with many grandchildren and great grandchildren arriving in the latter years.
After retirement from the shearing sheds, Bill joined Shirley who had been operating the bus run in Eugowra until he was aged 70.
This was when he focussed his attention on his beloved “Clifton”.
Clifton quickly became a place for many, with “happy hour” the best time to visit.
He loved life on the farm, taking his four wheeler to check on
the sheep and horses, with his dog Ruby in tow.
It was well known that Bill was devoted to horses, harness racing, Holden cars and rugby league - particularly the St George Illawarra Dragons.
He loved breaking and breeding ponies, and would often ride them to shows in Canowindra, Cudal, Parkes and Eugowra.
Bill said, “there were no horse floats around back then”.
He purchased his first pacer from Red Shadow Stud in Canowindra, which started a lifelong interest of breeding and racing.
A dedicated life member, patron and valued committee member of Eugowra Harness Racing Club, Bill loved watching the races and travelling across NSW to follow his pacers.
During the 1960s to 1980s, Bill was heavily involved with the Eugowra rugby league club.
Bill touched many hearts as a true gentleman, and he will be dearly missed.
The family would like to thank Dr Nick O’Ryan and his staff, the nurses at Canowindra Hospital, for their care of Bill, and family and friends for their thoughtful visits and messages at this time.
His final words to Shirley were, “if we had our time again, would you still choose me?” to which she responded, “yes”.
As Bill would say, “thanks for coming, it’s nice to meet nice people”.
•
•
•
• Preferably hold a
Bus Driver Authority;
HGH Motor Group Young
The late Brian John Howell, better known as Bill Howell. PHOTO: Supplied
Celebrating Landcare success
By MARG APPLEBEE
CENTRAL WEST LACHLAN
LANDCARE
Continuing on from last weeks column, today I am sharing more of a re-cap from 2024, highlighting our events and undertakings.
2024 was a massive year for Central West Lachlan Landcare over the Parkes and Forbes shires.
It was a big second half of the year for us, with preparation for the October Homegrown Parkes even, lining up presentations with Buckwheat and sausage making.
We were thrilled to be able to contribute to the Tidy Towns application through Keep Australia Beautiful with Homegrown Parkes being entered in the Community Spirit and Inclusion Award.
I was thrilled to be part of the presentation to our assessor along with Michael Chambers and Hannah Farrant-Jayet from Parkes Shire Council.
Landscapes to present two workshops on Improving on Farm Biodiversity, with the support of the Biodiversity Conservation Trust (BCT) in
tion Trust and Landcare NSW under the Private Land Conservation Matters project.
Also under this project, we also welcomed Nathan Em-
and banking.
We were once again so thrilled with the community support for Homegrown Parkes in October, with fan-
Parkes Shire Concert Band.
In October we also caught up with over 300 Year 5 students from Parkes and Forbes Shires at Eco Day at
the Parkes Racecourse. The next day then brought over 150 Kindy students from Parkes Shire to our Kindy Enviro Morning held in partnership with Parkes Shire Council at Kelly Reserve.
….and then we won! We won our category for the Tidy Towns Award … and Parkes Shire won the overall award.
As a result of this win, Parkes hosts the 2025 NSW Keep Australia Beautiful Tidy Towns Awards on October 11, in conjunction with our Homegrown Parkes event … and we will also be entering the overall National Awards in May 2025!
I would also like to acknowledge Forbes Riverside Community Garden for their support over the past 12 months.
We hold our Forbes committee meetings at the Garden and work to share opportunities with them in return.
Information online at www.centralwestlachlanlandcare.org
Extra heavyweights sell to $309 at this week’s sheep sales
CATTLE SALE
Monday, January 20
Yarding 2369 (up 758)
Numbers jumped at Monday’s cattle sale at Forbes’ Central West Livestock Exchange with agents yarding 2369 head.
Quality was mixed but fair with a handy o ering of well bred cattle available.
Yearlings made up the majority of the yard along with a good run of cows.
The usual buyers were present and competing in an easier market.
Yearling steers slipped 10c/ kg with feeders paring from 330 to 400c/kg for middle and heavyweights.
The nished types to processors sold from 335 to 363c/ kg, middleweight heifers held fairly steady to sell from 331 to 355c/kg to feed.
Heavyweights were back 10 to 14c with processors paying from 321c to 347c/kg.
Heavy steers and bullocks dropped 10c ranging from 310c to 363c/kg.
Grown heifers sold from 305 to 335c/kg.
Cows held mostly steady with heavy cows from 285 to 313c with plainer types from 282c to 302c/kg. The best heavy bull reached 337c/kg.
