There was obviously some support for my nephew Carl winning the Rissole-Off....

‘Congratulation s to Carl, it’s nice to see a youngster showing the oldies how it’s done.’

Then we had a story about seven railway workers who had taken redundancy after a lifetime on the job…

‘Railway workers finish up after combined 230 years on the job.

‘Between the seven of them they didn’t succeed in teaching me very much besides boiling the billy and how to sleep on the job!’

Harsh!

From a former local, Darryl Hetherington, who still calls Parkes home…

‘I am dropping a line to say that I still check on Parkes news via the internet website you have. The new website page is well set up.

‘Is Parkes still growing, Is the rail system still going ahead through Parkes, I see the airport is still floating around.

‘I have been up in QLD for fiour years - love every minute being up here but still support NSW, St George, and cannot stand the Broncos.’

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And word from a young German woman who spent some time in Parkes last year – much of which was spent here at the Champion Post. She had a unique way with words and we really enjoyed having her.

From Laura Behrend…

‘G´day, members of the Champion Post!

‘Today will be a great day because you all are able to enjoy hearty greetings from Germany now!

‘How are you going? I hope you will remember me.

‘At the moment I am sitting at my working desk in Jena, the town where I am studying. While I've studied all my psychological readers (lots of work!),

I had a better idea: writing you a short mail just to confirm that I am still alive.

‘In a few months it will be one whole year since I was starting my journey to Australia.

‘Where is all the time? Actually it feels like yesterday. If I had the opportunity to make an independent decision, I would come back tomorrow!

‘But, unfortunately, I have to study for the next years. When I have free time, I am asked to do some practical work to get more and more experience how to work as a Psychologist.

‘So it wouldn't be possible for me to see you all again in the next years. Quite terrible, isn't it?

‘What's going on in Parkes? Is there something new I should know?

‘Please send all people who know me warm greetings from me!’

Just love the way she puts her words together!

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It’s great to see the cinema still in action in Parkes, albeit in a greatly reduced manner.

The cinema operated during the school holidays and provided a terrific service for young people, supported by some excellent movies.

I took the opportunity to go along and catch up with the latest Indianna Jones adventure and although there were only a few seats set up, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

There was also a big crowd for the charity screening of Sex In The City.

It’s pleasing to see the facilities are still being retained for periodic showings and not (at present, anyway) being sold off.

I noticed recently that the cinema gear from the former Forbes Cinema has gone to Temora, where the local council will be operating a new shire cinema.

I applaud Temora for recognising a need and doing something about – just like the Leagues Club is doing here in Parkes. Well done.

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Do you know we actually celebrate a Happy IVGLDSW Day!

That is...International Very Good Looking, Damn Smart Woman's Day.

I received a message (obviously not intended for me) outlining this momentous event. With details of the motto they live by...

‘Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, wine in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming 'WOO HOO what a ride!'

Love their style!

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THOUGHT FOR

THE WEEK:

“I don’t mind coming to work, but the eight hour wait to go home is pretty tough!”