Finley Lions Club gathered at the Finley Bowling Club last week to celebrate the 55th changeover dinner, the running of which was in the hands of Peter Braybon.
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Former member and inducting officer Omen Ndlovu was in attendance to carry out the official procedure of welcoming new member Michael Hosie as well as the new executive.
Outgoing president Steve McRae addressed the meeting before presenting the incoming president, Nellie Johnson, with the Club Charter and wishing her well in her new role.
Nellie responded and stated she feels honoured to have been given the privilege to hold the position.
Warwick Douglas, who is continuing as treasurer in this term, gave his report and commented on the great work carried out by members over the past 12 months.
Fundraising to help the local community included collections over the year of batteries etc, conducting the Saturday morning wood raffle during winter and other extensive projects.
He advised the skin cancer bus visit was a great success, which proved important and beneficial to all those who took advantage of the service.
He also thanked all members for their commitment and time volunteered over the preceding 12 months.
Other executive members include first vice president Peter Braybon, second vice president Bill Judd, membership chairman Greg Brunt, secretary Garry Blackney, and tail twister Allen Callaghan.
Past and present members of the Finley Lions Club over the past 50 odd years have been a dedicated team, continuing to make a difference in our local community.
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Parishioners of Holy Trinity Finley will be celebrating the church’s centenary over the weekend of October 11 and 12, and invite members of the Finley and surrounding communities to take part.
The Anglican Parish of the Newell consists of Holy Trinity, Finley, St Alban the Martyr, Tocumwal and St Stephen’s, Jerilderie and is currently administered by Rev Father Frederik Le Mesurier.
On Saturday, October 11 the annual fete will be held in the grounds with the theme being ‘The Roaring Twenties’. So now might be a good time to visit the op shops to get ideas to dress suitably for the occasion.
There will be the usual variety of stalls, raffles and entertainment to suit all ages.
On Sunday, October 12 there will be a special Eucharist service with Bishop Donald Kirk visiting to participate. Guest preacher will be Archdeacon Robert Murphy.
No doubt many will remember Fr Robert as a Finley High School teacher during the time of Fr Graeme Sturt.
Fr Frederik is asking anyone who may have photos of baptisms, weddings, parties etc., as well as information and memories associated with the church, to please contact him.
There will be lots of work done in the church to prepare for this important celebration, including replacement of the carpet. So organisers will be doing a bit of fundraising.
It was recorded in the Australian Town & Country Journal as early as Wednesday December 4, 1918, that it was proposed to erect an Anglican Church at Finley “in the near future”.
Again, it was mentioned in the Berrigan Advocate on Thursday, March 25, 1920.
However, it was not until March 1925 that tenders were called by the Church of England for a brick building in Finley.
The Finley Mail reported on February 10 that Mr Sheppard had been granted the contract, and the foundation stone was laid in 1925 by the Very Reverend Archdeacon Kitchen. The dedication service was held on Sunday, September 27, 1925.
Fr Frederik would like to point out that the church is always open, and how it is an important part of Finley’s heritage.
In particular, some of the stained-glass windows were designed by well known artists, and tell the story of some of the Finley pioneer families (particularly pioneer women) in whose memory they were installed.
These include Elsie Hawkins, Daphne MM Cosstick, Alice Eva and Kenneth William Matheson, to name a few.
Finally, Fr Frederik would like to advise there is a change in the regular service times.
The Sunday morning service is now at 10.15am, and the weekday eucharist on Friday morning at 10am.
The church is open to everyone, every day from 9am until 5pm.
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Finley Probus Club met recently at the Uniting Church Hall to celebrate the local group’s 24th birthday.
President Jacci Benjamin welcomed those in attendance with special mention of the guest speaker Geoff Blaker, and new member Sue Hynes (née Woodham).
Sue is originally from Finley and has returned home to stay.
Following the meeting, and an interesting talk by Geoff, the group moved on to fun and games organised by Maree Matheson.
Lunch was then enjoyed, which included cutting the beautiful birthday cakes cooked and decorated by Lorraine Edwards.
Foundation members Maree and Allen Matheson were given the honour of cutting the birthday cake.
This is a great community group and new members are always welcome.
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Ian ‘Sparrow’ Mason was the lucky winner of last Saturday’s Finley Lions Club wood raffle.
Don’t forget to stop at the street stall facility in the CBD each Saturday morning to purchase tickets in the raffle and have a chat to the volunteers.
There is still plenty of winter left to stoke up the wood heater.
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The Finley Show Society would like to thank the community for the generous support given to the successful street stall held last Friday.
Snow Haynes won the load of firewood, which he kindly asked to be donated.
The next street stall will be held on August 1.
On this day you can also purchase memberships for the show, which will be on Sunday, September 7.
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