SHEEP SALE
Tuesday, January 21
Yarding 26,500 (down 3400)
Numbers fell at Tuesday’s sheep sale at the Central West Livestock Exchange with agents yarding 26,500 head.
There was 19,100 lambs penned and quality was mixed but fair.
There was a good o ering of nished trade and heavyweight lambs available along with the plainer secondary types.
The usual buyers were present and competing in a market that held steady for the better types but slipped on the secondary lines.
Trade weight lambs were
back $6 to $10/head with prices ranging from $140 to $200/ head.
Heavy lambs to 26kg sold from $198 to $223 while extra heavyweights held steady to receive $215 to $309/head.
Carcase prices averaged 763 to 815c/kg.
The best heavy hoggets reached $200/head.
Mutton numbers showed the decrease and quality was very mixed.
Prices held up with Merino ewes selling from $57 to $155/ head.
Crossbreds received from $65 to $154 and Dorper ewes reached $160/head.
Parkes Public School Kindies enjoying the Kindy Enviro Day with Marg Applebee in October 2024. PHOTO: Supplied
There was a good o ering of finished trade and heavyweight lambs available at Forbes’ Tuesday sheep sale along with the plainer secondary types.
What do you want for future Forbes?
Have
Ride through region for Wings4Kidz
Postie bikes join parade to raise awareness of charity
Did you catch the ladies on postie bikes in this year’s Parkes Elvis Festival annual street parade?
If you didn’t don’t worry as they will be back in Parkes this April and will be bringing 90 other ladies from around NSW on their postie bikes as well.
Nine of the Parkes ladies who will be doing the 2025 Never Late Fe-Mail Postie Bike Ride took part in the parade behind the Wings4Kidz bus which travelled from Sydney for the occasion.
The aim of the girls riding in the parade was to raise the profile of the Wings4Kidz charity and their annual 800km Never Late Fe-Mail Postie Bike Ride, as they will be finishing their ride in Parkes this year.
Wings4Kidz aims to lessen the significant burden and effect of long distance travel for seriously ill children and their families to reach specialist care and treatment.
Wings4Kidz does this by providing specialist free air and ground transport service and keeping families together during their difficult journey.
For a child requiring specialist treatment for heart conditions, blood disorders, cancer, congenital disorders, burns treatments or the many other conditions which can only be treated at major hospitals, Wings4Kidz is there to support them throughout their treatment journey.
The Never Late Fe-Mail Postie Bike Ride raises vital funds for the charity.
This year the ride will see over 90 ladies depart from Bathurst via a detour around Mount Panorama in early April before they take back roads to Young, Temora and West Wyalong.
The girls will then travel to Forbes and Bogan Gate before they finish in Parkes.
The ride travels through the towns of other families that utilise the service.
These families are invited to join participants for dinners to share their stories.
Over the last two years the ride has raised $500,000 and only being in it’s third year, riders are hoping to raise in excess of $300,000 this year.
Ladies connected to the Never Late Fe-Mail Postie Bike Ride and who were in this year’s parade Amanda Mongan, Madeline Blackstock, Kylie Blackstock, Renae Smith, Monique Rice and Katie Mapperson.
PHOTO: Christine Little
Coulthurst tames the wind
MEN’S GOLF
By SHORT PUTT
THE Forbes golfers had a real challenge on their hands in Saturday’s golf. The course was in good condition beneath a sunny sky but the wind was quite fearsome and played havoc with many shots made.
On Saturday, the competition was an Individual Stroke event, sponsored by Steele Tech. The eld of 56 players, needed a steadfast stance for every shot, including the putts. It was a day where there were no Scratch scores under par and blowouts threatened at every hole.
The Div-1 was won by Josh Coulthurst with 71 nett. His game compiled bogeys and pars to shoot a 79 scratch, with a lone birdie on the 15th where the wind helped.
The Div-1 Runner-up was Troy Howe but only on count back from Dave Mylecharane a er both nished on 73 nett. Troy had a game with two even halves. A double-bogey, double-bogey start was countered by four pars from whence he settled into a steady ow of play.
The Div-2 was a case of ‘excitement plus’. Early starter Frank Hanns was in the ‘Gol e’ hoping his 73 nett was going to be a winner. However, Al Rees posted the same score which set both waiting to the very end to see if any other scores were better. But Al got the nod by count back, helped by a strong back-9 made up of pars and single bogeys.
Frank Hanns, the Div-2 Runnerup, had called for the doors to be locked to protect his hopefully winning score. He played steadily but mayhem on the 4th (double par) and 15th holes (triple bogey) ruined his chances of an outright win.
The ball sweep went to 78 nett on count back, going to: 73 – R Smith, D Mylecharane; 74 – P Cowhan; 75 –L Fraser, P Maher, P Grayson; 76 - K Herbert, H Callaghan, S Kirkman, K Tyne; 77 – A Alley, T Cogswell, Nick J Morrison; 78 – P Kay. There were no visitors.
