Familymembers of Floreena remember the very first Country song she ever learnt to sing, it was an old time favourite, "You Are My Sunshine”, going back to the days when Snowy Jenson, another well known Bendigo Local Country performer,took Floreena under his wing and encouraged her to sing and play guitar with her husband Wal.
This is the story of how it all began.
The band “Tumbleweed” was formed in 1977 by Floreena & her husband Wal Forbes in Bendigo, Central Victoria.
Their very first engagement, which they thought would be a small gathering, was for a wedding anniversary, but when they arrived at the venue, the place was jam-packed with well over 100 guests.
The night was such a success and a fantastic night was had by all, it was then that they decided to form their own country band, and so the journey of Floreena Forbes and Tumbleweed Country Band began.
Wal built their band trailer and painted it dark brown with orange & white signwriting. The trailer became a well known identity in the City of Greater Bendigo in Central Victoria.
In 1979,The Bendigo Country Music Club was formed with Olive Bice as President, Vice President was Snowy Jenson, Secretary - Floreena Forbes, Assistant Secretary -Bil Moore, Treasurer - John Nadort, Assistant Publicity Officer - Ray Dalton,Program Manager =Wal Forbes. Committee Members included: Nancy Sheehan, Peter Sheehan, Noel Jenson, Hank Moore, Lyn Golding and Leon Golding.
There were two Spectacular concerts held by the Bendigo Country Music Club, the first called the “Local Country & Western Spectacular” was held Friday 21st November 1980. The second was held on Friday21st November 1981. Both concerts were well received and a huge success!
In 1980,Floreena appeared in a Dolly Parton look-a-like floor show held at the Bendigo Club. This act was so successful, that theTumbleweed band included it in their act at Birthdays and special occasions,adding great humour to the evening and memories still talked about today.
One of the most memorable occasions Floreena recalls was when she appeared in a Dolly Parton contest held at theWandong Country Music Festival in 1982. Again she hit the jackpot with a Police escort! The Police escorted her through a large crowd with many photographs being taken. Some of these photographs appeared in the Weekly Times newspaper.
She appeared again at the Tamworth Country Music Festival in 1981.
There were several changes in theTumbleweed Band line up over the years. Each change brought about a different sound, although still retaining what had made the band so popular, by keeping their music to dance time and singing many of the country classic's and popular songs the crowd could relate to, encouraging everyone to dance and have a great time.
Between 1981 – 1985, members of the Tumbleweed band were Bill Simons – keyboard, Terry Simonds - drums, Noelene White - pedal steel, Len Pickin – drums ,John Cockfield – drums, and Allan Gillingham - lead guitar
In 1985, Floreena continued on with her music after the loss of her husband Wal in 1984. The reformed Tumbleweed Band was fronted by Floreena, Helen Kantz on Bass Guitar, Craig Bridges - lead guitar, Chris Appleby - rhythm and her stepson Wayne on drums.
Floreena has been actively involved in organising and participating in successful fundraisers for many charitable organisations, including events for cancer research, the Salvation Army, RSPCA,as well as events held to raise money for the elderly and many other charitable organisations. Floreena is still continuing today with her charitable work.
In June 1985, the line up changed again with Floreena Vocals and guitar, Allan Gillingham lead and harmonies, Kevin Fitzpatrick - Bass guitar and John Doyle on Drums .
In 1986 John Doyle resigned and Ken Jones took over as drummer for the Tumbleweed band.
Floreena ventured further and travelled and performed regularly in many of the clubs and hotels in NSW, Melbourne, Central Victoria and in her home town in Bendigo. Sometimes working three to four shows a week,with and added member to the group Sound Engineer Robert Ramadge.
In 1987 saw Floreena cut her first CD in Wangaratta under the label of Ramic, titled “Floreena”, which is still available today. The album contains 11 popular country tracks selected by her fans.
1987 also saw the passing of Kevin Fitzpatrick. Kevin was a very devoted Bass player and lived for his music. Kevin played his bass guitar right up to a few hours before his death.
Floreena and her partner Robert wrote a song for Kevin titled, “Goodbye to a Friend” with Robert working on the lyrics and Floreena the music. The song“Goodbye To a Friend" was recorded on Floreena’s second album titled , “Floreena Country Favourites in 1989.
Bass Player Paul Holmes joined the band 1987 and resigned in 1989.
1989 saw Jim Moran join theTumbleweed Band on Bass Guitar, Vocals and Harmony .
1987 with requests by her fans,Floreena went back into the studio and recorded her 2nd album Floreena Country Favourites’ with 14 Tracks of popular Country Classic’s. Her fans were waiting for her second album. Floreena’salbums are still available today by contacting Mobile 0409 407 458 or floreena@floreena.com.
1989 saw some line up changes, with Alex Thelma on keyboard, Kim Crow on Bass guitar and Ted Bullow on drums. In 1991, Alex Thelma left to further is career in teaching and Greame Byrnes joined the band on lead guitar
In 1991 the Bootscootin’ craze had hit. It was everywhere and had a huge following. You name a place and it wast here. Floreena and her partner Robert took lessons and learnt Bootscootin’.
Floreena and Robert then began teaching Bootscootin’ and travelled each week to many Country Venue’s such asthe Murrey Downs Golf Club, Swan Hill Tooleybuc Club, Balranald Club,Barham Club, Bendigo Club and smaller venues in their home town of Bendigo in Central Victoria.
