President Mal Smith chaired the May meeting of Forbes Probus and opened with a moment's silence in remembrance of David Morrison and Fred Vogelsang.
With Secretary Lloyd Gerdes and Treasurer John Bruce on vacation, Trevor Drury deputised for both positions.
Prashanth Rangaswamy was a guest of Neil Gilmour.
Following the usual club business Noel Jolliffe introduced Michael Walker as our guest speaker.
Born in Farrand Street to Molly and Dardanelles (Darda) Walker, lived in Farrand Street and worked in Farrand Street.
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He attended Red Bend Catholic College where he loved sport, cricket, footy, tennis and was good at Maths.
For someone who had only travelled as far North as Dubbo and South to West Wyalong a train journey to Sydney in 1969 to commence his National Service was quite something.
Following 12 months training, he was drafted into the Engineering Corp flown to Vietnam and acted as a storeman (Quarter Master) was something else.
Observing the living conditions of the Vietnamese people was a cultural shock. Humans and livestock living under one roof.
He served his country abroad until 1972.
From his military experience he gained comradeship, to care and share, don’t worry you’ll get by.
On completion of his tour of duty he returned to Forbes working for his father where he appreciated living in the central west.
During 1981 he and his brother David, who had been working in the wool industry as a wool classer and shearing contractor, borrowed money to purchase the business and relocated to new premises in Sam Street.
However, owing to the ensuing early eighties drought, times were tough.
The family enterprise has been operating since 1915 started by his grandfather who came to town to work in a flour mill.
In partnership with family members as of 2025 they now have 70 stores in four states employing 500 people.
David Williams gave an appreciation and a small gift to Michael.
