The gates opened at Bedgerabong Country Music Campout this year. After having to cancel 2016 due to floods, everyone was eager to see 2017 go ahead.
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Numbers were down a little as both Forbes and Mildura clashing with each other’s festival. The many travellers that did come they promised they would be back for 2018, the 10th anniversary of Bedgerabong.
All invited professional guests did a fantastic job entertaining the crowds both on Saturday and Sunday with Tom Maxwell opening the show on Saturday and Brian Letton closed it with remaining artists singing along to You Done Us Proud while the audience stood and sung along. Even when the heavens opened up it didn’t discourage anyone.
The new president of Forbes Country Music Club Phil Redding welcomed everyone. All artists performed on the main stage day and night for the first time too. This went well with many congratulating the move to one main stage instead of two.
Phil organised several M.C’s, with Charmaine Pout, Di Masters, Kylie Adams Collier and Brian Colten who all did a wonderful job. The band included Forbes members Phil Redding, Brian Collits, Darrell Hair, Ken Chalker, Robbo, Pam Byrnes. Other musicians helping out were Kerry Shaw and Rick Llambias. Sound was supplied by Helen Field who was complimented by so many on a job well done.
Phil would like to thank all that helped out during the busy week along with the support of the Forbes Shire Council.
Poets Competition was won by Kylie Adams Collier, 2nd Don Cleary.
Sports Challenge winners are Children’s Charlie Yapp, Men’s Darcy Gage, Womens Jeanette Cleary.
Walk Up competition was won by Michael Craig, 2nd Bob Beasley, 3rd Bones.
On a sad note one of our guests artists Alan Neil, couldn’t be with us as his wife tragically passed away. All our thoughts and sympathies go to Alan at this sad time.
Glenda Bain and Carol Wood from the south coast were visiting artists and were happy to help out. Forbes Country Music Club is thankful to all who visited, the town supporters and the ones that performed in the walk ups along with guest artists.
News: A few days after Bedgerabong I’m saddened to say we also lost our main lead guitarist from the Forbes Country Music Band, John Rice. A mate and friend to so many John was laid to rest in Cowra on the October 18 with over 200 mourners and his loving wife Joy and families. John will be sadly missed.
November Muster: On November 12 we have appearing a fantastic duo from Orange, Geoff and Karen Pierce. Geoff and Karen have sung and played guitar to audiences since kids. Karen’s professional career began aged only 15 performing a full time circuit of clubs and pubs around Sydney. Geoff got his start in school bands, choirs and theater.
Karen and Geoff love to entertain the crowd with plenty of old favourites and Karen’s catchy originals too. Come along and enjoy the day, admission Adults $5.00 Children free.
A new committee was voted in on September 6, but at our General Meeting on Wednesday we had two resignations. As it stands at present: President Phil Redding, Vice President Bruce Toole, Secretary/Treasurer Maureen Soloman, Assistant Treasurer Val Taylor, Public Officer, Newsletter Editor, Sound Tech Helen Field, Committee Bruce Toole, Molly Neilson, Helen Field. Band Manager Phil Redding, Trustee Equipment Phil, Bruce & Helen. We would like to thank Reika Hoswell and Bev Gavin for their work over several years. We still have positions to fill, contact President Phil 0411375836.