The Parkes branch has been active for most of the century and has a proud history of service to the community. 

This history has been compiled and written by Gloria Dietrich, an active branch member since 1971, and gratefully typed by Debbie Miles. 

The Parkes history will be published over the next few weeks...

About this time (1949) saw the beginning of the Medical Loan Equipment, or the increase in it, as when supplies no longer needed elsewhere were forwarded from Headquarters, this service also still continues.

About this time waste textiles and old stamps were being sent to Headquarters for sale. 

Jumble shops had been held in various vacant premises over the years and were held until October 1972, now good used clothing is dispatched to Headquarters for the needy.

A Branch of Red Cross Voluntary Aid Detachment was formed in Parkes in 1952, while Mrs L Miller was president, and it was mainly due to her effort this was done.

They used to meet regularly in the Tea Rooms.

In August 1957, a letter from Taylor Kearny and Reed informed Red Cross of the sale of the property, owned by Mr Mansour in Clarinda Street (where they held their tea room) to Fosseys, and asked for the rent to be adjusted. 

Red Cross let the Tea Room to other organisations for a donation when not using it themselves. 

This is still the practice with the new Red Cross Centre in Church Street.

At a meeting in August 1959, Mrs E Evans suggested they think about owning a centre, as the present quarters were likely to be closed in the next few years. 

This led to the purchase on December 15, 1959, for 2200 pounds of an old building in Church Street belonging to Mrs R M Ridley (wife of the late C J Ridley) who had been utilising the building as her home. 

It was a very old building, but most central and considered the best purchase of any site available at the time.

Previous to the purchase of the property, an advisory committee had been formed including Mayor A C Moon, Mr Payne Chairman of CWCC, Mr Dunstan Manager of Bank of NSW and Mr Seddon General Secretary of NSW Division of Red Cross with Mrs Evans (president), Mrs A Thomson (vice president) and Mrs M Job (secretary) and with the approval of the members, the Church Street building was bought.

A building fund was opened at the Bank of NSW after alterations had been made and thanks to the Lions and all others for helping set in order the rooms, the official opening took place on the April 27, 1960, by Mr Seddon and was to be called the Red Cross Centre.

Prior to purchasing the Church Street property, the Friday afternoon teas, running since June 1959, been held in the CWCC auditorium free of charge.

This was greatly appreciated by Red Cross.

The Centre was fully paid for in early 1964. 

Mrs A Thomson was then president, Mrs Dart secretary and Mrs Job  treasurer.

During the April meeting in 1962,  Mr R J Job was asked to accept the first Red Cross Life Membership Badge of the Parkes Branch for his work and help to Red Cross over the years and especially since the purchase of the Church Street Centre.

The following ladies received their Laurel Wreaths and Citation for 50 years service during July 1964: Mrs M B Job, R Kelly, L Porter, V Seaborn, F M Hawke and F Middleton. 

They must have joined Red Cross when it first began.

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The usual Red Cross work and money raising went on for the next 10 years as the building began to crumble around their ears. 

Mr Page suggested they ask the Government for a two-for-one subsidy to rebuild.

It was decided to write to Headquarters for details of just what assistance could be given for rebuilding.

First estimates were in the vicinity of $20,000 and it was felt this was more than they could manage as the interest alone would be crippling. 

Headquarters advised that they must have three quarters of the money before building could proceed.

On August 8, 1972, Miss Waddell as Hon Director of Red Cross, with Mr Lachlan, came to Parkes to meet with the Building Committee and members. 

Finally with Mr Page’s help, a satisfactory plan with different type of roof and cutting down on size, was submitted, costing $15,500.

 At this stage the Building Fund stood at $9,500. 

The Bank of NSW agreed to advance $7,000 at seven and a quarter per cent, per annum. 

Finally a telegram from Headquarters said the proposal was accepted.

Demolition began on October 21, 1972 and a dream of the older members began to come true - that they would see a beautiful new Red Cross Centre in Parkes.

In the meantime, General Accident Fire and Life Assurance Co. had vacated the premises of 340 Clarinda Street which was the then Glory Box Shop. 

As they had paid the lease until May 1973, they kindly let it to Red Cross for their tea room and meeting place.

About this time, hardworking secretary Mrs Peg Dart left Parkes with her husband and Mrs Kay Watt took over the position.

The branch moved into the new Red Cross Centre on March 24, 1973. 

Members of Apex spray painted the old furniture before moving it in, for which Red Cross was most grateful.

The Centre was officially opened by Mayor Ald Scoble on May 23, 1973. 

Mrs Thomson, the president, was ill and unable to be present for this wonderful occasion that she had worked so hard for. 

Mrs Evans, Zone Representative welcomed all to the opening. 

The plaque, donated by Miss S Tyrell and Mrs A Thomson commemorating the opening of the centre, was unveiled by the Mayor.

Channel 8 TV and local press covered the proceedings.

The Building Fund stood at $3993.82 debit on August 14, 1973, when Mr Page the contractor was paid in full.

With Red Cross working flat out, support from the general public for their fund raising activities and donations from various clubs who held functions, money for the centre began to come in, 

These included $200 from the Lions, $355 from Combined Women’s Bowling Carnival and other organisations helping in various ways. 

Finally in July 1975, with a donation of $782 from the Police Charity Ball, the overdraft was paid.