CLUB HISTORY
A Brief History of the Forbes Sub-Branch
1967– 2003
Following an eventful first FIFTY YEARS the Forbes Sub-branch settled down to a busy and fruitful period and – in 2002 – continues to be a strong organisation.
During the period under review the Sub-branch has operated under the control of eight different presidents each of whom has made his valuable contribution.
It can be noted that the steering of the Sub-branch has gradually passed from the WW2 members to those from later conflicts. However, a group of the “Old and Bold” still remain and exert their influence in 2003.
To Veiw a list of the executives who served during the Period 1966 to 2003 click the link below.
Click here to view Executive History 
CEREMONIES
Each Anzac Day returned personnel were joined by other groups in a march terminating at the cenotaph.
A service commencing at 11.00am was conducted at the conclusion of the march.
In earlier days the march commenced at the Commonwealth Bank in Lachlan Street.
This was then moved to the Forbes Services Memorial Club in Templar Street.
In 1996 due to the ageing of the DIGGERS the assembly point was moved to Cross Street where is still remains the starting point for our Anzac Day march.
Recent years have shown an increase in interest and attendance, particularly by younger people.
In addition, short services were held at the cenotaph marking Retreat on Anzac Day, Remembrance Day and Long Tan Day.
LACHLAN LEGACY
At all times the Sub-branch and the Services Memorial Club have strongly supported Lachlan Legacy not only financially but also in the provision of facilities and services.
R.S.L. LADIES AUXILIARY
Under various leaderships a group of dedicated ladies have worked in support of the Sub-branch.
Over many years their actions included the raising of funds, waiting on tables and preparation of gifts for hospital patients.
Except for one short lapse in 1983/84 their service has been continuous and still continues.
THE CENOTAPH
As custodian of the Cenotaph in Victoria Park the Sub-branch has attended to its maintenance and various modifications.
In 1973 lettering was added to accommodate the Korean, Malayan and Vietnam conflicts.
In 1990 additional stonework was added for the same purpose.
In 1994 a protective picket fence was erected but later considered too restrictive and was removed in 2000.
In 1999 the four figurines were added.
Following prolonged negotiations with other interested bodies the Honor Walls were constructed and dedicated by Major General Peter Cosgrove AC MC on 17 th June 2000.
The costing of this construction was $34,000.00.
BOER WAR MEMORIAL
The Boer War memorial situated at the intersection of Lachlan and Templar was a matter for concern for many years.
At first the Sub-branch opposed its removal but eventually following a number of traffic accidents agreement was reached with the Forbes Council.
The Council would pay removal costs and the Sub-branch cost of repairs.
The monument was moved to its present site in Victoria Park in 1974.
FORBES SERVICES MEMORIAL CLUB
The R.S.L. sowed the seed for the development of the Forbes Services Memorial Club.
A sub committee was formed in 1946 to conduct a Social Club.
Since that time the R.S.L. has been continuously involved in the evolution of the club, as we know it today.
In 1954 the Forbes Services Memorial Club as such was established in new premises in Templar Street.
In 1970 the responsibility of conducting the Memorial Hall was handed on by the R.S.L. to the club.
The club continued to expand but the land occupied was still owned by the R.S.L.
The problem that this created was overcome in 1990 by the sale of the land by the R.S.L. to the club.
The sale was subject to certain conditions, which were recorded in the minute book on 18 th September 1989 and were also incorporated in the clubs constitution.
Largely as a result of this agreement the club and the R.S.L. have continued to prosper in harmony.
The sale resulted in the Sub-branch holding monies in excess of $250,000.00.
HOSPITAL VISITATION
Regular weekly visits to members in hospital have been a feature for the Sub-branch.
Initially these visits were accompanied by gifts of cigarettes and sweets. With changing attitudes the cigarettes were deleted.
Numerous people have been involved but a special note is J D (Jack) Murray who performed this service from 1967 until prevented by ill health in 2001.