The NTP’s went to: 9th – W O’Neill; 18th – B Ashton. Neither managed a ‘2’. When asked Wayne started to describe his putt then simply said ‘it was horrible’. Brad continued his a air with the 18th, especially into the wind. But putting was his let down, needing three putts to get down from close proximity. There were only two 2’s, with one on the 1st (K Tyne) and one on the 18th (R Webb).
The 3rd hole Super-Pin went to Nick Morrison with a shot to 280 cm, just outside last week’s shot. However, he missed the ‘2’. He was in the fourth group of the day which made it tough for the following players. Some of them tried to ‘ride the wind’ which for a few was dancing with the OB danger.
Conditions were very challenging indeed. The best Scratch score was a 77 by Pete Dawson, followed by Dave Mylecharane (78) and Josh Coulthurst (79). George Falvey’s return was marred by his ‘Bradman’ achievement, which pleased Brian Clarke who was close behind, or is that ahead.
The wind was certainly a factor all day. In some cases it meant aiming completely ‘o course’ and trusting the wind to bring the ball back to the fairway. This was the case for Liam Fraser on the 16th. With little room to move o the tee he aimed down the centre le and watched as the ball was pushed right all the way to the practice fairway. Then there were
others who aimed allowing for the wind, only to get into trouble as the wind dropped and the ball sailed away on its own ight path.
Amongst the mayhem there were some good golf shots. Kailab Tyne needed to win the 18th hole with a ‘2’ to win ‘the match’ for the day. His chip struck the pin but the ball stayed out, making for an easy par.
His playing partner Brad Ashton was odds on to convert his NTP, but he faltered badly and lost the match.
Whatever the conditions it is important to have all of your gear with you when you arrive to play golf.
One player had everything except his golf shoes. Being from out of town it was too far to return home and get them. The solution was to purchase a new pair from the Pro Shop. These did prove to be most comfortable, but it did not help his golf.
There was no play in the Sunday Stableford Medley. The windy conditions kept the serious golfers away but did not stop the social golfers.
Earlier in the week there was a small group who contested the Wednesday Stableford Medley Comp. The scores were around the
‘average’ mark, but the players enjoyed the good hit out. Brad Ashton took the prize with 34 points, always protesting his knowledge of the course through his work was no advantage.
Last week’s winner, Caleb Hanrahan, could only muster 30 points with his thoughts presumably focusing on preparations for another school year. Harry Callaghan used the day to try some new swings, which was re ected in his being the lowest score. Give those ideas away.
The Wednesday comp will continue for some weeks yet so there is plenty of opportunity to join in.
Here is the news:
The Summer Sixes competition rolls on with Week 10 showing good participation. The players battled well with the conditions ensuring that no teams scored below 100. More fun to come.
Head Pro Will has organised a Taylor Made Equipment Demo day for Wednesday 12 Feb. This is a good opportunity to try out the new driver which has a bigger head but utilises a tapered back to conform to the regulation 460cc size. Contact him at the Pro Shop if you want a session.
It is crystal ball time:
same score, but against di erent teams. Gunn Golf (104) accounted for Flip Floppers by a half point, while EHAG (104) got past Forbes Auto by a couple of points.
Group 3 saw Murray’s Mates, with the best group score of 104, record a win over LIV (LIV), who still sit in 2nd place. LITT (108.5) were beaten by a half point by Southside Swingers. The lowest score in Group 4 was made by Up to Par (101) who knocked F-Troop down. Still Trying had a good win over Part Time Putters while Sandbaggers and ‘Six Appeal’ had comfortable wins.
The Rnd 10 Best member nett score was made by Adam Ruperto (Up to Par) with 31 nett. The Best non-member nett score was made Mitch Wilcox (Blackridge Hire) with 30.5 nett.
The ball sweep went to 36 nett. As usual balls for members will go onto their account while Nonmembers can get theirs from the Pro Shop.
The hot weather should not curtail the enthusiasm, nor will the work this week on the greens. But there will be some mighty thirsts generated.
Remember, swing easy.
VETS GOLF
POPULAR
Bogan Gate player
Steve Edwards scraped home by a point to win last week’s twin-towns veterans golf competition played at Forbes.
Representing the host club Edwards compiled a handy 35 points which was enough to shade Parkes’ Dale Stait who had his rst vets hit for the new year.
In what was a somewhat disappointing roll-up 24 players contested the event - 15 from Forbes and nine from Parkes - with the home side victorious in the twin-towns shield by 202 points to the visitors 177.
