By LYNN ROGERS
Although the sky looked threatening throughout Sunday, 29 September, the rain held off and over 350 people enjoyed the magnificent day at the Parkes Racecourse and in the four open gardens.
The gardens were hosted by Leanne and Jeff Field, Leonie Patterson, Vicki and Ian Cabban, and Leah and Jeff Douglas. All gardens had special features and ideas which transformed their individual properties into havens for garden lovers.
The atmosphere at the Racecourse was buzzing with activity, music, art, food and market stalls. The 24 market stalls came from local craftspeople in our district, with one stall coming all the way from West Wyalong. Approximately 380 people were in attendance throughout the day, which kept our cooks and volunteers busy.
Generous feedback has been received praising the delicious food, the variety of music from local musicians: Easy Goin’, Fijian Singers, Parkes Ukulele Group, and Tapestry. The variety of goods provided by stallholders allowed for much browsing and shopping. A new highlight this year was the fashion parade with the generous support of Parkes News & Gifts.
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The racecourse is an ideal venue for such a full day of activity and the Club is very grateful for the support of the Parkes Jockey Club committee which allows us to utilise the venue. Parkes Painting Group’s exhibition was well received and added to the overall relaxed atmosphere.
It is due to the generosity of the garden owners, the stallholders, all participants, volunteers, and the support of the community that we were able to raise close to $9,500. Expenses are still to be deducted, but we anticipate around $8,000 will be used to support our various projects in the local community, especially in the areas of hearing, speech and wellbeing.
So far this year we have sponsored every eligible child to attend Life Education Van (Healthy Harold), as well as our usual donations to schools and pre-schools for hearing amplification systems; dignity and care packs for victims of domestic violence; books for newborn babies; Southern Cross art therapy program; trauma teddies for Ambulances; participation in Paint the Town REaD; school backpacks for children in need; and sponsoring the hearing and speech assessments for pre-school children who are ready to head off to ‘big school’.
Donations are also given to Can Assist, Ronald McDonald House, Sprouts, Safe Haven and other charities from time to time to benefit our local communities.
The raffle was won by: Paula Sutherland (1st prize), Dina White (2nd) and Nancye Blatch (3rd).
