The Finley High School reunion held for students attending between 1971 and 1976 proved to be an outstanding success over the long weekend with a large number returning to Finley.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
For some if was the first opportunity to reconnect in 50 years.
For those arriving in town early, an informal get-together was held at the Country Club on Friday evening.
This was followed by a tour of Finley High School on Saturday morning conducted by Brian O’Hora, an ex-student and employee for more than 30 years, which brought back many memories.
With the schedule covering two dinners and a Sunday breakfast, this allowed for a great catchup as ‘old’ students attended what they were able to. The main take home message was that it should happen more frequently.
Former student, Tim Carr, travelled from Abu Dhabi to be present and enjoyed catching up with old friends, including John Marshall who was a teacher at the school from 1972 until 1977, and again from 1983 until 1989.
Others travelled from Rutherglen, Brisbane, Albury, Melbourne, Canberra, Yarrawonga, Wagga Wagga, Tocumwal and Barooga to name a few.
The organising committee would like to thank all who assisted with the extensive preparations for the successful weekend and those who made the effort to attend.
•••
Twin sisters Margaret Lacy and Elizabeth Brown celebrated their 80th birthdays on October 3 at the Finley Football and Netball Club.
The twins were born in Rochester, Victoria to Annie (Bickley) and George Thomas. There were 57 Thomas family members present for the special occasion.
Elizabeth’s family travelled from Sydney and Bathurst, while Margaret’s family travelled from Adelaide, Neerim South and Woodend.
Also present were the family of their brother Douglas and Heather (Smith) Thomas who, in September, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. They were married in the Finley Presbyterian Church in September 1966.
Younger brother Bickley Thomas and his wife Maree attended, but unfortunately their three daughters and their families were unable to attend.
Maree made some delicious pavlovas and fruit salad for the occasion, also apple cakes. Heather made some very nice cheesecakes all of which were very much appreciated. Celebrations continued the next day at Koraleigh on the Mayrung Rd with a barbecue lunch organised by Douglas Thomas.
Koraleigh was the original property selected as a soldier settler block in 1947 and remains in the family today.
Such a lot of organising was done by Douglas, and it was so good to see his three older grandsons helping him pack up.
•••
Members of the Finley Arts Network would like to remind everyone of the exhibition being held this Saturday. October 10 of Halina Wultz’s paintings.
Morning and afternoon tea, provided by the members, will be available for $5. The exhibition will start at 10.30am and continue throughout the day.
The artists are proud of the exhibition and look forward to hosting as many visitors as possible.
New members are always welcome. The gallery is open at 10.30am on Saturdays and 1pm on Tuesdays at 78 Denison St, so feel free to call in and inspect the facilities.
•••
Plans are well in hand for the Anglican Parish of the Newell annual Finley Fete to be held this Saturday October 10, at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church, corner Coree and Pinnuck Sts from 9am until about 2pm.
Just a reminder that the theme this year is Tartan so here is a great opportunity to pull that old kilt out of storage and go along to join in the fun.
There will be plenty of entertainment to suit all ages, including morning tea and a barbecue lunch, a variety of stalls such as fresh produce, cakes, plants, craft, face painting (10am-noon), money tree and more.
Raffle prizes consist of a beautiful handmade mosaic plant pot, as well as a side of lamb or a Country Club voucher.
This is a great opportunity for everyone, especially families, to enjoy the beautiful spring weather and each other’s company while being entertained.
•••
On October 25, Gaye Maxwell, Julie Gregory, Amanda Johnstone and Roz Patterson are taking on The Bloody Long Walk as a team, each walking 35km along the beautiful Mornington Peninsula.
Each of the ladies has been training individually in preparation for this challenging event but will come together on the day with one shared goal — to help Australians living with mitochondrial disease, or mito.
Mitochondrial disease is a devastating condition that robs the body’s cells of the energy they need to function. It can affect anyone, at any age, and can lead to multiple organ dysfunction or failure.
By taking part in The Bloody Long Walk and raising much-needed funds, the ladies hope to help support vital research into desperately needed treatments and, ultimately, cures for this debilitating disease.
They would be incredibly grateful for your support. If you would like to make a donation and help them reach their fundraising goal, please visit their Facebook fundraising pages. Every donation, no matter how big or small, will help make a difference.
Gaye, Julie, Amanda and Roz are proud to be walking together for those living with mito and for the hope of a future where mitochondrial disease can be treated and cured.
•••
‘Unlocking Hope No. 21 – Understanding Dementia’ presentation organised by Berrigan Shire Dementia Alliance will be held at the Finley Returned Soldiers Club on Thursday October 15.
The event, with a 10.15am for 10.30am start will take place for about one hour.
Read more about this session on page 9 of today’s edition.
•••
Phil Couchman, a member of the Berrigan Shire Dementia Alliance group, has recently returned home after spending five weeks in Canada being chauffeured around the Eastern Provinces for 9000km by friends he has known for 65 years.
During that time, he was amazed by the large variety and number of impressive sights he encountered during his journey.
Some he would like to share include tens of thousands of acres of corn growing to towering heights; the tall ships moored alongside the wharf in Quebec were really spectacular and the number of fabulous cathedrals in Canada.
“The interior of the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal is a prime example,” Phil explained.
However, he is pleased to be home and becoming involved in the local community activities again.
•••
Items for ‘From Finley’ may be submitted by phoning 0428 293 922, emailing anne.freestone@bigpond.com or left at the Southern Riverina News office.
Please include a contact name and phone number.