Graham Cooke from Parkes was the encouragement award winner, while honors were even for the nearest-to-pins with Todd Callaghan from Forbes the A grade winner on the 18th hole and Parkes’ John Fowler the closest in B grade on the ninth.
This Saturday, 25 Jan, will be an Individual Stableford event, sponsored by Rob Allen Livestock Transport. It is expected to be hot weather so in this format with pickups the play should be quicker. And there is the usual Sunday Stableford Medley comp.
SUMMER SIXERS
By SMOOTH SWINGER
ROUND 10 of the sponsored Forbes Golf Club Summer Sixers competition was under pressure with the forecast for hot and very windy weather later in the week. Many teams tried to get their games in early in the day or waited until later in the a ernoon when the wind had lessened a bit.
Unfortunately, some teams were without players due to the absence on family vacations. This meant some team scores were uncharacteristically higher than normal.
In Group 1 the best score was made by Blackridge Hire who managed 109. They beat Globe Hotel by 1 point a er the Globe team put extra e ort in on Sunday a ernoon. Bogey Boys and Dragoness also had wins. Group 2 had two teams on the
The ball sweep went to 32 points and winners were: 34 - Dale Stait (P); 33 - Lex Hodges (P); 32 - Steve Uphill and Je Hayley (F).
Next week Parkes will host the twin towns where o cials from both towns will be hoping for an increase in playing numbers. Registrations will be taken from 8.30am for a 9am shot-gun start.
Worth noting, rst of the Lachlan Valley 18-hole events for the year will be in Forbes on February 20 with players from Grenfell, West Wyalong, Condobolin, Cowra, Parkes and Forbes expected to contest the event.
Is it the heat or January holidays but the same result for Tuesday social 12 holes last week with only eight players who gathered for a talk before play regarding starting time.
All agreed best to try a 8.30am ball toss to beat the current spell of heat. So if interested in playing a ‘mini’ round for a ‘comp fee’ of only $3 be at the Pro Shop by 8.30am.
Last Tuesday all place getters came from the one group and guess who scored the card, Ted Morgan. Yes, he won with 26 points from Neil Herbert 25 and Andrew Norton-Knight on 23. Their fourth player, BMS, well o the pace. See you Tuesday and Thursday!
Bruce Chandler, Brian Doyle, Niel Duncan and Peter Grayson all happy a er golf and looking forward to escaping the windy conditions.
PHOTO: Short Putt
Croquet players defy winds for good scores
On Saturday January 18 Aussie Croquet was played with 27 in attendance.
The wind was so fierce that most lost their hats, the blinds could not be utilised because of the strong winds, morning tea set up had to be altered and all in all it was the worst day for croquet that most have experienced.
However still some good scores were recorded. Only one 14/13 score Colleen Liebich & Noel Jolliffe def Geoff Coles & Russell Anderson in a tight match.
14/11 as follows Harley Stewart & John Allegri def Robin Pols & Cheryl Toohey, Elvy Quirk & David West def Peter West & Lyn Simmonds, John Allegri & Cheryl Toohey def Pam Thomson & Colleen Liebich, Phillip Moran & Cheryl Toohey def Geoff Coles & Russell Anderson.
14/10 scores recorded Kevin Rubie & Phillip Moran def Kevin Wenning & Bill Scott, Fay Picker (solo) def Carolyn Neilsen & Pam Thomson, Allan & May Jones def Robin Pols & Frank Donohoe, John Browne & Frank Donohoe def Elvy Quirk & Allan Jones, Kevin Rubie & Geoff Coles def Kevin Wenning & Vince Roberts, Phillip Moran & Peter West def John Cole & Robin Pols, Bill Scott & David West def Enid Baker & Carolyn Neilsen, Peter West & Allan Jones def Carolyn Neilsen & John Cole, Kevin Rubie & Robin Pols def May Jones & Bill Scott.
14/9 scores were as follows: Noel Jolliffe (solo) def May Jones & Lyn Simmonds, John Farah & Russell Anderson def Fay Picker & Harley Stewart, John Allegri & David West def Harley Stewart (Solo).
Finally 14/8 Kevin Wenning & Vince Roberts def John Farah & Frank Donohoe.
All three games on the day were won by John Allegri, Phillip Moran, Kevin Rubie & David West whilst two games were won by John Browne, John Farah, Noel Jolliffe, Allan Jones, Colleen Liebich, Fay Picker, Cheryl Toohey and Peter West. Congratulations to all those players.
Our Croquet Lawns are looking spectacular after the recent rains, the extra watering and fertilizing by our members and mowing by the Forbes Council. Thank you to one and all.
I must take time to thank our few very dedicated members who help us set up each day and who take care of many other odd jobs. Also a special thank you to others who help pack away. As all are aware we at croquet are mostly all a mature age and any small help is very much appreciated.
