Excellent crowds were at both and we all agree that it is hoped that next year (Covid free!) we can see a return of the March down Summer Street involving our servicemen and women and all the schools.

The services involved the students from Orange High who sang a number of hymns and relevant songs and recited a number of relevant poems. The piper was a young student from Kinross Julian Connan.

The feedback from the organisers and many of the attending community was so very positive at what the students brought to the two services.

A big thank you to the RSL sub branch and all those involved in the organisation of this very important event.

I ran into a past school headmaster of mine from Orange High School, David Griffin, who is 100 years old and still as spritely and enthusiastic as ever.

Mr Griffin was shot down over Holland in the second world war and was the only survivor of the bomber crew of eight.

He was then captured and remained in a prisoner of war camp until the end of the war.

In 1953/4 he immigrated from Wales to Australia, eventually ending up in Orange teaching.

His daughter used to work at the CWD and his son Mark and I went to high school together. Mark retired a few years back here in Orange having been a teacher himself.

The Mental Health Forum conducted last Friday by the Council and Minister Bron Taylor was a get together for over 40 people who work in the area of mental health.

I am sure we will see further developments in this important space in the future.

Whilst in Orange the minister meet with Regional Development Central West staff and spoke with some of graduating students from last year's initial business mentoring program (she was very impressed and would like to see it rolled out across the state).

This Friday we have the opening of the Pat Ford Exhibition at the Regional Museum. It is called The Pride of Orange.

In 1947 as a 16-year old Pat Ford stepped into the ring at the newly-established CYMS boxing club in Dalton's Mill (in Peisley Street opposite Wade Park).

By 1950 he was the Australian amateur lightweight champion. Going professional the following year, Pat rose quickly to claim the Australian and Empire lightweight titles, before retiring to run his own butchery in 1955.

Celebrating the career of a remarkable Orange sportsman, the exhibition features rarely seen photographs, film footage and sporting memorabilia ... a must see!

The Nursing Mother's Association of Orange, started in 1974 by Beryl Jackson, is planning a reunion shortly and we wish all the folk who have been involved over those years (including my wife) for the incredible voluntary mentoring and fundraising they have done for maternity section of our hospital. Well done!

Central West Radiology opened its new operations at the private hospital on Forest Road.

It takes up one whole floor of the building and is equipped with the very latest technology and highly-trained staff offering services to the Central West Region.

The new Orange City Council pound opens next week in the Narambla Estate. This facility is much needed in a city the size of Orange and will be well received by our staff and the community who have had temporary arrangements for over two years now.

West Haven had a sod turning for a new designer residential home for people with disabilities last week and everyone involved was most impressed with the new format put together with input from the clients and respected and experience architects.

They have also set up an office here in Orange,which will see both Dubbo and Orange operating as the management and service headquarters.

Currently there is a 1.4 million upgrade happening in Wakeford Street and Lone Pine Avenue. New techniques are being used in this very challenging soil- base region. The 30th Food week has come and gone and it was an outstanding success.

As well as a lot of visitors to Orange huge numbers of locals got involved in various events.

Well done to all the organisers.

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