With football finals on the agenda, Finley Probus Club members decided it would be appropriate to have a football theme at their September meeting and dress in their favourite club’s colours.

This proved very interesting with various costumes.

In keeping with the football theme, lunch comprised of pies, sausage rolls and hot dogs, finishing with lamingtons, jelly cakes and Drumstick ice creams.

Ric Shaw, manager of Finley Football/Netball Club, was the guest speaker.

He explained how the club is helping young people in the community to follow their dreams and better their job prospects.

Finley Probus Club meets at the Uniting Church Hall on the first Tuesday of each month beginning at 10am and new members are most welcome.

•••

The Finley RSL Sub-branch street stall held last Friday was very successful, and the organisers would like to thank all those who assisted in any way and the community for its continuing support.

Jenny McNamara was the lucky winner of the side of lamb.

Second prize of an electric blanket went to Deb Pyke, and Helen Hanlon won the third prize of a digital photo frame.

•••

If you haven’t already done so, don’t forget to call into the Finley Hospital Auxiliary Op Shop to take advantage of the amazing sale, which ends on Saturday.

Just $5 will buy a bag of clothing with quite a large range and sizes to choose from.

So be sure to go in, have a chat with the lovely volunteers and seek out something special.

•••

Finley is definitely the place to be over the long weekend in October, with several special events taking place.

Finley Public School is planning a great time to mark the school’s 130th anniversary and is expecting many past students to return to join in the celebrations.

On Saturday, October 4, the gates will open at 10am with an invitation to peruse the memorabilia on display and inspect the classrooms.

At 11am, the Finley Public School choir will sing the school song and music by Jade Camden. A special performance will then take place at noon.

Lunch will be available with former student Jake Rees present with his ‘Rub n Smoke’ business to cook up some delicious food, and coffee will be available from Rebecca Haynes’ Odesi Coffee Van.

Plans are being made to have a time capsule buried and re-opened on the school’s 150th birthday. Envelopes of four different sizes and prices can be purchased, however printed matter only can be inserted.

After enjoying the morning activities and lunch, the official welcome and cake cutting will take place at 2pm, with the gates closing at 4pm.

On Sunday morning, the school displays and classrooms will once again be open and a barbecue breakfast available.

Celebrations will conclude at 11am.

The organisers would like an indication of attendance for catering purposes so it would

be appreciated if you could contact the school on (03) 5885 1135 or email Cherilyn Taig at Cherilyn.taig@det.nsw.edu.au or Amanda Lyons at amanda.lyons@det.nsw.edu.au.

•••

The Finley Rotaract Reunion which is also being held on the long weekend on Saturday, October 4 at the Finley RS Club, is open to all members between 1971 and 1992. RSVP and payment closing this Friday, September 13. The cost is $55 per person.

Further information can be obtained by contacting Greg McNamara at 0408 831911, Peter Braybon at 0428 826337, or Maria McCaw at 0429 839438

•••

The Finley Lions Club 2025 wood raffle season came to an end on Saturday morning with Michael ‘Fergie’ Walsh winning the last trailer load.

As in the past, tickets throughout the season were kept aside and a draw done to determine the winner of a handmade fire pit constructed by Lions Club member John O’Rourke.

Chiqueta McNicol was the lucky winner and was delighted to meet with Lions Club members to receive her prize.

The Lions Club would like to thank the community of Finley and surrounding district for the continued support given to this major fundraiser carried out by the members.

•••

Plans are reaching an exciting stage for the Anglican Parish of the Newell which consists of Holy Trinity Finley, St Alban the Martyr Tocumwal and St Stephen’s Jerilderie for the celebrations marking the church’s centenary over the weekend of October 11 and 12, 2025.

On Saturday, October 11 the annual fete will be held in the grounds with the theme being ‘The Roaring Twenties’ and parishioners are busy selling tickets for the raffle.

Fr Frederik is delighted to announce there is now a newly made parish banner made by the quilt group and the embroidery on it has been generously donated by Outdoor and More.

This banner will be blessed by bishop Rickson Maomaoru of the Diocese of Southern Malaita and Sikaiana, in the Solomon Islands, who will be joining in the centenary celebrations on Sunday, September 12. He is the first bishop of this new diocese, which came about last year with missionary support from the local diocese.

On Sunday, October 12, there will be a special Eucharist service with Bishop Donald Kirk and Bishop Rickson participating.

Guest preacher will be Archdeacon Robert Murphy. Many will remember Fr Robert, currently the Rector of Leeton, as a former Finley High School teacher in English and History.

After the Sunday celebratory service there will be a champagne lunch with a history display which will also provide an opportunity to express thanks for the generosity of Elders and the many local farmers who have given support by housing some of the parish steers as a fundraiser.

Fr Frederik would like to share a story and photo sent to him for the Holy Trinity Church Centenary by Karen Garner (nee White) regarding her grandfather, Rev Canon D. A. White.

“The Rev Canon Douglas A. White and his wife Frances G.A. White arrived in Tocumwal from Broken Hill in 1946 with their family Frances, Doug, Rose, Margaret and Delia, with Audrey arriving three years later.

He served as Canon from 1946 to 1959 and in the 13 years only had one holiday. He had help from his wife Frances who worked tirelessly in the church community, teaching Sunday School, Ladies Guild, playing the organ etc, while raising six children.

In 1959 Canon White resigned from the church and went on to be an English/History teacher in Sydney.”

Karen is no doubt remembered by many as being part of the Southern Riverina News team about 20 years ago.

•••

Murray Hut CWA (Finley/Tocumwal) is still taking bookings for the Melbourne Cup Day luncheon at the Finley Golf Club on Tuesday, November 4 from 11am.

Tickets are selling fast and because of the usual high demand, the number will be limited to 80 so it is recommended that bookings are made as soon as possible. This can be done online https://www.ticketebo.com.au/murray-hut-cwa/melbourne-cup-luncheon-2025.

Table bookings can be made by contacting Sue on 0409 314 174.

A delicious buffet lunch will be prepared and served by Finley High School hospitality students as has been the highlight over the past few years.

There will be prizes for various categories such as Lady of the Day, Hat of the Day, and Shoes of the Day, as well as sweeps and raffles.

This is a great opportunity to check your wardrobe and dress to impress or even an excuse to buy something new, get together with friends and enjoy this special celebration.

•••

Despite the threat of rain, vehicles began arriving at the Finley Showgrounds as early as 7am on Sunday morning for the 107th scheduled show.

Many families took advantage of the event to celebrate Father’s Day which added to the amazing atmosphere.

There was the usual huge variety of children’s rides, precious show bags and horse events to keep people of all ages entertained.

Unfortunately, the promising rain arrived around 11am and began to put a dampener on proceedings, including causing the cancellation of the much anticipated Grand Parade.

The Show Committee is to be congratulated for the time and effort put into preparation for the show and the manner in which they handled the outcome.

•••

Items for ‘From Finley’ may be submitted by phoning 0428 293 922, emailing anne.freestone@bigpond.com or left at the Southern Riverine News office.

Please include a contact name and phone number.

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