On Tuesday January 21 Golf Croquet was played with only a small number in attendance due to many attending the funeral of the late Alison Lockhart.
To Alister and family Forbes Croquet Club members extend their deepest sympathy. Alison will be sadly missed in our community as she was a very capable lady and very well respected.
We welcomed visitors David & Sally Parsons who have been visiting parents of Sally, Kevin & Jill Rubie.
On Tuesday three games were won by Allan Jones, Fay Picker, Kevin Rubie and Malcolm Smith whilst winners of two games were Ray Burridge, Sue and Noel Jolliffe and Rex Toole. Congratulations to those players.
7/6 scores were recorded by Noel Jolliffe (solo) def Elvy Quirk (Solo), Rex Toole & Allan Jones def John Browne & Lyall Strudwick, Fay Picker & Peter West def Marie Spry & Colleen Liebich, Sue Jolliffe & Mal Smith def Marie Spry & John Farah, John Cole & Fay Picker def Kevin Wenning & Rex Toole, Kevin Rubie & Fay Picker def Kevin Wenning & Russell Anderson, Frank Donohoe & Noel Jolliffe def Robin Pols & John Browne.
10/3 scores recorded by: Kevin Wenning & Ray Burridge def Marie Spry & Colleen Liebich, John Browne & Ray Burridge def Colleen Liebich & Carolyn Neilsen
9/4 scores as follows: Robin Pols & David Parsons def May Jones & John Farah, Kevin Rubie & Sally Parsons def Robin Pols & Russell Anderson, Rex Toole & Mal Smith def Marie Spry & John Farah.
8/5 Kevin Rubie & Mal Smith def Sue Jolliffe & Russell Anderson, Allan Jones (solo) def Lyall Strudwick & Frank Donohoe, Sue Jolliffe & Allan Jones def Ray Burridge & David Parsons.
Croquet continues to be a popular game and should you be interested in a game come down to Halpins Flat at 8.45 am on a Tuesday and you will be shown how it is played.
“Croquet players are happy people”.
By ELVY QUIRK
Super Saturday on the bowling greens
By TARA SHAW
We kicked off the first Super Saturday social bowls for the year with a great response. 32 players nominated which we played two games of 10 ends to determine the winners.
Winners on the day who won 17 ends out of 20 were Dale Maynard and Scott McKellar.
Second place winners were Jamie Dukes and Lyall Strudwick; third Ange Dwyer and Laurie Crouch; fourth John Burton and Cherie Vincent.
Resting touchers were awarded to Glen Kearney, Scotty McKellar, Troy Rattenbury and John Kennedy.
There was only one lucky recipient who received a raspberry for the wrong bias, and it was awarded to Juss Scifleet.
Wednesday bowls: Despite the heat six games were played Wednesday morning where past directors Peter Mackay and John Gorton were drawn as winners after a hard fought 24-18 win in 20 ends over Tim Everest and Kerry Dunstan. They finished best after it was 11-all at half time.
Runners-up and in another tight game were Billy Cowell and Don Craft 20-17, also in 20 over Leslie Dunstan and John Kennedy. Again even at the half way mark, 8-all.
Only three ladies graced the green, the other two being Sue White and Cheryl Hodges. Sue led for Paul Doust winning 1611 winning over Cheryl and Barry Shine, also in 20 coming from 11-10 down after 15.
The ‘Golden Dragon’ Noel Jolliffe led for Ross Williams winning 18-17 in 22 over Bill O’Connell and Alf Davies. It showed, 8-9 after 11, 11-all at the end of 15, 15-all after 18 and 16-all after 20.
Was it the heat or brilliant opposition but John Baass and John ‘Slippery’ Ward had no answer going down 5-20 play-
ing Ray Dunstan and Laurie Crouch over 18 ends. 9-0 after six and 19-1 at the end of 14.
The last, triples featured the Bogan Gate ‘boys’ Graham Rice and Steve Frost.
Graham got bragging rights teaming with Geoff Coles and Eddie Gould winning 12-6 in 12 over Steve and yet another two from BG area in Bill Looney and Bill Scott.
In-club winners Barry Shine and Peter Mackay.
Thursday bowls: A little cooler conditions than we have had however only 12 bowlers took to the greens for social bowls.
We welcomed back Russell Hodge after a long spell off the greens who was paired with Tara Shaw in the grudge match against Russell’s brother Kevin Hodge and Billy Cowell.
Aiming for bragging wrights
Kev and Billy were off to a great start picking up a 4 on their first end.
Tara and Russell fought back slowly with 8 all on 8. Lots of banter and great shots 15 all on 15. Neither side giving up with a 23 all draw on 22 ends.