In addition to this service with the assistance of the R.S.L. Ladies’ Auxiliary gifts were given out to all people in hospital and both Nursing Homes each Christmas.
HOME VISITS
In 1974 Sub-branch member Charlie Morton sought approval for him on behalf of the Sub-branch to visit members who were sick or otherwise confined to their homes.
The authority was given and Charlie carried out this service at no cost to the Sub-branch for many years until prevented by his own ill health. Charlie died in 1994.
SERVICEMEN SERVING OVERSEAS
At all times the Sub-branch has strongly supported servicemen and servicewomen serving overseas.
This was especially evident during the conflicts in Vietnam (1962 to 1973) and Korea (1950 to 1953).
In 1967 it was resolved to send each 6 months parcels to each serviceman/woman serving overseas. In addition the Forbes Advocate was to be sent to each person.
In 1968 it was resolved to send a Christmas parcel to all local servicemen/women serving overseas.
PUBLICITY
For many years a “DIGGERS SESSION” was broadcast from 2PK at Parkes on Sundays.
A number of Sub-branch members were involved in preparing tapes which were forwarded to the Parkes Studios each week.
This useful service was commenced in 1975 and continued until 1990. Another method of promoting Sub-branch news was through the publication of the “FURPHY COLUMN” in the Forbes Advocate each week.
This service continued for a number of years mainly through the work of Jack Murray until discontinued in 1990.
OLD DIGGERS DINNER
For many years the Sub-branch sponsored an annual dinner for its members from the 1914 – 1918 conflict.
The members attending slowly dwindled until this function through lack of numbers was last held in 1985.
DIGGERS BALL – R.S.L. DINNER
An annual function held for many years was the “DIGGERS BALL”. This took place on the Friday nearest Remembrance Day and was well attended by members and their partners.
In 1971 a Cabaret was substituted and in 1979 it was resolved that a dinner would be more suitable.
The first R.S.L. Dinner took place in March 1980 and has been conducted by the Sub-branch each year since then.
THE DIGGERS TROTTING CLUB
This club was formed in 1952 and is the only trotting club in Australia operating under the auspices of the R.S.L.
In earlier years of operation the club contributed handsomely to the Memorial Hall Fund.
The club still operates strongly and is supported by the Sub-branch.
THE DIGGERS RACE CLUB
This club operated for many years racing once a year on the Friday prior to the Forbes Picnic Races on the Saturday.
The club was wound up in 1969.
THE DIGGERS SWIM CLUB
This club was formed under the auspices of the Sub-branch and continues to operate each season. The trip to Nelson Bay is a feature each year.
SMALL BORE AND PISTOL CLUB
This club has had a checkered existence but has had Sub-branch support throughout.
In 1970 rifles were purchased for use by the club only to be sold in 1979 to the Young Police & Citizens Club.
The pistol range in Gaymards Quarry was developed in 1973 and still operates.
NORTHCOTT NEUROLOGICAL DIAGNOSTIC CENTRE
For a number of years in the mid – seventies the Sub-branch supported this institution situated in North Sydney.
This centre provided a very useful service not otherwise available to an ex serviceman/woman.
In time the development of more modern methods rendered the centre obsolete.
C.M.F.
For many years the Sub-branch agitated for the establishment of a CMF unit in Forbes.
In spite of great effort their representations were not successful.
ANZAC ESSAY
To encourage the interest of younger folk an Anzac Essay Competition is promoted by the State Branch.
The Sub-branch has supported this with local awards being presented.
DIORAMA
The diorama on display in the club foyer is the work of Sub-branch member Kel Woodside.
Sub-branch members carry out the maintenance of this and the display case.
Members renovated the display in 2001.
SECRETARY’S HOUSE
A property at 10 Ryan Street Forbes was purchased for the use of the Sub-branch and club secretary. When no longer required for that purpose it was at first let and then sold in 1979.
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