Bevan brothers still on hand with jeep support

By Anne Freestone

Apr 26, 2023

Bob and Ken Bevan preparing one of the jeeps for Anzac Day.

There is considerable thought and planning put into the Anzac Day march each year, and this includes the jeeps involved in transporting those ex-servicemen and women who are no longer able to physically march and still wish to participate.

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Finley is fortunate to have the services of several jeep owners and drivers who have been giving their time and vehicles for many years.

Back in 1994, Bob Bevan, an ex-Finley boy now living in Albury, purchased his first jeep and volunteered its use in Finley as his father, Ted, was an ex-serviceman.

Bob followed up with his second jeep purchased in 1997 and was joined by Edward Matheson’s two jeeps, one of which was driven by Henry Matheson.

The contingent grew with Henry purchasing his own jeep and Kelvin Baxter introducing two more.

Ken Bevan, who has been a member of the Finley fire service coming up to 55 years, has been driving one of his brother’s jeeps since they were introduced.

He has continued to do so along with other firies Brian O’Hora, John McBurnie and John McGill.

These wonderful volunteers have been generously contributing to the success of Anzac Day celebrations in Berrigan, Jerilderie and Finley over so many years, despite the effort involved in getting the jeeps to Finley and ready for the events.

Since the Finley band has been unable to take part in the march and service due to age and falling numbers, one jeep has been provided for Lawrence Walsh and his sound equipment to keep the march going.

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WO1 Tim Braybon, Graeme Hosken and John Hand at the 'Finley and the Great War' book launch.

Former local resident, Warrant Officer Class 1 Tim Braybon, travelled from Sydney to officially launch the book ‘Finley and the Great War’ at the Finley RS Club on Sunday.

Tim, who is with the Sydney University Regiment, has been working closely with author Graeme Hosken over the past four years.

John Hand has also contributed research and material to assist Graeme in putting together this great collection of the history of young men from Finley who enlisted and took part in World War I.

Many of those listed on the cenotaph in Finley Memorial Park, and others with stories told in the book, still have family connections in the area today with several attending the function.

Relatives of Private Sidney Harold Malone - whose war service story is included in the book - travelled from Sydney, Griffith, Albury, and Euroa to join Finley family members for the launch.

Before he enlisted, Sid was working as a butcher in his father’s business in Finley.

The author has gone to great lengths to tell of Sid’s service record and followed up with what happened on his return after the war.

Graeme Hosken, having spent several years teaching at Finley High School, expressed his delight at being back in the area and trusts the publication will give pleasure to the readers.

Finley soldier Sid Malone's family at the launch of the book 'Finley and the Great War'. (Back, from left) Fr Graeme Malone, Wayne Nugent, Harrison with dad Richard Malone and Peter Malone; (front) Stephen, Lauren, Katherine, Piper and Tim Malone.

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Members of Finley RSL Sub-branch would like to thank the community for the wonderful support given to the very successful street stall held last Friday.

Winner of the $50 meat voucher, donated by John Braybon was Jenny Corcoran.

Jenny would have received a lovely surprise when she arrived home on Friday afternoon when Sel and her sons Ollie and Ryder presented her with the voucher, as she was unaware Sel had entered her in the raffle.

Second prize winner Pam Van Beek was delighted with her prize.

It consisted of three bottles of wine and a certified collector’s item of ‘Sands of Gallipoli’, containing two replica medals with a Rising Sun badge in a case.