Our newest bowler Noel Hocking teamed with experienced bowler Wayne Burton which looked they were giving Ange Dwyer and Jason Howell a lesson in bowls.
Luck was not on Ange and Jason’s side at all.
Noel and Wayne were sitting comfortably 11-1 on 8 and their lead didn’t stop there. 19-5 on 13, Ange and Jason didn’t give up but were unlucky not to get to double figures. Final score Noel and Wayne 26-8.
We were glad to have Dale Maynard back on the greens this week and getting back
into things. Dale lead for Peter Hocking against Ron Thurlow and Dennis Byrnes. Dale & Peter were in the lead 13-6 on 11. The went on to win the next 8 of the next 10 ends to win the game 27-11.
Winning Rink went to Rink 4, Dale Maynard and Peter Hocking. Losing Rink went to rink 2 which was a draw between Billy Cowell, Kevin Hodge, Tara Shaw and Russell Hodge.
Jackpot this week was $600 and unfortunately Dennis Byrnes was not lucky enough to take home the prize. Resting touchers were won by Tara Shaw, Billy Cowell and Wayne Burton. No report for Sunday bowls at time of publication.
We will be holding Australia Day Bowls in accordance with Sunday morning bowls this weekend.
SSAA news: Three share top points in bear target shoot
By TONY BRATTON
Results of the Forbes S.S.A.A. sporting shooters .22 calibre rimfire rifle shoot held on Sunday January 19, 2025.
The weather was warm with a light breeze from the north east at 15 kph and a temperature of 28 degrees.
The results of the 100metre Bear target shoot were: John Dunkley, 118/120; Wayne Facey, 118/120; Steve Hindmarch, 118/120; Bruce Dent, 116/120; Anthony Bratton, 111/120; John Dean, 109/120; David Coleman, 98/120 and Peta Bolam, 89/120.
75m Deer target shoot: John Dunkley, 98/100; Steve Hindmarch, 97/100; Chris Parris, 93/100; Bruce Dent, 90/100; John Dean, 90/100; Wayne Facey, 90/100; David Coleman, 81/100; Anthony Bratton, 80/100 and Peta Bolam, 77/100.
50metre Blow Fly target: Wayne Facey, 249/250; John Dunkley, 247/250; Bruce Dent, 244/250; John Dean, 243/250; Steve Hindmarch, 237/250; An-
thony Bratton, 237/250; Chris Parris, 232/250; Peta Bolam, 222/250 and David Coleman, 215/250.
The results of the 25metre .22 target shoot were; Bruce Dent, 249/250; Wayne Facey, 247/250; John Dean, 246/250; Chris Parris, 246/250; Steve Hindmarch, 245/250; John Dunkley, 243/250; Anthony Bratton, 242/250; David Coleman, 236/250 and Peta Bolam, 234/250
The range officers were Anthony Bratton, David Coleman and Chris Parris.
Scorers were Wayne Facey and Peta Bolam. The Centre-fire rifle shoot was held after the Rim-fire shoot.
There were five members in attendance: Steve Hindmarch, Chris Parris, Peta Bolam, Pierre Dalle and Anthony Bratton. The temperature at the Centre-fire shoot was 29 degrees.
The range officer was; Anthony Bratton.
The next S.S.A.A. sporting shooters .22 calibre and other
rimfire rifle shoot (.22 magnum or.17HMR).
The next Wednesday shoot will be on Wednesday January 29 starting at 2pm.
The next Sunday shoot will be on Sunday February 2, 2025 starting at 10am. The Centre-fire rifle shoots start at 2pm after the Rim-fire shoots on Sunday, Centre fire shoots start at 2pm names in by 1-30pm so the targets can be placed on the Centre-fire range.
All shoots are held at the Bedgerebong road range, turn right off the Bedgerebong road onto Dr. Young Drive.
All target shooters are welcome to attend these shoots.
Any person wishing to try Rim-fire or Centre-fire rifle or shotgun shooting can attend any of these shoots to take part after filling out a P650 form at the club, Junior shooters must be 12 years or over.
For all information on .22 calibre rimfire shooting contact: Wayne Facey 0414524059; Norm
Brook 0458664541; Ben Smith 0427524151; David Coleman 0427401263.
The next shoot for the Forbes S.S.A.A. sporting clay’s will be their monthly shoot on Sunday February 9. This shoot will be a 100 targets five stand or field depending on the weather shoot starting at 10am.
For all information on clay target shooting contact: Norm Brook 0458664541; Tony Bratton (02) 68523349; Ben Smith 0427524151; Doug Davis (02) 68523249 & Phil Picker (02) 68516494.
SSAA members should check the face book page for shoot details for dates and times and cancellation of shoots due to wet weather also check the local community radio station 2LVR 97.9 FM.
