I am in possession of a Disabled Parking Permit that I use for my wife and for myself as walking any great distance is difficult for either of us.

I would guess that on at least 10 occasions since the beginning of December 2016 I have parked in the disabled parking section below the Coles shopping centre and on every occasion the lift that services the shopping level from the ground level parking has been “out of order”.

I queried the Coles employee who was manning their service desk whether she had any idea what was causing the problem and she said she didn’t but was aware it had been out of order for some time.

She suggested I try to locate the centre management representative and speak with them.

I can guarantee you that is very difficult for someone with difficulty walking to have to walk up two levels of slanted walkways at a degree of gradient that is not so easy when one has issues with their health.

So I would really appreciate it if somehow this “out of service” lift could be repaired as I would think there are plenty of people who would have a similar wish to have this issue resolved expediently.

And if this missive can help raise awareness in this regard and achieve some satisfaction for the public, then I for one will be very pleased.

MOST of us received a number of warnings from the Rural Fire Service about extreme fire conditions last weekend.

We have just experienced several weeks of extremely high temperatures - day and night.

The past three years have recorded the highest temperatures on record.

Yet our elected representatives, at each level of government, are silent on climate change.

This awful silence must be the result of either wilful ignorance or moral cowardice on their part.

Either reason is a disgrace and we should be able to expect more from those that claim to have our local and national interests at heart.

RYDAL AH&P Society held their 95th show on Saturday, February 4.

The show was well attended as it was a very hot day.

The exhibits were, as usual, of a very high standard.

The schools section was well patronised by local and surrounding schools.

I am sure those who had a meal or afternoon tea would speak highly of some – a credit to all involved.

The showgirl chosen by the judges for Miss Rydal Showgirl was Miss Alana Black from Rydal and junior ambassador was Miss Grace Hadley from Rydal.

The showgirl judges were Miss Rachel Nichol from Hampdon (a former Rydal showgirl) and Mr and Mrs Inwood from Glanmire.

Lithgow mayor Stephen Lesslie, Member for Bathurst Paul Toole and Member for Calare Andrew Gee were guests.

Dancing girls on stage were very good and the Lithgow band was enjoyed by all.

The cattle, sheep and woodchopping displays were popular and music late in the afternoon entertained all those who stayed on.

Thank you to show president Mr Brett Radburn, secretary Mrs Rachel Young and treasurer Mr Roy Black.