During the month of May, the Royal Far West celebrated many milestones.

On 17 May a ball was held in Dubbo to celebrate the longevity of the charity.

100 years ago, the idea came from Reverend Stanley Drummond who was based at Cobar, to bring children from the Far West to Manly to visit the seaside.

There have been many changes within the charity from its humble beginnings in Cobar to what it is today.

Two of our volunteers, Ngarie and Lorraine, travelled to Dubbo to represent the Forbes branch of the Royal Far West.

The gala ball in Dubbo was a celebration of a successful fundraising ride by 100 cyclists who cycled from Bourke to Cobar to Narromine.

More than $845,779 was raised through the ride and the ball.

Over the 100 years many branches were opened to assist with fundraising and numerous ways were undertaken to assist with raising funds.

Betty Muzyczuk and her many followers raised a significant amount of funds to assist with the funding of the Royal Far West.

The opening of op shops was another way to assist with fundraising and a branch was opened at Port Macquarie in 1934.

The railway lines in western New South Wales in 1937 allowed a railway carriage to become a mobile baby health clinic with Sister Brooks in charge.

This was followed by the opening of an aerial baby clinic covering areas even further west.

Aviatrix Nancy Bird was flying clinic sisters even further west to remote outstations and settlements west of Bourke.

There was many changes and improvements over the next four decades as there were depression years, World War II, an outbreak of polio, and the charity has broadened its services to cover the community's needs.

SUPPORT ROYAL FAR WEST IN FORBES

Our annual general meeting is taking place on 13 June 2025 at our op shop in Templar Street at 10am.

We are currently holding a sale on our ladies winter clothes.

The ladies winter clothes are $2 each and ladies coats from $5.

All other clothing and items are normal prices.

Our local branch of the Royal Far West (Sunshine Club) here in Forbes has been operating for 86 years.

Thank you for the donations and the support of Royal Far West.

Our birthday book is open and we hope everyone has had a very enjoyable day.

Best wishes go out to Emma, Marko's Kay's TJay, Marko's Danny's Kate, Bruce Almighty's Grace, Broadacres, Nut Nut, Tomato, Star Gazer, Marko's TJay's CJay, Traz, Marko's Kay and Aussie Pinnay.

We also have to say a big thank you to our volunteers: for how you help, what you do, a big thank you.

'Til next time, stay safe.

By REENIE