Members are reminded the by-monthly meeting for December will be on Wednesday February 12 at the Forbes Sport & Recreation club starting at 7.30pm.
Di Wilson, Deb Hood and Glen Seton from Molong with Shane Staines, Peter Greenhalgh and Michael Merritt, Forbes, in competition on the local greens.
PHOTO: File
Sloane hits a century to give Condo victory
Matches played in round ten of the Forbes and District Cricket Association competition ended in a variety of results.
Three games were played, with those being Vandenberg Colts vs VCR, Condobolin Boomerangs vs Trundle Ducks and Tigers vs Forbes Battapi. Victories going to VCR, Condobolin Boomerangs and Forbes Battapi respectively.
VCR defeated Vandenberg Colts Vandenberg Colts went in to bat first and made 109 off 29.5 overs, all out.
Top scorers were: J. Ellison 33; Z. Hartwig 30 and T. McNamara 23.
VCR’s bowlers were dangerous with best figures: M. Wright 3/15 (2.5 overs); S. Bale 3/15 (5.0 overs); P. Webb 2/16 (6.0 overs).
VCR went out to chase the runs over 22.4 overs, with six wickets falling as they achieved 110. D. Riches 36 topped the scoring, J. Wright 16 and L. Flakelar 12 not out.
J. Little was terrific for the bowlers taking 2/9 (1.4 overs); R. Goodsell 2/24 (5.0 overs); andZ. Hartwig 1/10 (3.0 overs). Condobolin Boomerangs defeated Trundle Ducks. Condobolin were first to bat, at 5/187 after 30 overs. Knocking up a century was C. Sloane 106* (retired); with M. Atkinson 44* and A. Milne 11. Taking wickets for Trundle were L. McDean 2/26 (6.0 overs); J. Liesegang 1/14 (4.0 overs) and L. Watt 1/31 (6.0 overs).
The Ducks headed to the centre to bat but could only total 9/113 off 30.0 overs.
S. Robbins top scored with 22 closely followed by L. McDean 18 and P. Taylor 16*.
Brutal with the ball for Condobolin were M. Atkinson 5/16 (6.0 overs); T. Bell took 1/13 (4.0 overs) and E. Peterson 1/13 (4.0 overs).
Back in Forbes, Forbes Battapi defeated Tigers. Tigers went in to bat first but were bundled out for 63 off 24.5 overs.
T. Welsh topped the scoring with 27; J. Morrison 6 and J. Skinner 4.
Battapi’s bowlers were on the ball with O. Patterson taking 3/9 (6.0 overs); B. Howarth 3/12 (6.0 overs) and R. Graham 3/16 (6.0 overs).
Battapi were able to make the required runs in 14.5 overs with the fall of three wickets.
W. Gordon led the way with 38*; H. Leadbitter added 11 and B. Howarth 10*.
J. Morrison 1/34 (6.0 overs), J. Sherritt 1/5 (2.0 overs) and J. Higgins 1/12 (1.5 overs) took a wicket apiece.
Woodbridge Cup’s high hopes for 2025
By CARA KEMP
The 2024 Woodbridge Cup season was a resounding success, marked by recordbreaking attendance, vibrant community engagement, and the inclusion of new teams.
League president Andrew Pull shared his re ections on the season and his hopes for 2025, emphasising the league’s deep roots in community spirit and family values.
“It was an exciting nal series,” Andrew said.
“Our semi- nal series was the highest attended ever, which shows people are coming to the games.
“I remember the CowraCanowindra semi- nal at Canowindra - it was a capacity crowd, and there were more kids at the ground than you could point a stick at.
“That’s exactly what we want, a community-based, family-oriented competition.”
The inclusion of Cowra and Blayney in the 2024 season added excitement to the league, with both clubs
bringing under-18 sides.
“Welcoming Cowra and Blayney was fantastic,” Andrew said.
“It’s amazing to see new teams contributing to the competition.”
However, the absence of Condobolin was a notable disappointment.
The club struggled to form a committee, leading to their withdrawal from the competition.
Andrew remains optimistic about their return, revealing ongoing discussions with the club’s representatives.
“I’ve been on the phone with them, and they’ve got a meeting coming up in a couple of weeks. The people I’ve spoken to are con dent they can get back together,” he said.
“I’m really hoping we can get Condobolin back so we have 14 teams instead of 13.”
The league’s emphasis on community connections remains its de ning feature.
“Our competition is truly community-based, and all the clubs value how important their communities are to their football clubs, and
vice versa,” Andrew said.
“In some towns, all they have is rugby league. It’s been great, and everybody appreciates that.”
As the league looks to 2025, Andrew is excited about the upcoming preseason activities, which kick o in March.
