DAY 10 - FORBES NSW

FORBES NSW

DAY 10


No riding today, instead a day about town.

First stop this morning was Forbes Literary Institute (a.k.a “The Library”) for the usual. The internet is free in Forbes.

I was an early arrival, so waited half an hour or so in the adjacent Victoria Park.

And a hive of activity it was – people everywhere, coming and going.

Anyone would think they are a well-read lot, these Forbians, queuing up for the library with such zeal first thing on a Monday morning.

Not quite as it seems, sadly.

You see, the Library and the Court House are next door neighbours in Forbes.

If I’d not known better, I’d have said they were giving away money in there, such was its popularity.

Perhaps the library could join up, in an attempt to increase its patronage?

I sat in that park for about 32 minutes and would say over 100 people came and went in that time – and anyone who didn’t go, hung around.

Not quite half the town, but gee, not far off.

And if any of the conversation that passed my ears was indicative, an ugly mix of alcohol and violence would seem to have accounted for most of the attendees on this particular morning - given that there are approximately 20 pubs in Forbes, this may not come as such a surprise…..

Aside from the legally challenged locals, Forbes is a particularly tidy town.

Not a big regional centre anywhere near the size of Bathurst or Orange, Forbes could very well qualify its existence on picturesque river banks and weeping willows.

The Lachlan River flows right through the middle of Forbes, as it does my next destination Cowra, providing a recreational bonanza for visitors and locals alike.

Fishing is quite popular – the “lake” is loaded with fat carp I’m told. Just drop a line in and you’ll come up with something.

There is also some history about and in accordance with many central western towns, it is highly respected and important to the culture of the region.

Gold was dug up throughout this region during the 1850’s in great seams – a “gold rush” was declared.

Prospectors came from far and wide – even overseas to find their fortunes – many did and left a lot wealthier than when they arrived.

Or else, liked Australia so much and could afford to stay, so they did.

Concurrently, the legend of the “bushranger” evolved – these were Robin Hood-inspired folk who used shotguns instead of bows and arrows.

Some were even known to wear tin buckets on their heads as everyday work attire.

Controversy rages to this day as to whether these people were the freedom fighters of their time or simply common bandits.

I would lean personally toward the common bandit model, however this has not prevented some off their ilk assuming legend status

The Kelly brothers, Ned in particular and one Ben Hall were amongst the elite of their profession.

Ben Hall is buried in Forbes, where he unco-incidentally was shot and killed.

He also has a motel named after him.