Floreena and Robert decided not to tow the trailer with the car anymore, as the equipment had increased and with the car needing repair, Tumbleweed hired a bus to take the band to and from their destination, towing the band trailer behind the bus - taking theTumbleweed fans with them. Many memorable tales and stories arose from these trips, some of which are still talked about fondly to this day by the band and all their fans.
In 1991, the Tumbleweed band formed their own Line Dance team called the “Tumbleweed Bootscooters” and the “Tumbleweed Country Line Dancers” with teams from Tooleybuc, Swan Hill, Kerang and Bendigo.
Many great nights of music and dance were held. Floreena making sure all her fans were kept happy by adjusting the line dancing to many of the old time dances, in other words, a dance for everybodyfrom the Fox Trot, to Pride of Eron, to Evening 3 step Rock and Roll and more.
The Bootscooters always being courteous to the other dancers by keeping to the outside part of the dance floor, on many occasions some of the venue’s had 2 dance floors making it somuch easier with the Bootscooters on one floor and old time dances on the other.
Floreena would name the dance. This arrangement worked extremely well with everyone kicking up their heals and having a great time. The Tooleybuc Club had around 1200 people on asocial night organised by the Tooleybuc Bootscootin’ Club, with the atmosphere being electric , everybody talking about the dance they would do or byfollowing the program?
The Murray Downs club would clear away the chairs from around the dance floor to make more room to be able to accommodate all the dancers. The Tumbleweed Line Dancers would perform in front of the band all dressed in uniform, always happy demonstrating the dances.
With the band working more regularly,Tumbleweed included Paul Deborteli. Astheir roady and bus driver, then Wayne Maisey, Nick Nchrama and finally RobertRamadge. Many happy stories are being talked about today by the band and all their fans that made the journey a happy one.
Many great friendships were made during those years and still remain to this day, even though the TumbleweedBand has retired. The Bootscooters are still following the socials and meeting up with their friends, and remember theTumbleweed Band were it all began.
The Tumbleweed Band became very popular between the 1980’s up to 2000 working on a regular basis and touring over much of Victoria and NSW and many parts of Melbourne.
During 1995 Graeme Byrnes the Lead guitarist left Tumbleweed and Floreena teamed up with the bass player Jim Moran. Floreena and Jim continued on as TheTumbleweed Country Duo, still working in the same venues using Mini Discs as their backing music, with Floreena still playing rhythm guitar and Jim on Bass guitar. The duo worked extremely well together still maintaining their popularity, the line dancers still Bootscootin’to their favourite songs.
1996 saw Floreena join Triple C FM as a Country Music DJ, were she gained more popularity by giving live and phone interviews, and producing live music in the studio of 3CCC FM, in McCrae Street, Bendigo. The radio station has since changed the name to Fresh 895 FM and has moved to Garsard Street, Bendigo. Floreena resigned from Fresh 895 FM in March 2006.
During 2000, Floreena had a break from her music due to ill health and the Tumbleweed Duo disbanded.
In 2002, Floreena made a welcome return to the music industry, working solo and using midi files
(Recorded Backing) and performing as a guest artist with other bands.
In 2006, Floreena formed a Bluegrass Band "BBB " - Bendigo Bluegrass Band. Members were Floreena Forbes (Lead Vocals, Rythum Guitar.), Geoff Morris(Vocals & Harmony), Sue Webb (Mandolin, Harmonica, Harmony), RoyWebb.(Guitar Harmony), Chris Ryan (Banjo Harmony), Tony Ryan (Dobro), Finn Mathews(Slap Bass), Penelope Somerville (Fiddlle & Harmony). The group would eventually go on to rename themselves the Band Tumbleweed.
Also in 2006, Floreena joined Phoenix 89.5 FM Bendigo Victoria. Floreena became one of the founding committee members. Where Floreena continues to enjoy being a volunteer DJ for Phoenix FM Bendigo Victoria
2007 saw Floreena, Olive Bice and Anne Conway form The 3 Country Divas show, featuring Country Classics including Floreena as (Dolly Parton), Olive and Anne as (Patsy Cline). The 3 Divas show has been very well received and successful, so much so, that they have been asked a number of times to repeat the show. So it just goes to prove, that there continues to be a great demand for Country Classic’s.
During 3rd, 4th& 5th April 2007, Floreena appeared at the Horsham Country Music Festival, with Kerrie Archibald and Roz Web together with the backing Band, and Shady Deal added harmonies. Floreena appeared as Dolly, once again creating quite a stir with many fans. This was the first festival for Horsham, a lovely country town in Victoria. The festival organizers were thrilled with how successful their inaugural festival was.
Like the saying goes, “When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade” and when Floreena was faced with her own battle with breast cancer, she showed great strength and character as she undertook therapy, and like any good country singer dealt with it all in the best way she knew how, by using her gift for singing and entertaining others.
Floreena continues to be a strong advocate for raising money for cancer awareness and those affected by the disease, as well as continuing her work with numerous charities, the elderly and raising money for people in need.
And so the years continue to roll by and Country Music is still a big part of Floreena’s life.
Floreena continues to enjoy producing shows, promoting other artists and still performs and attends the Country Music Clubs and Festivals.
And so, the story continues……………
Floreena Promotes Country
on 106.7 Phoenix Fm Australia
106.7 Phoenix Fm Australia Broadcasts 24 Hours a day
Floreena & Tumbleweed
