Country musicians muster for John

Early this year John was diagnosed with a life threatening medical condition which led to a major operation in Sydney in May with treatment ongoing.

So the Forbes Country Music Club decided to hold a fundraiser for John in thank you for his many years’ service with unconditional loyalty to not only the Forbes Country Music Club, but also Parkes, Eugowra Country Music Clubs and many talent quests and festivals.

Many of you will know John, a very humble and beautiful man and his pure love for country music.  John has been the backbone at many of these musters, festivals and concerts. 

Donations have come in with many items to raffle even one of our close associates Mr Tom O Reilly from Young donating a beautiful Martinez Acoustic guitar and guitar bag.

Ticket sellers will be selling tickets on August 24 down town for the guitar.  All monies raised from raffles and from on the day along with a surprise extra donation from the Forbes Country Music Club.  We hope this gift from all of us will help John and his wife Joy in the months ahead as they battle the next year ahead.

We have not booked a guest artist as we feel from the interest we have had already there will be numerous artists attending from further afield. So it’s shaping up to be a great day of music and entertainment. We all have our fingers crossed and send love and hugs to John and Joy Rice at this time. Starting time will be at 11am Sunday August 27 at the Forbes Services Memorial Club. We ask all friends and musicians that has known John Rice to please attend as I’m sure he will love seeing you all.

Other news: Plans are now in full swing for the 9th Annual Bedgerabong Country Music Campout. This year starts on Tuesday, October 3 and concludes on Tuesday, October 10. Organised is a great line up of artists this year, with Justin Standley, Kylie Adams Collier, Brian Letton, Johanna Hemera, Tom Maxwell, Ray Pratley Samantha Bellamy, Homegrown, Allen Neil, to name a few.

M.B.R Clothing in Forbes has kindly donated one of their beautiful country western shirts to the Club, which has been signed by 7 Golden Guitar winners along with many other top names plus with all artists attending Bedgerabong special guests this year. A collector’s item, this will be beautifully framed by the Forbes Men Shed this will be one of the major raffle prizes at the Campout this year.

There will be Poets Breakfast starting Wednesday each morning along with a Poets Campout Competition. For the energetic there is even a Sportsperson of the Campout Competition.

For the first time we are holding a walk up competition. So many trophies to be won. Country Keys & Strings will perform for the Friday night and Old Time on Saturday night in the Bedgerabong Hall on the grounds. Sunday morning is for the bargain hunters with numerous market stalls. 

The price per adult is $70 and includes all entertainment. Children under 16 are free but must be accompanied by an adult. There is a visitors day price of $15 for the ones that don’t want to camp. That’s terrific value.

They even allow your pet dog, but it must be kept on a leash please. Don’t forget to take your fold up chairs and plenty of sun screen. Gates will open at 9am on Tuesday, October 3.

Join them for a great week of fun relaxing to the beaut country music, bush poetry, dancing or just have a fun week of bush camping at the picturesque Bedgerabong Showground. We hope many Forbes citizens will come out and join us on the main days.