“We’re looking forward to the 2025 season and everything it will bring,” he said.
“Our main goal is to maintain the camaraderie among the clubs while letting oneld performance decide the winners.”
Riley Goodsell bowls for Vandenberg Colts.
Leroy McNamara gets bat to the ball.
Selwyn Bale bowls for VCR.
Andrew Pull, Woodbridge Cup president.
Big hitting Super 8s are back Saturday
Super 8s are returning for the rst time in a number of years with 12 teams nominated for this Saturday at Botanical Gardens elds.
It will be a full day’s cricket of big hitting action with each team to have at least four games on the day, closing out with an A Grade and a B Grade grand nal to determine the Forbes Super 8s champions of 2025.
The majority of the teams are made up of local players and their friends however there are a number of people returning to Forbes to take part in the social day.
Super 8s is a modi ed game that promises a lot of fun: each innings consists of eight overs, where each team member has to bowl an over.
You can’t get out rst ball, unless it’s a run out, which gives the batter the initiative to be aggressive on the smaller elds from their rst ball.
Play is expected to begin about 8.30am with nals to be in the late a ernoon.
The draw will be available on the Forbes and District Cricket Association Facebook, where you can check in for results as the day goes on and scheduling of the nals.
The forecast is for ne and warm weather, with the Lions
Club supplying barbecue and drinks.
Forbes and District Cricket Association’s regular Saturday competition takes a break this weekend, and will resume the following Saturday.
At the moment Battapi and Condo Boomerangs make up the top two places, hot on their heels are the e ervescent Trundle Ducks and Condo / Kiacatoo.
The Vandenberg Colts are making a late charge to avoid the wooden spoon. More on the weekend’s games inside this edition.
Junior competitions also to return to the eld with the start of the new school year, with an update on a busy Summer for our representative juniors to come.
In men’s representative cricket, the road to the Western Zone Plate Final for the Forbes XI unfortunately came to an end in Orange on Sunday.
Forbes had progressed through the series with wins over Trundle and Condobolin to qualify for the semi- nal against Mudgee.
The day started with Forbes XI winning the toss and captain Dan electing to bat.
Opening batsman Jordan Wright and Charlie Mitton started the innings o with
a couple of boundaries each on a fast out eld, but Mudgee struck taking the wicket of Wright (15) in the sixth over, and a couple quick wickets of Peter Webb (2), Mitton (12), Will Gordon (0) and Harry Leadbitter followed.
A nice partnership created between Joe Ellison (23) and Selwyn Bale (21) helped to steady the ship.
Further run contributions were made through both Oliver Patterson and Jacob Reid.
Forbes XI nished with a total of 96 (31.4 overs).
A er the innings break, captain Dan led the boys onto the eld and into the attack with fellow bowling opener Harry Leadbitter.
Dan managed to take the only two wickets that were taken by Forbes XI.
A quality Mudgee side chased the runs in the 24th over being 2/99.
FORBES XI 10/96 (31.4 overs)
J. Ellison 23
S. Bale 21
J. Wright 15
MUDGEE XI 2/99 (23.4 overs)
D. Sweeney 2/23 (8.0 overs)
Depending on other representative results, Grinsted Cup will start early February. Bogan Gate hold the Cup.
With FORBES AND DISTRICT CRICKET ASSOCIATION
LAYING FOUNDATIONS FOR NEW GRANDSTAND
The new grandstand project at Spooner Oval is starting to take shape with the concrete poured for the foundation this month.
Part of stage 1 of the Spooner Oval Masterplan, the project is set to deliver a state-of-the-art grandstand that will feature 210 seats, two levels with lift access to the upper level, dressing rooms, a club room, bar and a canteen.
The project began after extensive community consultation, with the first sod turned in December 2023.
Forbes Shire Council Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM, said the new grandstand would be a game-changer for sport in Forbes.
“This will give us a modern facility that will be able to attract and host larger, regional events and boost the local economy,” she said.
“The existing facilities are outdated and not at a true usable standard, so this upgrade will ensure Spooner Oval can be used by sporting groups for many years to come.”
Works completed so far include the formwork and reinforcement of grandstand foudnations; connections to NBN, the electricity and gas network, earth and concrete works for water tanks to be installed.
Works to start this year include the structural steel; the installation of the lift shaft; installation of the roof and walls, concrete and concrete stairs; the internal linings and fit-out.
The project is being funded through the Australian Government Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program and the NSW Government Stronger Country Communities Fund and Regional Sport Facility Fund.
It is expected to be completed in September 2025.
Concrete pouring at Spooner Oval for the new grandstand, planned for completion in September.
PHOTO: Council
Tom Whitty sends one away for Battapi in Saturday’s game against Tigers.
